Bowing Oaks Wedding Photography Guide
A photographer's guide to Jacksonville's plantation-style estate
About Bowing Oaks
Bowing Oaks
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Bowing Oaks is a plantation-style wedding venue that delivers exactly what its name promises - magnificent century-old oak trees with branches that sweep gracefully toward the ground, creating natural cathedral arches draped in Spanish moss. It's the kind of setting that makes photographers' hearts sing.
Beyond those iconic oaks, the venue offers a beautiful 3,200 square foot climate-controlled ballroom featuring crystal chandeliers, specialty lighting, and elegant draping. Two distinct outdoor ceremony sites give couples options, and the spacious patio seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor celebrations.
What's Included
- All-day access (8am-midnight Fri/Sat, until 11pm Sunday)
- Two outdoor ceremony sites
- Tables and chairs for 200 guests
- Two elegant dressing suites
- 3,200 sq ft climate-controlled ballroom
- Crystal chandeliers and specialty lighting
- Elegant draping
- Spacious patio
- ADA compliant facilities
Best Photo Locations
The Century-Old Oak Trees
The namesake oaks are absolutely magnificent - ancient trees with sweeping branches that bow toward the ground, draped in Spanish moss. This is THE photo spot and we'll plan plenty of time here.
The Ceremony Meadow
Two distinct outdoor ceremony sites give you options. The oak-shaded meadow creates an intimate, romantic setting with dappled light filtering through the branches.
The Ballroom
A stunning 3,200 square foot climate-controlled ballroom with crystal chandeliers, specialty lighting, and elegant draping. The chandelier light creates beautiful evening portraits.
The Spacious Patio
The large patio connects indoor and outdoor spaces, offering covered portrait opportunities and gorgeous views of the property.
The Bridal Suite
An elegant dressing suite with beautiful natural light - perfect for getting-ready photos and bridal portraits before the ceremony.
The Property Grounds
Beyond the main ceremony sites, the expansive grounds offer varied backdrops - open fields, tree lines, and pastoral scenery.
Photographer Tips
Those Oaks Are Everything
The bowing oak trees are why couples book this venue. We'll plan your timeline around the best light filtering through those magnificent branches - typically late afternoon golden hour.
All-Day Access is a Gift
With venue access from 8am until midnight (Fri/Sat), you have time to truly enjoy your day. No rushing, no stress - just beautiful moments unfolding naturally.
Approved Vendors Know the Space
Bowing Oaks requires approved caterers and coordinators. These vendors know the venue intimately and work seamlessly together - trust the process.
Season Affects Pricing
Off-season months (Jan, Feb, Jul, Aug, Sep) offer better rates. Peak season (Mar-Jun, Oct-Dec) books quickly. Plan accordingly.
The Ballroom Transforms
Crystal chandeliers and specialty lighting make the ballroom glow. Evening portraits inside are stunning - we'll capture both the natural outdoor light and the elegant indoor ambiance.
Planning Your Timeline at Bowing Oaks
We don't publish generic sample timelines because they're useless without knowing your wedding date. Here's why:
A 5pm ceremony works beautifully in summer but means portraits in the dark in winter. Your timeline needs to be built around your actual date and what matters most to you.
Light at Bowing Oaks
Natural light varies throughout the day. We recommend discussing specific timing based on your ceremony location and time of year.
Time for Photos
We recommend 45-60 minutes for portraits at Bowing Oaks, covering the ceremony area, reception space, and grounds.
Timeline Strategies
Sunset Portraits
Want that golden hour magic? We work backwards from sunset. Ceremony ends 60-90 minutes before, giving time for family photos, couple portraits, and catching the best light.
Brunch or Daytime
Morning ceremonies and daytime receptions mean lots of beautiful natural light all day. Great for summer when afternoons can get pretty warm.
Venue Timing Notes
- Music curfew at Midnight (Fri/Sat), 11pm (Sun)
Get a Timeline Built for Your Day
Tell us your wedding date, ceremony time preferences, and what moments matter most. We'll send you a custom timeline that accounts for sunset, this venue's best light, and your priorities.
Request Your Custom TimelineBowing Oaks Wedding Cost
Wedding packages at Bowing Oaks range from $8,000 to $11,000 depending on the day of the week and season.
Pricing Factors
- Off-season months: January, February, July, August, September (lower rates)
- Peak season: March through June, October through December (higher rates)
- $500 security deposit required
Requirements
- Must use caterers from approved vendor list
- Must use coordinators from approved vendor list
The venue includes all-day access, both ceremony sites, the ballroom, dressing suites, tables and chairs for 200, and all the beautiful lighting and draping that makes this space special.
For current pricing and availability, contact Bowing Oaks at 904-600-5172 or visit bowingoaks.com.
Planning a Wedding at Bowing Oaks?
We'd love to capture your day under those magnificent oak trees. With 15 years of experience photographing weddings throughout Jacksonville, we know exactly how to work with the dappled light, the sweeping branches, and the elegant ballroom to create images you'll treasure forever.
Get in TouchReal Weddings at Bowing Oaks
Browse galleries from weddings we've photographed at this beautiful venue
