3558 St. Johns Avenue, Jacksonville (904) 387-1080
The food at Biscotti’s restaurant in Avondale never disappoints. It’s often one of the first places in town a bride will scout for a small rehearsal dinner. They can also cater the main event. Most of the desserts they serve are actually made by some of the best confectionary makers in town.
919 King Street, Jacksonville (904) 387-1955
Liz does it all and she does it beautifully. For events large or small, Catering by Liz is the choice for most large high-end corporate events and weddings. Not only does it taste fabulous, her presentation is outstanding. Catering By Liz now hosts parties and events at Bella Sera, a 10,000 square foot facility in Riverside. The Italian farmhouse-type setting can accommodate up to 200 people.
1712 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville Beach (904) 249-9660
Fans of the Homestead House’s cuisine and Sunday buffet should really check out the reasonably priced and tasty options available for anyone planning a big event. You can hold your event at the Homestead, which is a popular rehearsal dinner spot, or they’d be happy to take it on the road. Notable menus include typical big ticket buffet items and carving stations. They also offer themed packages, such as the Hawaiian Luau.
4152 3rd St South, Jacksonville Beach (904) 246-6408
Some of the most upscale weddings in Jacksonville have employed this cake maker. With an eye towards creating edible works of art, this company strives to corner the market on the most architecturally impressive confections.
1012 Edgewood Ave South, Jacksonville (904) 389-8054 edgewoodbakery.com/
If you don’t live in Murray Hill, you’re missing out on the lovely Edgewood Bakery. Placed in slowly improving Edgewood strip, they do everything from fluffy pastries to specially designed cakes.
3647 Park Street, Jacksonville (904) 389-2122
Cup cake towers are one of the newest alternatives to the traditional wedding cake and Let Them Eat Cake has its share of Jacksonvilians devoted to their cupcakes.
4522 Appleton Avenue Jacksonville (904) 388-8910 sheliascakes.com
While Shelia’s can do nearly anything as far as a cake or specialty dessert is concerned, they specialize at making elaborate old-fashioned cakes.
11362 San Jose Blvd Jacksonville (904) 292-3345
In the Mandarin neighborhood, a prospective bride might want to give Truffles a taste to audition them for a chance to craft her cake. While they serve sandwiches as well, this bakery excels in the art of sweet making. If you’re counting calories, just skip straight to dessert.
rehearsal dinner/reception spaces
691 North First Street, Jacksonville Beach (904) 270-0025
A beachfront, on-site hotel and a staff dedicated to detail are just a few of the plusses. To sample their cuisine just head to the restaurant, where The Casa Marina’s imaginative Chefs design and serve “New Beach Cuisine” daily, highlighting the best of local seafood, produce and specialty ingredients with an international flair for flavor and style. They can accommodate up to 300 people.
1501 River Place Blvd Jacksonville, (904) 398-3353
At the Chart House you’ll get high-end seafood with a view of the St. Johns. It’s a popular locale for rehearsal dinners, and can accommodate up to 150 people.
2110 Dixie Clipper Road, Jacksonville (904) 741-1997
Here’s an idea, why not make things super-easy for those guests who are flying in by holding your reception at the Clarion Airport Hotel, plus you can stay there at the end of the day. They’ll provide everything you need for a small or large banquet. They can accommodate up to 300 and pet lovers can board their pooch at the Pet Resort.
117 West Adams Street (904) 355-3793 chewrestaurant.com/
For a small wedding reception or a rehearsal dinner, Chew is fast becoming the place to book. The restaurant itself is closed nights, but they’re often accommodating events after dark. Not only do they have a classy, urban-but-inviting décor, they also have a fantastic chef. Stop in for lunch and you’ll see what we mean.
2525 Country Club Blvd, Orange Park, (904) 458-1011
This picture-pretty clubhouse features a full length porch, ideal for the honeymoon send-off. The fountain and gazebo are elegantly placed on the manicured lawns with oak trees and the 18th hole of the golf course as a backdrop. They can accommodate groups of 50-200.
I-95 at J. Turner Butler Blvd. (904) 296-1525 daveandbusters.com/
For a really unique rehearsal dinner or even reception, go with Dave and Busters. You might be surprised at the size and number of private venues on-site. Guests can enjoy the game area, a formal sit-down dinner or a murder-mystery dinner theatre.
2030 Wells Rd, Orange Park (904) 276-4309
A garden, a stone fountain and rich oak paneled reception areas are all part of the atmosphere at this choice Orange Park venue. The food, whether vegetarian or filet mignon, has a reputation for excellence. Can accommodate 15-200+.
1312 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville Beach (904) 247-6820 maxsrestaurant.us
The food at Max’s has been recognized by Florida Trend Magazine and it’s made the top 25 restaurant list for Jacksonville Magazine for 4 years in row. The 18th century, European-style ballroom and beautiful courtyard will wow your guests before they even get to the food. Accommodates anywhere from 10 to 250 guests.
835 Museum Circle, Jacksonville (904) 398-2299 rivercitybrew.com /index.htm
This popular, high-end Sunday brunch spot has more than one thing going for it. It’s got a river-front view of Downtown for the bride and a microbrewery for the guys. Can accommodate from 75 to 240.
110 Championship Way, Ponte Vedra Beach (904) 273-3344
With a new, state-of-the-art clubhouse and plenty of space, this venue is bound to be even more poplar. Views of the fairway, excellent catering and full service makes this a great high-end venue for a large wedding.
One King Street, St.Augustine (904) 824-9056 ocwhiteroom.com/
Located downtown on St. Augustine’s Bayfront, you can hold the wedding, the reception or the rehearsal dinner at this venue. Panoramic water views, exotic hardwood floors, grand white columns and an elegant mahogany bar sets the mood for your perfect day or evening. Accommodates anywhere from 50 to 300 guests.
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