Wedding Inspiration: A Theme to Remember

When you Google popular wedding themes, your search results will likely include words like romantic, rustic, maybe even boho. While there’s nothing wrong with choosing a more traditional aesthetic for your big day, some couples want an event that reflects their personality. If that sounds like you and your sweetheart, look no further than these local venues that are not only amazing places to exchange vows, but also lend themselves to more unique types of themed weddings.

(NICK & LAUREN PHOTOGRAPHY)

(LIVE HAPPY STUDIO)

(NICK & LAUREN PHOTOGRAPHY)

Orlando Science Center

For the Couple That Wants an Out of This World Event

For the bride who has found the Han Solo to her Princess Leia, this venue is an ideal spot to plan an otherworldly celebration. The Orlando Science Center offers more than your typical event space: Where else can you say your “I dos” in front of a toothy T-Rex or in the vastness of outer space?

The Space: Orlando Science Center offers three different on-site choices for your ceremony and reception. First is the SunTrust Terrace, a 6,300-square-foot rooftop with fabulous views of the city, and at night your guests can dance under the stars. If you’re looking for a more prehistoric backdrop, opt for the DinoDigs exhibit, where you can mingle alongside towering replicas of dinosaurs and an excavation site. Diehard Star Wars enthusiasts will likely choose the “Our Planet” exhibit, an Earth and Space Hall with a giant globe projection along with exhibits on the solar system and severe weather.

Capacity: The venue can accommodate up to 250 people for a seated reception.

On-Site Catering: Couples can select from a list of pre-approved caterers.

Unique Features: For a truly out-of-this-world ceremony, get the Death Star projected onto the globe in the “Our Planet” exhibition (just think about how cool your wedding photos will be). If you’re an animal lover, surprise your guests during the reception with the Science Center’s live Animal Ambassadors from the NatureWorks exhibit.

Most Memorable Wedding: One Star Wars loving couple brought the galaxy far far away to Orlando: They had members of the 501st Legion Star Wars cosplay group come for the festivities, created a bar that was a replica of the movie’s cantina, decorated tables with character-themed centerpieces like R2D2, and cut the cake with light saber-shaped knives. At the end of the night, guests lined the Science Center’s bridge walkway and made a canopy of light sabers under which the newlyweds made their exit.

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(THAT FIRST MOMENT PHOTOGRAPHY)

(THAT FIRST MOMENT PHOTOGRAPHY)

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

For The Couple That Wants a Happily Ever After

If you’ve always fantasized about a fairy tale wedding, there’s no better place than Disney to make your princess dreams a reality. With 50 venues across the various parks and properties, the options for your big day are endless. However, for brides wanting a more timeless storybook ending, look to the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

The Space: The most striking spot on the resort’s property is Disney’s Wedding Pavilion. Located on a private island that is accessible by a footbridge over the Seven Seas Lagoon, it’s one of the most romantic places to exchange vows with its Victorian spires, high ceilings and elegant interiors. You can even see Cinderella Castle through the window behind the altar. After you’re declared Mr. and Mrs., you can head to your reception at one of the Grand Floridian’s spectacular ballrooms.

Capacity: While the Wedding Pavilion can comfortably fit 250, the ballrooms can host up to 800 guests.

On-Site Catering: Choose a catering package fit for a king and queen by selecting from plated meals, food stations or a buffet. Dessert options include a custom wedding cake, Disney classics like churros and Dole Whip, or you can even host a dessert-only party featuring sweet treats inspired by the parks and resorts.

Unique Features: A true princess needs to make a grand entrance and exit, so don’t forget to book Cinderella’s carriage or a landau coach. If horses aren’t your thing, bring the glamour by riding in a vintage Ford Model A or a Rolls Royce. Then end the night with a bang, literally, with confetti cannons or a private fireworks display.

