Planning your wedding in Lakeland, Florida? Lakeland is a charming city in Central Florida, conveniently located between Tampa and Orlando. Lakeland offers a mix of lakeside serenity, mild subtropical climate, and easy highway access, making it a practical yet poetic choice for weddings. Its geography is defined by rolling hills and over 38 lakes, with a climate that favors outdoor events most of the year. The best months for weddings are March to May and October to early December, when the weather is more predictable and comfortable. Lakeland boasts a range of venues, from historic buildings to scenic outdoor settings. Known for its historic charm, lakes, and vibrant community, it covers about 75 square miles and is named for its 38 lakes, including Lake Parker and Lake Hollingsworth.
If you are looking for a quality wedding photography in Lakeland, Best Memories Photography is here for you.
At Best Memories Photography, we specialize in timeless wedding photography that beautifully preserves the essence of your most cherished moments. Based in Tampa Bay and proudly serving Lakeland, we bring over a decade of experience and a deep passion for storytelling through the lens.
Your wedding day is one of life's most meaningful milestones, and we're here to ensure every emotion, detail, and celebration is captured with artistry and care. Our signature style blends photojournalistic authenticity with classic elegance, creating a visual narrative that's both heartfelt and enduring.
Renowned for our reliability and consistently high ratings, we offer budget-friendly packages: some of the best values in Florida, without compromising on quality. Let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime.
All types of weddings: indoor, outdoor, small or big, church weddings, traditional weddings, beach weddings, courthouse weddings, backyard weddings, themed weddings, ethnic weddings, elopements.
Unbeatable turnaround time: 5 business days for wedding packages (fully edited).
• Half day (5 hours of coverage, 1 photographer, unlimited digital photos, minimum 350 files, edited) $900.
• Full day (10 hours of coverage, 1 photographer, unlimited digital photos, minimum 750 files, edited) $1700.
Lakeland, Florida has become one of Central Florida's most desirable wedding locations, offering lakeside beauty, historic charm, and convenient access to both Tampa and Orlando. Couples planning a wedding here often discover that Lakeland delivers exceptional value without sacrificing style or quality. Understanding how Lakeland's wedding budgets compare to Florida as a whole, and to the rest of the United States, helps couples plan confidently and make the most of their investment.
Across the United States, wedding budgets continue to rise, with the average U.S. wedding cost reaching about $36,000 in 2025. Venue pricing alone averages $8,573 nationwide, while catering typically costs around $6,927. Most couples ultimately plan within a $20,000 to $30,000 range when avoiding luxury markets. Compared to these national figures, Lakeland weddings generally fall below the U.S. average, making the city an appealing choice for couples seeking a beautiful celebration at a more accessible price point.
Florida's statewide wedding market is known for its variety, stretching from high-end coastal destinations to more affordable inland cities. The average Florida wedding cost is approximately $34,570 in 2025, with most celebrations falling between $15,000 and $30,000 depending on guest count and location. Major metro areas tend to push budgets higher, with Miami averaging around $46,103, Tampa around $37,500, and Orlando around $25,854. Inland cities like Lakeland typically offer more budget-friendly options while still providing elevated venues and professional services.
In Lakeland specifically, The Wedding Report places the average wedding budget between $33,634 and $41,108 for a celebration with 100 to 150 guests. This positions Lakeland below Miami and Tampa, slightly above Orlando, slightly above the Florida statewide average, and still below the U.S. national average. It's a balanced middle ground: affordable compared to coastal hotspots yet refined enough to sit just above the state median.
Lakeland's venue pricing reflects this blend of value and quality. Local options range from historic halls to rustic barns and boutique hotels. The United Women's Club of Lakeland offers event rentals between $300 and $1,800, while GG Ballroom ranges from $850 to $2,999. The Terrace Hotel Lakeland begins around $4,050, and nearby Florida Rustic Barn Weddings in Plant City starts at $3,990. Overall, Lakeland venues typically fall between $1,000 and $6,000 depending on style, amenities, and guest count, well below the national venue average of $8,573.
Catering costs in Lakeland follow a similar trend. With the national catering average at $6,927, most Lakeland couples can expect pricing between $25 and $60 per guest for buffet or casual service, and between $60 and $100 per guest for plated meals. Smaller weddings or lighter menus often fall between $1,500 and $4,000. Compared to Tampa, Miami, and Orlando, Lakeland's catering market is generally more affordable, making it easier for couples to stay within their target budget.
