Ready to plan your baby shower? You absolutely should! Hosting your baby shower is a fun excuse to celebrate your pregnancy before welcoming baby home. As a maternity photographer and self-proclaimed “Hostess with the Mostest”, I’ve been to (and hosted) tons of baby showers. Jacksonville has so many venues that are perfect for large and small showers.
Since I’m always getting asked for ideas, I decided to put together a list of the top spots around town. But before we get into the best baby shower venues in Jacksonville, let’s talk about the classics too.
Classic Baby Shower Spots
You can probably guess what the “classics” are. Hosting your shower in your home, a friend’s home, or your neighborhood clubhouse is what I would call using a “classic” venue. In fact, if you’re looking for a smaller, or more intimate, gathering with friends and family or an outdoor party you may be a classic baby shower type of Mama!
In-Home Baby Showers
The major benefits of an in-home baby shower are its versatility. When you host your shower in someone’s home, you have the advantage of using the indoor space and backyard. I love this if you’re planning to have a co-ed party or do a combined shower + gender reveal party. Hosting in the home allows everyone to have the space to have more intimate one-on-one conversations and movement. Plus, there are plenty of outdoor baby shower games you can choose from.
Hosting at Neighborhood Clubhouse
Neighborhood clubhouses are also classic baby shower venues. These have many of the same benefits as hosting in your home with a few additional ones. Most clubhouses come with access to their game rooms, the best outdoor patio and grills (ever!), as well as access to their pool. (For a small rental fee.) But let me tell you…if you’re planning a spring or summer baby shower in Florida, turning it into a pool party is the best! You and your guests can stay cool and enjoy the indoor/outdoor setting. Trust me, grab one of those huge blow-up avocados and you’ll be relaxing in no time.
Best Baby Shower Venues in Jacksonville
If you’d rather enjoy your party at one of Jacksonville’s event venues, you’re in luck. We have a ton of great local spots to choose from. Hosting at a venue is often more stress-free for Mamas because many offer catering, entertainment, decorating, and have the hook up with party planners that will do all the work for you. Plus, event venues can accommodate a larger headcount than in-home or clubhouses.
Here are the 10 best spots to host your baby shower in Jacksonville!
The Fig Room
The Fig Room in Jacksonville Beach gives you that traditional beach bungalow vibe. It’s one block from the ocean and has the most cozy atmosphere. The Fig Room can host up to 49 guests. Bookings include the whole venue, decorations, cleaning, and tables/linens. So, you and your guests can sit back and enjoy your time together rather than fussing over setup and cleaning up afterward. Plus, they allow you to bring in any catering, bubbly, and vendors you’d like.
Azaleana Manor
Azaleana Manor has been one of my favorite event spaces for years. I used to shoot weddings there, but they are ideal for indoor or outdoor baby showers. Located just over the bridge in Orange Park, Azalenaa Manor sits on the St. John’s River. The grounds are beautiful with great, wispy oak trees. Inside, they have plenty of room for table settings, changing areas, and gift unboxing. The event space itself can host up to 150 guests for larger showers. Plus, they have cozy suites to house any out-of-town guests.
Clay Theatre
Clay Theatre is a historic Jacksonville venue that’s perfect for large baby showers. Not only is there a glamorous get-ready room, but the spaces are chic and modern. (Heck, I want to live there!) You’d never know it’s been around since the 30s. The owners did an amazing job renovating it and it’s one of the most sought-after event spaces in town.
Brick and Beam
If you love the idea of hosting your baby shower in a historic venue but want it to feel historic – I got you, babe! Brick and Beam is perfect for you. It’s a nearly 2,300 sq foot venue in Jacksonville’s historic district. It has exposed brick inside and out, plus one of Jacksonville’s most photographed outside murals. The inside has a combination of chic and modern historic vibes. It’s like walking into another work when you enter. You and your guests will be able to have plenty of room for cake, games, and connection.
The Lark
If you love the exposed brick look, you should also check out The Lark. It’s one of Downtown Jacksonville’s most charming event venues. The website literally calls it “a vibe” and it ain’t wrong! It has indoor and outdoor spaces. Plus, if you’re one of my Queens who’s considering a floral maternity photoshoot, you’ll be happy to know that the space is no stranger to having wall-to-wall floral arrangements that look right at home with the brick walls. You and your girls will love it!
Sweet Pete’s Candy
Ok, hear me out – who wouldn’t want their baby shower to have the best sweets? I’ve been to a baby shower at Sweet Pete’s and it was so much fun! It’s like stepping into a 50’s candy store meets soda shop. (So, flippin’ fun!) You can reserve the whole shop or do a fun candy-making class. Then, when you and your shower guests get hungry, they have catering with brunch and dinner options available through their in-house restaurant. It’s a wholesome venue, perfect for you and your girlfriends to feel like kids again.
Five Points Chapel
Five Points Chapel is another indoor/outdoor event space that’s perfect for parties. It’s a historic gothic church located in Riverside, near Pompy Studios. I pass this venue all the time, and it’s such a hidden gem. The inside is all white walls and hardwood floors. The outside lawn has a mix of grass and a cute stone path that’s perfect for a Sunday baby shower. Plus, it can hold 110 guests, so there’s plenty of space to host and have games.
TEA on Talbot
Have you ever stepped into a venue and it just screamed “baby shower”? If not, you haven’t been to TEA on Talbot. This Jacksonville venue is gorgeous and practically already set up to have your shower. They have a long table for snacking and a sitting area with comfy, velvet blue couches for you and your guests to enjoy. Plus, they have an in-house catering kitchen and outdoor patio. You can see their venue on their site, but their brochure shows you a better look at how it’s laid out so you can start planning your baby shower!
Casa Marina Hotel
Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant is another Jacksonville favorite. This event space mixes modern and contemporary Spanish decor. Located right on the beach, they have plenty of indoor and outdoor space for your shower. With a green wall, the best drinks, and food you and your guests will have tons of entertainment. Personally, I’d come for the shower and stay for the beach vibes and tacos! It’s a must-see venue for your shower.
Wicked Barley
Ok, as the last (but not least) Jacksonville baby shower venue in the list, I had to go with Wicked Barley. I know, I know. It’s not entirely fair because you can’t enjoy their ale but the tacos…the TACOS! You know how I feel about a good taco. With being right on the water and a tropical oasis vibe, this one is perfect for the Mama who just wants a laid-back shower. Their outdoor green space is cozy. You can put your feet in the sand without the salt water. Plus, they have room for a live band, which is just next level.
Wherever you choose…
Make sure you get lots of rest the night before. Hosting your baby shower is often a stressful undertaking but it shouldn’t be. You deserve to have a day to relax and enjoy yourself, Queen. That’s why I encourage soon-to-be moms to do things like getting a maternity photo experience, taking a babymoon, or hosting a hands-off baby shower.
Whatever you can do to enjoy the short window of being pregnant, you should. It’s a precious time that goes by way too quickly. Pretty soon it’s going to be all about the baby. So now is your time to have days where it’s all about you, Queen.
Get Your Maternity Photos Before Your Shower!
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