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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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:
Together, they curated a dreamy and nautical afternoon on the water!
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!
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
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
Downtown Sanford is known for its charming streets, riverfront sunsets, and vibrant creative community. It is quickly becoming one of Central Florida’s hottest hidden gems for weddings, and we toured some of the best during our historic downtown Sanford wedding pub crawl.
This spring, wedding and event professionals took over the historic Sanford district in style, thanks to I Said Yes! FL. They hosted a wedding-themed pub crawl, the first of its kind! The event kicked off at Awe Glammed Up, a full-service hair salon with a mobile glam team that travels to brides across Central Florida.
The goal? To spotlight Sanford’s thriving wedding and event scene through real-time experiences with local pros from Sanford pub to pub. Throughout the historic Sanford wedding pub crawl, guests explored everything that makes Sanford a dream destination for engaged couples. From venues like The Sanford Galleon to small-batch spirits from Loggerhead Distillery, and elevated catering by Hollerbach’s Upstairs, this event had it all.
We began with craft spirit samples from Loggerhead Distillery, served right inside Awe Glammed Up. Meanwhile, Sequoia Beats (aka DJ extraordinaire) set the tone with music, and Sigrid’s Savory Bites offered delicious grab-and-go charcuterie cups.
For guests looking to skip the cocktails? KINEO Coffee stepped in with a pop-up espresso bar that stole the show, and The Cookie Jar Orlando joined us as a Member Gallery pro and served CAKE. From there, we were OFF!
Throughout the crawl, we mixed and mingled with photographers, planners, DJs, caterers, florists, and more. All of our sponsors and pub crawl hosts came together to highlight the creative powerhouse that is Historic Downtown Sanford. This pub crawl was a celebration of local talent, walkable charm, and the collaborative heart behind Sanford’s growing wedding community.
Located in the heart of Historic Downtown Sanford, Awe Glammed Up is a premier salon and mobile beauty team specializing in personalized glam for weddings and special events. With a commitment to making every client feel radiant and confident, Awe Glammed Up offers both in-salon experiences and on-location services throughout Central Florida.
Awe Glammed Up provides comprehensive bridal beauty packages tailored to each bride’s vision. Services include:
NEXT on the Pub Crawl?!
A private showing of Loggerhead Distillery was our first stop on this historic downtown Sanford wedding pub crawl, and it was a true hidden gem. Their exquisite tasting room (complete with a view of the actual distillery) is nestled right in the heart of Historic Downtown Sanford.
Moreover, this boutique craft distillery is known for its small-batch, Florida-inspired spirits. It was founded by two Florida natives who share a deep passion for both the ocean and their community. Additionally, Loggerhead infuses locally sourced ingredients—like sugar cane, citrus, and botanicals—into every handcrafted bottle of vodka, rum, gin, bourbon, and even moonshine.
Final stop with ALL ATTENDEES?!
Up next?! Hollerbach’s Restaurant and Lodge, where we toured their upstairs event spaces and enjoyed complimentary Jagermeister shots! Thank you again to Sebastian & ENGLISH DAVE!!
If there’s ONE establishment Sanford is known for, it’s Hollerbach’s German Restaurant + Lodge (they have the entire block + offer catering!) affectionately known as Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café. They offer an authentic German dining experience infused with warmth, hospitality, and a Bavarian flair. Beyond its renowned cuisine, Hollerbach’s provides versatile event spaces perfect for weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate gatherings, and private celebrations. This was by far one of our favorite spots along our historic downtown Sanford wedding pub crawl.
Choosing Sanford for your wedding isn’t just about location, it’s about soul. With its vintage architecture, eclectic local businesses, and mossy oak walkable downtown streets, Sanford offers couples an intimate, customizable wedding experience. Historic downtown Sanford feels worlds away from traditional ballroom weddings and the chaos that can surround Orlando! It’s unique and all its own!
This wedding-themed pub crawl wasn’t just a blast; it was a celebration of collaboration. It reminded us that planning your wedding isn’t just about finding wedding vendors, it’s about the community that brings your vision to life.
Your wedding dream team is only a few historic blocks away in Sanford, Florida.
