With its tropical weather and beautiful gardens, Florida is the perfect destination for a romantic outdoor wedding. If you’re looking for the perfect garden wedding venue in Florida, this guide will help you find one that fits your needs and meets your expectations.

The first step is making sure you are clear on what you want. Creating a garden-like feeling on a rooftop is very different than embracing a lush green garden where flowers regularly bloom. Once you understand the basics behind why you want to be outdoors in this style of venue, it will be easier to start your online search. Start your search for a garden wedding venue in Florida by searching online for venues you like. Do you want the ceremony and the reception outside? Maybe one and not the other? Be clear and the rest of the story will come to you. A good place to start narrowing down your search is Wedding Venue Map.

Selecting a Venue

Look for reviews and photos to get an idea of what each venue offers, including the space size, available amenities, and cost. Availability means more than just having your preferred date open. You also have to check what is included in the packages and whether that will meet your needs. For instance, tables and chairs are included at Cypress Grove Estate. However, if you want your wedding to have a certain look, you might want exposed farm tables over round tables with linens. 

The size of the space is very important as well. Casa Feliz allows you to have an outdoor ceremony on the garden green, but it is not ideal for large gatherings over 100 people. This means while you can have the historic look with subtle details, if you are planning for 200 people, this is not a venue that will work for you. Everything is about balance; in your design, in your vendors, and in your venue selection. 

Pick the Right Time of Year for Your Wedding

Knowing the right time of year to plan your outdoor wedding in Florida can make all the difference. This can be affected by where you live in the country. For Floridians, anything below 70º is too cold to be outside. However, for wedding guests traveling from the Midwest, temperatures in the 60s and mid-50s are perfect for an outdoor celebration. 

Winter months offer milder temperatures, while summer and fall can be more unpredictable with potential thunderstorms and hurricanes. Consider also how Florida’s heat and humidity could affect your guests’ comfort levels during various times of the year. While I want you to get married on a day that speaks to you, getting married outside in late July, August or early September is rarely a good idea. 

Planning ahead will ensure that you have a beautiful, thriving garden wedding day. We can have a rain backup plan in place and make sure that your guests are enjoying your celebration as well as the much-needed air conditioning. 

Research Regulations For Outdoor Weddings

Before you commit to an outdoor wedding venue, research the local regulations and guidelines for outdoor weddings in that area. You don’t want to be surprised by any laws or restrictions that apply to outdoor weddings on private or public land. 

As part of your contract review, we look for these things for you. We ask that you share your venue contract and they will mention noise ordinances, restricted hours, and other neighborly advice that they have learned from years of various events. 

At Casa Feliz in Winter Park, amplified music can’t be played outside. In other venues that might be a country club or HOA-owned property, you may not be allowed to amplify music after a certain time (i.e. 10 pm or midnight). Your county clerk’s office can provide information about any special permits or licenses you may require. We don’t know everything about all venues, but we do know how to help you look for these details that you might not have considered. 

Address Bug Concerns Ahead Of Time

Before your big day, prepare for bugs. Yes, bugs are everywhere and you won’t be able to get around them. This is an occasion to really lean on your vendor team and venue to know what types of bugs they deal with in these areas. 

Some places that are closer to the water may be prone to mosquitos and flies. This would be a less-than-ideal location for an outside buffet or stationed food. You may have to deal with ants or spiders too. It’s nature, and if you are looking for a garden experience, they are part of it too. 

You can use bug repellent to minimize the threat of certain bugs. If you want to take an eco-friendly approach, use essential oils or citronella that will ward off unwanted insects. You can also use electronic repellants that could be worked into the tablescape so it looks like it is supposed to be there. Essential oils like lavender and eucalyptus work and don’t add the “stinky” feeling of bug repellent.

Choose Ambiance and Decor That Complements the Outdoors

A garden wedding in Florida is a great way to take advantage of the gorgeous environment around you. Add special touches throughout the venue with natural elements like rose petals, twinkle lights, and succulents that work well in an outdoor space and provide a beautiful ambiance. Choose other decor items such as vases or hurricane candle holders that complement your chosen venue’s style and bring your vision to life!

Your color palette should complement your garden wedding setting. Bold colors that would look unnatural in the space will make it seem “off.” However, if you have harmony in your design and choose a monochromatic color scheme that lends itself to the venue, you will give everyone a relaxed and welcoming feeling as they enter your garden celebration. 

We hope this guide has enabled you to determine how you want your outdoor wedding in Florida to look and feel. But picking out and arranging the perfect venue can be a long, hard process, which is why we encourage you to bring us on to help you find your ideal garden venue! 

From selecting the right spot to confirming details and taking care of the little things that go into making a memorable and successful event, the L3 Events Team can take care of it all. So don’t worry about running between vendors or stressing over small elements – turn to the experts at L3 Events and let us make sure you have the most beautiful garden wedding possible in Florida.