If you’re looking to plan a wedding in Orlando or the Central Florida area, your first Google search for “affordable wedding venues near me” will yield an overwhelming amount of results (trust me, I’ve looked). Orlando, FL is an incredibly popular wedding destination for locals and destination weddings or elopements alike, due to its theme parks, beautiful natural scenery, gorgeous weather, and proximity to beaches. From unique wedding venues to traditional wedding venues; indoor weddings to outdoor elopements—Central Florida has it all.

But when you’re planning an intimate micro wedding or elopement, it can take hours of planning and researching to find the perfect wedding venue that’s also affordable and inexpensive.

We’ve done the hard work for you: as a couple who struggled to find affordable wedding venues in Central Florida for our own wedding, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of the best wedding venues under $2,000 in the Orlando area in Central FL: proving that it is possible to have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank.

When engaged couples think of a Florida wedding, what first comes to mind are sandy beaches, seascape sunsets, regal palm trees, and yearlong sunshine. So for those dreaming of a rustic outdoorsy wedding venue for their special day, staying in the Sunshine State might not seem like a viable option—until now. Meet The Venue at Gentry Pines: a romantic lakefront wedding venue filled with that “Old Florida” charm. Exchanging beaches for lakefront views and palm trees for moss-covered oak trees, the rustic Southern wedding of your dreams is within reach, and no less for couples in urban Orlando, as The Venue at Gentry Pines is centrally located in sleepy St. Cloud, FL.

We were honored to be invited by the team at The Venue at Gentry Pines to take a private tour of this outdoor wedding venue in St. Cloud, FL, and we’ve decided to share our unbiased, unsponsored thoughts with you all. We hope to shoot a wedding at this gorgeous venue soon, but in the meantime, we took plenty of photos to capture the most important details of this Central Florida wedding venue review. Happy reading!

When you’re looking to hire a wedding photographer, you might see the phrase “micro wedding photographer” pop up during your online search. As a newly engaged couple who’s just trying to find someone who can hold a camera within your budget and with Insta-worthy quality, the last thing you need is one more complicated term to confuse your search efforts.

But what exactly is a micro wedding photographer, and what makes them different from the hundreds of other wedding photographers out there?

The answer might surprise you—and it might make a world of difference to your wedding day.

We’re here to share what micro wedding photographers do differently (including why we decided to niche into this very special type of wedding) and how hiring one—or not hiring one—could impact your wedding day.

Allison & John had the sweetest intimate micro wedding at the lush botanical Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens in Port Orange, FL this March! It was a joy and an honor to capture the intimate moments of their special day in this beautiful botanical micro wedding. View their wedding photography gallery and read all about their wedding day here!

Just because you’re throwing a small wedding doesn’t mean the planning process will be any easier. In fact, some might say that throwing an intimate micro wedding comes with even more to-do’s than planning a larger bash, simply because more of the details and decisions are on your shoulders. So when you’re juggling planning your own wedding, fending off decor ideas from your mother, and paying your bills, things are bound to fall through the cracks—either intentionally or unintentionally.

Worse, many couples treat planning their intimate wedding a bit too casually and discover all too late how a lack of planning can end up costing them their dream wedding day. Many of these mistakes are totally preventable, yet newly-engaged lovebirds can fall prey to entering their micro wedding planning season thinking that love is all they need.

In this follow-up blog post to our previous one, 9 regrettable mistakes couples make with their wedding photography, we’re covering common mistakes couples make when planning a small, intimate wedding or micro wedding. Keep reading for an intimate wedding day that’s stress-free, smooth, and everything you’ve dreamed it will be!

When newly-engaged couples think about hiring a wedding photographer, usually it’s just relegated to a single item on a checklist: “✅ Hire a wedding photographer.” Once that contract is signed, all that’s left is to tell your wedding photographer when and where to show up!

Right?...

As an intimate micro wedding and elopement photographer and videographer, I’ve seen so many beautiful wedding photo moments—tears, laughter, pure magic. But I’ve also witnessed some common mistakes couples make when it comes to capturing the most treasured moments of their lives. In short: there’s a lot more that you need to think about in regards to your wedding photography before you walk down the aisle.

Let’s chat about these 9 regrettable pitfalls couples make with their wedding photography—and how you can ensure your special day is captured in all its stunning glory.

When you think of eloping in Florida, the image of a sunset exchanging of vows on a sandy beach is often the first thing that comes to mind. Dreaming of feeling the sand between your toes as you stand hand-in-hand with your beloved? Oh-so-romantic. Creating lists of all the technical hoops, legalities, and logistics of planning a Florida elopement? Not-so-romantic.

No matter where you’re traveling from to elope in Florida—whether you’re a local to the Sunshine State or a traveler from abroad—it can be overwhelming to conduct research on getting married in another location. We’re here to share a Floridian wedding professional’s advice for planning your destination elopement right here in sunny Florida. Grab your sunglasses and get reading!

