Are you dreaming of saying “I do” under the warm Florida sun? Central Florida offers an incredible variety of wedding venues that cater to every style, budget, and vision. As experienced wedding officiants in Orlando, we’ve had the privilege of celebrating countless love stories across this beautiful region. Let’s explore the most stunning places to get married in Central Florida and help you find the perfect backdrop for your special day.

Why Choose Central Florida for Your Wedding?

Central Florida offers pleasant year-round weather, making it an ideal wedding destination regardless of season. With its diverse landscapes ranging from pristine beaches to lush gardens and elegant ballrooms, couples have endless options when officiating a wedding in Florida. Additionally, the region’s robust wedding industry ensures you’ll find experienced vendors to bring your vision to life.

Weather Considerations

While Central Florida enjoys sunshine throughout the year, it’s worth noting that:

  • November through April typically offers mild temperatures and low humidity
  • May through October brings warmer weather with afternoon showers (often brief)
  • Hurricane season (June through November) may require a backup plan for outdoor ceremonies.

Outdoor Wedding Venues in Central Florida

Lush Garden Settings

Leu Gardens

This 50-acre botanical oasis in Orlando features stunning rose gardens, tropical landscapes, and picturesque lakes. The Garden House provides a charming indoor option, while numerous outdoor garden spots offer natural beauty for your ceremony.

  • Capacity: Up to two hundred guests
  • Best for: Nature lovers seeking a romantic garden setting
  • Why we love it: As wedding officiants in Orlando, we appreciate the multiple ceremony locations available throughout the gardens, allowing for personalized experiences.

Bok Tower Gardens

Located in Lake Wales, this National Historic Landmark features breathtaking gardens surrounding a 205-foot marble and coquina stone Singing Tower.

  • Capacity: Up to 250 guests
  • Best for: Couples seeking elegance and history
  • Why we love it: The carillon bells often play during ceremonies, adding a magical musical element to your vows.

Waterfront Wedding Venues

Paradise Cove

Nestled on Lake Bryan in Orlando, Paradise Cove offers a private beach setting with swaying palms and sparkling waters.

  • Capacity: Up to 150 guests
  • Best for: Couples wanting a beach to feel without traveling to the coast
  • Why we love it: The tiki torches and string lights create a romantic atmosphere for evening ceremonies

Lake Nona Country Club

This upscale venue features stunning lake views and meticulously maintained grounds.

  • Capacity: Up to two hundred guests
  • Best for: Couples seeking sophistication with water views
  • Why we love it: When officiating a wedding in Florida, we appreciate venues that offer both beautiful outdoor settings and elegant indoor backup options

Unique Outdoor Settings

Quantum Leap Winery

Central Florida’s only sustainable winery offers a distinctive setting for wine-loving couples.

  • Capacity: Up to 150 guests
  • Best for: Couples seeking an urban-chic venue
  • Why we love it: The barrel room provides a unique atmosphere for indoor ceremonies and receptions

Luxury Resort Properties

Several resorts in the Orlando area offer stunning outdoor ceremony locations, including:

  • Four Seasons Resort Orlando: Luxurious settings with Disney fireworks views
  • Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes: Expansive lawns and lake views
  • Waldorf Astoria Orlando: Elegant garden settings with exceptional service

Indoor Wedding Venues in Central Florida

Historic Venues with Character

Casa Feliz

This restored Spanish farmhouse in Winter Park offers old-world charm with modern amenities.

  • Capacity: Up to 120 guests
  • Best for: History buffs and architecture lovers
  • Why we love it: The courtyard provides a beautiful outdoor option, while the main house offers protection from unpredictable weather

Winter Park Farmers’ Market

This converted 1940s freight depot combines rustic elements with urban charm.

  • Capacity: Up to 150 guests
  • Best for: Couples seeking a balance of historic and contemporary
  • Why we love it: As wedding officiants in Orlando, we find the brick walls and wooden beams create a warm atmosphere for ceremonies

Elegant Ballrooms and Event Spaces

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

This modern venue in downtown Orlando offers several spaces with dramatic architectural features.

  • Capacity: Various spaces accommodating 50-300 guests
  • Best for: Arts enthusiasts and modern design lovers
  • Why we love it: The rooftop terrace provides stunning city views before moving indoors for the ceremony

Alfond Inn

This boutique hotel in Winter Park offers elegant ballrooms and courtyards filled with contemporary art.

  • Capacity: Up to 250 guests
  • Best for: Art-loving couples seeking sophisticated elegance.
  • Why we love it: The conservatory space features a glass ceiling, bringing the outdoors in for a weather-protected ceremony

Destination Wedding Spots Within Central Florida

Theme Park Weddings

Central Florida’s world-famous theme parks offer magical places to get married:

Walt Disney World

From fairytale castle ceremonies to intimate garden settings, Disney’s wedding options are virtually limitless.

  • Capacity: From intimate elopements to 300+ guest celebrations
  • Best for: Disney enthusiasts seeking a touch of magic
  • Why we love it: Disney’s wedding team manages every detail, creating stress-free experiences for couples

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal offers several wedding venues with varying themes and atmospheres.