When planning your wedding, don’t just settle for the obvious options. Instead, take time to explore the local businesses tucked into historic neighborhoods—you might be surprised by what you find. For example, the Sanford Chamber of Commerce, located right in Historic Downtown Sanford, is an incredible resource. Whether you’re just getting started or fine-tuning the details, they’re ready to provide electronic, print, and in-person support to help guide your planning process.
You’ll find:
Looking for wedding professionals in Sanford and can’t find what you need? Review the I Said Yes! FL online directory to find YOUR FLORIDA wedding team! Explore the I Said Yes! FL blog for MORE inspo! Additionally, don’t miss the NEXT blog post: Sanford Weddings BEYOND THE SHORE and subscribe to our wedding newsletter to never miss a giveaway, sale, Central Florida wedding blogs, and more!
Pick from these top rated wedding photographers in Central Florida as choose your wedding vendors. Without a doubt you want to find the expert that best fits your wedding style and budget.
Choosing your wedding photographer is a very important decision. Unquestionably, it will give you memories that will last a lifetime. For this reason, we have provided you a list of 7 experts to review and connect with.
Each photographer has their own look and style that shows through in each image they produce. Find the style that matches you and your fiancé. Further, you will be spending some of your most intimate moments with your wedding photographers. Therefore, choose someone who you feel comfortable with, someone who feels like family.
The photographers listed below are in no particular order.
We are Michael & Nicole, a husband and wife team offering wedding and engagement photography. The duo behind the cameras at Dreamscape Photography. We are passionate about providing our engaged couples with the very best service. All the while capturing memories to last a lifetime. Our beliefs are in love, laughter, family, and every other wonderful experience that is a part of marriage.
Top rated wedding photographer, Mike Briggs Photography, has been photographing weddings professionally in Orlando, FL since 2005. Singularly because we have a passion (ok, more like an obsession) for wedding photography! Undoubtedly, it is truly what we love to do. We believe that every wedding and couple are unique. Therefore, we do not have a “one size fits all” approach. We start by getting to know you, your personality, wants and desires. As a result, we give you a custom tailored wedding day experience.
Our photo family at Steven Miller Photography, has been capturing weddings for almost 10 years. We are proud to brag about ourselves. And this is why… Our down-to-earth personalities and competitive wedding packages make for booking your wedding with us an easy process. Additionally, our couples have fallen in love with our natural photography style. Furthermore, it is very important to us to give back to our local community, and the planet.
Cona Studios is husband and wife owned and operated. Specializing in photography, videography, and graphic design. We are located in Winter Garden, FL. But spent many years in Fort Lauderdale, FL where we met. Travelling is a passion of ours. (Or was before we had kids!). And we are always ready for a trip when our clients need us. Domestic or international! Further we work with a team of top rated wedding photographers and videographers as leads and associates. Indeed they represent our brand for large events and projects.
Contempo Photos + Videos …We are Kizzy and Fernando, a couple of happily married wedding photographers and videographers. Specializing in event photography and videography. Unquestionably, we love to capture genuine and moving moments. Then turn them into art. Further, our commitment is with you. Thus, we establish a clear connection to your ideas and expectations. And we use a simple, fresh, modern, yet timeless style.
I am, Taylor Kuperberg Photography . A top rated wedding photographer in Orlando, FL. Being able to capture life’s big and little moments is what I love. From the intimate looks between you and your partner, to the fun and excitement of the day. Every couple and wedding we have had the honor of photographing is unique in their own way. Additionally, we want to let your personalities and love shine through these photos. Our mission is to create beautiful imagery while allowing you to focus on enjoying your wedding day. We are passionate about capturing the unexpected, intimate moments throughout your wedding.
Capturing true love in every photo I take – True Life Photography by Michelle Dawson. I offer wedding and engagement photos. With one goal in mind, to capture the love between each couple I shoot.
