Fairbanks House Wedding Photography Guide
A venue guide to this Italianate mansion on Amelia Island
About Fairbanks House
Fairbanks House
More details Less details
Fairbanks House is an 1885 Italianate villa in the historic district of Fernandina Beach, on Florida's Amelia Island. The 8,000-square-foot mansion sits on a landscaped acre alongside three cottages, and the property is listed in the Select Registry of distinguished B&Bs — the kind of property that earns mentions in Southern Living and Condé Nast rather than advertising for them.
The inn operates as an adults-only boutique property with 12 rooms, suites, and cottages, a pool garden, and private grounds planted with native oaks, magnolias, palms, and a butterfly garden. What distinguishes it for couples is a purpose-built elopement package: a private ceremony for two in the garden gazebo, an officiant, in-house photography, and a wedding dinner at a local restaurant — all coordinated by the inn. According to their public materials, the package is priced at $995 plus room cost, with a two-night minimum.
This is an elopement venue in the truest sense. The ceremony is intimate by design — the published package is explicitly for two people. If you are considering a larger celebration here, contact the venue directly, as their public-facing wedding materials do not describe event or reception packages beyond the elopement offering.
The Amelia Island Setting
Fernandina Beach is one of the oldest incorporated cities in Florida and the only city in the country to have flown eight flags — Spanish, French, British, Patriots, Green Cross of Florida, Mexican, Confederate, and American. The historic downtown reflects that layered past: Centre Street's brick storefronts, wrought-iron gas lamps, and Victorian commercial facades date to the 1800s and are well preserved. Fairbanks House sits just a block or two from that streetscape, walkable to restaurants, galleries, and the marina.
The island itself is 13 miles of Atlantic coastline with beaches that are less developed and quieter than most of the Florida coast. Jacksonville International Airport is roughly 30 minutes south via A1A. Savannah is about two hours north, making Amelia Island a natural midpoint for couples arriving from different directions.
For a wedding or elopement, the combination of the inn's private grounds and the walkable Victorian downtown gives you two very different backdrops within a short distance of each other — the formal garden setting at the property and the open, textural streetscapes of downtown Fernandina for portraits.
Photo Locations on the Grounds
Based on the venue's publicly available photos and descriptions of the property:
The Garden Gazebo
The centrepiece of the elopement package — a private gazebo set within the property's landscaped gardens. White Adirondack chairs ring the structure and mature oak and magnolia trees frame the surrounding acre. This is where in-house ceremonies take place.
The Front Porch
A welcoming Victorian porch along the front of the mansion. Wicker furniture, hanging plants, and the historic facade behind create a layered backdrop — quiet and classic.
The Grand Foyer & Staircase
Inside, the entrance foyer features an ornate wooden staircase, floral wallpaper, and vintage details. Good afternoon window light and strong architectural character for getting-ready or portrait work.
The Pool Garden
The in-ground pool is surrounded by lush greenery and a white picket fence, with a decorative fountain nearby. A relaxed, private corner of the property that photographs as a resort moment without leaving the grounds.
The Tower Suite (Room 12)
The third-floor Grand Tower Suite occupies the entire top of the mansion — 1,600 sq. ft. with sloped ceilings, eyebrow windows, and a distinctive tower room. Architectural light and character throughout; the best getting-ready space on property if available.
Grounds & Butterfly Garden
The one-acre property is planted with native palms, large oaks, magnolias, and a butterfly garden. The mature canopy provides soft, filtered light mid-day and warm directional light in late afternoon.
Planning Your Timeline
We don't publish generic timelines. They're useless without knowing your date. Here's why:
A 5pm ceremony works great in summer. In winter, it means dark portraits. Your timeline must match your actual date and what matters most to you.
Get a Timeline Built for Your Day
Tell us your wedding date, ceremony time, and what moments matter most. We'll build a custom timeline around sunset, this venue's best light, and your priorities.
