They’ve popped the question, you’ve celebrated with family and friends, and you’re ready to start the next chapter of your lives—but first, you have to plan your wedding day! Whether you’re planning a large celebration or a smaller ceremony, there are a lot of big decisions that go into planning your nuptials. One of the first decisions that you’ll need to make is where you’ll tie the knot and host your reception.
Located in historic downtown Gainesville, Sweetwater Branch Inn is the perfect destination for your special day. From our lush gardens to the abundance of vintage charm, our inn offers a romantic backdrop for everything from intimate elopements to larger ceremonies.
If you’re looking for the most romantic wedding venue in Gainesville, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to learn more about saying “I do” at Sweetwater Branch Inn.
A Dreamy Ceremony Backdrop
If you’ve ever strolled the beautiful grounds of Sweetwater, it will come as no surprise that we’re one of Gainesville’s most romantic wedding venues. Our grounds are filled with greenery and gardens, offering a dreamy backdrop for your wedding ceremony.
We have several locations to choose from to exchange your vows. Hold your ceremony inside or outside of the courtyard, in front of our picturesque gazebo, or in front of the colonnade surrounded by greenery.
Two Elegant Reception Spaces
Depending on the size of your reception and your vision for your big day, you can choose from our two elegant reception spaces.
For a smaller, more intimate ceremony, we recommend The McKenzie House. This beautiful banquet area is decorated with antique furniture, rugs, and accessories, and has a warm, inviting atmosphere. A large wrap-around front porch not only offers views of our beautiful grounds but is also the perfect spot for your guests to sip cocktails before it’s time to head inside for dinner.
McKenzie Hall is our second reception space and is a great option for larger ceremonies. This bright and elegant banquet room evokes the charm of the Victorian era with modern touches that help the space feel fresh and spacious. High ceilings and exposed trusses make for a truly stunning backdrop for celebrating your vows with your family and friends. Glass doors surround the large main room, offering great views of the lush Florida gardens just outside.
Delicious Catering
Coordinating the endless details that go into planning a wedding can quickly become overwhelming. But booking a Gainesville venue that also offers catering services can help take one big decision off your list.
At Sweetwater Branch Inn, we take care of everything you need for your big day—including catering! From luxurious hors d’oeuvres to light lunches, hot buffets, and decadent full-service, sit-down dining, the Sweetwater Catering Co. offers a variety of customizable options for your wedding.
Our extensive specialty event menu has dozens of options to choose from. Some of our favorites are the Wild Mushroom Ravioli, topped with sherry cream sauce and toasted pine nuts, the Big Island Mahi Mahi, marinated in garlic teriyaki and topped with pineapple salsa, and the Louisiana Seafood Cakes. If you’re looking to treat your guests to appetizers during cocktail hour or foregoing a meal for hors d’oeuvres, choose from delicious options like Double Cream Brie with Caramel Pecan Topping, Stuffed Mushroom Caps, BBQ Chicken Skewers, and more.
The chefs at Sweetwater can accommodate up to 250 guests for an hors d’oeuvres-style event and 150 for a sit-down meal in McKenzie Hall.
The Convenience of Staying On-Site With Your Bridal Party
Of course, the Sweetwater Branch Inn is so much more than just a beautiful wedding venue. Our Inn is our main feature, with 29 boutique rooms that are a destination for vacationers, families, and couples looking for a romantic getaway.
Located just steps away from our ceremony and reception spaces, a stay at the Inn is a convenient option for your bridal party and family. Get ready for your special day in a luxurious, relaxed environment. No worrying about rushing to get to the ceremony on time or fighting traffic on the way to your reception—instead, you can focus on relaxing and enjoying every moment of your wedding day. Plus, you and your guests can enjoy the many amenities that the Inn has to offer.
The vintage charm of the rooms at Sweetwater Branch Inn is also a great backdrop for filming or photographing you and your bridal party getting ready together for your special day.
Saying “I Do” at Gainesville’s Most Romantic Wedding Venue
From the dreamy ceremony spaces to our two elegant reception venues to our delicious catering and convenient, luxurious on-site lodging, there are so many reasons to choose Sweetwater Branch Inn for your wedding.
Thinking about saying “I do” at the most romantic wedding venue in Gainesville, FL? Contact us today to schedule an appointment to enjoy a guided tour of our property and event venue. Tours are available by appointment only, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Click here to fill out an inquiry form to request a free tour or to book a catering consultation.