If you’re a Florida couple—or you’ve invited anyone from the South—you already know that planning a fall wedding means you’re competing with something sacred: college football. Trust me, as soon as October kicks in around here, half your guest list is living by the SEC and ACC schedules. And as a Jax wedding venue owner who has seen hundreds of celebrations, I promise you: college football isn’t just a game down here, it’s practically family. The fun comes when you embrace it! Whether your heart beats orange and blue for the Florida Gators, barks along with the Georgia Bulldogs, or is garnet and gold through and through for the Florida State Seminoles, your team can be part of your “I do.” Oh, and before you ask: never—seriously, never—schedule your wedding during the Florida-Georgia game, unless you want to start your marriage fielding memes from both sides of the aisle! (C’mon, you’ve seen the viral TikToks: “When your cousin schedules her wedding the same day as the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.”)
So if you’re ready to blend gameday spirit with your wedding day joy, our outdoor wedding venue is the ultimate field for your celebration. After years of hosting fall weddings where the real MVPs sometimes wore a bulldog bowtie or a gator garter, I’m here with tips and playful ideas to help you plan a wedding even a superfan will love. And if you want to see how a ceremony under our oaks can be just as magical as a last-second touchdown, I invite you to schedule a tour!
How to Score a Touchdown with Your Fall Wedding
Aside from checking the latest rankings, plan ahead for these ways to make the season play nicely with your big day:
1. Avoid Rivalry Weekends—For Real
If your guest list is full of Gators, Bulldogs, and Noles, let this serve as your PSA: Do. Not. Book. Rivalry. Weekend. The Florida–Georgia game (“The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party”) transforms Jacksonville. Everyone’s got a story about that one family member who spent the reception secretly streaming the fourth quarter under the table. The memes will follow you forever—think Gators in tuxes looking devastated as the Dawgs take the win, or a Seminole flower girl doing the tomahawk chop down the aisle. For reference: Florida–Georgia is usually late October/early November; and let’s not forget FSU-Miami or Alabama’s epic battles with Auburn!
2. Infuse Team Spirit into the Wedding Details
- Gator Greatness: Add orange and blue touches, like a “Gator Chomp” photo booth prop or a surprise guest appearance by Albert or Alberta (okay, maybe just a plush mascot!). Signature drinks? Try a “Swamp Juice” cocktail bar.
- Bulldog Pride: Use red and black for florals and napkins, or set up a “How ‘Bout Them Dawgs?” snack station with themed treats. Create a custom “G” cornhole board, or hand out mini foam Bulldog heads for the dance floor.
- Seminole Glam: Build a gold and garnet tablescape, and toast with “Chief’s Cheers” sangrias. Place tomahawk-shaped cake toppers, and let the band work in the Warchant during your entrance.
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Photo by Clinkscale Creations
Even your attire can play along—think blue heels, glittery gold pocket squares, red socks, or custom cufflinks in your team’s logo.
3. Game-Day-Friendly Timeline
- Morning Ceremony, Tailgate Reception: Say “I do” before kickoff, then turn the afternoon into a fun, food-filled watch party. Set up tents, lawn games (team cornhole is a must), and plenty of big screens so even the die-hards stay happy.
- Halftime Toasts & Score Updates: If there’s no avoiding the game, embrace it. Have your DJ or emcee announce score updates between dances, or do a fun “Gator Chomp” or Seminole Chop any time your team scores.
- Bye Week Magic: Want a full house? Aim for a week when all three teams are off or playing less intense matchups. Your RSVPs will thank you (and grandma won’t be sneaking game updates from the photo booth).
Photo by Clinkscale Creations
4. Football Memes & Traditions
Start your ceremony with a playful sign—“Pick a seat, not a side…unless it’s Florida-Georgia weekend, then you know what to do.” Have your ring bearer carry the rings down the aisle in a miniature football helmet or a custom Gators/Noles/Dawgs box. During the reception, hand out #NotDuringRivalryWeekend buttons for the guests who protested but still showed up. Share meme-worthy moments on your wedding slideshow: the best being “when your uncle tried to catch the bouquet and fumbled like Florida in overtime.”
5. Celebrate the Wins (and the Love)
Have your guests do the Gator Chomp or the Seminole Chop during your big entrance, or play “Glory, Glory” for the Dawgs at the end of the night. Let those alma mater chants roar! Your wedding can be where all three teams unite in celebrating you.
If you want more playful inspiration (and maybe a few creative meme ideas), check out our blog on the Top 10 Things to Do in the Fall in Jacksonville, FL.
At All4One Farms, it’s not just about the field—it’s about the team you have on your side. Let’s ensure your wedding date is legendary for all the right reasons. Schedule a tour of our wedding venue in Jacksonville to see how we can blend your love story with your team pride. Photos are great, but you need to experience the feeling of planning a wedding where “Go Gators!,” “Go Dawgs!,” and “Roll Tide!” can all get a cheer—while you’re still at the center of it all.
Let’s huddle up, dodge the rivalry weekends, and create a celebration that earns a lifetime of high-fives!
Diane
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