Special Guest Appearances: These are the type of wedding crashers you want at your reception. Disney offers a variety of entertainment options to keep guests on their toes. Notable invitees include Major Domo from Cinderella who will bring your rings down the aisle in a glass slipper, trumpeters to add regal fanfare to the festivities, tacky tourists or hired wedding crashers who liven up your reception by performing comedy sketches and, of course, Mickey and Minnie are available to join in your nuptials as well.

(COURTESY OF ENZIAN)

(STEVEN MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY ORLANDO)

(COURTESY OF ENZIAN)

Enzian Theater

For the Couple That Wants a Hollywood Ending

There are a lot of reasons you and your significant other may want a movie-themed wedding: You love checking out the latest releases; you have a mutual affinity for cult classics; or you share a devoted fandom for one particular flick. If any of the above sounds familiar, consider tying the knot at Maitland’s Enzian Theater. The nonprofit arthouse has both indoor and outdoor options that provide the perfect backdrop for movie buffs looking to celebrate their nuptials in a reel cinematic atmosphere.

The Space: Between Enzian’s picturesque outdoor area that includes the Eden Bar surrounded by giant live oaks and the indoor tiered theater, couples can easily have both their ceremony and reception at the venue, with many choosing to exchange vows outside before moving the party inside.

Capacity: 200 guests fit comfortably inside the theater, while 250 or less is an ideal head count for the outdoor space.

On-Site Catering: Enzian provides a variety of wedding rental packages to fit your party’s food and beverage needs. Naturally, popcorn and your go-to movie candy are available as well.

Unique Features: During your reception, take advantage of the big screen by projecting a photographic slideshow of your memories together as a couple, or screen your favorite movie as the festivities get underway. Enzian also has a marquee at the front of the theater that can be customized to your choosing, making for a phenomenal photo op.

Most Memorable Wedding: While Enzian has seen its fair share of movie-themed weddings, two Harry Potter enthusiasts went all out by transforming the theater into a mini Hogwarts. An image of the Great Hall was projected on the screen, while guests indulged in chocolates shaped like snitches and wore wizard robes. For a different wedding, another couple hosted the crossover event of their dreams by merging their love of Harry Potter with Jurassic Park.

(COURTESY OF MARGARITAVILLE RESORT ORLANDO)

(COURTESY OF MARGARITAVILLE RESORT ORLANDO)

(MISTY MIOTTO PHOTOGRAPHY)

Margaritaville Resort Orlando

For the Couple That Wants a Tropical Fete

Whether you’re a Parrothead or simply want an island-inspired wedding, Margaritaville Resort Orlando is a one-of-a-kind locale that brings the Caribbean to Central Florida. As soon as you walk into the lobby, you’re transported into a vacation state of mind with palm trees, beach-inspired décor (including a margarita glass ceiling installation and a giant flip flop sculpture), and floor-to-ceiling views of the property’s lagoon pool.

The Space: With 186 guest rooms along with colorful cottages to rent, all of your family and friends can stay right on property. For the wedding itself, the resort has 15 different locations from which to choose. A popular ceremony spot is Anchor Terrace with its sunset views and picturesque palms. There’s also Parrot Lawn, an outdoor green space that you can customize to your liking, along with the Seaglass Ballroom that offers a chic tropical interior plus an outdoor terrace.

Capacity: Because of the boundless size of the venue, wedding options range from an intimate ceremony for two to a gala for 400 guests.

On-Site Catering: From a more low-key buffet to an elegant seated dinner to themed food stations, the resort has a wide scope of food and beverage packages. Talk with the staff about specific dining requests, since any true Parrothead wedding needs a cheeseburger in paradise and plenty of free-flowing margaritas.

Unique Features: The resort’s St. Somewhere Spa lets brides get dolled up on-site and offers treatments ranging from massages to facials. Across from the resort, guests can check out Sunset Walk, a retail and dining area that is an ideal after-party spot.

Why Guests Love It: It’s a venue designed for couples who like the idea of having a tropical affair without having to plan a destination wedding.