With wedding season moving full speed ahead, the special events, catering and spa/salon staff at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club are applying their unparalleled talents to the timeless days ahead — weddings! While heart-stopping “I do” moments have taken place for centuries, we live to color outside the lines, think outside the box and perform any other idioms that leave you simply breathless with one look at a wedding that is all your own. After all, Wedding Wire wouldn’t have given us the 2018 Couples’ Choice Award for no particular reason, right?

The Wedding Packages

All engaged couples can choose from an a la carte custom tailored package or one of four all-inclusive packages, which include some of the following amenities:

• Private menu tasting for four guests
• Wedding venue coordinator services and personal concierge for wedding day
• Bridal suite and gentlemen’s lounge for dressing
• Complimentary round of golf for the groom
• Ceremony site and coordination, including rehearsal
• Cocktail hour with appetizers and alcoholic signature beverages
• Private cocktail reception for bride and groom
• Champagne or cider toast
• Full buffet or plated meal
• Bartenders, carvers and servers
• 22% service charge and 7% sales tax

 

The Bronze package is the newest option, priced at $95 per guest, including one signature drink. The silver, gold and platinum packages are priced at $130, $145 and $160 per guest respectively. All three of these options include two signature drinks.

That’s a lot to think about, so take your time, and choose wisely.

 

The Photoshoot

One of the first steps to creating memories is to begin as quickly as possible. So, start with the wedding engagement photoshoot that will segue into enchanting ideas for your wedding images. Think 1,200 acres of inspiring greenery, exquisite architecture, never-ending rolling hills and nonstop activity that lives up to standards of North Central Florida’s beloved horse country.

Photographers might capture tender moments between brides and grooms strolling past some luxury barn suites, six miles of tranquil bridle paths and training grounds for some of the most famous equestrians the sport has ever seen. Others may position you along the 18-hole championship golf course, professional-grade tennis courts and sparkling pool. They may even take lucky couples through ten exclusive neighborhoods with distinctive home styles and hallmark elements. The photoshoot could conclude at the 77,000-square-foot clubhouse, which would ultimately be transformed into a quiet room for the bride to prepare for the most important hours of her life.

 

The Hair & Makeup

Hair and makeup are often the last items on the checklist, but at Golden Ocala, we keep them top of mind. With customizable co-ed hairstyling and coloring packages, eyelash extension stations, smoothing treatments and complimentary Hot Tools and roller set applications, along with popular brand products that will bring hair to its zenith, bridal parties will be immediately uplifted for whatever the wedding may bring. But before the fun gets started, consider deep, full-body relaxation in a zero-gravity recliner, known as a Magnesphere, for the bride, and maybe a deep-tissue sports massage for the groom. How’s that for world-class treatment?

 

The Budget

As mentioned, we offer several all-inclusive wedding packages, which are especially beneficial should you choose to book all wedding events through us. Facility fees, including rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, engagement photoshoots and bachelor/bachelorette parties, will be waived.

The director of events is available to help couples plan their wedding day by providing a preferred vendor list with vendors for flowers, entertainment and photography. Additionally, catering with various cuisine and dining style options and bar services are available onsite. Private villas are available for the bride, groom and traveling guests to rent.

And keep in mind, Golden Ocala’s wedding venues are already handicap accessible and include wireless internet.

 

The Accommodations

160 guests or less are ideal for an indoor ceremony at Golden Ocala, while a scenic outdoor ceremony can accommodate 200 guests, the same as the reception. The indoor reception, however, maxes out at 140 guests.

Early-morning weddings can easily be arranged. And for all of you night owls, just remember, the night must end at 12 a.m., with 15 hours of event time, including setup and cleanup.

Here are a few specific accommodation options for what is sure to be your dream wedding:

• Chef’s Table: Seats up to 16 guests who can experience an intimate setting and sample some wine while watching the chefs work; ideal for a rehearsal dinner or bridal shower
• Garden: Ideal for an outdoor ceremony; can be tented on a sunny day
• Governor’s Room: Ideal for bachelor parties
• Pool or Clubhouse Space: Ideal for post-wedding brunch
• Grand Ballroom: Elegant space; ideal for wedding reception

No matter how busy our schedule gets, we love what we do and are ready to accommodate you and yours. Please call us at (352) 402-4376.