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NOVEMBER 2003

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Weddings in Gainesville

Two families and a gathering of friends expectantly wait to hear the vows. Tears of joy fall and guests are grateful for the tissues left at the ends of pews. The pronouncement and then, “You may kiss the bride.” If in your home church, or synagogue, your pastor/priest/rabbi will likely utter those immortal words, but if in a garden or other non-traditional setting, who will perform the ceremony?

In the state of Florida, any person who has been certified as a Notary Public may also marry you. A Notary Public is an authorized legal witness to your vows, giving governmental sanction to your marriage. Legally this allows you to operate as a couple rather than single persons for purposes of taxation, census, insurance, and other considerations.

While any Notary Public may assist you through the saying of vows, you may want a more personal touch. Perhaps a friend or relative of the family is certified. If they have not participated in a wedding, guidelines are available from the Licensing Office of the Alachua County Courthouse and the Public Library. Please be sure to discuss the order of the ceremony, music, readings, and the type of vows you prefer. Determining proper attire for your officiant isn’t a bad idea either, ensuring that you won’t be disappointed or downright shocked come the day of the wedding.

Once the couple has started back down the aisle, everyone has the next thing on their minds... “Where’s the party?” Your reception is your first opportunity to break bread with your family and friends as a couple. It is probably the only time that this particular group of people will ever be gathered together in one place, so it should be in a place that suits your style, budget, and space requirements. Historical sites, museums, country and other clubs, special reception sites, church halls, union halls, hotels, botanical gardens, and the University of Florida all have features that may make your reception memorable... in a good way!

What to look for? Obviously, if you are planning a party for 200 people, a site that accommodates only 150 won’t do. So keep the number of guests in mind as you plan. Is ample parking available? Are tables and chairs provided with the room, or is there an additional charge? Is in-house catering available, or must you select an outside food purveyor? Is the staff flexible and easy to work with? May liquor be served on the premises, and what are the rules? Are lighting or decorations such as candles or silk plants available for use? What time frame does the rental fee cover? And more!

Some of the many reception choices for Gainesville weddings:

Best Western Gateway Grand 352-331-3336
225 Guests; Catering Available

Bouleware Springs Waterworks 352-334-5067
90 Guests; Catering Unavailable

Elks Lodge 352-379-9744
175 Guests; Catering Unavailable

Eventfuls 352-333-8690
50-300 Guests; Catering Unavailable
Banquet Center Website: www.eventfuls.net

Florida Museum of Natural History 352-392-1721
300 Guests; Catering Unavailable

Gainesville Garden Club 352-331-0426
140 Guests; Catering Unavailable

Gainesville Golf and Country Club 352-372-1458
300 Guests; Catering Available

Gainesville Women’s Club 352-376-3901
300 Guests; Catering Unavailable

Girl’s Club of Alachua County 352-373-4475
150 Guests; Catering Unavailable

Haile Plantation Golf and C. C. 352-335-9479
175 Guests; Catering Available

Haile Plantation Village Center 352-335-1600
150 Guests; Catering Unavailable

Herlong Mansion 352-466-3322
75 Guests; Catering Available

Holiday Inn West 352-332-7500
250 Guests; Catering Available

Holiday Inn University 352-376-1661
250 Guests; Catering Unavailable

Ironwood Golf Course Clubhouse 352-334-3120
125 Guests; Catering Available

Le Papillon 386-462-7722
60-100 Guests; Catering Available

Magnolia Plantation 352-375-6653
50 Guests; Catering Unavailable

Martin Luther King Center 352-334-5067
600+ Guests; Catering Unavailable

Matheson Historical Center 352-378-2880
150 Guests; Catering Unavailable

Meadowbrook Golf Club 352-332-0577
120 Guests; Catering Available

Paramount Hotel and Resort 352-377-4000
500 Guests; Catering Available

Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 352-392-1900
350 Guests; Catering Unavailable

Plantation Oaks Golf and C. C 352-375-8903
300 Guests; Catering Available

Reitz Union (Room reservation) 352-392-1645
850 Guests; Catering Available

Savannah Grand 352-378-4213
350 Guests; Catering Available

Steve’s American CafÈ (Art O. A.) 352-377-9337
200 Guests; Catering Available

Summer House, Kanapaha B. G. 352-372-4981
120 Guests; Catering Unavailable

Sweetwater Branch Inn 352-373-6760
250 Guests; Catering Available

Thelma Bolton Center 352-334-5067
250 Guests; Catering Unavailable

Thomas Center 352-334-5067
200 Guests; Catering Unavailable

Hilton U.F. Hotel & Conf. Center 352-371-3600
400 Guests; Catering Available

The Village Clubhouse 352-373-4032
200 Guests; Catering Available