Alicia and Justin’s botanical garden elopement was perfect if you are looking for a quiet and intimate elopement – with a few of your friends and family by their side! Their day was full of love and support and was everything they could have asked for. Here is a look into how their elopement day unfolded.

Alicia and Justin’s Botanical Garden Elopement Story

Alicia and Justin are locals to Jacksonville but wanted to celebrate their marriage in a botanical garden elopement style. That wanted to celebrate with only their closest friends and family! Their day started at a local Airbnb in downtown Jacksonville where Alicia, her sisters, best friend and mother got ready together. While the ladies got ready at the Airbnb the men were getting ready at Justin’s friends house down the street.

Alicia and Justin met their family and friends at the botanical gardens for their elopements. The gardens were full of old oak trees and beautiful flowers surrounding a lily pad filled lake. Their friends and family gathered around the large oak tree waiting for Alicia appear around the bushes. With her father by her side, Justin saw Alicia for the first time in her wedding gown. During their ceremony, Alicia and Justin had the chance to say their vows and share their first kiss. As they walked away for the first time as husband and wife they were celebrated by the kids with bubbles.

While they family members headed back tot he Airbnb to set up the tables for their micro reception, Alicia and Justin spent time wondering around the park. While walking around the gardens they spotted so much wildlife from snakes, fish, birds, and even a small gator.

Once they met the family back at the Airbnb, they had the most amazing pancit and lumpia waiting for them. Before enjoying their food, they changed into clothing that was more fitting to who they are and that was comfortable. They ate food, enjoyed the company of their family and friends and ended their day with the best cake ever…. Publix cake of course!

How to elope at the Jacksonville Botanical Gardens

The Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens offers 2 hour rentals for elopement ceremonies 7 days a week year round. Their rental fees vary slightly between weekday and weekend rentals.

The garden it dog friendly as long as they are on a leash no longer than 8 ft and are stay out of the water. The garden strictly prohibits balloons, confetti, powder cannons, rice, birdseed, flower petals, or any items that create debris. They also strictly prohibit smoking on the property and in the parking lot.

During the holiday season, the garden hosts an event called the Glowing Gardens from the End of November to the end of December. If you choose to elope during this time please expect Christmas decoration around the park, however, these decorations are able to be worked around.

Learn more about Eloping in Florida