Weddings

With Tallahassee’s rolling hills, canopied roads and moss-draped oaks, our natural beauty makes for breathtaking backdrops for your special day. Explore our unique wedding venues and learn how Visit Tallahassee is here to help make your wedding planning that much easier.

Start your journey to “I do” with our Weddings Planner Guide. Click to download this comprehensive guide about venues, hotels, dining and entertainment options for your perfect Tallahassee wedding.

THE PERFECT TALLAHASSEE WEEKEND

After the final “I Do’s” have been said, visitors to Tallahassee can focus on having a little fun. Here’s a look into enjoying the best of what we have to offer.

PHOTO CREDIT MICHAEL BRITO

FOR THE LADIES

Discover the vintage clothing, hand-crafted goods, and other funky shops at Railroad Square Art Park or for a more upscale shopping experience, explore the shops in Market Square including Narcissus and Hearth & Soul.

Celebrate a victory with a meal at one of Tallahassee’s chic restaurants. Lucilla offers a comfortable atmosphere and inspired takes on regional cuisine, Cypress is known for sophisticated Southern flavors and Blu Halo pairs fine dining with imaginative cocktails.

After dark, Tallahassee entertainment comes alive. Imbibe in libations overlooking the city at Level 8 Lounge at Hotel Duval or top off the evening with some dancing and live music at Recess Nightclub.

FOR THE GUYS

Hit the links at Hilaman, SouthWood or the historic Capital City Country Club or test your lumberjack skills at Tomahawk 51 or Tomahawk Chop axe throwing lanes. For some family friendly fun, let the good times roll at Hangar 38 with bowling, games, drinks and great food.

Take in happy hour at the Proof Brewing Co. for a sample of craft beer at its finest. For dinner, keep it casual and fun at Madison Social located in CollegeTown, or go all out with a luxurious dining experience at Il Lusso downtown.

FOR PARENTS & GRANDPARENTS

Tallahassee has a rich cultural history and natural beauty that is undeniable. When you need a break from the action, take a leisurely stroll through Maclay Gardens and or relive the glory days of American cars at the Tallahassee Auto Museum. For a quiet place to discover fascinating books and enjoy an afternoon treat, checkout Midtown Reader and Lucy & Leo’s Cupcakery located in Midtown.

Looking for a great lunch or dinner spot? There’s something for every palette at the casual and lively Kool Beanz Café, or taste the freshness of farm-to-table dining at Backwoods Crossing. With the Capitol as your backdrop, watch the sun go down from The Edison, built on the site of the original power plant for Tallahassee.

FOR KIDS 

Kids of all ages love to visit Tallahassee. Watch candy being made in front of your eyes at Lofty Pursuits. See a Florida Panther up close at the Tallahassee Museum. Looking to burn off some energy? Head to Urban Air and check out their Sky Rider indoor coaster.

Refuel at the Midtown Caboose, a family friendly burger joint offering mouth-watering hand-crafted burgers and fries. With “Slices as big as your head,” Momo’s Pizza has been a Tallahassee family favorite for years.

PRO TIPS FROM WEDDING PLANNER JOHN GANDY

Now that you’ve said, “YES!” What’s next? Take a breath and get ready for some fun… it’s PLANNING time!! Wedding planning can feel stressful, but it should be a fun and exciting ride! It’s YOUR wedding after all—so make it unique to you.

One of the many conversations I have with brides early in the planning process is about trends and if they should be followed or avoided. Trends, by nature, constantly change and evolve (remember the burlap and lace trend of 2010). You can choose to be different, traditional, or maybe a little of both. Wedding trends can be seen in many aspects of your big day: fashion, decor, food, invitation suites and wedding paper, entertainment and even in ways to get engaged.

Trends to make note of…

Royal weddings are huge trend setters because of their larger-than-life designs that leave no detail untouched! These events make noticeable changes in the style of weddings worldwide. After Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding, the rush to introduce large scale floral pieces at the ceremony was impossible to miss. This trend is still running strong and I expect it to stick around for a while.

Another recent trend involves using velvet, darker tones and furniture. Velvet is HUGE right now, all shades and styles. Velvet upholstered furniture, specifically blush velvet, has become a client favorite. Lounge areas and soft seating at the reception and cocktail location is a steady trend that’s certainly not on its way out.

While a soft pallet is beautiful, another rising trend is using darker tones in florals, linens and anywhere you can add a splash of color. Contrary to what you may have heard, even the use of black is no longer taboo for your wedding.

Other fun trends include commissioning custom illustrations for invitations and printed pieces (this one is BIG!!) as well as large-scale balloon decor and unique china and drink-ware including custom frosted plastic cups to use during dancing.

A small trend (pun intended) is the micro-wedding, a small and more intimate ceremony with just the closest friends and family, then having a larger reception celebration following.

The most important thing to remember when it comes to trends is to embrace what makes you unique and showcase your style – regardless of its current popularity – you may be a trendsetter!  

JohnGandyEvents.com

Instagram: johngandyevents

John Gandy is the reigning Best of Tallahassee winner for the Best Event/Wedding Planner category since 2010 and an Inductee into The Knot Hall of Fame. John Gandy Events is an internationally celebrated planning and design company based in Tallahassee, FL. 

Photo Credits
Mary Beth Tyson Photography 
Woodland Fields Photography