5 Tips for Planning a Golf Course Wedding Ceremony

Wedding experts predict that engagements in 2024 will outpace engagements in 2023, topping off at around 2.4 million across the nation. This could spell a little more competition for the soon-to-be-weds as they book their venue, vendors, and more.

If you're planning on saying "I do" in the coming months or years, don't overlook the possibilities that come with celebrating on the green. Eagle Harbor offers stunning views and unbeatable amenities on Fleming Island, just 21 miles south of downtown Jacksonville.

If you're considering a golf course wedding, you're in the right place. Read on for five tips on how to plan a memorable golf course wedding ceremony.

1. Map Out Your Timeline

It's no secret that most brides and grooms aren't also expert event planners. Right away, you'll notice that planning all of the big (and small) details of a wedding takes a lot of work. What you may not realize is that time is of the essence, and booking too late or too early can cause some unforeseen problems.

If you're planning on having your wedding during the peak season (think late spring through early fall), you'll want to start looking at venues about 12 months in advance. Not only do wedding venues book up early but you can't settle on a date until you have your venue.

Once you have your venue, it's time to start thinking about entertainment (traditionally a DJ or band), photographers, and catering. While there's no need to book your vendors more than a year in advance, you'll want to have these details settled at least six months before your big day. The closer it gets to your wedding day, the more limited your choices will be.

2. Find the Perfect Venue

If you already know you want to book a golf course venue, you'll narrow down your options quite a bit, but not completely. Across the state of Florida, you've got over 1,000 golf courses to choose from. Why choose Eagle Harbor?

At Eagle Harbor, you and your guests will be swept up in the beauty of Doctors Lake, St. Johns River, and all the native flora and fauna. Whether you plan to surround yourself with florals and decor or keep things simple, you're guaranteed to have a breathtaking ceremony.

We also take great pride in our wedding package, which includes:

• Our top-notch culinary team with customizable menu options
• Access to Jacksonville's top event planner from start to finish
• A fully-stocked bar along with our skilled and professional bartenders

Weddings aren't an afterthought at Eagle Harbor. While golf may be our line of business, weddings are our passion, and we work hard to create the perfect wedding for every couple who chooses us.

3. Ask for Help

There is a reason that weddings are fun, joyous, and memorable occasions: the couple put a lot of work into making it all those things. From the perfectly timed pass-plate appetizers to the fantastic music to the stunning color scheme, someone had to make it happen, and chances are that they were overwhelmed throughout the planning process.

You may have your vision, but that doesn't mean others can't help you bring it to life. For starters, our wedding planner can walk you through the local vendors, arrange your tasting, and coordinate your day-of timeline down to the minute. By letting an expert take some of the burden, you can save yourself quite a bit of stress and spend more time enjoying your engagement.

It's also important to look out for signs of decision fatigue. If you've hit the point where having to pick one more floral arrangement or piece of jewelry makes your head spin, it's time to ask trusted loved ones to weigh in.

4. Focus on Fun

Planning an indoor-outdoor wedding at a golf course shows that you have a playful side. Weddings are often the perfect combination of sentimental, meaningful, and fun, and it should be for the newly weds above all.

Sure, it's nice to pay homage to parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends when you're planning your wedding. Ultimately, however, it should be a reflection of you and your partner. Whether you love to dance, love to play games, or just love to spend quality time with friends and family, your wedding should provide ample opportunities for you to do what you want.

That means saying no when what someone else wants doesn't align with your vision. It also means letting go of the little things on your big day and trusting your Eagle Harbor event planner to monitor your schedule so you can stay present and enjoy the moment as much as your guests do.

5. Book a Tee Time for Wedding Party Bonding

Maybe you've chosen Eagle Harbor for the breathtaking views or maybe you've got some serious golf lovers in your life. Either way, reserving a tee time or one of our tennis courts the week of your wedding is a great way to familiarize your wedding party with the venue. Plus, it makes for great bonding time!

Golfing at Eagle Harbor is an enjoyable experience no matter your skill level. We work hard to maintain our course so that not a blade of grass is out of place. Once you're done with golfing for the day, head to Talons Restaurant for a drink and a bite to eat.

Playing a few rounds of golf together before your wedding day is a great way to relax, unwind, and enjoy each other's company. After all, your wedding will be here before you know it!

Planning a Golf Course Wedding? Book Eagle Harbor

Planning a wedding is no small feat, something we understand at Eagle Harbor. If you've got your heart set on a golf course wedding in Florida, we'd be honored to bring it to life.

From the culinary masters on our catering team to the groundskeepers who make our golf course the beautiful place it is, we vow to make your golf course wedding something you'll never forget. To learn more about our wedding package and availability, contact us today.