The Glass Factory Wedding Photography Guide
A photographer's guide to Jacksonville's industrial showpiece
About The Glass Factory
The Glass Factory
More details Less details
The Glass Factory is Jacksonville's premier industrial wedding venue, offering 16,000 square feet of raw, beautiful space in a building designed by legendary architect Henry Klutho in 1936. If you're drawn to exposed brick, soaring ceilings, and urban sophistication, this is your venue.
What photographers love about The Glass Factory is the light. Large windows flood the space with natural illumination, while the brick walls and industrial details create texture and character. Every corner offers a new portrait opportunity.
What's Included
- Full-day rental (9am-11pm)
- 16,000 sq ft event space
- Wood platform stage
- Wood cross for ceremonies
- Vintage furniture (sofas, chairs, tables, barrels)
- Bride's lounge
- Groom's room
- Fully-equipped kitchen for caterers
- On-site associates and security
- Trusted vendor list
Vendor Flexibility
The Glass Factory allows BYO vendors, giving you complete control over catering, bar service, and your vendor team. They also maintain a trusted vendor list if you need recommendations.
Best Photo Locations
The Main Hall
16,000 square feet of industrial beauty. Exposed brick walls, soaring ceilings, and massive windows create endless portrait opportunities with natural light flooding the space.
The Exposed Brick Walls
Original brick from this 1936 building has incredible texture and warmth. The aged patina tells a story and creates timeless backdrops.
Industrial Ceilings & Beams
Look up and you'll see the architectural bones of this Henry Klutho-designed building. The industrial details add drama to wide-angle shots.
The Window Light
Ample natural light pours through the large windows. This soft, diffused light is perfect for portraits and creates beautiful, editorial-style images.
Vintage Furniture Vignettes
The venue includes vintage sofas, chairs, tables, and barrels. These create ready-made portrait setups throughout the space.
The Bride's Lounge & Groom's Room
Dedicated getting-ready spaces with character. The industrial-chic design carries through to these private areas.
Photographer Tips
Summer Heat Consideration
The Glass Factory acknowledges AC challenges during summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day). If you're planning a summer wedding, discuss cooling options with the venue or consider a spring/fall date.
Full-Day Access is Generous
With access from 9am to 11pm, you have time for setup, getting ready, and a full celebration. Use this time wisely - there's no rushing.
BYO Everything
The venue allows you to bring your own caterers, bar service, and vendors. This flexibility is huge - you can truly customize your day.
Work With the Window Light
The natural light through those big windows is gorgeous. We'll time portraits to make the most of this soft, flattering illumination.
Vintage Furniture Ready to Go
The included vintage pieces (sofas, chairs, tables, barrels) mean you don't need to rent lounge furniture. Use these for portraits and guest seating areas.
Planning Your Timeline at The Glass Factory
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 The Glass Factory
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 The Glass Factory, 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 11pm
- 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 TimelineThe Glass Factory Wedding Cost
Wedding packages at The Glass Factory range from approximately $4,000 to $6,000 depending on the date and specific requirements.
What's Included in Pricing
- Full-day venue access (9am-11pm)
- All furniture and staging
- Getting-ready spaces
- Kitchen access for caterers
- On-site staff and security
Season Note
The venue notes that AC can be challenging during summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day). For optimal comfort, consider booking in spring, fall, or winter when the industrial space stays naturally comfortable.
For current pricing and availability, visit theglassfactory.com.
Planning a Wedding at The Glass Factory?
We'd love to capture your day in this stunning industrial space. After 600+ weddings throughout Jacksonville, we've developed a deep appreciation for architecture and natural light—and know how to make the most of every brick wall, window, and vintage detail.
Get in TouchReal Weddings at The Glass Factory
Browse galleries from weddings we've photographed at this beautiful venue
