Epping Forest Yacht & Country Club Wedding Photography Guide
A photographer's guide to Jacksonville's most elegant estate
About Epping Forest Yacht & Country Club
Epping Forest Yacht & Country Club
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Epping Forest Yacht & Country Club is Jacksonville's premier historic wedding venue, set within a stunning 1920s DuPont mansion overlooking the St. Johns River. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this Spanish Renaissance estate offers a level of elegance and grandeur that's unmatched in Northeast Florida.
The venue offers remarkable flexibility with spaces ranging from intimate gatherings of 30 guests to grand celebrations of up to 600 in the English Gardens. The combination of historic architecture, manicured gardens, and panoramic river views creates an atmosphere that photographs beautifully from every angle.
Event Spaces & Capacity
- English Gardens: Up to 600 guests - outdoor ceremonies and receptions
- Terraces: Up to 275 guests - waterfront celebrations with river views
- Entire Second Floor: Up to 240 guests - indoor elegance
- DuPont & Mason Room: Up to 200 guests - grand ballroom
- Gate Room: Up to 70 guests - intimate gatherings
- Forest Room: Up to 30 guests - small celebrations
Best Photo Locations
The English Gardens
The crown jewel of Epping Forest. These manicured gardens can accommodate up to 600 guests for ceremonies and offer endless photo opportunities with sculpted hedges, fountains, and the mansion as a backdrop.
St. Johns River Terrace
The terraces overlooking the St. Johns River provide panoramic water views that are stunning at any time of day. The 275-guest capacity terrace is perfect for sunset portraits with boats passing in the background.
The DuPont & Mason Room
The grand ballroom accommodates up to 200 guests with ornate Spanish Renaissance details, crystal chandeliers, and elegant architectural features that photograph beautifully.
The Historic Mansion Exterior
Built in the 1920s for Alfred DuPont, the Spanish Renaissance architecture provides a timeless backdrop. The stucco walls, arched doorways, and clay tile roofs create old-world elegance.
The Gate Room
An intimate space for up to 70 guests with historic charm. The detailed woodwork and vintage atmosphere make it ideal for smaller, elegant celebrations.
The Waterfront Dock
Access to the private dock means unique water-level portraits with the yacht club and river as your backdrop. Especially magical during golden hour.
Photographer Tips
The River Light is Everything
The St. Johns River creates beautiful reflected light, especially during golden hour. We'll plan your timeline around this for the most stunning portraits.
Book Early - Very Early
Epping Forest is one of Jacksonville's most sought-after venues. Couples often book 12-18 months in advance, especially for peak season dates.
Work With Their Catering Team
The in-house catering team knows the venue inside and out. They'll help with timing and logistics, and the food is consistently excellent.
Explore All the Spaces
With capacity ranging from 30 to 600 guests, there are many different spaces and combinations. Tour thoroughly to find what works for your guest count and vision.
Historic Details Matter
The Spanish Renaissance architecture has incredible details - arched doorways, wrought iron, terra cotta tiles. We'll incorporate these into your portraits.
Sample Wedding Day Timeline at Epping Forest Yacht & Country Club
Every wedding is unique, but here's a sample timeline to help you plan your day:
View Sample Timeline
Venue Access
Bridal party arrives to get ready in the elegant prep spaces.
First Look
Private first look in the English Gardens or along the river terrace with the mansion as backdrop.
Wedding Party Photos
Portraits throughout the gardens, terraces, and historic architecture.
Family Portraits
Family combinations in the gardens while guests arrive.
Ceremony
Garden ceremony with the historic mansion and river views.
Cocktail Hour
Guests enjoy the terraces while we capture candids and sneak away for couple portraits.
Reception
Dinner and dancing in the DuPont & Mason Room or outdoor terrace.
River Portraits
Golden hour portraits on the terrace or dock with St. Johns River views.
Note: This is a sample timeline. Sunset times vary significantly by season, so we'll customize yours based on your wedding date, ceremony time, and priorities.
Epping Forest Wedding Cost
Epping Forest Yacht & Country Club is a high-end venue with pricing that reflects its historic significance and premium amenities. As a private club, pricing varies based on the space selected, guest count, and time of year.
The venue includes in-house catering with customizable menu and wine selection assistance. Their experienced events team will help coordinate every detail of your celebration.
For current pricing and availability, contact the events team directly at 904-739-7200 or visit efyc.com.
Planning a Wedding at Epping Forest?
We'd love to capture your day at this stunning Jacksonville estate. With 15 years of experience photographing weddings throughout Northeast Florida, we know how to make the most of Epping Forest's historic architecture, beautiful gardens, and river views.
Get in Touch