When adulthood hits and that ring finally makes it to your finger, planning a wedding looks nothing like our childhood imagingings. From finding out your dream wedding venue costs how much?! to late-night arguments *ahem, discussions* about wedding budgets with your soon-to-be-spouse, the reality of planning a wedding—especially in this economy—can be a bit…daunting.

So when you’re cozied up on the couch, scrolling through wedding venue options and feeling the sting of those hefty price tags, consider a thought: what if your dream wedding venue was just a few steps away?

Getting married at home might sound unconventional, but it’s an increasingly popular trend that’s not just practical but full of heart. As a micro wedding photographer, we at Author Made have witnessed the rare beauty of home weddings, and we’re here to spill the beans on why you should consider this heartfelt option.

Nestled in the heart of Central Florida, Orlando is renowned for its world-famous theme parks and entertainment venues. However, beyond the iconic attractions lies several natural wonders, cultural gems, and architectural marvels. In this article we are featured in, Redfin reached out to local photographers to unveil 11 beautiful places that showcase the best sides of Orlando. From the timeless allure of the Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum to the serene landscapes of Moss Park, this list invites you to discover the often-overlooked treasures that make Orlando a truly enchanting place to live. So, whether you are renting an apartment in Orlando, have just purchased a home in the area, or planning to say “I do” in the Sunshine State, step off the beaten path to get to know this city’s unique charm.

Lucy + Alex: what a sweet, sweet couple and SUCH a classy, urban-themed wedding! We had the absolute honor to capture their Catholic wedding ceremony and hip downtown wedding reception in urban Orlando, FL. View the gallery of highlights from their special day here!

Wedding photography? In this economy??

I feel you. Planning a wedding in 2024’s economy is like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle—it’s daunting, and the budget is often the first thing that goes up in flames.

If you’re stressing about capturing the memories of your special day without setting your wallet ablaze, you’re not alone. As a wedding photographer who specializes in small, intimate micro weddings and elopements, I know the struggle is real. As newly-engaged couples increasingly opt for small weddings, micro weddings, or elopements as a smart way to save money on their wedding, finding a wedding photographer and videographer who fits their minimalist budgets is difficult.

But you don’t have to sacrifice quality while you’re trying to save money on your wedding photography. Before you throw in the towel, let’s dive into these 7 savvy ways to make sure your wedding photos are as beautiful as your love story—without the financial stress.

You’ve found your perfect match, and the two of you are buzzing about beginning your happily-ever-after together. Wedding planning is in full swing, you’ve said “yes” to your dress, and everything is falling into place. But there’s one thing that sends a shiver down your introverted spine—being the center of attention, posing for countless photos and videos on your wedding day.

As a wedding photographer and wedding videographer who specializes in capturing the beauty of small, intimate micro weddings and elopements—and as an introvert myself married to another introvert—I get it. The idea of flashing lights, staged smiles, and forced poses can be daunting for introverts like us, especially when we already feel self-conscious about appearing in photos. It’s not just about saying “I do” anymore; it’s about saying it in front of the lens while still feeling authentically you.

So if your fear of appearing on camera is overshadowing your excitement for your big day, let’s dive into the world of wedding photography from one introvert to another and learn how to balance preserving cherished memories and wanting to avoid the spotlight.

Feeling uncomfortable about showing up in your own wedding photos? We’re sharing tips to make your wedding day photos as genuine and comfortable as your love story.

Congratulations to newlyweds Lindsay & Corbin! We had the absolute joy to capture their wedding photography and wedding videography at Venue 1824 in Melbourne, FL recently. View the highlights of their wedding photography here!

Looking for a charming historic wedding venue to get married at in Central Florida? You absolutely must put the breathtaking Casa Feliz at the top of your wedding venue list! Inarguably one of the Orlando area’s most popular wedding venues, this 90+ year old historic home located in Winter Park, FL is a stunning choice for couples looking to tie the knot.

Casa Feliz is a stunning, historic Spanish-style farmhouse built in 1932 and designed by renowned architect James Gamble Rogers II. Evoking the charm and elegance of 19th century Spain, this romantic wedding venue is sure to transport you and your guests into your very own European fairy tale wedding. This beautifully-restored historic home features whitewashed bricks, Spanish roof tiles, lush landscaping, and of course its signature bell tower. With gorgeous architecture, antique wood details, and intimate grounds, this wedding venue needs no other decorations!

Considering getting married at Casa Feliz wedding venue in Winter Park—or just browsing for the best historic charming wedding venues in Central Florida? Keep reading for our full review of this beautiful wedding venue, Casa Feliz!

What a gorgeous day it was this October for Lauren + Jacob’s romantic wedding at the stunning Casa Feliz wedding venue in Winter Park, FL! These two sweethearts were so fun and it was an honor to be a part of their most special day. View the full wedding photography gallery and wedding video from this small intimate micro wedding at Casa Feliz wedding venue in Winter Park Central Florida!

