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!
5 Intimate Wedding Venues in Jacksonville, FL
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 1st 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
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.
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!
If you’re still on the fence about whether or not a small wedding is right for you, here are a few posts to give you some more insight:
Happy planning, lovelies.