Congaree and Penn Wedding Photography Guide
A photographer's guide to Jacksonville's farm-to-table estate
About Congaree and Penn
Congaree and Penn
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Congaree and Penn started in 2014 as a tiny rice farm and has grown into something unique - a working farm with the largest and youngest Mayhaw orchard in the world (over 2,000 trees) that also happens to be one of the most beautiful wedding venues in Jacksonville.
This isn't a venue that's trying to look like a farm. It is a farm. You'll find emus, chickens, and goats roaming the property. The carved boulders, rope swings, and vintage tractors aren't staged - they're authentic elements of a working agricultural property. The live oaks draped in Spanish moss, the pond with its wooden dock and cypress trees, the vineyard rows, and the tree-lined gravel paths create a setting that feels both intentional and completely natural.
The farm-to-table approach extends to the food. When they say farm-to-table, they mean it - the cuisine features Congaree and Penn's own products, locally sourced produce and sustainably raised meats, and locally caught wild seafood.
Venue Spaces
- The Grapevines: Intimate space for up to 30 guests with three-hour reservation
- The Quonset Hut: Main event space for 100 seated or 150 standing, with full-day access
- The Roost: Mid-sized space for 80 seated or 100 standing, with full-day access
- Ceremony Site: Dedicated outdoor ceremony space for up to 80 guests under the oaks
- The Hammock Bungalows: On-site getting-ready spaces available for rental (two-night minimum for overnight stays)
What Makes It Special
- Working farm with authentic agricultural elements
- Live oaks draped in Spanish moss
- Pond with wooden dock surrounded by cypress trees
- Vineyard rows and tree-lined gravel paths
- Farm animals (emus, chickens, goats) add character
- True farm-to-table cuisine featuring venue's own products
- Full run of the property for photos
- Multiple event spaces for different group sizes
Why We Love Photographing at Congaree and Penn
What makes Congaree and Penn special from a photography standpoint is the variety of environments packed into one property. Within a few minutes of walking, we move from vineyard rows to ancient oaks to a pond with a wooden dock to gravel paths flanked by tall trees. Each area has its own character and light quality, which means your gallery has built-in variety without feeling forced or repetitive.
The golden hour light here is remarkable. When the sun gets low, it filters through the Spanish moss on those live oaks and reflects off the pond in ways that create the kind of backlight and natural fill that photographers dream about. The string lights in the barn area take over as dusk settles in, creating beautiful bokeh and warm ambient light for reception coverage.
The other thing we appreciate is that this is a real working farm. The elements we photograph - the tractor, the carved boulders, the rope swing, even the emus wandering around - aren't staged. They're part of what makes this place what it is. That authenticity comes through in the images.
Best Photo Locations
The Live Oaks and Spanish Moss
Ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss create that classic Florida atmosphere. When golden hour light filters through the moss and branches, these trees deliver some of the most beautiful backlight we work with anywhere.
The Pond and Wooden Dock
A peaceful pond with a wooden dock framed by cypress trees. The water reflects the surrounding trees and creates gorgeous natural mirrors for portraits, especially during the last hour before sunset.
Tree-Lined Gravel Paths
Winding paths flanked by tall trees form natural corridors of light. These pathways work beautifully for walking shots and give your gallery variety in perspective and composition.
The Vineyard Rows
Clean lines of grapevines create geometric patterns that add structure to portraits. The rows frame couples naturally and work well for both intimate moments and wider environmental shots.
The Barn and Quonset Hut
The Quonset hut structure features string lights and rustic charm. As dusk settles in, those string lights create beautiful bokeh in the background, and the barn's weathered textures add character to detail shots.
The Tractor and Farm Elements
A vintage green tractor and other authentic farm elements scattered throughout the property add personality and a sense of place. These aren't props - they're part of the working farm.
Photographer Tips
Schedule Around Golden Hour
The property transforms during the last hour before sunset. Plan your ceremony timing so we can take advantage of that golden light filtering through the oaks and reflecting off the pond.
Call Ahead and Check In
This is a working farm. You'll need to schedule your session in advance and check in when you arrive, but once you're there, you have full run of the property to explore all those beautiful spots.
Embrace the Farm Vibe
Don't fight the setting - lean into it. The emus, chickens, and goats are part of the charm. The carved boulders, rope swings, and vintage tractor aren't styled props, they're authentic farm elements that make this place unique.
Farm-to-Table is the Real Deal
Congaree and Penn specializes in farm-to-table cuisine featuring their own products, local ingredients, and sustainably raised meats. The $40-50 per guest food minimum gets you genuinely excellent food that fits the setting.
Bring a Coordinator
The venue doesn't provide day-of coordination, so you'll need to hire your own. Having a professional who can handle logistics while you focus on each other makes a huge difference.
Planning Your Timeline at Congaree and Penn
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 Congaree and Penn
Golden hour timing is critical at Congaree and Penn. The property looks completely different in that last hour before sunset when light filters through the oaks and reflects off the pond.
Time for Photos
We recommend 60-90 minutes for portraits at Congaree and Penn, covering the live oaks, pond and dock, vineyard rows, gravel paths, barn area.
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
- 75 decibel limit on amplified sound
- Acoustic bands preferred
- No confetti, glitter, or balloons
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 TimelineCongaree and Penn Wedding Cost
Congaree and Penn offers multiple venue spaces with pricing that varies based on guest count, day of the week, and which space you choose.
Venue Space Pricing
- The Grapevines (up to 30 guests): $250 venue fee + $1,000 food & beverage minimum (3-hour reservation)
- The Roost (80 seated / 100 standing): $1,000-$2,500 weekdays, $2,000-$5,000 weekends (full-day access)
- The Quonset Hut (100 seated / 150 standing): $1,500-$3,000 weekdays, $3,000-$10,000 weekends (full-day access)
- Ceremony Site (up to 80 guests): $1,500-$2,000
- Full Farm Buyout (100+ guests): Starting at $18,000
Catering
- Quonset Hut: $50 per guest food minimum
- Roost: $40 per guest food minimum (or option to hire your own food truck)
- Farm-to-table cuisine featuring Congaree and Penn products, local ingredients, and sustainably raised meats
Additional Options
- The Hammock Bungalows: Getting-ready spaces starting at $500 (overnight stays require two-night minimum)
Important Details
- Nonrefundable deposit required to secure your date
- Remaining balance due 14 days before event
- You must hire your own event coordinator (venue does not provide coordination)
- Amplified music limited to 75 decibels; acoustic bands preferred
- No confetti, glitter, or balloons permitted
For current pricing, availability, and to schedule a tour, contact Congaree and Penn at hello@congareeandpenn.com or visit congareeandpenn.com/weddings.
Planning a Wedding at Congaree and Penn?
We'd love to capture your day at this beautiful farm. With 15 years of experience photographing weddings throughout Jacksonville and St. Augustine, we know exactly how to work with golden hour light through Spanish moss, natural reflections on the pond, and those authentic farm elements that make this venue unique.
Get in TouchReal Weddings Here
Browse galleries from weddings we've photographed at this location
