Waterfront Wedding Spaces That Wow
If you’ve been dreaming of a wedding with water views, fresh air, and unforgettable charm, this one’s for you. Forget the standard ballroom or barn—Historic Downtown Sanford is offering couples something entirely different.
On a breezy April afternoon, I Said Yes! FL PROS hosted its latest networking luncheon, “Beyond the Shore,” at one of Sanford’s most scenic and surprising wedding venues: The Sanford Galleon. Surprise! Guess what’s right next door? A literal riverboat venue: the St. Johns Rivership Co.
The Sanford Galleon: Moody Nautical Elegance
Tucked along the shoreline of the St. Johns River, the Sanford Galleon is a 5,000+ square foot indoor/outdoor event venue offering picturesque water views, a blank canvas interior, and the flexibility to host everything from weddings and rehearsal dinners to large social gatherings.
- Capacity: 200 seated / 300 cocktail-style
- On-site catering options available
- Private indoor bar + prep kitchen
- Covered outdoor patio with views of the marina
- Modern restrooms, ADA-compliant access, and ample parking
With dark interiors and oversized windows, the Galleon is perfect for couples who want to bring in their own flair while still keeping it classic and elegant…with the water just steps away, the vibe: all tucked in!
St. Johns Rivership Co: A Floating Wedding Venue
Just next door floats 1 of Central Florida’s most one-of-a-kind reception spaces: the St. Johns Rivership Co., a fully operational paddlewheel steamboat that hosts weddings, dinner cruises, and private events right on the river.
- Capacity: 150 max
- 3 climate-controlled decks with riverfront views
- Dance floor + live entertainment stage
- On-board catering + bar with curated menus
- Ideal for micro-weddings, sunset cruises, or rehearsal dinners with a twist.
Couples can choose to dock-and-dine or set sail down the St. Johns River, giving guests a totally immersive wedding experience they’ll never forget. Whether you’re planning a welcome party or an intimate elopement, this is where coastal romance meets vintage charm.
Who Are These Venues Perfect For?
- Water lovers & boat enthusiasts
- Couples looking for non-traditional, experience-based receptions
- Brides & grooms seeking budget-friendly elegance
- Adventurous duos who want their venue to reflect their lifestyle
- Central Florida couples who want to avoid overpriced resorts or rustic barns
Bonus? Both the Galleon and the Rivership are significantly more affordable than most private estate or resort venues, with no compromise on location, vibe, or amenities.
Meet the Wedding Pros Behind "Beyond the Shore"
The April luncheon was beautifully brought to life by some of Sanford’s top-tier wedding professionals, making this event not only gorgeous but expert-approved:
- Planner: Perfectly Planned by Yas
- Florist: Jill Heaton Floral Design
- Photography: Calli Crawford Photography
- DJ/Entertainment: Win Show Events
- Content Creation: Jenn Content Creator
Together, they curated a dreamy and nautical afternoon on the water!
Related: Wedding Pub Crawl in Historic Sanford
Curious about Sanford’s walkable wedding scene and vibrant vendor community? Be sure to read our Historic Downtown Sanford Wedding Pub Crawl Recap from earlier this spring! It was an industry-first for I Said Yes! FL, where pros explored Downtown Sanford’s venues, distilleries, and glam teams on foot with cocktails, coffee, and whatever they wanted to sip as we crawled our way around Sanford’s finest!
Plan Your Own Waterfront Wedding in Sanford
When you’re ready to plan a Central Florida wedding that’s rooted in charm and rich in experience, don’t overlook Sanford. From scenic docks and paddlewheel cruises to mystical venues on the water, distilleries, and legendary restaurants, this hidden gem delivers personality, practicality, and unmatched waterfront vibes.
To tour the Sanford Galleon or the St. Johns Rivership Co., contact the venues directly.🎉 Stay tuned for more I Said Yes! FL luncheons, pub crawls, and creative showcases to give you a behind-the-scenes and insider discovery into Central Florida’s most inspired wedding creatives, event venues, and everything in between!
📍 Venue Quick Facts
Venue
Capacity
Catering
Features
Sanford Galleon
200 seated / 300 cocktail
On-site & outside options
Indoor / outdoor, water view, private bar
St. Johns Rivership Co.
Up to 150
On-board catering
River cruise, dance floor, full bar
