About The Fort
Where History Meets Happily Ever After
Nestled on nearly 300 breathtaking acres in the heart of Howey-in-the-Hills, The Fort is a one-of-a-kind luxury wedding and event venue rich in history, elegance, and timeless charm. As part of the Jeppesen family estate, the property carries the legacy of aviation pioneer Elrey Jeppesen — founder of the world-renowned Jeppesen navigation charts that transformed modern aviation. Today, that legacy lives on as couples begin their own journey together in a place where history meets happily ever after.
The estate features a stunning upscale Southern-style manor home surrounded by beautifully curated gardens, majestic oak trees, and picturesque landscapes that create an unforgettable backdrop for every celebration. From romantic ceremonies beneath the canopy of century-old oaks to breathtaking golden-hour sunsets stretching across the property, every corner of The Fort was designed to feel magical.
Our fully air-conditioned industrial-modern barn seamlessly blends refined elegance with contemporary sophistication and comfortably accommodates up to 300 guests. Inside, soaring ceilings, luxury finishes, Wi-Fi programmable chandeliers customizable to your wedding colors, modern upscale restrooms, and a fully equipped catering kitchen provide both beauty and functionality for an elevated guest experience.
Whether you envision an intimate garden ceremony, an elegant Southern estate wedding, or a grand celebration under glowing chandeliers, The Fort offers an unmatched setting where timeless romance, modern luxury, and historic legacy come together effortlessly.
Events Offered On-Site
- Ceremony
- Reception
Packages & Pricing
Weekday
Weekend
Weekday Wedding Experience
Weekday Wedding Experience
Monday through Thursday investment begins at $4500
Perfect for intimate celebrations, Weekday weddings, and couples seeking a timeless setting with exceptional value.
Your experience includes:
- 8 hours of exclusive venue access
- The Fort Ceremony and reception space
- Elegant Chiavari Chairs for reception
- White resin ceremony chairs
- Tables for guest seating, sweetheart, table, and service needs
- On-site support staff
Signature Weekend Experience
Signature Weekend Experience
Friday through Sunday investment begins at $8000
Our premier weekend experience offers extended time, elevated accommodations, and full use of the estate for a seamless wedding celebration.
Your experiencing includes:
- 10 hours of exclusive venue access
- Full use of The Fort and the Elrey House
- Elegant Chiavari chairs for reception
- White resin ceremony chairs
- Table tables for guest, seating, table, and service needs
- On-site support staff
All-Inclusive Wedding Experience
Available upon request
For couples seeking a fully curated celebration, our all-inclusive experience is designed to bring your wedding vision to life with ease, intention, and elevated detail.
The experience may include:
- Full service planning and coordination
- Custom design and decor
- Floral styling
- Custom packages from our preferred vendors
- Catering and bar services
- Vendor management
- Additional rental
each all-inclusive package is thoughtfully tailored to reflect your unique style, guest count, and wedding day needs.
À La Carte Enhancements
Every wedding is unique, and we believe your package should be too.
Our à la carte options allow couples to customize their experience with additional services that best fit their needs, vision, and budget.
Enhancements may include:
- Extended venue hours
- Design and decor upgrades
- Floral installations
- Coordination service services
- Specialty rentals
- Additional event styling
Let’s Begin Planning!
we would love to help you create a wedding day that feels timeless, personal, and unforgettable.
Contact The Fort To schedule your private tour or request a custom proposal.
Deals & Discounts
Key Info About The Fort
The Basics
Max Seated Capacity: 300
Events must end by: 11:00 pm.
Pets Allowed with Restrictions
Vendor Information
Outside Vendors Allowed
Wedding Planner Required
Optional Rehearsal Add-On
Liability Insurance Required
Professional Bartender Required
Venue Features
- All Inclusive
- Exclusive Rental
- Free Parking
- Air Conditioning Available Indoors
- Free WiFi Available
- Weekend Buyout Available
- Child Friendly
- Eco-Friendly / Green Venue
- Handicap Accessible
Venue Inclusions
- Getting Ready Rooms
- Chairs
- Tables
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
9541 Orange Blossom Rd, Howey-in-the-Hills, FL 34737
Check Availability
Create an account for faster form fills.
