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Central Florida is steeped in history and there’s no better way to capture its beauty than by saying “I do” amongst gorgeous gardens and stunning old homes. With options less than 30 minutes from downtown, couples can have both city and country vibes for their wedding weekend festivities. We’ve whittled down the options to five of our favorites with ceremony spots that contain rose gardens, gazebos, and stately manors — where the setting is so perfect, there are even peacocks strutting to greet you. Here are five beautiful Orlando wedding venues for your Central Florida nuptials.
The Alfond Inn
Whether you’re tying the knot with a party of five or 500, couples can find just what they’re looking for at the Winter Park hotel. The centerpiece Conservatory is the perfect spot for a natural light-filled ceremony under the glass dome — with views looking out to the courtyard. Going grand for the afterparty? The 5,000-square-foot ballroom is a blank canvas that can take on any look of your liking (thanks to its neutral tones that transform completely with the right lighting and décor).
Leu Gardens
Southern charm oozes at every turn on the 50-acre botanical garden that borders downtown Orlando and Winter Park. Exchange vows in the gazebo in the gardens surrounded by rows of roses and camellias, or take the ceremony to the shaded porch of the white column-lined historic home that dates back to 1858. Read real brides’ reviews here!
See More: Capture the Beauty of Your Orlando Wedding Venue With One of Our Favorite Local Photographers
Historic Dubsdread
Ballroom takes on a new meaning at Historic Dubsdread, voted one of the best venues in Central Florida. Built in 1924, this old Florida home is just 10 minutes from downtown — but really feels like you’ve escaped to the countryside. The rustic-chic ballroom still has its original stone fireplace and is lined with hardwood pine floors and beautiful beamed ceilings. This setup looks even more dazzling covered with strands of fairy lights. For the brides that have large guest lists, throw in the building’s brick courtyard, Florida Room, and its manicured golf greens outside and you’ve got room for up to 600 guests. There’s even an onsite bridal suite for brides to get get prepped in style on the big day. Read real brides’ reviews here!
Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens
Czech sculptor Albin Polasek custom-designed his Winter Park home on Lake Osceola, which has now been transformed into a museum — featuring 200 of the more than 400 works of art he crafted. Use the lake as a dreamy waterfront setting for your ceremony, saying “I do” in the sculpture garden filled with pieces by Polasek, as well as a few other 20th century artists. Read real brides’ reviews here!
Highland Manor
This Apopka manor is like a scene from Gone with the Wind and will have you feeling just as much of a Southern belle as Scarlett O’Hara. Hundred-year-old oak trees line the 11-acre estate’s rolling pastures, all just 30 minutes from downtown. The magnificent oaks are also a favorite ceremony spot for couples going for a natural setting — and the roaming peacocks add an even more magical touch to wedding day photos. Brides sticking with tradition can say “I do” in the onsite chapel — with space for up to 100 — before heading inside the historic home for a formal dinner party seating up to 250. Read real brides’ reviews here!