Flagler College is one of the most unique campuses in the country, having found its home in the once-world-renowned Ponce de Leon hotel. Once a destination for the world’s most privileged elite, today it’s an amazing academic institution that also happens to host spectacular weddings that look like something out of another era. Intrigued? Keep reading to learn more about having a spectacular Flagler College wedding!
About The Flagler College Wedding Venue
74 King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32804
Flagler College is a private liberal arts college in St. Augustine with a rich and unique history where you can hold your wedding. Although the school has been providing students with a comprehensive education for over 50 years, its heritage goes much further back.
Henry Morrison Flagler, a Gilded Age Industrialist known for founding the Standard Oil Company alongside John D. Rockefeller, built the Hotel Ponce de Leon as a luxury resort in St. Augustine back in 1888. It was immediately recognized as a masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance architecture, built by the same architects whose legacy spans the New York Public Library and the House and Senate Office Buildings in Washington, DC. The hotel featured remarkable Tiffany stained glass windows and mosaics and was one of the country’s first buildings powered by electricity.
The hotel became a playground for the world’s elite, hosting presidents, famous authors and artists, and other celebrities. It closed its doors in 1967 and became the home of Flagler College only a year later.
Details of the Grounds
Flagler College is home to several unique, historic, and opulent spaces that can be used for hosting weddings, many of which are preservations of the legacy of The Ponce de Leon Hotel. Just keep in mind that most of these venue spaces are only available during summer and winter breaks when school is no longer in session.
Perhaps the most famous space at Flagler College is the Ponce de Leon Grand Ballroom, surrounded by Tiffany-stained glass windows, spectacular murals, and ornately carved wooden columns. It is an incredibly opulent space that will “wow” and inspire your guests (up to 250 of them, with plenty of space for a large dance floor.) The Ponce de Leon Rotunda is the lobby for the ballroom, and its gold-leaf accents and impeccable architecture make it a stunning option for a ceremony or a reception. Guests can dine and dance in the second-floor mezzanine, taking advantage of the space’s remarkable acoustics.
The Ponce de Leon Solarium is an incredible space for a daytime celebration, offering one of the best views of historic downtown St. Augustine. With sunlight pouring in, the elegant Solarium and its remarkable domed ceiling are fantastic places to gather with 80 to 120 of your favorite people.
Additionally, the Markland House is a beautiful Southern estate on campus with a picket fence and a wrap-around porch that offers a unique venue for a quaint and cozy wedding with elegant vintage vibes. The Crisp-Ellert Art Museum and the Elliptical Garden are also alternatives for a beautiful on-campus wedding celebration.
Photography Opportunities
Flagler College became known for its extraordinary campus, and so many of the historic, ornate details are wonderful to include in wedding photos. From the meticulous architecture and design of the Ponce de Leon ballroom (like the ornate carvings and breathtaking stained glass) to the beautiful outdoor gardens and landscaping, there are so many opportunities to capture the opulence of this historic venue. Plus, we can always sneak out onto the rooftop to capture photos that look out over the vast Spanish-inspired architecture for a truly unique photo op!
Wedding Details
To learn more about what they include in a Flagler College wedding, reach out to their events team! They’ll be able to fill you in on all of the amenities included, vendor details, and so much more. You can also schedule a tour to see their remarkable event spaces in person!
Celebrate Your Florida Love Story With A Stunning Flagler College Wedding
A Flagler College wedding is a unique opportunity to take advantage of some of the world’s most renowned architecture and step back into an era of elegance and opulence. As your wedding photographer, I’ll help you capture each beautiful moment and extraordinary detail of your wedding day. So, let’s talk about how we can make it happen!
