About Jacksonville
Jacksonville is located in Northeast Florida, along the St. Johns River, and is the most populated city in the state. It has the largest area in terms of land in the contiguous U.S. The city experiences hot and humid summers and mild, dry winters. Jacksonville has a very unique park system and many outdoor areas are controlled by the City of Jacksonville, Florida State Parks and National Park Service.
Jacksonville’s location near the Atlantic Ocean allowed rapid industrial growth to take place. Today the economy thrives on financial services and institutions, biomedical technology, manufacturing, and information goods to name just a few. The city has a rich art and cultural heritage and is home to museums, art galleries, sports teams, music, and TV production companies. Explore the city’s historic neighborhoods, beaches, and coastal cuisine. Looking for the perfect place to get married? Jacksonville could be it!
Wedding Options in Jacksonville
Organizing a wedding in Jacksonville includes taking care of details like your hair and makeup, photography, food, and equipment. Look to local talent for help in making the day just right.
- Equipment Rentals
If you are organizing your special day to perhaps be held at an outdoor Jacksonville wedding venue, you will need to rent equipment like reception tables, chairs, linen, and decor items. Jacksonville has many equipment rental service companies that offer a variety of items at good prices.
- Photography
Your wedding photographs are something that you will cherish for life, so you won’t regret getting them done professionally. Before your actual wedding photoshoot, try out an engagement sitting with your chosen photographer. This is a great time to go over the details.
- Catering
Food is always a major part of a wedding reception and a fabulous part of the celebration. From cocktails or mocktails to appetizers, main course and dessert, you will have a lot of planning to do. Speaking to a caterer who specializes in wedding food will help you to plan better!
Wedding Companies in Jacksonville
Jacksonville has plenty of experienced wedding planning companies to bring your vision to life.
- J.R. Events
J.R. Events is a professional wedding and event planning company in Northeast Florida. Their main goal is to ensure that clients have fun and feel no stress on the big day. They have different options for venue partnerships and have won the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards several years in a row.
- Flaire Weddings
Flaire Weddings was established in 2005 and since then has been organizing some of the best weddings in Jacksonville and surrounding areas. All services are customizable and you can pick and choose from the different packages that they offer. Some popular services are wedding management, full service planning and floral design.
- Southern Charm Events
Southern Charm Events offers the classic Southern-style wedding setup that has a timeless touch. Tanya, the owner of Southern Charm Events established the company in 2006. She is known as “Wedding Momma” and her team will ensure your Jacksonville wedding venue looks stunning.
Pros and Cons of Weddings in Jacksonville
When planning a wedding in Jacksonville, you may want to keep in mind the pros and cons, especially if it is a destination wedding.
Advantages
- Cost of living is lower
Jacksonville has a lower cost of living when compared to many other cities in the U.S. This means your wedding will be more affordable.
- Close access to nearby cities
From Jacksonville, you can reach other areas in Florida like Orlando, or Savannah in Georgia within a few hours. This makes it easier for guests attending your wedding from nearby cities.
- Good weather
The weather is pleasant throughout the year, other than summer when it gets hot and humid. Plan your wedding any time of the year, even during winter, as it’s not too cold.
- Plenty of beaches
Are you planning an outdoor beach wedding? Jacksonville has so many beaches that you will be spoiled for choice. Some of the best beaches are Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Fernandina Beach.
- Small-town vibes
Most people are friendly here and you will get the small-town feeling even though you are in a large metropolis. This adds a lovely touch to your event.
Disadvantages
- Lacks a good transportation network
It is best if you drive your own car in Jacksonville as the public transportation system is unreliable and this could end up causing delays. Remember to hire transportation for your wedding party on your special day.
- Crime rate is high
The crime rate in the city is comparatively higher than in other cities in the state. However, not all areas are unsafe. Before finalizing your wedding venue, it's best to research which area is the safest.
- Job market needs improvement
Jacksonville’s job market is still developing and unemployment rates are higher when compared to other major cities in the country. This could affect wedding services.
- Urban sprawl
You will feel like you are living in a city only when you’re in downtown Jacksonville. If you love the urban, city life, the rest of the city is so large and spread out that it looks more like a town.
- Pest infestations
Because of the hot and humid climate in the summer, there are quite a few bugs. Be prepared to deal with them at an outdoor wedding venue in Jacksonville.
Famous Locations in Jacksonville
- Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens stretches over 122 acres of land, has more than 2000 animal species and 1000 plant species. Since its opening in 1914, the zoo has actively taken part in animal conservation. There are different displays in the zoo including the African Exhibit, the Asian Bamboo Garden and Komodo Dragon Exhibit, along with other attractions.
- Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
This museum was founded in 1961 and is named after Ninah Cummer. The garden includes her personal art collection and original garden designs. There are over 5000 works of art dating back to 2100 BCE. A major part of the collection in the museum is American and European paintings and Meissen porcelain. The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, supports interactive educational centers for the underprivileged and special education students.
- Little Talbot Island State Park
This state park is located a few miles from Jacksonville and covers an area of 2,500 acres. The park has maritime forests, salt marshes, and dunes. Otters, bobcats, marsh rabbits, and migrating birds are included within the wildlife of the park. You can go camping, fishing, swimming, hiking, canoeing, and surfing here. Amenities like a campground, beachside picnic pavilions, bathhouses and a nature trail are included.
