In the heart of Winter Park, Florida, lies a not-so-secret gem of a venue: The Capen House at the Polasek Museum. This beautifully restored historic home lies in the midst of an incredible sculpture garden and museum on the shores of Lake Osceola. It offers gorgeous waterfront views, vibrant gardens and greenery, and a charming home that is the perfect setting for a romantic wedding. Here are some more details about The Capen House wedding venue!
About The Capen House Wedding Venue
633 Osceola Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
The beautiful Capen Showalter House is believed to be the third oldest home in all of Winter Park. It was built in 1885 by early Winter Park resident James Seymour Capen. He donated land to bring Rollins College to the area. In the decades that followed, the home was sold and resold to multiple families, undergoing renovations and reimaginings. By the time it was listed for sale in 2013, it was facing demolition. Winter Park residents were quick to raise the funds needed to save the home, and it was ultimately moved from its original location to the Albin Polasek Museum across Lake Osceola (literally, the home was cut in half and floated across the lake to the other side!)
After a painstaking two-year renovation, The Capen House was once more a local treasure and a wedding venue. Today, its restored original features, like heart pine floors and a grand staircase, are matched only by the magnificent sculpture gardens and lakefront views.
Details of the Grounds
The Capen House is home to a variety of beautiful settings for a wedding, all of which can be flexibly used throughout your dream day.
Say “I do” on the banks of beautiful Lake Osceola, framed by mossy trees and tall patches of bamboo. It doesn’t get much more beautiful than the blue water sparkling behind you as you exchange vows in front of your closest family and friends.
The courtyard overlooking the back lawn and the waterfront views is the perfect spot for a cocktail hour or a gorgeous reception. Set up your tables beneath canopies of string lights, or set up an event tent (a transparent one will still allow you to take advantage of the gorgeous scenery!) While you don’t need a tent, it can certainly provide peace of mind when it comes to unpredictable Central Florida weather. The patio can accommodate up to (if not a little over) 125 guests.
Of course, you can also hold parts of your event indoors as well. The house is divided into numerous salons, parlors, and sunrooms. These can be used for bar areas, seating, and dance floors. Its renovated interior features all modern amenities like air conditioning and heating, as well as restrooms. The indoor spaces can accommodate up to 80 seated guests or 125 standing.
Photography Opportunities
The gorgeous grounds of the Capen House are ideal for romantic wedding portraits. Mature, stately trees, unique sculpture art, and beautifully landscaped gardens are all wonderful features of the venue. We will also wander out onto the Capen House’s private dock! There, we will capture some portraits of you and your partner standing over Lake Osceola. The interior of the house is bright and beautiful for more formal shots. Especially ones that incorporate the home’s beautiful artwork and interior design!
Wedding Details
When it comes to vendors, The Capen House does require that you use their approved vendors for catering, rentals, valet, and pet care. Yes, your fur baby can be a part of your ceremony! They do offer a variety of caterers and rental companies, however. So you can still customize the look – and taste – of your event. All other vendors are totally up to you!
Something else worth noting is that, due to its residential location in Winter Park, amplified music is not allowed outdoors. Only acoustic music can be played outside. So, if you’re planning on hosting an outdoor reception, you may want to consider an indoor dance floor.
Create Your Dream Wedding Day With The Capen House Wedding Venue
The Capen House wedding venue creates a beautiful setting for a celebration that feels intimate, personal, and absolutely special. If you want to learn more about how we can use the property for stunning photos, then reach out. I’d love to connect with you about your wedding photography!
