Wedding Venue Review · Jacksonville, Florida
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
The Museum’s 2.5 acres of historic gardens are unique examples of early 20th century garden design, featuring reflecting pools, fountains, arbors, antique ornaments, and sculptures.
✓ Pricing updated with the venue, October 2026
At a Glance
$31,000average base cost for 125 guests on a Saturday evening
- Rental fee$10,000 (3 spaces)
- Plated dinner$72/pp ++
- Standard bar$18/pp first 2 hrs ++
- CeremonyUpper or Lower Tier of the Gardens
- Capacity160 seated with a dance floor
- CatererChef’s Garden (required)
- ParkingFree, across the street
- Wedding plannerRequired for ceremonies
Average base cost for a Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens wedding is calculated by figuring a 125-person guest list for a Saturday evening wedding utilizing 3 venue spaces ($10,000), the Chef’s Garden plated dinner at $72/pp, a 5-hour standard bar at $39/pp, and 3 bartenders at $250 each. The 18% production fee, the 10% service charge, and 7.5% Jacksonville sales tax are included. Entertainment, flowers, additional decorations and rentals, transportation, and photography are not included. Price is rounded up to the nearest thousand. *Prices subject to change
Good to Know
For budget planning purposes, the museum says weddings at the Cummer typically have an overall investment of approximately $40,000 to $60,000 for 100 to 120 guests. That includes venue rental, catering, bar, rentals, decor, entertainment, photography, and other event services.
What It Costs
Rental: 3 Spaces
Uible Loggia, Terry Gallery, and the Upper or Lower Tier of the Gardens
- Tuesday and Wednesday evenings$9,000
- Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings$10,000
Rental: 4 Spaces
Uible Loggia, Terry Gallery, and both the Upper and Lower Tiers of the Gardens
- Tuesday and Wednesday evenings$10,000
- Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings$11,000
Catering
You must use Chef’s Garden Catering & Events, the museum’s exclusive caterer (their website). All catering and all alcohol go through them.
Buffet
$58per person ++
Three passed appetizers or one display, a salad, two entrées, and two sides.
Staffing and basic china included
Plated
$72per person ++
Three passed appetizers or one display, a salad, up to three entrées, one starch, and one vegetable.
Staffing and china included
Standard Bar
$18per person ++
For the first 2 hours, then $7 per person for each additional hour. Beer, wine, and spirits.
Bartenders billed separately
++ means the price is subject to sales tax, an 18% production fee, and a 10% service charge. Minimum of 100 guests, and the price per person may vary if the guest count is lower.
Fees & Extras
- Premium barGrey Goose, Bombay Sapphire, Maker’s Mark, and more. $10 per person for each additional hour after the first 2.$25/pp ++
- Beer and wine bar$6 per person for each additional hour after the first 2.$15/pp ++
- BartendersBilled separately.$250 each
- CourtyardWith setup restrictions.$500
- Decor cleanup feeOnly if decorations are not removed after the event.$1,000
Included
- Tables and chairs from the museum’s inventory
- Cummer event planner, security, maintenance, and an event attendant
- South galleries open for 2 hours during your event
- Garden access with lit pathways in the evening
- Free parking across the street
Not Included
- Linens, florals, and specialty decor
- Lighting and A/V (exclusive vendor required)
- Catering and alcohol (required through Chef’s Garden Catering & Events)
- A wedding planner (required for ceremonies)
Planning Notes
A full-service wedding planner is required for ceremonies, and a coordinator is strongly recommended for reception-only events. All planners and vendors must be approved by the museum. Featured planners who know the space include G.G. Events, Lulu Events, LoveLee Events, and Coastal Coordinating. Events are not held on the first weekend of the month or on holiday weekends.
The Spaces
Uible LoggiaIndoor. Seats 80 for a reception, 100 for cocktails, and 110 for a ceremony.
Terry GalleryIndoor. Seats 160 for a reception with a dance floor, 200 with seating only, and 220 for cocktails.
Upper Tier of the GardensOutdoor. Holds 100 for a ceremony and 60 to 80 for a reception. Dancing is allowed (up to a 16′ x 16′ floor), and tents are not.
Lower Tier of the GardensOutdoor, for ceremonies only. Chairs only, with no dance floors, stages, or tables. Hixon Auditorium is the rain backup.
Photos
The Details
- Space typeInside/Outside. The Uible Loggia and Terry Gallery are indoors, and the Upper and Lower Tiers of the Gardens are outdoors.
- SizeA seated reception holds 160 with a dance floor and up to 200 with seating only.
- Bridal suiteThere is a small space for the bride and bridesmaids to change onsite.
- ParkingComplimentary parking is available across the street.
- Party on!Events can start as early as 5 p.m., with guests arriving at 4:30. The rental period is 6 hours and events end by midnight, with the bar closing 30 minutes before.
- SetupPublic spaces cannot be set before 2 p.m., and rehearsals may take place the day before.
- PhotosPhotography is not allowed in the galleries. Photo sessions not on the wedding day get 90 minutes in the Gardens.
- Decor rulesOpen flames, confetti, glitter, and balloons are not allowed. Battery-operated candles are.
- How will Grandma get there?There are tons of great hotel options less than a 10-minute drive away from the venue in downtown Jacksonville, including the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville (about 1.4 miles). The Jacksonville International Airport is only 30 minutes away.
- Contact829 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32204 · 904-356-6857 · cummermuseum.org
The Report
St. Johns River, offers a unique setting for your special occasion. The Cummer Museum holds one of the finest art collections in the Southeast, with nearly 5,000 objects in its Permanent Collection. The Museum offers world-class art spanning from 2100 B.C. through the 21st century, features diverse special exhibits, and is home to the Wark Collection of Early Meissen Porcelain. The Museum’s 2.5 acres of historic gardens are unique examples of early 20th century garden design, featuring reflecting pools, fountains, arbors, antique ornaments, and sculptures. The majestic Cummer Oak has a canopy of more than 150 feet and is one of the oldest trees in Jacksonville
Woman Getting Married Says
The outdoor spaces at this wedding venue are gorgeous, and having the amazing backdrop of the museum’s art for your wedding photos is always a plus. You also cannot beat this location!
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