At John Michael Events, we’ve had the joy of catering weddings and events at numerous Orlando wedding venues all across Central Florida. When you think of planning a wedding in Orlando, you may first think of a theme park wedding or a wedding at a resort or hotel. While we love these spots for a celebration, we’re getting on our soapbox to remind you that Orlando offers so much more as well! Whether you’re a local or planning a destination wedding here, there are a plethora of Orlando wedding venues away from the tourist-filled crowds and ones with plenty of unique character and charm.
Our previous post highlighted a few of our favorite hidden gem Orlando wedding venues, but we couldn’t stop there!
There’s nothing we love more than helping our couples plan their dream days, which means connecting them with their dream venues! In this post, we’re featuring the Winter Park Event Center, Maitland Art & History Museum, and Orlando Science Center. These unique Orlando wedding venues are definite can’t-miss spots, as they embody beauty, above-and-beyond guest service, and bring a uniqueness to the table we know you’ll love.
No matter if you’re dreaming of a modern space, a blend of art and history, or a place where science meets celebration, these venues offer unforgettable experiences for you and your guests.
Let’s dive in!
Winter Park Event Center:
First up on our list of unique Orlando wedding venues is the Winter Park Event Center! It beautifully blends modern architectural design with natural scenic surroundings. Located in Winter Park, which is known for its charming culture within Central Florida, they offer a variety of event spaces to match any celebration and guest count. Your event location options include their Grand Ballroom, Belvedere, Rooftop Terrace and the Tiedtke Amphitheater.
The Grand Ballroom is their primary indoor event space that can seat up to 240 guests for dinner. This space boasts unique curved lines throughout, from the domed ceiling to the arched floor-to-ceiling windows. It offers plenty of natural light and views of the lakeside during the day and built-in ambient lighting when the sun goes down. A twist on the traditional ballroom, this space is inherently beautiful and thoughtfully designed, making it perfect for your big day!
If you’re looking for an outdoor space, the Winter Park Event Center has you covered as well! The Belvedere, Rooftop Terrace and Tiedtke Amphitheater each overlook the beautiful Lake Mendsen and offer immaculate landscaping. No matter which one of these you choose, you’ll get the incredible architectural features and gorgeous views this venue is known for.
And from a caterer’s perspective? The back-of-house kitchen is wonderfully equipped, allowing us to deliver top-notch service without missing a beat.
Fun fact: John Michael Events is one of only five preferred caterers at this venue, which means we know this venue inside and out, allowing us to make your wedding experience seamless and delicious!
Want to learn more about the Winter Park Event Center? Hit the button below to view more details:
Art & History Museums – Maitland:
If you’re seeking a venue that feels like a secret garden mixed with old-world charm, look no further than the Art & History Museums in Maitland! This cultural gem offers one of the most unique and atmospheric Orlando wedding venues around.
You’ll truly feel like you’ve stepped into another time and world when you’re here! The property’s blend of lush landscaping, ornate architecture, and artistic heritage makes it feel like a European destination without leaving Orlando. For your big day, you have the option to celebrate in their five event spaces: the Main Garden, Chapel & Mayan Courtyard, the Germaine Marvel Building, Rotary Event Plaza, and West Garden.
Ceremonies are often held in the picturesque Mayan Chapel & Courtyard or the enchanting Main Garden, both of which emanate romance and beauty. The Main Garden offers a serene reflection pond and a natural canopy of trees, making it the ideal, intimate outdoor ceremony location.
If you opt for the Mayan Chapel for your ceremony, you’ll enjoy the intricately carved sculptures and architectural detailing on the walls, floor, and altar backdrop. You’ll then get to celebrate the night away in the connected Courtyard, also known for its embellished stone floor tiles, art murals, and surrounding landscaping.
Photography: Sterling Photography
Around every corner at the museums, you’ll find evidence of the rich history and artistic spirit of the venue. From the one-of-a-kind artwork to the sophisticated and unique architecture, the Art & History Museums exude personality and creativity, earning its reputation for one the most unique Orlando wedding venues. Plus, it’s a certified National Historic Landmark of Florida!
Photography: Sterling Photography
Does this sound like your wedding vibe? Check out more about this stunning venue below:
Art & History Museums – Maitland
Orlando Science Center:
Traditionally, the words “wedding” and “science” don’t go together, but at the Orlando Science Center, they combine to create one of the most imaginative and unforgettable wedding experiences in the city! This is one of the most unexpectedly magical Orlando wedding venues we’ve had the pleasure of working in, and one that makes couples fall in love with the place!
Ideal for couples who crave fun, flair, and something out-of-the-box, the Science Center offers interactive elements and unique settings you won’t find anywhere else.
The OSC has four different event spaces to choose from: DinoDigs, the FINFROCK Terrace, the Our Planet exhibit hall, and the Digital Adventure Theater. Selecting any one of these means you’re in for a grand adventure!
In the Our Planet exhibit hall, you can exchange vows in front of a suspended globe with digital projections of any planet or galaxy you wish, real or imaginary! You can choose to project places like Earth, Mars, or even the Death Star on the globe, adding an extra layer of fun for your wedding ceremony.
In the Digital Adventure Theater, you and your love will take center stage as you tie the knot within this dramatic and visually stunning setting.
If you’re looking to celebrate under the stars, the FINFROCK Terrace is perfect for you! This outdoor space offers panoramic views of downtown Orlando and the sunset, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air, golden glow from the market lights, and natural ambiance.
The hallmark of the Science Center though is DinoDigs, where you can literally get married in front of a T-Rex! Your guests will love the whimsical nature of this room and enjoy the interactive exhibits that will spark both conversation and curiosity.
This is not just a venue. It’s truly an experience!
Ready to dig into the Orlando Science Center? Hit the button below for more info!
Looking for More Orlando Wedding Venues?
These aren’t the only venues we love! This is part 2 of a series, where we’ll be putting the spotlight on our different preferred venue partners. These are all Orlando wedding venues that we work with often and have provided nothing less than excellent service for every one of our couples. We feel confident in giving them our wholehearted stamp of approval because they have proven their expertise and guest service time and time again! Plus, we are a preferred catering partner at each one, so we’ve got you covered no matter where you tie the knot!
Check out our part 1 of the series and our full venue partner list at the links below:
3 Hidden Gem Orlando Wedding Venues
Full List of Orlando Wedding Venues
Meet Your Orlando Caterer:
John Michael Events is an experienced Orlando wedding and event caterer, specializing in serving all types of events, from weddings to social events to corporate events. We offer all-inclusive wedding packages that not only include event catering, but also the additional vendors you’ll need to throw the wedding of your dreams! Twice a quarter, we are proud to host “A Taste of John Michael,” a one-of-a-kind group tasting experience, where clients are invited to sample a variety of our delicacies.
Ready to book one of our Orlando catering packages or need more guidance on top Orlando wedding venues? Contact our team by hitting the button below. We would love to chat with you!
