Gainesville's Historic Wedding Venues
- Korinne Giese
- Jul 14
- 4 min read
Gainesville, Florida is full of many wonderful wedding venues, including a handful of historic venues. These historic locations highlight the unique, fun, and colorful history that our town has to offer. Here's a list of some of our favorite of Gainesville's historic wedding venues, fun details about each and why we love them:
The Thomas Center
The Details:
Owned originally by Major Thomas
Was previously Hotel Thomas from 1928-1968 hosting many distinguished guests including but not limited to Helen Keller and Robert Frost
The property is now owned by the City of Gainesville
Features beautiful grounds, a historic setting, and lies right in the heart of Gainesville
Wedding Capacity is 140, but we love it most with around 90 to 100 guests.
Rentals start at: $2,300
Why we love it:
The Thomas Center just oozes history and charm from each and every doorway and sidewalk. If you're a couple that loves beautiful outdoor grounds, this one is definitely for you. There's an abundance of stunning photo locations all around the grounds. Inside, the Spanish Court's ceiling is unmatched, especially paired with strings of lights that reflect in the glass at night. It's intimate and something you won't find anywhere else.
1908 Grand
The Details:
Was originally an Episcopal church and then was transformed into a masonic lodge
Elegant ambiance
Features picture-perfect backdrops, a grand staircase, gorgeous grand ballrooms
Also positioned centrally within Gainesville, right off Main Street
Wedding Capacity is around 120, but we love it most at 90 to 100 guests
Rentals start at: $6,000
Why we love it:
It's right there in the name - 1908 Grand is certainly gorgeously grand! From the crystal chandeliers, large dark wood framed picture windows, epic staircase and entrance way, if you're looking for a venue with grand historic ambiance, this is for you. Their getting ready suites are spacious and have everything you'll need as well. We love also that there's multiple options for ceremonies and dinner locations onsite. Right off of Main Street, it's easy to walk to everywhere downtown for after parties or back to hotel accommodations.
Sweetwater Branch Inn
The Details:
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places located in Gainesville's historic district
Features multiple charming Victorian cottages and a beautiful garden setting
Provides Catering, rentals, and on-site housing for your guests
Nestled within the heart of downtown Gainesville
Seated Wedding capacity is 150 guests, but we love it most at around 140.
Rentals start at: about $5,000, plus per person for catering
Why we love it:
We're convinced that a more charming garden setting than Sweetwater Branch Inn simply couldn't exist. Flowers abound at every turn and provide the most beautiful backdrops for photos and ceremonies. With all of the beautiful glass doors that surround Mackenzie Hall, the garden feels like it's a part of your reception as well. With catering onsite, along with all of your dinner rentals and hotel accommodations available - Sweetwater checks so many boxes for couples right off the bat. Right in the heart of downtown Gainesville, it's full of historic stories and charm that they've infused into all of their spaces.
Depot Event Space
The Details:
Gainesville was once shaped by historic rail lines and Depot Event Space brings that past to life with their restored train cars.
On the US National Register of Historic Places
Offer on-site catering from The Top
Fun, relaxed setting
At the heart of historic Gainesville in Depot Park
Relocating into the east side building of Depot Station, the new event space will offer two private rooms with climate control and private restrooms.
The Gravel Garden offers a tented space with more capacity and views of the surrounding park.
Wedding Capacity of 120 for Gravel Garden and 30 - 45 for the new Event Rooms.
Why we love it:
For couples looking for a relaxed, fun atmosphere for their day, The Depot Event Space couldn't be more perfect. It's the very definition of rustic charm right in the middle of Gainesville. It's full of life and energy with views of the surrounding park and stunning sunsets. Couples have tons of options available for them to customize their event and have access to The Top's delicious catering too. We can't wait to see their brand new event spaces soon!
Whether you're drawn to the charm of a historic train car or the elegance of century-old architecture, Gainesville's historic wedding venues offer no shortage of memorable backdrops for your wedding day. We hope this list helps you discover a venue that feels like the perfect fit for your celebration. And if you’re looking for a team who knows these spaces inside and out - and loves bringing wedding day dreams to life in them - we’d love to help! Learn more about our wedding planning services and how we can support you every step of the way.
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