About Gather by Lake Wales Arts Council

Nestled in the heart of Lake Wales, our historic venue at Lake Wales Arts Council, built in 1927, offers a stunning blend of Roman, Byzantine, and Renaissance architectural details. The “mission style” of our building is inspired by the Spanish Colonial architecture of the 18th century, characterized by beautiful arches, tiled roofs, and stucco walls. Our versatile spaces are perfect for weddings, milestone events, team-building art education retreats, and corporate gatherings.

The mission of the Lake Wales Arts Council is to enrich the lives of all people in Central Florida by providing innovative arts education programs and world-class performance and visual arts experiences that nurture appreciation for the arts, inspire curiosity and creativity and cultivate a thriving cultural arts community in central Florida.  In 1972, five men and women who wanted art to not only survive but thrive in Lake Wales joined forces to incorporate the Lake Wales Arts Council.

Explore our unique venue options:

Updike Hall: Updike Hall offers a charming and historic setting with exquisite stained glass windows. This space provides a beautiful backdrop for weddings, receptions, and milestone celebrations, blending elegance with historic charm. Capacity:** 150-person seated, 80-person with tables

Crews Gallery: The Crews Gallery is perfect for larger gatherings and corporate events. With its spacious layout and flexible seating arrangements, this gallery accommodates both formal and informal events, making it ideal for art exhibitions, corporate meetings, and social celebrations. Capacity: 125-person seated, 80-person with tables

Conference Room: The Conference Room is designed for productive meetings and brainstorming sessions. With a professional yet inviting atmosphere, this space is equipped to handle board meetings, strategy sessions, and small corporate gatherings. Capacity: 20-person

Classrooms: Ideal for educational retreats and workshops, our Classrooms offer flexible spaces that encourage creativity and collaboration. Whether for team-building activities or art education, these rooms are equipped to inspire and engage. Capacity: 25-person seated, 12-person with tables.

Events Offered On-Site

  • Ceremony
  • Reception

Ceremony Options

  • Ceremony Indoor

Reception Options

  • Reception Indoor

Key Info About Gather by Lake Wales Arts Council

The Basics

Max Seated Capacity: 80

Event end time is flexible. Contact the venue for details.

Pets Not Allowed (Service Animals Only)

Vendor Information

Partially Required Vendor List

Wedding Planner Required

Rehearsal Included

Bar & Catering OptionS

  • Licensed and Insured Caterers Only
  • Preferred Catering List

Professional Bartender Required

Venue Features

  • Exclusive Rental
  • Free Parking
  • Air Conditioning Available Indoors
  • Free WiFi Available
  • Weekend Buyout Available
  • Handicap Accessible
  • LGBTQIA+ Inclusive
  • Hablamos Español

Venue Inclusions

  • Getting Ready Rooms
  • Tables
  • Tent
  • Dance Floor
  • Stage
  • A/V Equipment
  • Sound System
  • On-Site Security

Guest Experiences & Specialty Decor

  • Fireworks (outdoor)
  • Cold Sparks Indoor
  • Cold Sparks Outdoor
  • Sparkler Exit
  • Fog Machine
  • Dancing on a Cloud
  • Confetti Cannon
  • Bubble Machine
  • Snow Machine
  • CO2 Cannon
  • Open Flame Performers
  • Open Flame Candles Allowed
  • Open Flame in Enclosed Holders
  • Electric Candles Only
  • Hanging Installations
  • Real Flower Petals Allowed
  • Faux Flower Petals Allowed
  • Wall Draping Allowed
  • Ceiling Draping Allowed

Languages We Speak

  • English
  • Spanish

Lake Wales Arts Center, 1099 State Rd 60, Lake Wales, Florida

Gather by Lake Wales Arts Council

Book a Tour: (863) 676-8426

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average price range for venue rental?

The average price for a wedding event at the Lake Wales Arts Council ranges between $4,000-$5,000.

What is included in that cost?

This range includes access to Updike Hall, Kitchenette rental, seating for 100 guests, and an alcohol security fee.

Does the venue provide catering and bar service? If so, what is the average cost per person?

We allow all licensed and insured caterers. The Lake Wales Arts Council does not provide catering or bar services.

Is there a minimum for booking?

The minimum for booking our venue is four (4) hours, ranging between $1,000 – $1,500.

Do you require wedding insurance?

The Lake Wales Arts Council does not require wedding insurance.

Why do couples choose this location?

Couples choose the Lake Wales Arts Council for its charming, historic setting, offering a church-like atmosphere for their special day without requiring a religious affiliation.

What are the top three venue features?

Historic Charm, Artistic Surroundings & Exceptional Staff. The Lake Wales Arts Council is housed in a beautifully preserved building with a rich history, adding a sense of timeless elegance and character to any event. Located within a vibrant arts community, the venue is adorned with artwork and cultural elements, creating a unique and inspiring environment that enhances the overall experience for guests. Our event coordinator and support team go the extra mile to assist couples throughout their planning process, ensuring a warm and stress-free atmosphere on the big day.

What other types of events does the venue host?

The Lake Wales Arts Council is home to three art studios that host educational programming year-round. Additionally, we serve as a pillar of community engagement by hosting concerts, luncheons, corporate events, and youth education programs.

Gigi Hernández-Medina

Gather by Lake Wales Arts Council Reviews

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Juliana

guest

Event Date: 09/07/2024

From beginning to end, everything was great. They went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect!

Gather by Lake Wales Arts Council is a preferred Wedding Venue Map venue.

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