Planning a wedding can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. There are so many decisions to make and so much to consider. One of the most important decisions is selecting the right venue, and if you’re looking for an outdoor wedding venue in Lakeland, FL, there are some great options available. No need to drive all the way to Tampa or Orlando, so save your gas and your sanity by planning a local wedding right here in Swan City!
When it comes to outdoor weddings, the biggest advantage is being able to take advantage of the beautiful scenery that nature and Lakeland have to offer. From the lush gardens of Hollis Gardens to the stunning views of Lake Crago from Lake Crago Park, there’s no shortage of breathtaking backdrops for your special day. Not only that, but outdoor weddings also provide an open air atmosphere for your guests to enjoy, and there are often more opportunities to customize your wedding to fit your needs or tastes more easily than when held indoors.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at five of my favorite outdoor wedding venues in Lakeland, FL:
Sorosis Building
The Sorosis Building is a historic event space located on the shores of Lake Morton in downtown Lakeland and offers a classic charm with its hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, and high ceilings. The front courtyard is perfectly situated with the stairs and columns of the building providing a sweet location for your outdoor ceremony. The venue offers a full-service kitchen as well as tables and chairs. This is one of my favorite places in Lakeland for a wedding because it's really already decorated, it just needs some pops of your colors and personality to make it stunning!
Building capacity sitting is 120.
Oak-K Farm
Oak- K Farm is a rustic venue located on a working farm and features a classic barn, an outdoor gazebo, white wooden fences, and the sweetest log swing hanging from a gigantic old oak tree. The venue offers tables, chairs, and linens and the owners can provide assistance with event planning and setup. The owners (Rich and Amy Brigandi) are the kindest people and are incredibly helpful when it comes to answering questions and making sure your day runs smoothly. The farm is a favorite, it's dripping with places to take beautiful photos!
Indoor seating capacity is 100.
Outdoor seating capacity is 120.
Lake Crago Park
Lake Crago Park is a beautiful and serene 144 acre park located on the shores of Lake Crago and is the newest addition to The City of Lakeland's line up of event locations. It features sprawling lawns, shady trees, and stunning views of the lake. This is the place if you're looking for something more sleek and modern. The buildings are concrete and iron with just the right mix of dark wood thrown in. There is an outdoor concrete amphitheater with gorgeous market lights hanging over that is the perfect setting for an outdoor ceremony. The park offers tables and chairs, as well as a full-service kitchen.
Seating capacity is 96- 112 based on size and style of tables.
Hollis Gardens & The Magnolia Building
Classic and iconic Lakeland, Hollis Gardens is an outdoor oasis located on the Lake Mirror Promenade in downtown Lakeland featuring lush gardens, winding pathways, and an outdoor pavilion. This park and the promenade are absolutely gorgeous for ceremony and after ceremony photos of you and your honey and of your family and bridal party. After the ceremony and photos are done you can have your reception directly next door at the City of Lakeland's Magnolia Building, another classic event space in Swan City with its gleaming wooden floors and huge arched windows letting in all sorts of lovely light. Tables and chairs are provided here as well.
Seating capacity is 230 guests.
Still Creek Farm
Located at the end of a country road, Still Creek Farm is a private estate located on the banks of sweet Little Still Creek. It features horses, moss covered oak trees, and a stunning outdoor ceremony area complete with white church doors that open just as you are about to walk down the aisle to your forever and ever. The farm offers tables, chairs, and linens as well as a full-service decorating and catering (their macaroni and cheese makes my heart sing!) One of my very favorite locations anywhere, it's drop dead gorgeous and wonderfully peaceful all at the same time! The owners at Still Creek do not book wedding during the heat of the summer from the end of May till the beginning of October because the barn is not air- conditioned.
Seating capacity is 100 guests.
Selecting an Outdoor Wedding Venue in Lakeland, FL
When selecting an outdoor wedding venue in Lakeland, FL it’s important to take into account your budget as well as your desired style or theme when making your decision. Think about how your wedding will flow throughout the day and the photo opportunities throughout the day. Does your venue here in Lakeland offer multiple gorgeous locations for photos? What are the vibes the location gives off? are you a classic architecture kind of couple or a laid-back country vibes kind of couple? In the end it’s really all about the two of you.
Each venue has its own advantages and disadvantages such as size limitations or lack of indoor space in case of bad weather so researching different venues before making a decision is key. With so many options available in Lakeland, FL you’re sure to find the perfect venue for your special day!