Sunset Ceremonies Beneath the Oak Trees at The Whitewood Ranch

Most couples envision golden hour when they picture their outdoor ceremony, but few venues are built to deliver it. The Courtyard at The Whitewood Ranch transforms late afternoon into something unforgettable. Natural light filters through ancient oaks, string lights begin to glow, and that perfect in-between moment where day meets evening unfolds beneath the Oak trees. It's not about hoping the weather cooperates or racing against the sunset. It's about designing your ceremony around nature's most beautiful hour.

The Courtyard at The Whitewood Ranch offers sunset ceremonies beneath mature oak trees where golden light filters through the branches and string lights glow as evening falls. The setting blends natural shade, warm tones, and thoughtful design to create a seamless, adaptable atmosphere for romantic vows and timeless photos.

Sunlight Dances Beneath the Oak Canopy

The Courtyard is an outdoor ceremony space beneath towering trees on our De Leon Springs property. The oak canopy creates natural shade during the heat of the day and frames the sky as the sun drops. Those trees do more than provide coverage because they soften harsh sunlight into dappled patterns that shift as you exchange vows.

Instead of direct sun beating down during a 5 pm ceremony, your photographer captures the play of shadow and glow without needing reflectors or complicated setups. Your guests sit comfortably on rustic wooden benches, shaded by the tree coverage without feeling closed in. The setting handles the technical challenges of outdoor lighting naturally.

String Lights Create Smooth Twilight Transitions

The Courtyard features twinkling string lights woven through the branches. If your sunset ceremony stretches into twilight, those lights turn on as natural light fades. The transition feels intentional, not abrupt. Your photographer keeps shooting as the ambient lighting shifts from golden hour to evening glow.

Your guests don't need flashlights to find their way back to the cocktail hall, and the string lights add warmth to ceremony photos without looking artificial. The space works whether you're starting at peak golden hour or carrying the ceremony into the evening. The lighting adapts with you.

Cohesive Charm in Every Frame

The Whitewood Ranch provides wooden benches for guest seating in The Courtyard. The benches blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, giving the space an organic feel. You're not dragging white plastic chairs into a forest and pretending it looks cohesive, with everything belonging exactly where it is.

Your rental also includes white padded Chiavari ceremony chairs, set up based on your guest count and floor plan. The padding matters if your ceremony runs longer than ten minutes. Our professional wedding coordinator handles setup and breakdown, and you get a selection of four arbors if you want a focal point behind you during vows. Your photographer can capture wide shots that include the seating, trees, and string lights without needing to crop out mismatched furniture.

A Setting That Adapts to Your Vision

The Courtyard already has the elements most couples pay a florist or designer to create: towering trees, natural light, string lights, and wooden benches. If you prefer a minimal ceremony, the space supports that. If you want to incorporate greenery arrangements or aisle markers, the space accommodates those as well.

You are responsible for bringing your own florals, programs, signage, and any additional ceremony décor. We set up your personal items, but the design choices are yours to make. The foundation is strong either way; you're enhancing what's already here, not starting from scratch.

Weather Back-Up Plan

Florida weather can be unpredictable, but your day doesn’t have to be. The Courtyard offers an open-air experience, yet in the event of a storm, transitions are smooth and stress-free. The Grand Verre and our air-conditioned cocktail hall stand ready as elegant backup spaces, ensuring comfort and continuity. And with a full-capacity industrial generator on site, lighting and power remain uninterrupted, so your celebration stays beautiful, no matter the forecast.

During your tour, our coordination team will walk you through contingency plans. Most couples feel more confident booking an outdoor ceremony when they know the backup plan is in place and won't compromise their vision.

Conclusion

The Whitewood Ranch venue is located at 2120 State Road 40 in De Leon Springs. Tours are by appointment only, and we're open Monday through Friday, 9am to 7pm. When you visit, consider walking through The Courtyard at different times, if possible, or ask to see ceremony photos taken at sunset.

Sunset ceremonies are about timing, light, and a setting that requires little to no enhancement. The Courtyard provides the structure, atmosphere, and flexibility to plan around the best part of the day. If you've been picturing vows under oak trees with soft light and string lights overhead, this is the space.

Ready to see The Courtyard at golden hour and plan your sunset ceremony? Contact us at (386) 852-9703 or jacy@whitewoodranch.com to book your tour, or explore our pricing guide.

FAQs

What time should we schedule a sunset ceremony in The Courtyard?

Sunset timing varies by season. In summer, golden hour often starts around 7 pm. In winter, it can be as late as 5 pm. During your in-person 30-day venue walkthrough, our coordinator helps you determine the best time for your ceremony, based on your wedding date. You can also use one of your two included three-hour photoshoot sessions to test the light at your planned ceremony time.

What happens if it rains on the day of our outdoor ceremony?

The venue is equipped with an industrial generator for consistent power. If the weather changes, we will work with you to move the ceremony to The Grand Verre or the air-conditioned cocktail hall. Both spaces are included in your rental and serve as backup options. We discuss contingency plans during your tour and walkthrough.

Are the rustic wooden benches and string lights in The Courtyard included, or do we rent them separately?

The wooden benches and twinkling string lights are permanent features of The Courtyard and are included with your venue rental. White padded Chiavari ceremony chairs and a choice of four arbors are included at no extra cost. Set up and breakdown are fully managed by the venue team, allowing couples to focus on the moments that matter.

Can we add our own decorations or florals to The Courtyard?

Yes. The Courtyard provides a natural foundation with oak trees, benches, and string lights. You're welcome to add florals, aisle markers, signage, or other personal décor. Our professional wedding coordinator sets up your personal items before the ceremony. Many couples find the space works beautifully with minimal additions.