Just because the pandemic has forced you to re-think the size of your wedding, it doesn’t mean you can’t have the wedding of your dreams. There are so many awesome smaller wedding venues in Orlando that deliver big when it comes to beauty and location. I’m my highlighting my favorites ones and why I like them.

My Top Picks for Best Small Wedding Venues in Orlando

• Celebration Gardens – I love this waterfront garden venue because it has such an intimate feel, as if you were having a “Father of the Bride” backyard wedding. It’s filled with plenty of nooks and crannies that make gorgeous backdrops for bride, couple, and wedding party portraits. There are two quaint private cottages on the property where both bride and groom can get ready. These are nice and spacious with lots of wonderful window light coming in. The altar space has so much potential. It can be made to be as extravagant as you want or kept more on the subdued elegant side. I love the little unique things like the white wrought iron gate, the fire pit, and the English red telephone booth. You can really have fun styling any wedding around those. The location of Celebration Gardens is perfect too as it’s easy to get to from either the south or north of the city.

• Venue 1902 at Preservation Hall – This historic Sanford venue transformed a turn-of-the-century schoolhouse into the perfect vintage wedding venue that has both character and elegance. Venue 1902 is really a photographer’s delight because it has abundant natural light, brick archways, and original architecture. The bridal room is spacious and classy and there’s a really cool unique marriage license signing room for nostalgia shots. Both the main floor ceremony room and the upstairs ballroom are gorgeous with chandeliers and rich beautiful wood floors. You can also use the outdoor courtyard in the back if you want an outdoor ceremony.

• The Art & History Museum – This venue is in Maitland and is only one of ten national historic sites in Florida that are also wedding venues. I love the landscaped grounds around the museum property that cover over two acres on either side of Packwood Avenue because there’s lots of lovely spots for pictures. The outdoor altar space is filled with arches, greenery, and murals. The lily pond and colored wrought iron gates make beautiful backdrops for portraits, as well as the spacious outdoor areas. This venue is perfect if you have an appreciation for historic art and architecture and are looking for an unusual outdoor wedding venue.
• The Courtyard at Lake Lucerne – This venue provides an elegant historic wedding venue right in the heart of downtown Orlando. It used to be the residence of Dr. Phillips in the late 19th century and actually consists of three different historic homes. The home interiors are decorated with classic period furnishings, but the lighting can be challenging, but not anything you can’t work with. There’s an intimate garden in the back that I love for romantic couple portraits. This venue has a special charm because of the city’s history and the location is so convenient for out of town guests. There are also suites on the property that you can rent out for your honeymoon and for your bridal party. The honeymoon suite is spectacular.
• The Verandah at Thornton Park – I love the city vibe of this venue that is blended with classic history. Your entire wedding can be outdoors. The quaint theater style ceremony setting is ideal for getting romantic images as you take your vows. Although the courtyard area around the colonial buildings is on the tight side, there are several corners to photograph in. I would recommend having your wedding at dusk and have string lights hanging around the cocktail and reception areas.
• The Historic Grant Station – Gotta love a beach wedding, right? What is so special about The Historic Grant Station is that it is the perfect blend of beach and southern rustic. The tall oversized barn that is used for receptions is gorgeously lit by numerous hanging chandeliers and the large barn doors on either side allow natural light to fill in the space. The outdoor sandy waterfront area is great for intimate island style ceremonies and if you really wanted a casual reception, this would be the place. I love that brides can get ready on the property in the Benson House.

If you have had to reduce the size of your original guest list for your wedding because of COVID-19, check out my suggestions on how to make the most of the situation here.

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