The Charm of a Club Continental Wedding: A Jacksonville, Florida Venue with European Soul
There’s something so effortlessly romantic about a Club Continental wedding. Maybe it’s the ivy climbing the walls, or the way the oaks are covered with Spanish moss, or it’s the views of the river at sunset, or the warm light that pours through every room. Whatever it is—it’s the kind of place that doesn’t just photograph beautifully. It feels like a destination.
As a wedding photographer based in Jacksonville, Florida, I’ve spent time capturing weddings all across Northeast Florida, and The Club Continental is one of those venues that leaves an impression. If you’re planning your special day here, here are some helpful tips to make the most of your experience (and give your wedding guests one to remember, too).
1. Book the Guest Rooms Early
Truly a beautiful wedding venue, The Club Continental also doubles as a private hotel with charming guest rooms, most with river views and vintage touches. If you’re hosting out-of-town guests—or want to make your wedding feel like a full weekend experience, you’ll need to book the rooms early. You can even reserve the entire inn for a more private, immersive stay.
Photographer Tip: Getting ready in the bridal suite gives you soft, natural light and beautiful backdrops that will make your photos feel elevated without needing a separate getting-ready location.
2. Plan a Welcome Party or Brunch On-Site
One of the best-kept secrets? Club Continental isn’t just for the wedding day. Their spaces work beautifully for welcome cocktails or a next-day brunch. On the other hand, if you want to treat your guests to something nearby, The Urban Bean Coffeehouse Café in Orange Park is a cozy, local brunch spot with incredible coffee and an easygoing vibe—perfect for the morning after.
3. Styling Tips to Match the European Elegance of Your Club Continental Wedding
From the hand-tiled floors to the riverfront terraces, The Club Continental is full of quiet, timeless beauty. You won’t need to over-decorate. It’s best to let the venue breathe. Think soft florals, vintage-inspired stationery, and candlelight that highlights—not hides—the character of the space.
Style Tip: This venue pairs especially well with black-tie or romantic garden party aesthetics. If you’re unsure how to elevate your design, consider adding lounge seating under the trees or draping the reception in string lights.
4. Use the Ceremony Lawn to Its Full Potential
The outdoor ceremony space overlooks the St. Johns River, framed by towering oaks and Spanish moss, as a result, it’s a ceremony spot that needs very little. But one thing that elevates it even more? A live string quartet. (Or just a curated playlist that feels like your love story.)
Photographer Tip: Plan your ceremony for the late afternoon so we get that dreamy golden light through the trees. It’s pure magic—and makes for portraits that feel like they belong in a film.
5. Prep Your Timeline for Sunset Portraits
Speaking of portraits—weddings at Club Continental have some of the best places to sneak away during golden hour (sunset). I always recommend carving out 20-30 minutes post-ceremony for just the two of you. It’s a chance to breathe, connect, and get those magazine-worthy shots you’ll want to frame, after all.
6. Dance Under the Chandeliers, Then Sneak Out for a Nightcap
Finally, the reception space is warm, cozy, and a little moody—in the best way. Your guests will love it. But one of my favorite moments? When couples sneak out for a quiet end-of-night photo by the water or under the stars. A moment to let it all sink in.
Bonus: It’s a Venue That Feels Like You
Above all, what I love most about Club Continental weddings is how personal they feel. Whether you’re planning something intimate or bringing in a full guest list, the venue never feels too big or too small. It adapts to you. To your people. Your style. Your story.
Planning Your Club Continental Wedding? Let’s Make It Personal
If you’re dreaming of a Club Continental wedding and want a photographer who knows the venue well and who captures the honest, heartfelt, in-between moments, I’d love to be a part of it. I’ll help you build a timeline that works, suggest the best lighting, and make sure your photos reflect the feeling of the day, not just what it looked like.
Click here to inquire, and let’s start planning the most meaningful day of your life.
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