Planning a wedding in Florida comes with a mix of excitement, details, and (let’s be honest) a few big questions.
At Lakeview Gardens, we believe every couple deserves clarity and confidence from the very start — so we’ve gathered answers to the questions we hear most often about our venue, packages, and planning process.
Whether you’re just beginning your search or already picturing your day by the lake, you’ll find helpful insights below.
Couples searching for a romantic outdoor wedding venue near Orlando or across Lake County often ask what makes Lakeview Gardens unique. These questions give you a sense of what to expect when you visit, plan, and celebrate here.
About Lakeview Gardens
Lakeview Gardens is located in Umatilla, Florida; just 45 minutes from Orlando and close to Mount Dora, Leesburg, and Eustis. It’s the perfect blend of convenience and Florida's country charm. Our venue is surrounded by gardens, oak trees, and lake views that make every photo feel timeless.
Our outdoor venue comfortably hosts up to 130 guests, with flexible layouts that make smaller celebrations feel intimate and full-sized weddings spacious and open. Whether you’re planning a cozy elopement or a full garden celebration, we make the space fit your day.
Lakeview Gardens hosts elopements, micro weddings, and full celebrations. Every couple’s vision is unique, so we help you create a day that fits, whether that means an intimate garden ceremony, a lakeview dinner under the canopy, or a full weekend event.
We also open our space for other special occasions like engagement parties, bridal showers, vow renewals, styled shoots, and select private gatherings. Whether it’s a celebration of love, family, or community, our venue offers a relaxed outdoor setting that makes every event feel personal and memorable.
Yes — our grounds and gardens are maintained year-round to keep every detail beautiful, from the lake view ceremony site to the garden pathways. Florida weather can be unpredictable, but we take great care in keeping the property lush, photo-ready, and comfortable for guests.
Absolutely. You can build your own all-inclusive package or bring your own vendors — whichever fits your vision and budget. Our team is here to guide you through the planning process with checklists, recommendations, and one-on-one support to make it simple and stress-free.
We love animals, but to keep our grounds safe and comfortable for all guests, only trained service animals are permitted at Lakeview Gardens. If you have a service animal attending your celebration, please let our team know during planning so we can make the proper accommodations.
You can schedule a private venue tour right on our website here. During your tour, you’ll have time to explore the gardens, see the lake view ceremony site, and chat about your ideas with one of our coordinators.
Florida weather can change quickly, but that doesn’t mean your day has to. We’re often asked how Lakeview Gardens handles rain, storms, and hurricane season, and the answer always comes down to preparation and care.
Weather & Contingency Plans
At Lakeview Gardens, your celebration can continue rain or shine. We keep a close eye on the forecast and work with you to make thoughtful adjustments if weather becomes a concern, from shifting your layout, adjusting timing, or adding one of our canopy enhancements for coverage.
The canopy option allows you to stay outdoors while staying protected, keeping that open-air, garden atmosphere couples love. Our goal is to make sure you feel calm and cared for so the focus stays on your celebration, not the clouds.
Your safety always comes first. If a named storm or hurricane warning is issued for our area and impacts your wedding date, we’ll work directly with you to reschedule at no additional venue cost.
We’ve guided couples through every type of Florida weather and have clear procedures in place so you’re never left wondering what to do. While we can’t control the forecast, we’ll always do everything possible to protect your day — and your peace of mind.
From all-inclusive celebrations to flexible packages, couples want to know exactly what’s included and who they can work with. These answers cover our most common pricing and vendor questions.
Packages, Pricing & Vendors
Yes! Lakeview Gardens offers flexible all-inclusive options — but the beauty is that you get to build what “all-inclusive” means for you. Our curated vendor collections include trusted caterers, florists, and coordinators who know the space inside and out.
You can also use our Bud to Bloom Wedding Calculator to explore estimated pricing and create a custom package based on your guest count, style, and priorities. It’s the perfect starting point if you’re comparing packages or planning your budget.
Absolutely. One of the things couples love most about Lakeview Gardens is our vendor flexibility. You’re welcome to bring your own licensed and insured vendors, from photographers and DJs to caterers, or mix and match with our recommended professionals. We simply ask for vendor details ahead of time so our team can coordinate smoothly on the day of your event.
Yes! We have a preferred vendor list featuring trusted local professionals like florists and coordinators to caterers and entertainment, who know Lakeview Gardens and understand how to make the most of our space. You can access our full vendor list by downloading our Wedding Pricing & Planning Guide.
We also offer curated vendor collections that can be added to your package for a more seamless, all-in-one experience. To see how these fit into your budget and package options, visit our Wedding Packages & Pricing page.
For full details, visit our Wedding Packages page.
Timing and communication are everything when planning your wedding. These FAQs explain how far ahead couples usually book, how we stay connected, and what support you can expect along the way.
Booking & Planning
We recommend booking your wedding 9 to 18 months in advance, especially for popular spring and fall dates. Florida’s outdoor wedding season fills quickly, and securing your date early gives you the best selection of vendors, planning flexibility, and the best available rates before prices increase each year.
If you’re planning something sooner, like a micro-wedding or elopement, we can often accommodate shorter timelines depending on availability.
Absolutely. Once you book with Lakeview Gardens, you’ll have ongoing communication and support from our venue team. We schedule personalized one-on-one design sessions to help you plan your layout, décor, and overall vision, and we stay in touch along the way to make sure everything comes together smoothly.
Many couples tell us they’re surprised by how personal the process feels. We genuinely want you to feel cared for every step of the way, not just on the day of your wedding.
Yes. We offer special pricing for elopements and micro-weddings, which are smaller celebrations with fewer guests and simplified setups. These packages still include the same beautiful lakeside and garden spaces but are tailored to fit your vision and guest count.
If you’d like an estimate, try our Bud to Bloom Wedding Calculator to see how your micro-wedding or elopement could take shape.
A few more details couples often ask about — from fees to décor options.
Good to Know
No hidden fees here. We believe in being transparent and upfront so you always know what to expect. Your proposal will clearly outline what’s included and any optional enhancements you choose, like canopy coverage, décor upgrades, or vendor collections.
Our goal is to make planning simple and stress-free so you can focus on the fun parts of bringing your vision to life.
You’ll have several beautiful spaces to choose from at Lakeview Gardens. Most couples exchange vows with the lake as their backdrop, then move to the garden or courtyard areas for dinner and dancing under the lights.
Each space is flexible, allowing you to design the flow of your day exactly how you imagine it — from a romantic sunset ceremony to a cozy evening celebration under the stars.
Yes. We offer a curated selection of décor and rental enhancements designed to complement the natural beauty of the gardens. Options include arches, tables, chairs, draping, and floral accents that can be customized to fit your style.
If you’re working with a specific theme or color palette, our team can help you choose the pieces that bring it all together beautifully.
You can explore more details on our Venue and Wedding Packages pages
Every couple and every celebration is different, and we’re happy to walk you through the details that matter most to you. Reach out anytime to learn more or schedule a private tour to see how your wedding could take shape at Lakeview Gardens.