There are so many amazing Jacksonville wedding venues! But I do have a few favorites that I feel compliment the bright and airy photography and editing style THE BEST!
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WHAT IS A BRIGHT AND AIRY STYLE?
At Mollie Jane Photography, I specialize in bright and airy wedding photography—the soft, romantic, and joy-filled kind of images that make your heart skip a beat!
Why knowing what style you want for your wedding BEFORE looking at Jacksonville wedding venues is important
If you’re in the middle of deciding what you want your wedding photos to look like, let me break it down for you. The bright and airy style is all about natural light, soft pastel tones, clean whites, and that dreamy glow that makes everything feel light and timeless. Picture the kind of photos you’d see in a fine art wedding magazine or from a sun-soaked European elopement. If that makes you swoon a little, this style might be exactly what you’re looking for.
One of the best parts? Bright and airy photography never goes out of style. It’s clean, classic, and stands the test of time—your photos will still feel just as beautiful 20 years from now.
While this look can be stunning at just about any of the many Jacksonville wedding venues, it really shines in spaces filled with natural light and soft, neutral tones. As a wedding photographer here in Jacksonville, I’ve got a list of venues that compliment this style perfectly—especially if you’re dreaming of a romantic garden wedding, a breezy beach ceremony, or anything in between.
THE WHITE ROOM WEDDING VENUE IN ST. AUGUSTINE
The White Room is a gorgeous wedding venue right in the heart of historic St. Augustine on King Street. Originally built in 1888, it’s now the only private venue in the historic district—and it’s actually three venues in one! With both indoor and outdoor spaces, you’ve got options for days.
Light-filled Ceremony Options
The White Room made my bright and airy photography list for Jacksonville wedding venues for a reason—actually, several! First up: the rooftop. It’s perfect for ceremonies or cocktail hour and, of course, it’s drenched in beautiful natural light.
And then there’s the Villa Blanca… oh my goodness. This room is a DREAM. It’s filled with soft, even light from every angle and gives off that clean, romantic glow I’m always chasing. Honestly, I think this one might be my personal favorite spot for a ceremony. Having that kind of light-filled space for your vows? Total win—and not something you always find in Florida venues!
Your Bridal Suite Dreams
Let’s talk getting ready spaces. One thing I always encourage my couples to check is the lighting in the bridal suite. Natural light makes such a difference in your photos! And guess what? The White Room delivers on this too. Both the bridal and groom suites are filled with gorgeous light, which means those candid, emotional pre-ceremony shots will look just as dreamy as everything else.
Historical Portrait Locations
And finally—the portraits. This is where The White Room really shines (literally and figuratively). One of the best things about getting married in St. Augustine is the access to all that charming history, and The White Room gives you the perfect neutral, pastel backdrop with its architecture and surroundings. The nearby historic buildings and cobblestone streets are full of soft colors and open shade, which are a bright and airy photographer’s dream. Honestly, it’s hard to take a bad photo here!
AZALEANA MANOR: A BEAUTIFUL JACKSONVILLE WEDDING VENUE ON THE WATERFRONT
Azaleana Manor is full of the prettiest light in every corner of its 4-acre waterfront property! One of my favorite things about this venue is—very simply—where the light hits throughout the day. The sun sets at the front of the property, which means your ceremony is beautifully lit in the evening, and portraits in the front? Hello, dreamy golden backlight! My personal obsession? The Spanish moss. The way the sunlight filters through it gives your photos that soft, romantic, Southern garden feel I live for!
Waterfront Ceremony Location at your wedding venue in Jacksonville
There are so many amazing waterfront Jacksonville wedding venues, BUT the Azaleana Manor is a step above, there are amazing options for an outdoor ceremony, cocktail hour, and even reception—right on the waterfront—with string lights hanging in the trees. I mean… are you kidding me?! It’s basically magic. And if you’re hoping for an indoor reception, there’s a light-filled, window-lined space that is equally stunning. It’s perfect for soft, glowing light during dinner and details—photographer-approved!
An Entryway of My DREAMS
The entryway at Azaleana Manor is an absolute dream for bright and airy photography (and honestly, every other style too). It has this amazing neutral color palette, classic checkerboard floor, and natural light just flooding in through the windows. This space is incredibly versatile—it’s perfect for bridal details, getting ready photos, couple portraits, or even groom shots. Basically, I want to shoot here all day!
The Bridal Suite Life
And the bridal suite? Oh yes—it totally meets my very high standards for natural light! It’s elegant, spacious, and absolutely beautiful. Perfect for getting ready with your girls, your mom, your mother-in-law—whoever you want by your side. And the lighting will make those sweet moments look as gorgeous as they feel.
It’s a Hotel!!
One of the best perks about getting married at Azaleana Manor? It’s also a boutique hotel! That means you can actually stay at the venue in one of the 6 suites. The rooms are modern, stylish, and full of natural light—I honestly cannot wait to stay there myself someday!
THE RIVER HOUSE: A ST. AUGUSTINE WEDDING VENUE
To start off, I just have to say—I love the story behind The River House. During the day, it’s a senior center, and by night, it transforms into a luxury wedding venue. When I first toured it, I walked through rooms where sweet seniors were learning painting techniques and playing instruments—it was seriously the cutest thing ever. I adore that kind of heart and history in a space!
The Perfect Reception Space
From a bright and airy photographer’s perspective, the reception space is what really makes The River House shine. The ballroom is full of windows that let in so much dreamy natural light—it’s a total glow-up for your photos!
Yes, I talk a lot about light, but it’s not just how it looks—it’s how it feels. Some couples love a dark and moody vibe (and that’s totally great!), but Mollie Jane couples? They want light that feels warm, joyful, and inviting. The River House gives you that cozy, happy feeling that makes your celebration feel like sunshine.