One of the best parts about planning a wedding in Central Florida is that it’s really got a little bit of everything. Beach elopement? Check. Historic Southern-charm weddings? Check. Rustic country wedding venues? Check. Downtown cityscape weddings? Check. European charm? Check! Wait, what?

Yes, really! When you think of “Central Florida wedding venues”, the phrase “European fairytale” might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Instead, most couples planning a wedding in the Orlando area tend to think of the chic downtown hotels, the coastal beach elopement spots, or the numerous historic buildings as their pick of wedding venue options. But if the old world feel of Europe has your heart, you don’t have to leave your own backyard to have the European fairytale wedding of your dreams–right here in Central Florida.

Don’t believe us? We’re here to show that you can transport your wedding to the old-world charm of Europe without leaving Central Florida with these 9 unforgettable European-style wedding venues.

They say time flies when you’re having fun, and if your wedding day is supposed to be the best day of your life, then you’d better believe the hours will feel like seconds while you’re tying the knot. Especially for couples planning small, micro or intimate weddings (often without hiring a wedding planner), having a wedding day-of timeline or schedule is crucial to making sure you have time for everything you hope to happen on your special day.

But if you’ve never planned a micro wedding before, it can be a wild guess to determine how much time you need for each aspect of your wedding day. And if you want to keep the festivities short ‘n’ sweet, a wedding day timeline is more crucial than ever (after all, there’s a reason why many wedding days last 12+ hours!).

As a wedding photographer and videographer in Orlando who specializes in small, intimate micro weddings and elopements, we frequently consult with our happy couples about their wedding day timeline to make sure we’re aligning with their hopes for their wedding day and ensuring we have ample time to capture every moment. Having seen a micro wedding or two in our time (okay, a lot more than two), we’ve compiled a completely free micro wedding timeline, or wedding day-of schedule, for you to steal for your own intimate wedding!

We’re sharing the perfect, tried-and-true 4hr micro wedding day timeline for intimate celebrations!

No wedding planner, no problem?

Actually…anybody who’s planned their own intimate or micro wedding or elopement without a wedding planner will tell you they had plenty of problems. From missed communications to coordinating details with your vendors while you’re getting ready to walk down the aisle or even finding out the day before your wedding that you hadn’t actually booked your venue (yes, this actually happened to one of our brides…)—planning your own wedding is not for the faint of heart.

However, most couples planning a small, intimate micro wedding or elopement often opt to handle planning their own wedding themselves, primarily to save costs on their wedding budget. In fact, not only do most of our clients opt to handle wedding planning themselves, but Michael and I also planned our own wedding, too. Based on our own experience and that of many of our wedding photography clients, we’re sharing things to know if you aren’t hiring a wedding planner.

Can you plan a wedding without a wedding planner? We say yes! Here are 11 simple tips for a stress-free wedding without a wedding planner.

When it comes to planning your small, intimate micro wedding or elopement, choosing a wedding photographer and videographer is no easy feat. Not only is the market often saturated with dozens of talented wedding photographers in your area, but everyone’s price points, editing styles, personalities, and packages are so vastly different (or so similar that it’s hard to differentiate). And once you’ve settled on your wedding photographer, you have to go through the entire process again to find a wedding videographer as well.

No wonder they say planning your own wedding is a full-time job!

In recent years, dual wedding photographers and videographers have become more and more popular, as engaged couples start seeing the benefits of hiring just one individual or team to handle every aspect of capturing the memories of their wedding day. And we’ll be honest: we began Author Made as just a wedding photographer, but we soon realized for ourselves the added value, cost-saving benefits, and reduced stress that our clients experienced when we provided them with both wedding photography and wedding videography. Now, we’re here to share exactly why and how you too should consider hiring a dual wedding photographer and videographer for your intimate wedding or elopement.

So why choose a dual wedding photographer & wedding videographer? Here are 5 compelling reasons.

You don’t have to be a theme park enthusiast to plan an elopement wedding in Central Florida.

While the Sunshine State is best known for its beaches and magical tourist attractions, many couples either local to the area or from out of town still choose to elope in Orlando, Daytona Beach, Lakeland, and throughout the Central Florida area. However, finding an ideal location to stay or hold your elopement is tricky.

Until Airbnb, that is.

Planning an Airbnb elopement is one of the hottest wedding trends. While many larger homes restrict events or large gatherings, choosing to elope at an Airbnb is perfect for couples seeking a romantic, private getaway. You can then choose to exchange your vows at a nearby park or scenic area, using your Airbnb as a honeymoon destination and backdrop for unique, stunning wedding photos to document your intimate elopement experience.

We’ve scouted the internet for the most romantic, must-see Airbnb’s that would be perfect for eloping to the Central Florida area. If you’re planning to elope near Orlando, Daytona Beach, or anywhere else in the Central Florida region, keep reading!