How The Whitewood Ranch Creates a Smooth Indoor-Outdoor Flow
We are often asked how our couples manage to transition their guests from the ceremony and cocktails to the reception without anyone feeling lost or stuck. The answer is simple: we designed The Whitewood Ranch so every space connects naturally. You don’t need signs pointing people in circles or coordinators herding groups across a field because every transition happens naturally.
The Whitewood Ranch ensures a smooth indoor-outdoor flow by connecting every space through thoughtful design. Guests move naturally from ceremony areas like The Terrace or Courtyard to the cocktail hall and into The Grand Verre reception space without delays, guided transitions, or discomfort, creating an effortless experience throughout the event.
Choose Your Ceremony Space: Both Connect Smoothly
You can exchange vows on The Terrace, a wood-decked space that sits directly in front of The Grand Verre reception hall. Your guests look through those large glass windows during your ceremony, so they already see where they're heading next. When you walk back down the aisle, they step inside for cocktails without backtracking or confusion.
Or you might choose The Courtyard, our outdoor ceremony space, situated beneath oak trees, featuring wooden benches and twinkling string lights. It's tucked under the canopy, so guests feel surrounded by the natural environment. After your ceremony, they walk a short, clear path to the air conditioned cocktail hall. We set up your arbor, arrange the white padded Chiavari ceremony chairs, and handle breakdown while your guests move to the next part of your celebration.
The Cocktail Hall Keeps Guests Comfortable During Setup
Our air conditioned cocktail hall includes a bar and restroom, so guests stay comfortable while you take photos around the property. The space is separated from The Grand Verre, which means we can seamlessly transition the ceremony setup into your reception layout during cocktail hour without your guests noticing or hearing any of it.
If you'd like a room flip, we can include an extended cocktail hour. That gives our team time to rearrange the space while your photographer captures portraits under the oak trees. By the time you're ready for your grand entrance, the reception hall is set with our wooden cross-back reception chairs and signature farmhouse tables. Your guests transition from cocktails to dinner without any awkward waiting or wondering where to go.
The Grand Verre Anchors Your Reception
This sleek glasshouse boasts panoramic views through its wide windows, complemented by white walls and stone pillars that add architectural interest without overwhelming the space. Natural lighting pours in during the day, and at night, the space glows with whatever lighting you choose to add. We accommodate up to 200 guests, including your wedding party, so everyone fits comfortably.
Because The Grand Verre is climate-controlled, your guests stay relaxed through dinner, toasts, and dancing. You're not worrying about heat, humidity, or sudden rain. Our professional wedding coordinator manages the timeline, cues your DJ or band, and keeps vendors on track, so you can focus on celebrating instead of worrying about logistics.
Bridal and Groom Suites
The Bridal Suite offers soft lighting, refined décor, and stunning views of the natural surroundings, helping you start your day without rushing across town. With space for your entire wedding party to get ready comfortably, you'll have a serene backdrop for getting ready photos. Meanwhile, the Groom Suite provides a private area where your partner and their crew can relax before the ceremony.
Both suites are included with your booking at no additional charge, so you won't pay extra for prep space or coordinating hotel logistics. Everyone arrives at one location and stays on the property through the entire day. That simplicity reduces stress and keeps your timeline flowing smoothly from morning through night.
Professional Coordination
Our professional wedding coordinator is part of your package. She manages vendor arrivals, ceremony and reception setup, personal décor placement, and breakdown. On the day of your event, up to two coordinators stay on site for up to 10 hours. They collect your personal items at the end of the night, so you're not scrambling to pack centerpieces or signage after dancing until 10 pm.
We also schedule an in-person 30-day venue walkthrough and a one-hour rehearsal with your coordinator. That rehearsal lets your wedding party practice the processional and understand where to stand. Everyone knows the flow before guests arrive, which means fewer questions and smoother transitions on your actual wedding day.
Two Practice Sessions Mean Zero Guesswork
Your venue rental includes two three-hour photo shoot sessions. You can use one for engagement photos on the property and another for a boudoir session in the Bridal Suite if you'd like. These sessions let you and your photographer explore the spaces, understand how they connect, and plan your timeline based on what you've already experienced.
Your photographer will already know where to position you during cocktail hour for portraits, which angles work best in The Grand Verre, and how the light moves through The Courtyard or across The Terrace. You're making informed decisions instead of guessing based solely on venue photos.
Bartender Included, Other Vendors Your Choice
A licensed and insured bartender is included with every booking. You can stock your own bar or choose a pre-packaged option. Either way, all alcohol must be served by our bartender. We allow outside caterers, provided they're licensed, insured, and approved by us.
We also maintain a list of preferred vendors for catering, photography, florals, beauty, DJ services, and desserts. You're welcome to bring your own team or choose from our list. The flexibility exists within a framework that ensures quality and safety standards across every wedding.
What's Included in Your Wedding Booking
Your rental includes setup and breakdown of ceremony and reception floor plans, white padded Chiavari chairs for the ceremony, wooden cross-back chairs for the reception, signature farmhouse tables, and a selection of four arbors. All taxes and fees are included in your total cost, so the price you see is the price you pay.
You'll handle your own floral arrangements, linens, centerpieces, and any additional décor. We set up your personal items, but the design choices are yours to make. If you want to add candles, they must be in holders with a protective base. Sparklers are allowed, provided they are handled safely and kept at least eight feet from the venue.
Conclusion
We're open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 7 pm, and tours are by appointment only. When you visit, we'll guide you through every space and show you exactly how guests transition from the ceremony to cocktails to the reception. You'll understand the timing, the distances, and the backup plans.
The Whitewood Ranch combines the beauty of a glasshouse wedding venue with the convenience of seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, making it an ideal choice for couples planning their celebration in De Leon Springs
Ready to see how seamlessly your wedding day can unfold? Contact us at (386) 852-9703 or jacy@whitewoodranch.com to book your tour.
FAQs
How do you handle room flips between the ceremony and reception?
The Whitewood Ranch flips The Grand Verre during an extended cocktail hour. Your guests enjoy drinks in the separate air-conditioned cocktail hall while our team rearranges the space. You won't see or hear the transition.
Can we bring our own caterer and bartender?
The Whitewood Ranch includes a licensed and insured bartender with every booking, who is responsible for serving all alcohol. Outside caterers are welcome, provided they're licensed, insured, and approved by us. The Whitewood Ranch also maintains a list of preferred catering vendors.
What happens if the weather changes on our wedding day?
The Whitewood Ranch is equipped with an industrial generator for consistent power and climate control. If the weather turns, The Grand Verre and cocktail hall serve as air-conditioned backup options for your ceremony.
How many guests can the venue accommodate, and what's included in the rental?
The Whitewood Ranch accommodates up to 200 guests. Your rental includes a professional wedding coordinator, a licensed bartender, air-conditioned reception and cocktail halls, two outdoor ceremony options, bridal and groom suites, ceremony and reception chairs, signature farmhouse tables, four arbors, setup and breakdown, two three-hour photo shoot sessions, a one-hour rehearsal, and an in-person 30-day walkthrough. All taxes and fees are included.