Wedding Information

– Getting Married in Central Florida, Polk County

Wedding Locations in Central Florida You Tie the Knot...
We’ll Take Care of the Loose Ends

Central Florida’s Polk County offers many ideal wedding locations, including the beautiful gardens surrounding a national landmark at Bok Tower Gardens, Chalet Suzanne Country Inn, Frank Lloyd Wright's Annie Pffeifer Chapel, Hollis Garden located on picturesque Lake Mirror, several unique bed and breakfast inns, and country/western-themed weddings at Westgate River Ranch. Let us know what you envision as your ultimate setting, and we'll assist in finding it for you.

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 lodgings, 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.

Wedding Services

The Central Florida Visitors and Convention Bureau can minimize the time you spend locating wedding services. There are businesses are devoted to providing quality service and assistance in the planning of your wedding, reception and other special occasions. Click here to view the .pdf of wedding professionals

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, FL
863-534-4556

Gardens to Gazebos

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 Bok Tower Gardens be the backdrop of your special day. Call 863-676-1408 or visit www.boktowergardens.org 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 or visit the Hollis Garden web site

The Stanford Inn Bed and Breakfast
This picturesque bed and breakfast is situated on a quiet corner in downtown Bartow, known as “The City of Oaks and Azaleas”. The home itself offers an expansive covered porch at the entryway with rocking chairs for relaxing and unwinding. There is a wonderful gazebo and is the perfect spot for a wedding ceremony on the lawn or reception. The Stanford Inn is “A Beautiful Place for Beautiful Memories.” Call 863-533-2393 or visit www.thestanfordinn.com for more information.

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 complimented with stained glass windows. Rehearsal dinners, bridesmaids’ luncheons and receptions are available year round. Call the wedding consultant at 800-433-6011 or visit www.chaletsuzanne.com/weddings for more information.

Lake Magic

Lake Eva Park
Located in Haines City, a beautiful facility with picturesque and panoramic views of Lake Eva has recently opened to host your wedding day festivities. The spacious and modern Lake Eva Park banquet hall can accommodate up to 1,400 people. Call 863-421-3700 or for more information visit the web site

Town Manor on the Lake Bed and Breakfast
Town Manor on the Lake Bed and Breakfast can make your dreams come true if that vision of your wedding or special social function includes welcoming elegance, gracious style and delicious food, An on-site wedding specialist offers personalized expertise, and the staff of culinary and service professionals ensures that your event will be carried out in the memorable fashion for which Town Manor is noted. The Crystal Ballroom can accommodate up to 100 people. Call 863-984-4008 or visit www.townmanorweddings.com

Historic Memories

Terrace Hotel
As Lakeland Florida’s only full-service, luxury hotel, The Terrace Hotel is an exceptional location for your dream wedding. Beautifully restored, its historic charm and attentive staff allow for truly spectacular, memorable occasion. Whether your dream is of an elegant indoor affair or an extravagant outdoor wedding reception, our experienced wedding staff will ensure that your every desire is met. Call 863-688-0800 or visit www.theterraceweddings.com

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 or visit the web site.

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. Call 863-534-4386 or visit the web site.

Rustic Romance

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 or visit www.wgriverranch.com.

Camp Mack River Resort
Do you love the environment, camping in the great outdoors, and protecting the earth's resources? Have a wedding day that celebrates your love for nature. You can tie the knot at Camp Mack’s River Resort on the Kissimmee River in Lake Wales. Offering RV sites, cabin rentals, boat rentals, fishing guides, airboat rides, bait and tackle store, and nature tours. Call 863-696-1108 or visit www.campmack.com.

FFA Leadership Training Center
Get married under a grand canopy of oak trees overlooking beautiful Lake Pierce and move indoors to 20,000 square feet of space for a reception for up to 300 people. They will cater to your every need. Call 863-439-2995 or visit www.flaltc.org.

Passion for the Arts

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 or visit www.lakewalesartscenter.org.

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 beautiful wedding or spectacular event. Call 863-680-4118 for more information.

Linked Hearts

The Club at Eaglebrooke
Incredible views, delicious food, and the comfort of knowing that your wedding is in professional, skilled hands make The Club at Eaglebrooke the perfect place to celebrate your special day. Elegant wedding/receptions for up to 300 guests can be easily accommodated. Call 863-701-0101 or visit www.eaglebrooke.com.

Adventurous Beginnings

Lake Wales Skydiving Center
There’s more than one way to take the plunge…you and your loved one can commit to a life together and what better way to start your future than by sharing a real “leap of faith”. At Florida Skydiving Center, we conduct over 3,000 tandem jumps each year and are uniquely qualified to plan a memorable experience. Call 863-678-1003 or visit www.floridaskydiving.com.

Fantasy of Flight
Start the greatest journey of all…a married life…with an adventure wedding at Fantasy of Flight. Reflect your individuality as a couple with a hot air balloon ceremony over Central Florida’s sparkling lakes and rolling hills. Or perhaps take the “plunge” while skydiving from 14,000 feet! Maybe you prefer something less adventurous…an intimate gazebo wedding on beautiful Lake Agnes. Whatever you envision for your special day, Fantasy of Flight can make it happen. Call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.

Tried and True Venues

Hilton Garden Inn
This 105 room hotel will provide a relaxed atmosphere, deluxe accommodations, full service restaurant/bar and friendly and attentive service to go along with it. With 4,000+ square feet of flexible banquet space you can plan your wedding and reception for groups of 5 to 500. A dedicated wedding coordinator will assist you with all the details of your special occasion. Call 863-647-0066 or visit www.hiltongardeninn.com.

Best Western Admirals Inn
Book your dream-come-true wedding reception complete with honeymoon suite. A full service 5,000 sq. ft. banquet facility can easily accommodate large groups or sized down to fit your needs. This property features 174 guest rooms and Jacuzzi suites, Olympic pool and whirlpool and an award winning restaurant, Antonio’s. Call 863-324-5950 or visit www.bestwesternadmiralsinn.com.

Imperial Swan Hotel and Suites The Imperial Swan Hotel & Suites in Lakeland creates a magical atmosphere for your Wedding Celebration. The wedding specialist will guide you through a Grand Celebration you will cherish forever. Wedding Packages are available that include everything from the room rental and meals to decorations and enhancements to provide that extra special something for the wedding of your dreams. The banquet space can host events ranging from 25 – 375 people. Call 863-644-3375 or visit www.imperialswanlakeland.com.