The Blanche is a wedding reception venue situated in Lake City, FL. This elegant property offers a multitude of event spaces ideal for hosting all manner of milestone occasions. Couples are welcome to enjoy their ceremony and reception here, and it would be ideal for large gatherings. Whether to-be-weds are planning an open-air celebration or a private indoor gathering, The Blanche can accommodate a diverse array of preferences.
Modern finishes complement a hotel that was originally constructed in 1902, resulting in an old-style charm with up-to-date convenience. After opening in the early 20th century, it immediately became a noteworthy landmark, not least because it was designed by prominent architect, Frank Pierce Milburn. The building quickly became a social hub where events took place, while it was also somewhere out-of-town guests visited on vacations. Today, The Blanche offers a sophisticated space where couples can tie the knot in style before celebrating with their nearest and dearest. Large chandeliers, red-brick finishes, and spacious function areas help to define a stunning space worthy of high-end events.
An indoor site can be beautifully arranged for ceremonies. Couples are welcome to tie the knot sheltered from the elements inside The Blanche as the wedding party joins to experience the vows. Photo opportunities can take place throughout the property as the newlyweds enjoy romantic portraits. Likewise, invitees are welcome to take time out to pose together. When the time arrives for the grand reception, a sit-down meal can be savored on site. A large and grandiose function room, furnished with chairs and tables, provides a fitting place for speeches and heartwarming conversations. Overall, the capacity for The Blanche is for over 300 people, meaning that it is great for those who have a lengthy guest list. Other features include accommodation, dressing rooms, and wheelchair access.
Had my wedding here, as well as staying in one of their rooms for a couple nights. Rooms were cute and clean. Venue is absolutely beautiful and well cared for. Had the best time, and everyone loved the locations versatility and charm. Would recommend for anyone! Reviewed on 11-01-2024
Liz Kennelly(other)3 out of 5 Rating
We were married at The Blanche 12.30.2023. This is my honest review of the venue and our experiences. The Blanche is an absolutely beautiful venue. It has a grand staircase, balcony, courtyard, ballroom, and crystal chandeliers. The Bridal Suite is stunning and it was the perfect place to get ready. We have visited and stayed at The Blanche many times and we fell in love with it as \"the\" venue for our wedding. The beauty, charm and elegance we rate 5 stars; all other aspects/experiences we rate 2-3 stars. The Blanche was very expensive as a wedding venue for what it provided ($6,500). We had 60 guests. We were able to use the space from 8am-11pm on our wedding day. This meant we had to be cleaned up and out by 11pm (this was not outlined in the contract). The venue included use of the space, tables, and chairs, but nothing else. We had to rent or buy silverware, dinnerware, cups, glasses, decor, etc. We could not confirm a date for a rehearsal until 30 days before the wedding so the venue could make sure there was not another event scheduled the night before our wedding. This delay in planning and scheduling was super frustrating to us, our out of town guests, and our bridal party. No hotel rooms were included in the cost of using the venue, not even a room for us as the bride & groom. We could have reserved a room block, but if our guests did not fill the rooms for both nights of the weekend, we were on the hook to still pay for the rooms. Value we rate 3 stars.As part of our contract with The Blanche we were required to use their wedding coordinator and planning vendor, Imperial Productions, for an additional $2,000. There was very poor communication from this vendor. There were missed meetings, phone calls, delays in getting back to us about catering, etc. and overall we felt like we were on the back burner. We also felt like our ideas and vision were met with resistance because we had a less traditional ceremony and reception. There were several timeline mistakes and issues the day of the wedding. For example, the coordinator team refused to serve cake to the children and we had no idea until the next day. We never gave any sort of direction to not serve cake to the children. They also threatened to call the police on the DJ & Music Coordinator at the end of the night; we absolutely loved the DJ and did not see any behavior that would warrant this level of action. These details are still not clear, but it was embarrassing to us because it happened in front of our guests and it was unnecessary drama. We give this vendor 2 stars and it really tainted our experience at The Blanche. I did address my concerns about Imperial Productions to The Blanche during the planning process and after the wedding. The Blanche did respond to these concerns and labeled them as \"miscommunication\" or \"we should have explained the use of the space better.\" They did not address the unserved cake or timeline mistake concerns. The Blanche said they appreciated our feedback, but there was no deeper resolution or explanations. Communication and problem solving we rate 3.5 stars.The Blanche is so beautiful and we do not regret having our wedding there. We were willing to pay premium prices, but we did not receive premium services. We really expected a higher level of service, care, and value. Overall, we cannot recommend this venue to another couple. Reviewed on 11-01-2024
