Club Continental Wedding Photography Guide
A photographer's guide to Orange Park's historic riverside Palmolive estate
About Club Continental
Club Continental
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Club Continental is a historic riverside estate in Orange Park, overlooking the St. Johns River from grounds that include one of Florida's most magnificent 300-year-old Live Oak trees. Originally the winter estate of the Palmolive soap family, the property exudes old Florida elegance with Mediterranean architecture, manicured gardens, and stunning river views.
The estate offers multiple ceremony and reception options - from intimate garden weddings to grand riverside celebrations for up to 200 guests. With 22 guest suites on the property and full event services, Club Continental creates a complete destination wedding experience.
Event Spaces
- The Ancient Oak: 300-year-old Live Oak for ceremonies under spreading branches
- Riverfront Lawn: Expansive lawn overlooking the St. Johns River
- Mira Rio Mansion: Historic mansion with elegant indoor spaces
- The Gardens: Manicured grounds with fountains and pathways
- Pool Terrace: Mediterranean-style pool area for cocktails
- Indoor Ballroom: Elegant reception space with historic character
Estate History
- Former winter estate of the Palmolive family
- 300-year-old Live Oak tree
- Mediterranean architecture and design
- Direct St. Johns River frontage
- 22 guest suites on property
What's Included
Wedding packages include venue rental, ceremony and reception spaces, event coordination, and access to the historic grounds. Catering is available in-house or through approved vendors. The Club Continental team has been hosting celebrations here for decades.
Best Photo Locations
The 300-Year-Old Live Oak
One of Florida's most magnificent trees, this ancient Live Oak has witnessed centuries of history. The massive, spreading branches create an utterly unique ceremony backdrop.
The St. Johns River
The estate overlooks the St. Johns River with stunning water views and spectacular sunsets. The riverfront provides a dramatic backdrop for portraits.
The Mira Rio Mansion
The historic Palmolive family mansion features Mediterranean architecture, elegant interiors, and period details throughout. Indoor portraits have refined character.
The Gardens
Manicured gardens with fountains, mature landscaping, and pathways perfect for romantic strolls and intimate portraits.
The Pool & Terrace
The historic pool area and surrounding terrace offer unique architectural backdrops with Mediterranean flair.
The Riverfront Lawn
Expansive lawn stretching to the St. Johns River - ideal for large ceremonies, receptions, and sunset portraits.
Photographer Tips
The Oak Tree is 300 Years Old
This isn't just any oak tree - it's one of the oldest and most magnificent in Florida. Getting married under branches that have stood for three centuries creates a connection to history that's deeply meaningful.
Palmolive Family Estate
Club Continental was the winter estate of the Palmolive soap family. The wealth and taste they brought to this property shows in every detail - the architecture, the gardens, the river views.
Sunset on the St. Johns
The estate faces west over the St. Johns River, which means spectacular sunsets. Time your ceremony to end as the golden hour begins for magical light during cocktails and portraits.
22 Suites On-Site
Having accommodations on the property creates a destination wedding feel. Your closest family and friends can stay in the mansion or surrounding buildings.
Gardens Offer Variety
The manicured gardens, fountains, and pathways provide endless portrait variety. We can capture formal portraits, romantic walks, and candid moments without leaving the property.
Year-Round Beauty
The Live Oak is evergreen, the gardens are maintained year-round, and the river is always beautiful. This venue photographs well in every season.
Weddings at Club Continental
Real weddings we've photographed at this beautiful venue.
View Recent Weddings
Planning Your Timeline at Club Continental
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 Club Continental
Historic riverfront estate with St. Johns River views. The grounds and river terrace catch beautiful golden hour light.
Time for Photos
We recommend 60-75 minutes for portraits at Club Continental, covering the riverfront lawn, historic mansion, pool area, 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
- Historic property—respect venue guidelines
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 TimelineClub Continental Wedding Cost
Wedding packages at Club Continental range from approximately $500 to $3,000+ depending on spaces used, guest count, day of week, and season. This provides excellent value for a historic riverside estate venue.
What to Expect
- Venue rental for ceremony and reception
- Access to grounds, gardens, and historic spaces
- Event coordination
- Setup and breakdown assistance
- On-site parking
Accommodations
With 22 guest suites on the property, your wedding party and close family can stay right on the estate. This creates a weekend celebration feel and eliminates transportation logistics.
For current pricing and to schedule a tour, contact Club Continental at (904) 264-6070 or visit clubcontinental.com.
Planning a Wedding at Club Continental?
We've photographed weddings at historic estates throughout Northeast Florida, and Club Continental's 300-year-old oak, riverfront setting, and Palmolive mansion heritage create something truly special. The combination of history, natural beauty, and elegant architecture provides endless opportunities for meaningful images.
Get in TouchReal Weddings at Club Continental
Browse galleries from weddings we've photographed at this beautiful venue