  • Capacity: Up to two hundred guests depending on location
  • Best for: Couples seeking unique themed environments
  • Why we love it: When officiating a wedding in Florida, we appreciate Universal’s flexibility in creating customized experiences

Charming Small Towns

Mount Dora

This picturesque lakeside town offers several charming venues including the Lakeside Inn, one of Florida’s oldest continuously operating hotels.

  • Capacity: Various venues accommodating 50-150 guests
  • Best for: Couples seeking small-town charm with vintage appeal
  • Why we love it: The town’s oak-lined streets and lake views provide beautiful photo opportunities

Winter Park

This sophisticated city features several elegant places to get married, including the beautiful Kraft Azalea Garden and the Winter Park Racquet Club.

  • Capacity: Various venues accommodating 50-200 guests
  • Best for: Couples seeking upscale settings with cultural charm
  • Why we love it: As wedding officiants in Orlando, we appreciate Winter Park’s proximity to downtown while offering a distinctly different atmosphere

Budget-Friendly Wedding Venues in Central Florida

Finding affordable places to get married doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or meaning:

Public Parks and Gardens

Mead Botanical Garden

This Winter Park gem offers affordable rental rates with beautiful natural settings.

  • Capacity: Up to one hundred guests
  • Best for: Nature-loving couples on a budget
  • Why we love it: The variety of garden settings allows for personalized ceremony experiences

Lake Eola Park

This downtown Orlando landmark offers an amphitheater and lakeside ceremony options at reasonable rates.

  • Capacity: Various areas accommodating 20-200 guests
  • Best for: Couples seeking urban park settings
  • Why we love it: The iconic lake views with Orlando’s skyline create memorable ceremony backdrops

Community Spaces

Winter Park Community Center

This modern facility offers affordable indoor and outdoor facilities.

  • Capacity: Up to 150 guests
  • Best for: Local couples seeking value
  • Why we love it: The clean, contemporary spaces provide blank canvases for personalized décor

Harry P. Leu Gardens

This botanical garden offers more affordable options on weekdays and during off-peak seasons.

  • Capacity: Up to two hundred guests
  • Best for: Garden-loving couples with flexible dates
  • Why we love it: As wedding officiants in Orlando, we’ve found that weekday ceremonies at Leu Gardens offer significant savings without sacrificing beauty

Legal Considerations When Getting Married in Central Florida

When officiating a wedding in Florida, there are several legal requirements to consider:

Florida Marriage License Requirements

  • Both parties must appear together at any county clerk’s office in Florida
  • Valid photo ID required (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
  • Social Security numbers required
  • $93.50 fee (reduced to $61.00 with completion of a premarital preparation course)
  • No blood tests required
  • Florida residents: 3-day waiting period after issuance (waived with premarital course)
  • Non-residents: No waiting period
  • License valid for 60 days from issuance

Choosing Your Wedding Officiant

Florida law allows several types of individuals to perform legal marriages:

  • Ordained ministers
  • Judges (current or retired)
  • Notaries public
  • Clerks of the circuit court

As experienced wedding officiants in Orlando, we recommend confirming your officiant is legally authorized to perform marriages in Florida. Professional officiants should be able to provide documentation of their credentials upon request.

Planning Tips for Central Florida Weddings

Best Times of Year

  • January-March: Pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, but higher tourism rates
  • April-May: Beautiful Spring blooms with moderate temperatures
  • June-September: Budget-friendly rates but higher humidity and afternoon showers
  • October-December: Ideal weather conditions but higher demand for venues

Accommodating Out-of-Town Guests

When selecting places to get married in Central Florida, consider:

  • Proximity to Orlando International Airport
  • Available accommodation at various price points
  • Transportation options for guests
  • Local attractions for extended stays

Weather Contingency Plans

When officiating a wedding in Florida, we always recommend:

  • Clear backup plans for outdoor ceremonies
  • Considering weather insurance for peak hurricane season events
  • Scheduling outdoor ceremonies earlier in the day to avoid afternoon showers (especially summer)
  • Providing shade, fans, or cooling stations for summer ceremonies

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Central Florida Wedding Venue

Central Florida offers an incredible diversity of places to get married, from luxurious resorts to charming gardens, historic buildings to modern event spaces. As experienced wedding officiants in Orlando, we’ve witnessed countless beautiful ceremonies across these venues.

The perfect venue balances your vision, guest comfort, and practical considerations like weather and budget. We recommend visiting several potential venues before making your final decision, as the feeling you get when standing in a space often guides the right choice.

Our team of wedding officiants in Orlando is always available to discuss ceremony options at your chosen venue. With our extensive experience officiating weddings in Florida, we can provide insights into how to make the most of your selected space.

Begin your venue search early—the most popular places to get married in Central Florida can book 12-18 months in advance, especially for peak season dates. With the right planning and partners, your Central Florida wedding will be a beautiful beginning to your married life.