Jenni Croy(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 02-04-2022 This venue is the most beautiful place to get married, and it is a great price for what you get. Each room is stunning, but not too gaudy or showy. I received more compliments on choosing this venue than anything else, and the pictures have turned out so well. The people who work there are a pleasure to work with, and the event coordinator they partner with, Amy Smith of Imperial Productions, is the best of the best. I am beyond happy that I chose The Blanche for my wedding venue!! Reviewed on 09-04-2022
Chelsea Indianos(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 20-11-2021 As soon as we saw The Blanche we knew it was our venue! Stunning inside & out, so many photo and decorating opportunities, but what sold us was the option for a beautiful indoor ceremony. We utilized every inch the venue has to offer. The team was wonderful in helping me plan from out of town and the recommended planner pulled it all together seamlessly. 10/10 recommend- wish we could do it all over again!! Reviewed on 06-03-2022
Caitlin Swalwell(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 19-02-2022 The second you walk into the Blanche you fall in love with it’s history and it’s beautiful architecture. We booked it for our wedding and not only was the staff amazing before hand, they were great during and after. Their event space was perfect, and their hotel rooms were unique and exquisite. 1000/10 would recommend throwing an event here or simply spending a weekend. You won’t regret it. Reviewed on 25-02-2022
Betty Pat Cuadras(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 09-10-2021 In looking back at our wedding October 9, 2021, The Blanche Team was cooperative and took care of every detail. Between Denille and Amy, with Imperial Productions, every aspect was looked after without us having to worry. The facility is beautiful and Amy took our vision and enhanced the venue beyond our expectations. We highly recommend this The Blanche for any special occasion. From: Carlos and Betty Pat Cuadras Reviewed on 19-02-2022
Kaitlyn Hart(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 15-01-2022 Wedding of my DREAMS, all thanks to Dennille, Emily, and Amy with Imperial Productions. So many spaces for ceremony, reception, and photos! Truly the most wonderful staff and location, I couldn’t recommend this place enough. Reviewed on 22-01-2022
Joey O'Hern(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 11-12-2021 There are very few places as timeless and beautiful as The Blanche Hotel. When you walk in the front doors, the grand staircase practically takes your breath away as you become surrounded by the most stunning chandeliers! From various spots for every aspect of your wedding to the best overnight accommodations in the area, this historically regal venue has everything a couple could ever want for their special day. But even past the majesty of the staircase and the reflection of crystal chandeliers in the overflowing natural light, The Blanche has the best staff in the business. They go above and beyond to ensure your day is exactly what you imagined and more. They treat every couple and their guests like royalty and it doesn’t go unnoticed. Often times a venue can be one of the biggest ticket items for a wedding, it goes without saying that The Blanche is worth ever single penny. Trust me when I say, you will not be disappointed with The Blanche. Reviewed on 22-01-2022
Maria L(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 30-12-2021 The Blanche is a gorgeous venue! We were married and had our reception there. We loved that it was a historic landmark and all the details were carefully thought through. The building has the oldest elevator in Florida, the original restored tile and gorgeous chandeliers. We hardly needed any decor because it was already so beautiful. The grand staircase is breathtaking and we took our first look photos there. Rooms were cute and spacious and our guests were very comfortable. We loved having our bridal party on site. Dennille and Emily were super helpful and easy to work with. We definitely recommend this place! Reviewed on 03-01-2022
Heather Stalvey(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 17-04-2021 Emily was readily available at anytime throughout us booking our wedding, and afterwards for any questions or concerns. The venue was not only absolutely beautiful, but there was so much space offered. The groom and bridal suites were perfect and Having access to the kitchen was a huge help also. I definitely recommend this elegant location for your event!!! Reviewed on 26-04-2021
Rachel Butler(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 13-03-2021 The Blanche is a gorgeous place to celebrate your wedding! I had my wedding reception here, and it was stunning. It's a treasured building in Lake City filled with a historical, romantic charm! The staff at the Blanche is super helpful and professional. I would highly recommend this venue to anyone. Reviewed on 22-04-2021
Autumn Jackson(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 20-12-2020 I cannot say enough good things about The Blanche, and especially about the dedicated crew who work there. When we first started looking at venues, I struggled to get other potential venues to respond, which was unnerving since we were on a six-month timeline. When I first contacted The Blanche, Dennille Decker responded incredibly quickly and invited us to come see the venue the very next day so that she could show us around in person. I cannot overstate how overwhelmingly beautiful The Blanche is. It was recently renovated after many years of being closed, but it still retains many of the original historic elements, like a beautiful staircase and a gorgeous tile floor. They have added in more chandeliers than you can count, and they’ve also made a beautiful outside courtyard area. Our wedding was in December 2020. We had our wedding ceremony upstairs overlooking the balcony, a cocktail hour in the downstairs lobby, and our reception downstairs in an area that overlooks