Night-time Images
Of course, that natural light doesn’t last all night—but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. The first time I stepped into that ballroom, I knew even evening reception photos would be stunning. Why? Those light-colored ceilings bounce flash perfectly! So even when we switch to off-camera lighting, your images will stay bright and beautifully lit.
And yes, we’ll still mix in some fun, direct flash moments for those trendy, modern documentary-style shots. It’s the best of both worlds!
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Luxury
I am obsessed with water views—and The River House delivers big time. Your ceremony backdrop? The gorgeous Matanzas River, complete with a peek of the iconic St. Augustine Lighthouse. It’s peaceful, elegant, and absolutely breathtaking. And because the sun sets at the front of the venue, your ceremony can be timed to perfection for that warm, golden light.
And then! Turn around and take in the view of the venue itself—it’s full of timeless charm and classic architecture. Your guests will watch you step through the doors and down those beautiful stairs in such an elegant setting. Then onto cocktail hour on the wraparound porch and inside the cozy-chic library and sitting room. It’s pure luxury for the sophisticated bride who wants a timeless, romantic day.
THE RIBAULT CLUB: A HISTORIC JACKSONVILLE WEDDING VENUE
A little-known fact about me: I was a history major in college! So when I get to photograph weddings at historic venues here in Northeast Florida, it’s not just beautiful—it’s also fascinating for me. The Ribault Club is one of those gems. Built in 1928 as a winter escape for wealthy families (it was literally called a “Millionaires Club”), it’s since been lovingly restored to its original grandeur. And let me tell you—it is stunning.
Historical Venue Light
One thing I love about the Ribault Club is how much natural light it gets! A lot of historic venues can be a little on the dark side—big windows just weren’t a thing yet back then! But not here. The Ribault Club is bright, open, and full of the kind of soft, dreamy light I’m always chasing. It’s a rare find in a venue with this much history and character!
Just Add A Dance Floor
The courtyard area here is so dreamy. With options for both indoor and outdoor celebrations, you can totally have that Southern garden wedding under the stars with bistro lights twinkling overhead—just add a dance floor! Want to keep it inside? The large windows flood the space with beautiful light, so it’s a win either way. You get those soft, romantic vibes no matter where the party happens.
What About Getting Ready?
Now, if you’ve been around here for a while, you know how I feel about bridal suites—natural light is a must! And while the official “bridal suite” at the Ribault Club isn’t the brightest room ever, that’s not a dealbreaker. Why? Because there are gorgeous light-filled spaces throughout the venue that are perfect for getting ready photos.
There are two dreamy hallways lined with French doors and creamy, light walls—basically a bright and airy playground for me! We can absolutely get those emotional “zipping up the dress” and “finishing touches” moments in a space that flatters and glows. Sometimes it just takes a little creativity to find the perfect light—and I’m all about that!
FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH WEDDING VENUE: THE MOST HISTORICAL ST. AUGUSTINE WEDDING VENUE!
I mean, honestly—can you get any more historical than the first colony in America?! Ponce de León stepped foot on The Fountain of Youth wedding venue in 1513! And did you know the actual first Thanksgiving happened HERE? Y’all! My history-major heart can barely handle it. It’s just so cool!
The Most Beautiful Street in America for your Jacksonville wedding venue
Before you even reach the venue, you drive down Magnolia Avenue, and according to National Geographic, it’s the most beautiful street in America—and I couldn’t agree more. Spanish moss draped over majestic live oaks, golden hour light streaming through the branches… it is pure magic. It’s the kind of spot where romantic portraits just come to life. Total fairytale vibes!
Portrait Options Abound
Not only do you get the most beautiful street in America, but the Fountain of Youth’s 15-acre property is packed with incredible portrait spots—for couple photos, wedding party fun, or even those sweet, candid guest moments, such a unique perk amongst Jacksonville wedding venues.
One of my absolute favorites? The dock that stretches out over the water. The light out there is just chef’s kiss! The natural leading lines of the dock create such beautifully composed images, and if we pull out the drone? WOW. It takes everything to a whole new level—so dreamy and cinematic!
And then there’s the peacock garden! It’s the cutest little hidden gem. Perfect for a first look or romantic portraits with a little extra flair. The peacocks just casually wander around (and yes, you can call them over with a few peanuts). They might just be the prettiest photobombers you’ll ever have!
The Magnolia Room
Speaking of magic… let’s talk about The Magnolia Room! This is the indoor reception space at the Fountain of Youth, and oh my goodness—it’s a bright and airy dream! All those windows let in the prettiest natural light, and the views of the lush grounds outside are unreal. The room opens up to an outdoor area where you can hang bistro lights (and if you know me, you know how much I LOVE bistro lights!) or even tent the space for a beautiful, open-air celebration. It’s all kinds of elegant and charming.
A Perfect Bridal Space
One of the newest additions at The Fountain of Youth is their gorgeous bridal suite—and let me tell you, it totally lives up to the bright and airy vibes of the Magnolia Room. It’s full of soft, neutral tones, tons of natural light, and plenty of space for all your girls to get ready. Bonus: it has a wraparound porch where you can sip your coffee (or champagne!) and watch the peacocks wander the property. It’s peaceful, picturesque, and the perfect way to kick off your wedding day.
CHOOSING YOUR JACKSONVILLE WEDDING VENUE
There are so many amazing options to choose from for your Jacksonville wedding venue when your desired style is bright and airy! It really is a timeless style!
I would love to be your Jacksonville or St. Augustine wedding photographer! Hop on over to the website HERE to get more information and then send my a message HERE or in the Contact section on my website and we can set up a time to talk all about your wedding day!
You can also click HERE to see a beautiful bright and airy Farmhouse wedding
