Getting Married in Ocala/Marion County

Say “I do” under majestic live oaks, walk down the aisle in the company of tall pine trees and wildflowers, have your first dance in a historic barn, and fit in enchanting photo ops with horses.

Whether you live in Ocala/Marion County or are planning a destination wedding, take a look at this guide to some of the area’s top spots to begin your happily-ever-after:

If a cozy country wedding in a barn sounds like your style, options that fit any price range are plentiful in the destination. Situated in Horse County, Vintage Farm and Protea Weddings and Events offer stunning air-conditioned barns with soaring ceilings and chandeliers in the southeastern part of Ocala off HWY 475. Protea is a gorgeous white barn with historic beams that date back to the 1700s and sits on top of a hill centered in a thoroughbred horse farm. The resident horses make for great photo ops, but keep an eye on the bouquet as they like to eat flowers.

If you are looking for more exotic animals in your photos, Enchanted Oaks Farm is home to a zebra, wallaby, goats, miniature cow and pony! Here you can get married under a beautiful oak tree next to a lily pad pond and dance the night away in the barn streamed with bistro lights. Enchanted Oaks even offers tiny places to stay and glamp including an adorable tree house!

More wonderful rustic wedding venues include Liccardello Farms, Barn at Bellemoor, Pine Haven Ranch, and the Barn at Martin Farms.

If you desire an opulent wedding, than the World Equestrian Center (WEC) will lavish the bride and groom with enchanting gardens, a quaint chapel, and a spectacular custom menu from top culinary minds. Guests can stay onsite at the luxurious hotel and the RV and Campground or nearby at WEC’s vacation-rental style Home Away From Home units.

The elegant chapel seats up to 100 guests and is nearby an oak canopy area to host a ceremony or reception for 300 guests. If you want an intimate reception indoors, the intricately decorated Paris Room inside The Equestrian Hotel has space for up to 40 guests. Additional space for receptions includes the pool deck and the Mezzanine Suites. To top it off, the full-service spa inside the hotel offers bridal hair, makeup and nail packages.

Set in the second largest forest in the Sunshine state, Doe Lake Campground has become a favorite amongst lovebirds seeking a fairytale-inspired yet eclectic wedding celebration, complete with panoramic lake views and massive oak canopies. You’ll also find a historic 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps lodge—the perfect spot for dinner and dancing following the ceremony.

More than 3,000 couples have exchanged vows at Silver Springs State Park. Hollywood lovers may like that the park is the filming site of over 40 films. With several beautiful settings, couples will enjoy several naturally gorgeous backdrops for their big day. The Twin Oaks Mansion offers elegance and charm reminiscent of “Gone with the Wind,” while the venue’s spring-side pavilions boast beautiful river views. For a truly unique wedding experience, celebrations can even take place on a special glass-bottom boat tour of the spring.

Rainbow Springs offers the ultimate paradise for nature lovers to tie the knot, surrounded by lush greenery and songbirds to provide the soundtrack to your big day. Couples can choose to share heartfelt vows overlooking Rainbow River or walk down an antique-style brick aisle leading to a 60-foot waterfall with lush gardens below. All the makings for a magical celebration await at this local gem.

Nestled in eastern Ocala, Sholom Park feels like stepping into a secret garden with fountains, ponds, a natural labyrinth, and more. Every type of garden space you can think of is here, including formal gardens shaded with oaks and decorated with vibrant colors, a paved stage surrounded by a meadow, a pergebo complimented with lush vine accents, and blooms in the spring.

Imagine your first dance under crystal chandeliers in an opulent ballroom with the convenience of being close to town. Classic wedding celebration venues include the Crystal Ballroom, Circle Square Culture Center, Hilton Ocala, and the Grand Ballroom at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Ocala Conference Center.

Just on the outskirts of Ocala sits the stunning Appleton Museum of Art, where couples with a love of architecture, art, and culture will find the perfect wedding venue. The Café and Courtyard are ideal for weddings with large parties (125 guests). Guests will feel surrounded by beautiful columns and a large fountain in the center.

The lush-green rolling hills of a golf course always make for a beautiful backdrop of a wedding, and Ocala/Marion County is home to dozens of private and public golf courses. Amongst these, some favorite wedding venues include Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club, Juliette Falls, Ocala Golf Club, Country Club of Ocala, Ocala National Golf Club.