Outdoor Wedding Venue Near Tavares Florida: From the Seaplane Base to the Forest
Tavares calls itself the seaplane capital of Florida, and that identity captures something genuine about the community. The waterfront, the seaplane base on Lake Dora, the lakeside parks, and the active outdoor character of the area attract couples who are comfortable with the natural environment and who value experiences that feel different from the ordinary.
The wedding venue market in Tavares and the immediate Lake County area has some attractive options, particularly for lakeside ceremonies. But for couples who want a venue that feels genuinely different from the waterfront setting they live with every day, the search from Tavares is very short.
The Pinery Forest and Garden is just 18 minutes from Tavares via FL-19 south. 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 Tavares couples who want to trade the seaplane base view for a pine forest canopy on their wedding day, the drive is shorter than the trip to most grocery stores.
This guide covers what Tavares and Lake County couples need to know about The Pinery, including exact drive times, what the venue offers, and how to arrange a tour.
Why Tavares Couples Are Choosing The Pinery
Tavares couples who are connected to the outdoors and the natural Lake County landscape tend to appreciate genuine natural settings over designed event spaces. The forest at The Pinery and the tropical garden reception area offer exactly that in a venue that is closer to Tavares than to almost any other city in the Florida wedding market.
The 18-minute drive south on FL-19 and US-27 takes couples through the natural corridor between downtown Tavares and Howey-in-the-Hills. It is a short trip through familiar Lake County landscape, arriving at a venue that offers a completely different version of that same natural Florida environment.
Drive Times to The Pinery from Tavares Area Locations
The venue is at 10042 E Dewey Robbins Road, Howey-in-the-Hills, FL 34737. Here are approximate drive times from Tavares area locations:
| Area | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|
| Downtown Tavares | 18 minutes via FL-19 south and US-27 |
| Leesburg | 20 minutes |
| Eustis | 15 minutes |
| Mount Dora | 20 minutes |
| Fruitland Park | 22 minutes |
| Lady Lake | 25 minutes |
| Clermont | 25 minutes from venue |
| Apopka | 38 minutes from venue |
FL-19 south from Tavares connects directly to US-27 heading south toward Howey-in-the-Hills. The route passes through the natural Lake County landscape and arrives at The Pinery in approximately 18 minutes. For guests from Eustis and Mount Dora the drive is equally short via the same corridor.
What The Pinery Offers Tavares 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 Tavares couples who have a deep connection to the seaplane base, Lake Dora, and the active outdoor waterfront character of Tavares, the forest at The Pinery is a natural fit for a wedding ceremony.
The natural acoustics, the filtered afternoon light, and the visual depth of the pine trees create an atmosphere that is distinctive because it is genuine. Many couples who visit say it is the first venue they have seen that looked exactly like what they had always imagined for their ceremony.
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 overhead. The combination of forest ceremony and garden reception within the same property gives the day a natural arc that guests consistently comment on.
As the evening progresses and the lights come on, the garden shifts from a bright natural daytime space into something warmer and more atmospheric. Guests move naturally from the ceremony into the reception without travelling to a second location.
Open Vendor Policy
The Pinery operates a fully open vendor policy. No preferred vendor lists, no vendor access fees, no restrictions on who couples can bring. For Tavares couples who already have photographers, caterers, florists, or DJs they want to work with, this means bringing the team they trust without any additional cost or negotiation.
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 personal investment in every event they host. For Tavares couples who want a venue where the ownership is genuinely present and engaged on the day, The Pinery delivers that consistently.
Worth knowing before you visit
Tours can be booked at thepineryforestgarden.com/book-a-tour. At 18 minutes from Tavares, The Pinery is the closest natural outdoor venue to the seaplane capital of Florida. Book a late afternoon slot to see the forest at its best.
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 Tavares
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How far is The Pinery from Tavares? | Approximately 18 minutes from Tavares via FL-19 south and US-27. One of the shortest drives of any city to The Pinery in the entire Lake County area. |
| Is The Pinery the closest forest venue to Tavares? | Yes. At 18 minutes, The Pinery is closer to Tavares than to any other major city in this guide and is to our knowledge the only fully forest-themed wedding venue in Florida. |
| Does The Pinery allow outside vendors? | Yes. Fully open vendor policy with no restrictions and no vendor fees whatsoever. |
| How does The Pinery compare to Tavares area venues? | Tavares has lakeside and downtown venues but none with a genuine forest or tropical garden setting. The Pinery is 18 minutes away and offers both from $5,500. |
| What is the maximum guest capacity? | Up to 120 guests on the venue only package. Up to 32 guests on the micro wedding package. |
| Is The Pinery available on weekends? | Yes. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are all available. Weekday rates are lower. |
| Does the venue have a bridal suite? | Yes. A private bridal suite is available on-site on the day. |
| Can we visit before booking? | Yes. At 18 minutes this is genuinely the easiest venue visit in Lake County. Book 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 18 minutes from Tavares via FL-19 south and US-27 south. For enquiries about availability and packages call 954-655-3260 or email thepineryevents@gmail.com.
