Wedding Information

You Tie the Knot...
We’ll Take Care of the Loose Ends
Polk County offers many ideal wedding locations, including the beautiful gardens surrounding a national landmark tower at Bok Tower Gardens, several unique bed and breakfast inns, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Annie Pffeifer Chapel, Hollis Garden on picturesque Lake Mirror and country/western-themed weddings at Westgate River Ranch. Let us know what you envision as your ultimate setting, and we’ll help you find it.

Plan to spend your honeymoon with us as well. We’re only a short drive from Central Florida’s major attractions and centrally located between the Atlantic and Gulf beaches. We offer an array of exceptional accommodations including Superior Small Lodging properties, intimate bed and breakfasts and single-family homes with private pools. Whether you intend to invite a number of guests or plan an intimate experience for the two of you, we know how important your wedding day is, and we can make it a memorable occasion. Call us at 800-828-7655 and speak to our wedding specialist to explore the possibilities.

Getting Married in Polk County
You and your betrothed need only to visit the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Polk County to apply for a marriage license. Both of you must be 18 years of age, have a valid photo identification such as a driver’s license and your Social Security number. International visitors who wish to be married in Polk County must have a valid passport and a translator, if necessary, who has a valid U.S. driver’s license. No blood tests are required for a marriage license, and there is no waiting period unless you are already a Florida resident –- then you must wait three days or have proof of a pre-marital course. Once you have the license, you can get married at any time within the next 60 days. After that, the license expires and you must get a new one. For additional information contact:
CLERK OF THE COURTS
255 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow
863-534-4556

Wedding Services
We can minimize the time you spend locating wedding services. We endorse the businesses of the Wedding Professionals of Polk County as an organization devoted to providing quality service and assistance in the planning of your wedding, reception and other special occasions. The members are experienced professionals dedicated to assisting you in making informed decisions for your special day. Their services can be found by visiting www.polkweddings.com.

Wedding Venues
Planning a wedding can be exciting as well as overwhelming. The staff at the Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau can assist you by suggesting unique settings for your wedding ceremony, reception and honeymoon.

Bok Tower Gardens
A 205-foot marble tower houses a 60-bell carillon. The magnificent sounds of the bells drift across acres of gardens. Celebrate the joy of your special occasion in this truly romantic, natural setting. Let the beauty of Historic Bok Sanctuary be the backdrop of your special day. Call 863-676-1408 for more information.

Hollis Garden
This 1.2-acre formal garden is located within the historic Lake Mirror Park in Lakeland. The gazebo is a favorite site for weddings held on the shore of the picturesque lake. Its Tuscan masonry and wood construction is pure romance accented by 10,000 flowers and ornamental shrubs. For more information call 863-603-6281.

Chalet Suzanne
Chalet Suzanne has been named one of the Most Romantic Places to Stay in Florida by a national bridal magazine. Offering three venues for weddings: a romantic wedding garden with an autographed tile wall, a gazebo overlooking Lake Suzanne and, in the dining room, the enchanting Swiss Room complemented with stained glass windows. Rehearsal dinners, bridesmaids’ luncheons and receptions are available year round. Call the wedding consultant at 800-433-6011.

Annie Pfieffer Chapel
A Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece, this chapel is the centerpiece of the Florida Southern College campus' “Child of the Sun” collection. Located on the shores of Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland, the chapel is a favorite location for a spectacular event. Call 863-680-4118 for more information.

Homeland Heritage Park
If you’re looking for an old-fashioned affair, consider Homeland Heritage Park’s beautifully maintained 19th century church nestled among other period structures of rural Florida. This location is fast becoming a favorite for those looking for simple charm and elegance. Call 863-534-3766 for more information.

Polk County Historical Museum
The Polk County Historical Museum offers a unique historic setting for your wedding or special event. Located in the 1908 Polk County Courthouse in downtown Bartow, the Historical Museum provides for your wedding the atmosphere of days gone by. Two original restored courtrooms, circa 1908 and 1926, are available for your special day. In 1989, the facility gained National Register status and is the repository of the area’s history, as well as a center for exploration and learning for the community’s citizens and visitors to Central Florida. Call 863-534-4386 for more information.

The Lake Wales Arts Center
The Lake Wales Arts Center was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. Originally built in 1927 to house the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, it is one of the most striking examples of Spanish Mission-style architecture to be found in Florida. The Arts Center is now home to art exhibitions, concerts and arts education activities. This facility is the perfect venue for your wedding and reception. Call 863-676-8426 for more information.

Town Manor on the Lake Bed and Breakfast
When you are planning your wedding and you find that the vision of your wedding or special social function includes welcoming elegance, gracious style and delicious food, Town Manor on the Lake Bed and Breakfast can make your dreams come true. An on-site wedding specialist offers personalized expertise, and our staff of culinary and service professionals ensures that your event will be carried out in the memorable fashion for which Town Manor is noted. Facilities can accommodate 2 to 100 people. Peruse our website at www.townmanorweddings.com or call 863-984-4008 for package information and to begin planning your special event. Let time stand still as this historical property caters to your every wish.

Westgate River Ranch
Whether you’ve dreamed of getting married in a small charming church, in a beautiful field under an old oak tree or even on horseback, Westgate River Ranch can help you make all your wedding dreams come true. Westgate River Ranch can handle every detail of your special day, from the wedding ceremony to the reception to the overnight accommodations for your bridal party and guests. Call 863-692-2913 for more information.