From a very early age I knew I loved photography. It was shortly after my own wedding that I realized I wanted to be a part of capturing love stories for other couples. Inspired by my desire to capture love stories through my photography, True Life Photography was create
Wedding Photographers, how do you choose? Choosing your wedding photographer is a very important decision. It will give you memories that will last a lifetime. For this reason, we have provided you a list of Central Florida’s 10 best wedding photography experts. Each photographer has their own look and style that shows through in each image they produce. Find the style that matches you and your fiancé. Further, you will be spending some of your most intimate moments with your wedding photographer. Therefore, choose someone who you feel comfortable with, someone who feels like family. Photographers listed below are in no particular order.
We are Michael & Nicole, a husband and wife team offering wedding and engagement photography. The duo behind the cameras at Dreamscape Photography. We are passionate about providing our engaged couples with the very best service. All the while capturing memories to last a lifetime. Our beliefs are in love, laughter, family, and every other wonderful experience that is a part of marriage.
We want to be your wedding photographer. If you are looking for real, honest, authentic wedding photographs, we are for you! We’ve been professionally photographing weddings in Orlando, FL since 2005. That is to say, we have a passion (ok, more like an obsession) for wedding photography! Undoubtedly, it is truly what we love to do. We believe that every wedding and couple are unique. Therefore, we do not have a “one size fits all” approach. We start by getting to know you, your personality, wants and desires. As a result, we give you a custom tailored wedding day experience. Mike Briggs Photography.
Kristen Marie Photography has been capturing classic, romantic and timeless Weddings since 2010. We edit your wedding images in a clean and crisp way. Furthering contributing to the timeless look. Our studio is experienced in weddings from an intimate setting to a full upscale wedding. We are also experienced in cultural, multi-day wedding events. Our focus is on every little detail of your wedding day. Including capturing the natural interactions between our couples. We provide a fun and light atmosphere for our couples.
Keep your wedding day story forever in memory with photos that will take your breath away. We strongly believe that photographing a wedding is not just about getting as many pictures as possible. But rather it is about a beautiful and unique storytelling. “Photography is not just my job, it’s also my life passion.” Alexander Muradas has over 25 years of experience. Not simply photographing weddings. Also, capturing the beauty that exists when two people fall in love. His goal is to eternalize your memories. As a result, you can enjoy them for many years to come.
Hey! We are Daylin and Justin, of Daylin Lavoy Photography and Videography. A husband and wife duo that LOVE weddings! We have a relaxed and informal style. Further we love creating beautiful, natural, and vibrant modern images. The small moments like a simple smile or a tear from a loved one. We love capturing moments that might be missed, but mean the world after the day is over.
Our photo family at Steven Miller Photography, has been capturing weddings for almost 10 years. We are proud to brag about ourselves and this is why. Our down-to-earth personalities and competitive wedding packages makes for booking your wedding with us an easy process. Additionally we offer a natural photography style that our couples have fallen in love with. Furthermore, our consistency of giving back to our local community and the planet is very important to our team.
You’ve spent hundreds of hours perfecting the details of your wedding day. As wedding photographers at Photolocity, we are not going to let that go unnoticed. For instance, your day will probably move quicker then you’d like. While you may not have the time to fully appreciate your cake, we’ll be sure to document breathtaking images of it. Our photography packages are created for you and your day. We offer competitive rates, all day coverage, two photographers and unlimited photos.
I’m Kristine of Honeywood Photography. I am Central Florida Wedding Photographer. One thing I hear the most from couples, and that I have also experienced, is that your wedding day can just fly by. My job is to stop time for you. Correspondingly capturing every detail and emotion of your day. You can relax, enjoy your big day and then relive all of the moments through the images that I provide. I strive to make my couples relaxed and comfortable. I am right by your side as you take this journey. Assuredly I will help out along they way in any way that I can.
Congratulations on your engagement! I believe your wedding photography is one of the most important investments you will make. Above all they are your memories after the day is over. These silent poems are for a lifetime. My goal is to create beautiful imagery for generations to come. Wedding photography is a unique mix of art, skill, passion and experience. When those elements come together, great photographs will be the result. Chynna Pacheco Photography.
We are Central Florida wedding photographers who became best friends and share a super fulfilling photography business. Together we are Love + Theory Co. We offer face to face consultations, as well as video and telephone consults for those who cannot travel to speak with us. We would love to just chat and get to know you and your boo
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