GAINESVILLE, FL PHOTOGRAPHER'S GUIDE
Photography tips for sessions and weddings
From the most unique wedding venues and best engagement session locations to weather and traffic tips, this Gainesville photographer's guide delivers all you need to know before planning your next photography session or begin those wedding day decisions. If you're just searching for wedding venues, read till the end for my comprehensive venue list with links to each venue's website; making searching for the perfect venue with BFP easy!
Engagement Sessions
Whether you're looking for something modern and stylish, or something a bit more quiet, with large moss filled oak trees, Gainesville has a plethora of spots to choose from. Join me through a photographer's eye with images I've taken. My favorite locations for engagement sessions include: Downtown Gainesville, the Thomas Center, Lake Alice, Kanapaha Gardens, Haile Village, and the Butterfly Exhibit at Florida Natural Museum of History.
Want to check out photos at each of these locations? Simply click the HERE to my latest blog post 7 Best Gainesville Engagement Session Locations.
Baughman Center Weddings at UF
One of Gainesville's jewel wedding ceremony locations at the heart of UF is the Baughman Center. The Baughman Center is a stunning, elegant contemplation venue with its soaring floor to ceiling windows, brings the picturesque outdoor setting inside and its delicate natural materials echo the serene Florida surroundings. There’s no question why this is considered one of the most beautiful, peaceful spots in Gainesville.
The Baughman Center is open to the public for private viewing on weekdays, making it a favorite location for engagement sessions all year long.
Sweetwater Branch Inn: Venue with Accommodations
One of the unique features of this venue is all the accommodations. The Sweetwater Branch Inn offers 29 guest rooms, suites and cottages for family and friend's accommodations perfect for those who travelled in for the wedding. Their venue features two acres of gardens for perfect for outside wedding ceremonies, the McKenzie Banquet Hall for receptions and the Historic McKenzie House for smaller wedding celebrations. The venue even has a dedicated Honeymoon Suite, perfect for couples who prefer not to travel after a long wedding day.
Dinner Parties & Receptions
Did you know your favorite Gainesville restaurant like the Alpin Bistro or Baby J's Bar may just be the perfect location for your pre-wedding welcome dinner or even private family reception?! Click the links for more information and how to book.
UF football games, parking, traffic & wedding season
Gainesville is a University town, and if you know what that means, it means, FOOTBALL is a big deal here! If you're planning an engagement session or wedding near the UF area, here's a few things you need to know. Football games begin the beginning of August and continue through until mid-January. These games bring in a lot of people into the city, creating high traffic before and after games. Be sure to check out the year's calendar to know exactly when the UF football game will be a home game and avoid the frustration of getting caught in the middle.
Parking near UF can be tricky, so take it from me and plan to arrive to your engagement session at least ten minutes early to look for a parking spot. One insider tip is to look for the Orange marked parking lots, since these are free after 4:30 during the week. Another key factor to consider is weekday traffic hours between 4-6pm.
Florida's wedding season starts in September and lasts until May. So if your wedding falls between both seasons, be sure to plan for a bit more traffic if your wedding falls on a Home Game.
Rainy season & hurricanes
Florida may be called the Sunshine State, but it has its fair share of rainy days and a hurricane season you should be aware of. Rainy season in North Central Florida runs from about April until October. This also includes hurricane season which begins in June and ends in October. If you're planning an engagement session during these months, there's no need to worry. The beautiful thing about Florida rains, is that it can quickly change. Just be sure to keep an eye out for the day's hourly weather forecast, bring a clear bubble umbrella, and have a backup plan with your photographer just in case. I always communicate with my couples for backup plans and prepare myself with clear bubble umbrellas.
When planning a wedding during these months, be sure to have a discussion with your planner and venue coordinator about their rain backup plans and policies on hurricane related cancellations.
BFP Venue Guide: List by Style
Looking for the perfect Gainesville wedding venue, but not sure where to start? Here's an extensive list of the most popular and unique venues Gainesville has to offer. Listed in order by style and linked directly to each venue's website, this list will surely help you get on the right track!
Historical:
Rustic/Barns:
Museum/Hotel:
Event Hall:
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