Outdoor Wedding Venue Near DeLand Florida: From the Antique Capital to the Forest and Garden
DeLand calls itself the antique capital of Florida, and that identity says something meaningful about the couples who are drawn to live here. The Victorian architecture, the thriving downtown arts scene, Stetson University, and the surrounding natural landscape of the St. Johns River corridor attract a community with strong aesthetic sensibilities and an appreciation for things that are genuine and distinctive.
The wedding venue market in DeLand has some genuinely charming options in the historic downtown and surrounding areas. But for couples who want a natural outdoor setting, a real forest or a true tropical garden rather than a manicured event space, the local market comes up short.
The Pinery Forest and Garden is 65 minutes from DeLand via US-17 south and Florida's Turnpike. To our knowledge it is the only venue in Florida offering a fully forest-themed wedding setting, and one of the only true tropical garden venues in Central Florida. For DeLand couples whose appreciation for the genuine and distinctive extends to their wedding venue choice, The Pinery delivers an experience that matches that sensibility completely.
This guide covers what DeLand couples need to know about The Pinery, including drive times from surrounding areas, what the venue offers, and how to arrange a visit.
Why DeLand Couples Are Choosing The Pinery
DeLand couples with a connection to the arts community and the natural St. Johns River corridor tend to approach their wedding planning with a clear sense of what they are looking for and a willingness to look beyond the obvious options to find it. The downtown historic venues are beautiful but they are also limited in what they can offer in terms of a natural outdoor experience.
The Pinery is 65 minutes from DeLand on a route that passes through the natural landscape between Volusia and Lake County. For couples who love the St. Johns River State Forest and the natural character of the area around DeLand, the drive to The Pinery feels like a natural extension of that landscape rather than a departure from it.
Drive Times to The Pinery from DeLand Area Locations
The venue is at 10042 E Dewey Robbins Road, Howey-in-the-Hills, FL 34737. Here are approximate drive times from DeLand area locations:
| Area | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|
| Downtown DeLand | 65 minutes via US-17 south and Florida's Turnpike |
| Lake Helen | 68 minutes |
| Cassadaga | 66 minutes |
| Orange City | 62 minutes |
| DeBary | 62 minutes |
| Deltona | 60 minutes |
| Sanford | 50 minutes |
| Mount Dora | 40 minutes |
US-17 south from DeLand connects to the Florida Turnpike corridor through some of the most naturally scenic parts of Central Florida. For guests coming from Lake Helen, Cassadaga, and the surrounding areas, the route is straightforward and the journey passes through genuinely beautiful Florida landscape.
What The Pinery Offers DeLand Couples
Florida's Only Fully Forest-Themed Wedding Setting
The Pinery is, to our knowledge, the only venue in Florida offering a fully forest-themed wedding setting. The ceremony space sits inside an actual stand of tall Florida pine trees with a natural canopy overhead. For DeLand couples who have a connection to the historic downtown arts scene, Stetson University, and the natural St. Johns River corridor, the forest at The Pinery offers something that no venue in or near DeLand can replicate.
The natural acoustics, the filtered afternoon light, and the visual depth of the pine trees create an atmosphere that looks distinctive because it is genuine. Many couples who visit say it is the first venue they have seen that actually matched what they had been imagining.
A True Tropical Garden Reception Space
Immediately adjacent to the forest ceremony space is the tropical garden reception area. It is one of the only true tropical garden venues in Central Florida, with genuine tropical planting, lush greenery, and a string light canopy that transforms the space as the evening light changes.
The combination of forest ceremony and garden reception within the same property gives the day a natural arc. Guests move from the quiet atmosphere of the pine forest into the warm, lit garden as the evening progresses. The transition feels intentional rather than logistical.
Open Vendor Policy
The Pinery operates a fully open vendor policy. No preferred vendor lists and no vendor access fees. For DeLand couples who already have photographers, caterers, or florists they want to work with, this means bringing their chosen team without any additional cost or negotiation. In a market where many venues use vendor restrictions as a revenue stream, this is a meaningful distinction.
Bridal Suite and Personal Ownership
A private bridal suite is available on-site on the day. Jeremy and Christina, the owners, have sixteen years of wedding industry experience and a genuinely personal investment in every event they host. For DeLand couples who want a venue where the ownership is present and engaged on the day rather than absent and corporate, The Pinery delivers that from the first tour visit.
Worth knowing before you visit
Tours can be booked at thepineryforestgarden.com/book-a-tour. DeLand couples often find the drive through the natural Florida landscape between Volusia and Lake County connects well with the kind of experience they are looking for.
Packages and Pricing
Venue Only Package
Under 70 guests: $6,000 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. $5,500 on weekdays. Up to 120 guests: $6,500 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. $6,000 on weekdays. Includes the full property, forest ceremony space, tropical garden reception area, string light canopy, and bridal suite.
Micro Wedding Package with Catering
Available Wednesdays and Thursdays only. 20 guests: $3,500. Up to 32 guests: $4,000. Catering included. One of the most complete small wedding options within the drive radius at this price point.
All-Inclusive Package
Covers the venue, bartender, event coordinator, decorator, photographer, catering, and DJ. Pricing is customised based on guest count. Call 954-655-3260 or email thepineryevents@gmail.com for a full quote.
Pricing at a glance
Venue only under 70 guests: from $5,500. Venue only up to 120 guests: from $6,000. Micro wedding with catering: from $3,500. All-inclusive: call for custom quote at 954-655-3260.
Frequently Asked Questions — Outdoor Wedding Venues Near DeLand
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How far is The Pinery from DeLand? | Approximately 65 minutes from DeLand via US-17 south and Florida's Turnpike. A route that passes through some of the most natural and scenic parts of Central Florida. |
| Is there a forest wedding venue near DeLand? | The Pinery Forest and Garden is the closest fully forest-themed wedding venue to DeLand and to our knowledge the only one of its kind in Florida. |
| Does The Pinery allow outside vendors? | Yes. Fully open vendor policy with no restrictions and no vendor access fees. |
| How does The Pinery compare to DeLand area venues? | DeLand has some charming historic venues in the downtown area but none offer a natural forest or tropical garden setting. The Pinery starts at $5,500 with a setting unique in Florida. |
| What is the maximum guest capacity? | Up to 120 guests on the venue only package. Up to 32 guests on the micro wedding package with catering. |
| Is The Pinery available on weekends? | Yes. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are all available. Weekday bookings carry a lower rate. |
| Does the venue have a bridal suite? | Yes. A private bridal suite is available on-site for the wedding party on the day. |
| Can we visit before booking? | Yes. Tours can be booked at thepineryforestgarden.com/book-a-tour. |
How to Book a Tour
Tours can be booked at thepineryforestgarden.com/book-a-tour. The venue is at 10042 E Dewey Robbins Road, Howey-in-the-Hills, FL 34737, approximately 65 minutes from DeLand via US-17 south and Florida's Turnpike. For enquiries about availability and packages call 954-655-3260 or email thepineryevents@gmail.com.
