Garden Party
Say your vows in Central Florida’s lush greenery at any one of these special garden venues.
Let Mother Nature provide the surroundings and the décor for your outdoor nuptials at one of these Orlando-area garden venues, where the flora is bursting with color during the spring and summer months.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
This 50-acre botanical garden just north of downtown features several ceremony locations, including the Leu House lawn, Floral Clock and Rose Garden, where thousands of multi-colored roses come into bloom in late spring. Receptions are held indoors in the Camellia Room. “Leu Gardens is a beautiful oasis right in the backyard of Central Florida,” says Tracy Micciche, the events and marketing manager. “As you enter the gardens, you’re in a tropical rain forest. Then, in a few steps you’re in a citrus grove. There are so many different gardens to explore.”
Capacity: 180 maximum for ceremonies and receptions.
Pricing: $750 includes a two-hour ceremony location rental and four-hour reception.
Dressing room provided: Yes
Guidelines and restrictions: Events can be held seven days a week beginning at either 10 a.m. or 4 p.m. Use of approved catering and rental vendors is mandatory.
Rain plan: Ceremonies are moved indoors to the hallway adjacent to the Camellia Room.
leugardens.org
Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens
Perched on the shores of Winter Park’s Lake Osceola, the grounds of the Polasek are expansive, dotted with towering oak trees, artful sculptures and color bursts from the Bromelia and Calliandra flowers that bloom each spring–peak season for the garden blooms. “The weather is [typically] just at that high of 75 and, combined with the beautiful surroundings, it couldn’t make for a better setting,” says Katelyn Funchess, Polasek’s event and rental coordinator.
Capacity: 350-guest maximum on the Lakeside Lawn for ceremonies and receptions; 150-guest maximum in the East Garden for ceremonies and receptions.
Pricing: Various packages available; details on website.
Dressing room provided: Yes
Guidelines and restrictions: Use of approved catering and rental vendors is mandatory.
Rain plan: Ceremonies with less than 100 guests can be moved indoors.
polasek.org
Kraft Azalea Garden
Ideal for small, intimate ceremonies, Kraft Azalea’s majestic exedra overlooking Lake Maitland and shaded by towering cypress trees makes for a picturesque lakeside locale, especially during March and April when the azaleas are in full boom. “The major visual highlight at Kraft Azalea Garden is a beautiful lakefront setting that features an exedra,” says Brenda Moody, assistant director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Winter Park. “The exedra is five or six tall white columns that form a semi circle, creating a Grecian feel. It’s very nice for an intimate setting.”
Capacity: 20-guest maximum, ceremonies only.
Pricing: $200 for two-hour rental.
Dressing room provided: No
Guidelines and restrictions: Space can be rented from 8 a.m. to sunset seven days a week. Ceremonies must be standing only.
Rain plan: None.
cityofwinterpark.org
Mead Garden Amphitheater
Surrounded by azaleas and lush greenery, the Mead Garden Amphitheater’s elevated platform with a white, wrought iron trellis lets couples say “‘I do’” in front of guests seated on the venue’s permanent benches. “The amphitheater stage in Mead Garden has that gorgeous outdoor wedding look that is so sought after,” says Brenda Moody. “Large oak trees shade an area planted with azaleas that bloom in February and March.” Indoor receptions can be held at the nearby Winter Park Garden Club for an additional fee.
Capacity: 300-guest maximum, ceremonies only.
Pricing: $225 for two hours.
Dressing room provided: Yes
Guidelines and restrictions: Venue can be reserved for one of four set two-hour time slots from 8 a.m. until sunset.
Rain plan: None.
meadgarden.org
Secret Garden
Set on the shores of Lake Ruth in Longwood, the Secret Garden radiates with a kaleidoscope of color thanks to gardenia, jasmine and seasonal flowers that bloom on site.” The view is picture perfect,” says Reverend Gary Davids. “The entrance welcomes your guests in through a red wooden gated pergula lined with yellow jasmine and two Cassia trees with yellow flowers. As they walk around to where the ceremony will take place they are greeted with a breathtaking view and a gentle breeze off the lake.”
Capacity: 60-guest maximum.
Pricing: Various packages available, including a three-hour package with officiant services and photographer.
Dressing room provided: Yes
Guidelines and restrictions: Mainly used for small, intimate ceremonies, however, a short cocktail hour with passed hors d'oeuvres can be provided by a licensed and insured caterer with approval.
Rain plan: Covered and screened patio provided.
intimategardenweddings.com