Gallery
Upcoming Events
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top three venue features?
Our Top Three Venue Features 1-Two Adjoining, Fully Air-Conditioned Event Rooms (The Fort) Designed for a seamless event flow—whether you’re hosting your ceremony and reception or a cocktail hour followed by dinner. Your guests will enjoy a comfortable, elegant setting no matter the season. A2- Breathtaking Working Cattle Ranch Setting Our expansive ranch offers unmatched natural beauty, complete with wide-open landscapes and spectacular sunsets. It creates a one-of-a-kind backdrop that elevates every photo and adds true Texas charm to your celebration. 3-The Stunning “Elrey House” Featuring a grand tree-lined driveway, this beautiful home provides exceptional photo opportunities and separate, spacious getting-ready suites for both sides of the wedding party—ensuring a relaxing and memorable start to your day.
Does the venue offer catering or bar services? If yes, what is the average cost per guest?
“One of the things that sets us apart is the flexibility to bring in your own licensed and insured catering vendor, as long as they are approved by The Fort.”
What does a typical wedding day look like?
When you begin your day in, “The Elrey House”, you and your bridal party can relax, sip, laugh, and enjoy those final, meaningful moments as you get ready. When it’s time for your ceremony, you may choose to step out onto the enchanting tree-lined driveway, where your guests will be waiting to witness your walk down the aisle. From there, the celebration continues at The Fort, where one indoor room can host your romantic ceremony while the other welcomes guests for an elegant cocktail hour. The flow is seamless, the atmosphere unforgettable, and every moment is designed to feel effortless and magical. It’s a wedding day filled with beauty, excitement, and endless opportunities to savor every detail.
Is there a backup plan for outdoor ceremonies? If yes, what is it?
Absolutely! We would use the first indoor room of “The Fort”
What makes your venue a favorite with couples?
Couples love our venue because it offers a truly unforgettable experience that combines natural beauty, elegance, and flexibility. From the breathtaking sunsets over our working cattle ranch to the stunning, “Elrey House” with its tree-lined driveway and dedicated getting-ready spaces, every detail is designed to create picture-perfect moments. Our two adjoining, air-conditioned event rooms provide comfort and seamless flow for ceremonies, receptions, and cocktail hours. Plus, we give you the flexibility to bring in your own licensed and insured catering, so you can customize your menu exactly the way you want. With this unique blend of modern charm, luxury, and personalized options, our venue makes every celebration memorable.
Are couples required to provide wedding insurance?
Yes
What other types of events does the venue host?
Weddings, sporting events, holiday parties, anniversaries, vow-renewals,
Best piece of advice for couples planning a wedding.
Start by envisioning the experience you want for your day, then take full advantage of our venue’s flexibility and unique features. Consider booking a tour early to see the “Elrey House”, tree-lined driveway, and ranch grounds in person—this helps you plan ceremony and reception layouts that maximize the natural beauty. Think about your catering and décor options, since you can bring in your own licensed, insured catering to create a personalized menu. Most importantly, embrace the space, sunsets, and ranch charm—it’s designed to make your wedding day both seamless and unforgettable.
How many weddings do you host per day/weekend?
We only have one per day, making you our number 1 priority!
Is a wedding coordinator required?
Yes. We have coordinators on hand that are designated to the venue and available for any bride and able to offer many different packages to suit the couple. How they feel is best.
Venue Manager
Jeané Savarese
Hi, I’m Jeané! I am the venue manager at The Fort and owner of Jeané Cognac Designs. With over 13 years of experience in the wedding industry, my passion lies in design, decor, and florals, bringing your vision to life in a way that feels both beautiful and meaningful. My team and I are here to guide you every step of the way, making sure your day feels effortless, personal, and truly unforgettable. Welcome to The Fort where your forever begins and history meets your happily ever after.
The Fort Reviews
0 Reviews
The Fort is a preferred Wedding Venue Map venue.