Request Your Custom TimelinePlanning Tips
This Is an Elopement Venue, Not a Reception Venue
The Fairbanks House's elopement package is structured for two people in the garden gazebo. If you are considering a larger ceremony or reception, contact the venue directly — their public materials do not describe event packages beyond the two-person elopement offering.
Two-Night Minimum Is Required
The elopement package requires a two-night minimum room stay. Build that into your planning — arriving the evening before your ceremony and departing the morning after is the natural fit.
Pair With Downtown Fernandina for Portraits
The inn sits in the Fernandina Beach Historic District, walkable to Centre Street's brick storefronts, gas lamps, and Victorian commercial facades. A short portrait walk after your ceremony adds significant variety to your gallery.
Bring Your Own Photographer
The elopement package includes in-house photography (digital files provided). If you want your own photographer, contact the venue to confirm their policy — their public materials do not explicitly address outside photographers.
Photographing Your Fairbanks House Elopement
We have not yet photographed a ceremony at Fairbanks House, but we know this part of Amelia Island well. Fernandina Beach's historic district is one of the most photogenic small-town streetscapes in Northeast Florida — the brick storefronts, gas lamps, and Victorian architecture read beautifully in the low light of late afternoon. Pair that with the inn's private garden and you have the foundation for a gallery that feels genuinely different from a beach elopement.
If you are planning an elopement or intimate wedding on Amelia Island and would like to talk through locations, timing, or logistics, we would be glad to help.
Amelia Island Elopement GuideFAQ
Fairbanks House Wedding FAQ
What couples ask before booking this Amelia Island inn
Yes. Fairbanks House offers an elopement package designed for two people, with a private ceremony in their garden gazebo. The package includes an officiant, in-house photography, a wedding dinner voucher at David's Restaurant, and champagne and wedding cake delivered to your room. It is explicitly designed as an intimate, private celebration for just the two of you. Contact the venue at fairbankshouse.com or 904-277-0500 for current availability and details.
According to their public materials, the elopement package is priced at $995 plus the cost of your room, with a two-night minimum stay required. Room rates are separate and vary by accommodation. The venue lists 12 rooms, suites, and cottages at different price points. Contact them directly for current room rates and package pricing.
Their publicly listed package includes a private ceremony for two in the garden gazebo, an officiant (secular or religious, with gratuity), in-house photography with digital files, a post-ceremony escort to dinner, a $100 dinner voucher for David's Restaurant, a wedding cake for two, and a bottle of champagne delivered to your room. The package also states it can be adapted for vow renewals, commitment ceremonies, and proposals.
The elopement package includes in-house photography, but their public materials do not explicitly state whether outside photographers are permitted. Contact the venue directly to confirm their policy before booking a photographer separately.
The elopement package is designed for two people. If you are planning a larger ceremony or would like guests to attend, contact the venue directly — their public-facing wedding materials describe only the two-person elopement offering, and capacity for larger events is not published on their site.
Fairbanks House is at 227 South 7th Street in the historic district of Fernandina Beach, Florida — on Amelia Island, about 30 minutes north of Jacksonville International Airport via A1A. The inn is a short walk from Centre Street, the heart of Fernandina Beach's Victorian downtown, and about 10–15 minutes from the island's Atlantic beaches.
The Fairbanks House is an 8,000-square-foot 1885 Italianate villa sitting on a landscaped acre in Fernandina Beach's historic district. The property includes the main mansion plus three cottages, 12 rooms and suites total, a pool, and private gardens. It is listed in Select Registry and has been featured in Fodor's, Southern Living, Condé Nast, and the New York Times. The inn is adults-only, eco-conscious, and serves a two-course gourmet breakfast daily.
Real Weddings Here
Browse galleries from weddings we've photographed at this location
Planning a Wedding at Fairbanks House?
We'd love to capture your Fairbanks House wedding day. Let's talk about your vision.
Get in TouchExplore More Wedding Locations
View All Jacksonville Locations →