9 Central Florida wedding venues that’ll make you feel like you’re getting married in Europe
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.
9 CENTRAL FLORIDA WEDDING VENUES THAT’LL MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED IN EUROPE
PICTURE CREDIT: US!
1. Casa Feliz in Winter Park, Florida
Transport your wedding guests to the Mediterranean at Casa Feliz in Winter Park, Florida. This stunning, romantic Spanish farmhouse style wedding venue has been beautifully restored and preserved featuring whitewashed bricks, Spanish roof tiles, lush landscaping, and its signature bell tower. The historic ambience of this intimate wedding venue will make you feel like you’re getting married in your very own European fairytale.
PICTURE CREDIT: BELLA COLLINA
2. Bella Collina in Montverde, Florida
Nestled amidst rolling hills in Montverde, Florida, Bella Collina brings the elegance of the Italian countryside straight to Central Florida. This Tuscan-inspired estate features grand stone architecture, lush grounds, and panoramic views of Lake Siena, serving as an idyllic backdrop for a romantic, old world European celebration. From the romantic courtyards lit up at night to the castle-inspired archways and fountains, Bella Collina is an enchanting wedding venue for anyone dreaming of their own Tuscan wedding.
PICTURE CREDIT: ISLAND GROVE WINE COMPANY AT FORMOSA GARDENS
3. Island Grove Wine Company at Formosa Gardens in Hawthorne, Florida
Any trip to the south of France isn’t complete without a visit to one of the country’s iconic vineyards, but when you’re planning a wedding in Central Florida, you’d think that your French countryside dreams are out of reach—until you visit the Island Grove Wine Company at Formosa Gardens. This hidden gem located in Hawthorne, Florida is a rustic, romantic indoor and outdoor wedding venue offering sweeping views of gently rolling hills and sweeping, European-inspired vineyards perfect for intimate bridal portraits.
PICTURE CREDIT: THE HOWEY MANSION
4. The Howey Mansion in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida
The historic Howey Mansion in Central Florida is a stunning piece of European grandeur right in your own backyard. This elegant mansion exudes romance and a fairytale-feeling with its charming courtyard, intricate details, and Spanish-themed architecture. The beautiful grounds and stunning ballroom provide a regal backdrop for any couple looking to transport their wedding to a European palace.
PICTURE CREDIT: VILLA FESTA
5. Villa Festa in Deland, Florida
Inspired by the romance of the Italian countryside, historic Villa Festa is a charming manor built in the Italian Renaissance Revival style in Deland, Florida. The venue features a beautiful lawn for outdoor wedding ceremonies and European-inspired, historic architecture indoors. This elegant, intricately-detailed historic wedding venue creates an enchanting atmosphere for European fairytale weddings right in the heart of Central Florida.
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PICTURE CREDIT: LOEWS HOTELS
6. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando™ in Orlando, Florida
Orlando’s theme parks are best in class for transporting guests to a different world, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando is no exception. This Italian-themed resort brings the luxury and character of the seaside village of Portofino, Italy to couples looking for the quintessential Italian atmosphere for their wedding. From the scenic piazza to the cobblestone pathways, this waterfront resort is sure to make you and your guests think you’ve taken a trip across the globe.
PICTURE CREDIT: BELLA COSA
7. Bella Cosa in Lake Wales, Florida
If your wedding dreams are “Italian mansion meets Great Gatsby”, you need to visit this Italian-inspired wedding venue in Lake Wales, Florida. Bella Cosa is a historic sprawling manor built in 1925 and located on the scenic shores of Lake Pierce. Get married in a picturesque lakeview outdoor ceremony, pose for bridal party photos on the breathtaking whitewashed terrace, and wow your guests with the all the touches of Italian countryside elegance that this wedding venue has to offer.
PICTURE CREDIT: LIFE AND LOVE STUDIO VIA LIGHTNER MUSEUM WEBSITE
8. Lightner Museum in St. Augustine, Florida
Located in the historic heart of downtown St. Augustine, Florida, the Lightner Museum evokes the perfect blend of “art gallery meets European palace”. This grand, Spanish Renaissance-style former hotel features ornate details, opulent architecture, and wow-worthy views both inside the multi-story gallery and in the gardens outside. For a wedding that’ll truly make you feel like European royalty, this historic, sophisticated wedding venue is sure to please.
PICTURE CREDIT: SYDONIE MANSION
9. Sydonie Mansion in Mt. Dora, Florida
Last but certainly not least on our list is a historic mansion that was literally built in the style of a real-world Spanish castle. The historic Sydonie Mansion in Mt. Dora, Florida was built in the early 20th century in Mediterranean Revival and Asian styles and was designed after Alhambra Castle in Spain. Featuring lush gardens, ivy-covered walls, and the quintessential red-tiled roof, this intimate, charming wedding venue not only evokes Spanish charm but brings touches of Asian inspiration into the mix for an otherworldly, luxurious European-feeling wedding.
If you’re planning a small, intimate micro wedding or elopement in Central Florida without sacrificing the magic of Old World Europe, we hope this list was helpful! From Tuscan villas to Spanish farmhouses and sprawling historic estates, these European-inspired wedding venues near Orlando, FL offer a blend of elegance, charm, and romance for your very own European fairytale wedding right on your own doorstep.