Photography remains one of the most important wedding investments, and Lakeland's pricing is notably more accessible than major metro areas. Typical photography rates in Lakeland and Polk County range from $1,200 to $3,000 for full-day coverage. Florida's statewide average sits between $2,000 and $4,000, while the U.S. national average ranges from $2,500 to $4,500. Within this landscape, Best Memories Photography stands out by offering high-quality wedding photography packages under $1000, providing exceptional value for couples who want professional coverage without stretching their budget.
Lodging is another area where Lakeland shines. Hotels in the area typically range from $110 to $180 per night for standard rooms, with higher-end or downtown properties reaching $180 to $250 per night. Airbnb options throughout Lakeland and Polk County usually fall between $90 and $150 per night for smaller homes or apartments, and between $150 and $250 per night for larger or multi-bedroom accommodations. Because Lakeland is not a beach destination, lodging remains more affordable and more readily available, which is especially helpful for weddings with many out-of-town guests.
Lakeland ultimately offers a compelling mix of value, beauty, and convenience. It remains more affordable than Florida's coastal metros, slightly above the statewide average due to its strong venue offerings, and still below the national average. With accessible lodging, reasonable vendor pricing, and standout photography options like sub-$1000 packages from Best Memories Photography, Lakeland gives couples the opportunity to create a memorable celebration without overspending.
Lakeland, FL offers a diverse mix of wedding venues ranging from historic hotels and rustic barns to elegant ballrooms and lakeside estates. Couples can choose between intimate settings for under 50 guests or expansive properties accommodating 200+, with options for indoor, outdoor, and all-inclusive packages.
1833 Venue
Historic charm with herringbone floors, chandeliers, and a fireplace.
Ideal for intimate weddings, showers, or upscale gatherings.
Strong aesthetic appeal for photography, especially with its vintage architectural details.
Domain Ave
A stylish, boutique event space on Drane Field Road. Known for its modern interiors and flexible layouts, it's ideal for couples seeking a polished
yet intimate setting.
Lakeland Venue
Located on Ingraham Avenue, this hidden gem offers a cozy, customizable space perfect for smaller weddings or couples who want
a more personal, DIY-friendly atmosphere.
Haus 820
A renovated historic warehouse with industrial charm and soaring ceilings. Popular for larger weddings, it blends modern design with
Lakeland's historic character.
Still Creek Farm
A rustic farm venue with natural backdrops and open-air charm. Perfect for couples who want a countryside feel without
leaving Lakeland.
Black Swan Venue LLC
Downtown Lakeland's chic option with a modern aesthetic. Its location makes it convenient for urban weddings with nearby
photo opportunities.
Uliana Estate
A luxurious estate venue with manicured grounds and elegant interiors. Offers a refined, upscale atmosphere for couples
seeking grandeur.
Ever After Farms Citrus Wedding Venue
Located in Polk City (close to Lakeland), this barn venue is surrounded by citrus groves,
offering rustic charm with a uniquely Floridian twist.
White Horse Venue
A versatile event space with rustic-modern appeal, located on Yates Road. It's a lesser-known option that balances
intimacy with flexibility.
Lakeland's beauty isn't loud - it's layered. These spots offer mood, texture, and story:
Hollis Garden: Not just flowers. It's symmetry, stonework, and reflections off Lake Mirror. Best shot early morning or golden hour.
Downtown alleyways: Brick, graffiti, and old signage. Perfect for couples who want grit with their romance.
Circle B Bar Reserve: If you're into foggy fields, oak canopies, and the occasional sandhill crane photobomb.
Lake Morton: Swans, yes, but also weathered benches, overgrown paths, and a quiet melancholy that photographs beautifully.
Bonnet Springs Park: This is 168-acre urban oasis in Lakeland, offering lush landscapes, cultural attractions, and abundant photography opportunities: from canopy walks and creeks to gardens and architectural gems. Named as the best city park in the US (2025) by USA Today. This park was designed to blend nature, recreation, and education. Bonnet Springs Park is a dream for photographers, especially those drawn to mood, texture, and storytelling. It offers a rich palette of textures, moods, and backdrops.
Fast turnaround, flawless quality - Best Memories Photography delivers memories you will cherish forever. Best Memories Photography is here to make your dream wedding in Lakeland come true. From Riverview riversides to Lakeland rolling hills, your wedding story deserves the best.
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