All the best wedding venues to visit in Jacksonville if you’re thinking of having a smaller guest count.

If you’re planning a smaller wedding in Jacksonville, intimate wedding venues are probably at the top of your “go see” list. Intimate weddings are becoming more and more common these days. Couples are keeping their guest lists down for a variety of reasons. Whether it be cost or pandemic related, small wedding are the way to go if you want to maximize on face time with each of your guests. But with traditional weddings being a bit larger, it can be hard to find a venue that suits your needs. The wrong size wedding venue for your guest list can make your reception feel a little…empty.

As elopements and micro weddings become the new norm, venues are taking notice. More versatile wedding venues are popping up around town. So I am sharing some of the best intimate wedding venues in Jacksonville FL for you to consider when you’re ready to start venue shopping!

 

Intimate Wedding Venues in Jacksonville, FL

 

The right venue sets the tone for your day, and with an intimate wedding, you can get creative. Look for spots that have personal significance or create an intimate atmosphere. Choose a venue that feels like you. Here are 5 of my fave spots for smaller weddings:

 

1. Five Points Chapel – 702 Margaret St

https://www.fivepointschapel.com

Five Points Chapel is a historic gothic church in Riverside that was built in 1934. A lot of the original ornate details have been preserved so this is a great venue for those history or architecture fans that are looking for something a little more unique. The interior is bright and beautiful with large rustic windows, making this Jacksonville spot the perfect intimate venue for a daytime wedding.

 

2. Serenata Beach Club – 3175 S Ponte Vedra Blvd

https://serenataclub.com/private-events/weddings/

Okay, technically this one is in Ponte Vedra but it’s close enough. This beach front club has an outdoor ceremony area for those that want a beach backdrop but don’t want to get all sandy. Although, there is also private beach access so if sand between your toes is on your “must have” list for wedding venues, that works too! There’s an indoor area that can be used for reception or backup ceremony location in case of rain. The club provides setup and cleanup so you can just enjoy the day.

 

3. Casa Marina Hotel – 691 N 1^st St

https://www.casamarinahotel.com

Casa Marina Hotel opened back in 1925 and continues to be a landmark in Jacksonville Beach. It holds a tender place in my heart. It’s where Ben and I were married! Our wedding included a whopping 35 guests. Typically, couples choose to get married in the courtyard and have the reception in the dining hall. We opted to have the reception outside under the romantic string lights. This venue can definitely accommodate larger parties but moving the reception outdoors gave us that intimate wedding vibe we were going for. If you’re looking for a smaller space indoors, the rooftop bar overlooking the beach is a great alternative. Plus they provide the catering AND a complimentary hotel room for the wedding couple! Score!

 

4. Brick and Beam – 1101 N Main St

https://brickandbeamjax.com

Brick and Beam is an intimate wedding venue located in Jacksonville’s Historic Springfield district. It is urban and rustic in all the right places. The entire building is rented out for private events and while they can accommodate large weddings, some spaces are ideal for those planning a smaller event. There are dressing rooms, an indoor space, an upstairs lounge, and a back porch with a cute wood deck.

 

5. San Marco Preservation Hall – 1468 Hendricks Ave

https://smpsjax.com/preservation-hall/

The San Marco Preservation Hall is another historical intimate wedding venue in Jacksonville. It is ideal for smaller wedding events. The warm wood tones make this space feel cozy and rustic. The floor plan is open and can basically accommodate whatever your wedding vision may be. The building rental includes the chapel and cottage, which can be used as a private area for the couple or as a getting ready location. There is also a small catering kitchen available so those preparing food can do so outside of the view of your guests.

 

Alternative Locations for Intimate Weddings

 

Restaurants

Restaurants are a great alternative to a traditional wedding venue, especially for smaller weddings. You can sometimes rent out the whole restaurant or just a private room. Listen, you know the food is going to be good, which is usually a high priority for couples. As someone that likes to eat, I can confirm. Plus you can make it personal by choosing a sentimental restaurant, maybe where you had your first date or got engaged. AND there are so many different types of restaurants that you can really find one to fit your wedding vision perfectly. This really is a great alternative to just booking one of the many intimate wedding venues in Jacksonville.

 

The Beach

I will always be an advocate for a beach wedding! There are tons of beaches that even have public pavilion type areas for small groups. In fact, if you’re not sure how to even go about planning a beach wedding, I’ve put together this handy little beach wedding post just for you!

 

Public Parks

If you’re the outdoorsy type, there are many parks in Jacksonville that can accommodate a smaller wedding. This is more of a DIY option, if that’s your thang. Plus the hanging Spanish Moss always gives a southern feel to the photos that I just love. Obviously, make sure you schedule the wedding after mosquito season ends…

 

4 Bonus Tips for Planning the Perfect Intimate Wedding

 

1. Focus on Personal Details

With a smaller guest list, you can really focus on making the day personal. Whether it’s handwritten vows, custom invitations, or incorporating meaningful family heirlooms, the beauty of an intimate wedding is that every detail can reflect your relationship.

2. Hire Your Dream Vendors

Just because you’re having a smaller wedding, doesn’t mean you can’t splurge a little on the things that are most important to you. As a photographer with lots of elopements and micro weddings under my belt, I can promise you that investing in the things you care will show in the photos. Plus a smaller guest count means you can give your VIPs a truly memorable experience – see next tip.

3. Consider Your Guest Experience

An intimate wedding allows you to create a unique experience for each guest. You can personalize their seating, provide handwritten notes, or include them in parts of the ceremony. Think outside the box—how about a private chef dinner or a cozy cocktail hour with lawn games?

4. Make the Day About You

Without the pressure of a big event, you can focus on what truly matters: your connection as a couple. Whether that means taking extra time for a first look, or having an extended portrait session at your favorite Jacksonville location, make the day truly yours.

Planning an intimate wedding doesn’t mean sacrificing the special touches—it’s about enhancing them.

If you’re still on the fence about whether or not a small wedding is right for you, here are some *super* helpful posts to give you some more insight:

• Elopement Guide: Is an elopement right for you?
• How to Plan a Micro Wedding

Ready to book an experienced photographer full of helpful resources? Let’s lock your date in on my calendar before someone else snatches it up!

Happy planning, lovelies.