Affordable Florida Venues Recommendations

Where in Florida are you looking?

Honestly, anywhere at this point. I was originally looking in Orlando or Clearwater beach area.

Crystal ballroom at veranda in Orlando it’s not in a garden but they allow outside vendors they also have one in Clearwater

Https://www.crystalballroomorlando.com/

View Quoted Comment

Is there a problem if you have to use their preferred vendor for catering? FYI, I am in the Tampa Bay area (live in Manatee/Sarasota County).

https://www.bradentongulfislands.com/special-event-services/crosley-estate/rental-info-and-rates This place has different caterers you can choose from and you can review their rates, etc.

I will try to think of more where you can bring in your caterer

https://www.herecomestheguide.com/florida/wedding-venues/byo-catering

Hopefully this will help.

Did you look into Cypress Grove (Orlando)? We considered them for our wedding, and I found their prices to be pretty reasonable for both rental and in-house vendors. While the Estate House (the larger venue on that property) had in-house catering with reasonable prices for buffet, plated, dessert stations, and bar options), the Grove House (the smaller venue) did not have in-house catering and allowed you to bring in your own vendors as long as they were license and insured. We are having a smaller wedding, so I didn't ask about more details of the Estate House, which would be the right size for your wedding, but the staff is very helpful, and I'm sure you could ask them if they allow outside vendors for the Estate House since they allow it for the Grove House. Good luck on your venue search!

Hi Brooke! I'm in the same boat trying to plan a destination wedding in FL from afar (va). I see this isn't going to be easy. Are you planning on finding a few you're interested in and then making a trip to see them in person before you decide? I'm feeling so overwhelmed already!

View Quoted Comment Hey Elizabeth!

I totally feel your pain! I am so overwhelmed as well. I am hoping to plan a trip down there while scheduling tours at several venues. There is NO WAY I could ever choose one without seeing it in person. Pictures can just be so deceiving and it’s also very important for me to see the surrounding areas for picture opportunities, etc. Another huge thing for me is making sure there’s plenty of stuff to do where ever I end up having it. I don’t want all my guests to travel so far and be bored in their non-wedding time.

Honestly I’m just trying to take it one step at a time so I don’t go crazy. Lol I’m in the military and in college classes every day AND I just moved into a new house with zero furniture or anything so I don’t have time for a lot of trips down there, etc.

View Quoted Comment Hey! I'm with you on everything you said. I can't book anything without seeing it in person either and it has to be in a good location for out of town guests. It's very daunting for sure! And don't get me started on hiring a photographer and makeup/hair stylist lol. One step at a time right? Lol. Where are you living now?

View Quoted Comment Oh my goodnesss choosing the photographer scares me so much. Lol And You are so right the hairstylist is gunna be a chore and half. I used to do hair and still am a licensed cosmetologist and I am soooo particular. 😩 that’s definitely something I’m putting off for awhile cause that’s gunna be a big one. I didn’t even think about the trip for that trial. Lol Luckily I’m living in northern Georgia right now so it’s only like a 6-7 hours drive to Orlando! I’m trying not to push the wedding out too far Incase I get moved farther away.

View Quoted Comment My ex and I had a photography business together so I'm reallllllly picky about that lol. 6-7 hours isn't terrible. I'll have to fly for sure. Orlando is about a 14 hour drive for me. Yikes! The hair and makeup trial will have to be worked around meeting the photographer and probably squeezing a shoot in to make sure we're all comfortable the day of the big day. I've only been engaged 2 weeks. The fiance and I are still figuring out what we want to do. Eloping vs. Wedding. I'm leaning towards eloping and then throwing a party down in FL after thinking this through 😂