Did you settle on your venue?

Hi Chelsea! I definitely don't want you to feel like you're "settling", but I can relate to having a tough time finding the right venue!! We saw several venues we liked a lot, but I did struggle with feeling like every place had one or two drawbacks - and it's frustrating shelling out that much money for somewhere that doesn't feel "perfect"! I had to just realize there is no "perfect" venue, and focus on drawing up pro/con lists for each space. Have you tried focusing on just a few top priority "must have" aspects?

It sounds like you've been pretty exhaustive in your search, but here are some other options that might be worth checking out as well: Here's How to Have a Non-Beach Wedding in the Tampa Area (several gorgeous venue ideas!)

What do you think about mansion or industrial venues? Here are a few that look awesome: Armature Works, Oxford Exchange, and The Adams Estate.

Ugh, I am sorry! I honestly thought venue shopping was the hardest part of the planning process so far!

I agree that you settling, especially considering how expensive most venues are, would be something you regretted down the road. My FH and I looked at a few venues before deciding on one but I honestly think I contacted hundreds, so I feel the frustration.

If I could give you any advice it would be to keep looking (as hard as that is) and don't settle. The right place will come up and you will know it!

What part of Florida are you thinking? I may have some suggestions. I've worked lots of weddings at Selby Gardens in Sarasota! Not sure what kind of budget you are looking at. My best friend got married at the Barn at Chapel Creek in Venice Florida. It's probably too rustic and outdoors for what you are thinking but it was more affordable.

I am literally with you on this!!!! I have researched sooo many venues, gotten so many quotes but I feel like everything is sooo expensive. And even the ones that are in our price range have insane food prices and hidden fees. Girl, I wish you the best!

Have you checked into Estate on the Halifax? Just south of Daytona Beach and north of New Smyrna

10 acres on private estate with beautiful trees, koi ponds, ambiance to the hilt! I just booked my daughters wedding there for December

Another option is Sweetwaters Bed & Breakfast in Gainesville. A lot of outside gardens and can hold over 200 people. Their pricing was crazy cheap. $1000 for the venue and you can bring your own alcohol, they don’t take a % from food or alcohol. There are 20 guest rooms available as well.

Good luck!

Tammy

Chelsea,

I'm having the same issue! My wedding will take place in Florida AND is also in January of 2020. I'm still in the process of receiving quotes, but the venues seem to be outrageously expensive. I'm truly trying not to settle. Please let me know what you find and I'll do the same for you. Thanks!

We haven't decided either. I want a venue we can have our wedding at too, but he's dragging his feet wanting a church wedding for some reason...We're still looking. I hope you find what will make you happy

We initially wanted a winery wedding out here in Northern VA but the price was going to be astronomical once we added in all the things you have to add. We then decided on a country club and went with one in North Carolina and we absolutely love our venue and so glad we opened up our minds to new ideas. We did go slightly over budget but it's basically all inclusive so that helped the blow a little bit.

Like PP's have been saying, there will be aspects of every venue you won't love but you can make it work by enhancing what you love and bringing less attention to those details you are not so fond of. You also might have to go out of state or over budget if you're not willing to compromise on some of your details and desires in a venue.

I do hope you find what you're looking for, good luck and happy planning!