the courtyard. We have had so many people tell us that it was the prettiest wedding they’ve ever been to! Some other huge selling points to us were that the kitchen was large and well-equipped for our caterer, the bridal suite was gorgeous and had plenty of seating, new elevators ensured that our elderly relatives could make it upstairs, and there was plenty of parking around the building. It was also thousands of dollars cheaper than many other venues in the northeast Florida area, yet it included much more than many of those venues (like access to the entire building, including the courtyard, from 8-11, as well as tables, chairs, and linens). Although all of these things were important to us, the thing that I am most grateful for when I look back on our wedding day is the staff at The Blanche who were genuinely invested in our happiness and making sure that everything went smoothly. They planned alongside us for months, accommodated all of our requests, kept us well informed, and ensured that we were stress-free on our wedding day. I can’t imagine that it is easy to prepare for such large events (especially considering our Sunday wedding was preceded by another large wedding the day before), but they made it look effortless! I really can’t imagine a better venue for a wedding in northeast Florida. Reviewed on 20-02-2021
Jennifer Johnson(parent)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 09-01-2021 This place is absolutely beautiful! There were many options to choose for the location of the ceremony and last minute changes because of a cold snap were easily handled. The staff was easy to work with, prompt to respond when contacted, and were there throughout the rehearsal and wedding to address any issues that came up--yet there were none because they were incredibly prepared. There are numerous locations for pictures inside (grand staircase, balcony, etc) and outside in the courtyard and a lake across the street. Reviewed on 26-01-2021
Danett Pendleton(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 12-12-2020 My wedding was nothing short of everything I wanted! The venue was absolutely gorgeous and the staff went above and beyond their duties to help make my day a success. I loved everything about the venue! Reviewed on 16-12-2020
Beverly Sharpe(parent)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 17-10-2020 The Blanche did NOT disappoint. It was absolutely fabulous. From the location, facilities, professionalism of Denille, ease of use with hotels and bride and groom rooms. I can not say enough about how pleased we were with how smooth our wedding day went. Everything was fabulously decorated and especially the brides room. We chose to use Amy Smith with Imperial Productions referred to us by Denille for rentals, tablecloths and everything you could possibly need and she was amazing. Kind, helpful, prompt and had everything delivered the day before. We even received a video the night before the wedding from Denille showing us how beautiful it was all set up. That meant a lot just knowing we could relax, that was done and BEAUTIFUL. We had our dinner catered by an outside restaurant but used Jackie Roberts of Amazing Grace, also local from Lake City, for appetizer/cocktail hour. Not only was she and her crew helpful, friendly, dependable, ACCOMMODATING but the food she prepared was outrageous yummy! Beautiful presentation but super YUMMY. I couldn’t ever have imagined this wedding day could have gone off so smoothly and even enjoyable for the mom of the bride and of course the special couple (especially in 2020) but The Blanche made it like a magical day. We live in Jacksonville and even the feel of small town Lake City was so cozy and comfy and definitely a close enough drive. Looking back, this was the BEST decision. Our original venue was cancelled because of covid. My daughter found this on line and from the moment we stepped in the door we knew this was going to be what and more than what we had imagined. And it was!!!! This venue is just unbelievably beautiful and accommodating. They have it all. And Denille is very accessible to answer all the many questions that come up. I could say so much more. The convenience of having family stay in hotel rooms and just have steps to the location of the ceremony was outstanding. The elegance and historical feel of The Blanche is just remarkable. I could see this venue meeting just about any occasion.... and with such style and an amazing time for all. The parking is even super easy and close. I don’t know if I’ve covered all the great things we loved about it but I do know I don’t have one negative thing to say. Loved!!!!!!! Hope to have an occasion to come there again some day. Reviewed on 16-12-2020
Darya Bereznyak(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 28-11-2020 The Blanche is absolutely amazing! This was the first venue we toured when my husband and I just got engaged! The building is a perfect mixture of historic with a modern twist- it was the perfect venue! Dennille and Emily were absolutely phenomenal to work with! They were so helpful from the very first email contact to the end of our wedding. Our wedding was absolutely perfect and I honestly cannot think of a more better venue for us.We also stayed at the Blanche hotel room the night before our event, the hotel rooms were super clean, accommodated all our needs, felt secure and was SUPER CUTE! 15/10 🤩🥰🤍 Reviewed on 16-12-2020
I am lucky enough to get to work in one of North Florida's most beautiful and elegant venues! Over the last two years I have been working with The Blanche to create a space that couples, their families and guests will never forget. I love a good party and I love people even more. Seeing couples excitement on their big day is my favorite part of the job. I would love to get to know you so we can create the wedding of your dreams!