Victoria 1883
About Victoria 1883
Tucked within the shorelines of east central Florida in the beautiful New Smyrna beach area, Victoria 1883 offers more than a bed & breakfast and event venue but a complete experience. The Victoria 1883 experience, leaving guests with meaningful moments transformed into cherished memories, starts with the carefully designed spaces themselves.
Located less than sixty miles from downtown Orlando, Victoria 1883 proffers a lavish east garden with a stately oak tree and river views before moving into the west garden. Here, Magnolia and palm trees are complemented by warm, romantic lighting. The brick-paved courtyard is enhanced through a charming fountain and pond. Guests will be enthralled by the cleverly tucked-away speakeasy experience and accompanying garden spaces.
Such grounds were custom-crafted to help you create your next meaningful moment—whether event, stay, or more.
To us, Victoria epitomizes the fullness of family. Each story Victoria creates adds to our rich legacy.
Built around 1883, this iconically beautiful home is the longest standing structure in the quaint and historic district of New Smyrna Beach.
It’s story is about human connection. Daughter of one of New Smyrna’s pillar families and first residents, Victoria Sheldon grew up familiar with the creativity of the building process.
Her family formed a sixty room hotel on top of the Old Fort Park mound, an expansive housing space said to be “the finest hotel south of Saint Augustine.” However, tragedy was soon to strike as a Union Navy bombardment was to ravage the town and destroy much which was once loved.
Nonetheless, Victoria’s deep roots in creativity and commitment to her family’s estate were unmoved. Having met and married Edmund Kirby (E.K.) Lowd, the Lowds began their own dynamic building and entrepreneurial ventures when they created an imaginative space for learning—the Ocean House.
With time, their ventures allowed them to establish their namesake Victoria Estate, a structure still standing to this day. E.K. passed on four years after the house’s formation, and Victoria followed him on the exact date five years later.
The inscription on E.K.’s tombstone reads “A light from our households is gone / A voice we loved is stilled / A place is vacant in our hearts / That can never be filled.”
Twenty years later, the Victoria Theater was built and provided performances and entertainment as meaningful moments to many. Now, through the Victoria Estate, even more meaningful moments are being transformed into lasting memories.
E.K. and Victoria’s heart for this home shines clear, and its family legacy of light and love continues on not through the Sheldons but now through the Spooners.
Events Offered On-Site
- Ceremony
- Reception
Key Info About Victoria 1883
The Basics
Max Seated Capacity: 150
Event end time is flexible. Contact the venue for details.
Pets Allowed
Vendor Information
No Preferred Vendor List
Wedding Planner Required
Rehearsal Included
Liability Insurance Required
Professional Bartender Required
Venue Features
- Free Parking
- On-Site Lodging Available
- Handicap Accessible
Venue Inclusions
- Getting Ready Rooms
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
532 North Riverside Drive, New Smyrna Beach, FL
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average price range for venue rental?
$8,500-$12,000
What is included in that cost?
EXCLUSIVE USE OF THE EAST GARDEN, COURTYARD, SPEAKEASY, SECRET GARDEN, AND WEST GARDENUP TO (150) WHITE FOLDING CHAIRSUP TO (18) 60″ ROUND TABLES(6) 30″ COCKTAIL TABLES(4) 6’ X 30” RECTANGULAR TABLES(2) 8’ X 30” RECTANGULAR TABLECOMPLIMENTARY OFF-SITE PARKING FOR UP TO 50 CARSLUXURY PORTABLE RESTROOMSSECURITY FOR THE DURATION OF THE EVENTSET CREW TO PROVIDE SUPPORT WITH THE EVENT SET UP AND BREAK DOWN OPTION TO HOST THE REHEARSAL DINNER ONSITE FOR UP TO 40 GUESTS THE NIGHT PRIOR TO YOUR WEDDING
Does the venue provide catering and bar service? If so, what is the average cost per person?
We create custom catering and bar proposals for weddings with 40 guests or less. For weddings larger than this, we have a preferred vendor guide.
Is there a minimum for booking?
We offer a whole estate rental, which means that in addition to the venue rental, we require our seven rooms to be rented for a two-night minimum. We create room blocks and typically family and the bridal party will stay on property for the night before and night of the event.
Do you require wedding insurance?
We require a certificate of insurance listing us as additional insured from each vendor.
Why do couples choose this location?
Because they fall in love with the magic and beauty of Victoria 1883 and can envision the most memorable wedding experience here.
What are the top three venue features?
Whole estate rental- one of the many things that makes Victoria perfect for weddings is it provides a relaxing atmosphere for your entire wedding weekend. Typically the wedding party checks in the night before the event, and checks out the morning after. This allows everyone to gather and connect in a relaxed atmosphere and stay on property for the entire experience. From your complimentary rehearsal dinner, to getting ready the day off, and breakfast the morning after, we provide the backdrop for a seamless experience.
Historical Setting- history is woven into the story of Victoria 1883. Likely built before 1883, this iconically beautiful home is the longest standing structure in the quaint historic district of New Smyrna Beach. Built by Victoria Sheldon Lowd and Edmund Kirby Lowd, Victoria 1883 epitomizes the fullness of family. Each story Victoria creates adds to our rich legacy.
Beautiful outdoor gardens- The estate at Victoria reflects our deep commitment to celebrating beauty in all its fullness. Our expansive gardens welcome you and your loved ones with a richly fragrant and visually lavish greeting. Across the 1.5 acre riverfront estate, you’ll find respite and recreation from the courtyard and patios to private dock and secret garden. Centrally located, our ceremony space is situated within a beautiful botanical garden and features a diverse variety of plants and historic, majestic 500-year-old Oak trees. Heading to the spacious and inviting reception area, your guests are guided by warm bistro lighting through a path blanketed with floral arches. Additional grounds feature a unique, personalized speakeasy and secret garden experience,
What does a typical wedding day look like?
Beautiful and relaxed. We’ll offer those who have stayed the night before a plated breakfast in our dining room and then our bride and her attendants will retreat to the Eliza, our getting-ready suite, for hair and makeup. The Eliza has four stations, plenty of outlets, and a separate climate control. But, our favorite part is the view of our East Garden: allowing the Bride to peek out the window and see her ceremony being set up, all while enjoying a mimosa bar and charcuterie for a mid-day snack pre-ceremony. Grooms will often choose to get ready and have photos taken in the Lowd, our first-floor room featuring the perfect moody and masculine backdrop. You can choose a first look and exchange private vows with another before your guests arrive, or see each other for the first time under our expansive oak tree in the East Garden as you exchange vows in front of your guests. Post-ceremony, guests will move to our Speakeasy for cocktail hour while you enjoy a private meal or take photos. The evening culminates with dinner and dancing in the west garden before your final send-off.The next morning can be spent recalling your favorite memories from the day before over a farewell breakfast before your departure.
What other types of events does the venue host?
Social EventsBirthday celebrationsBridal showersEngagement partiesAnniversariesCocktail partiesWine tastingsFamily reunionsBaby showersFarewell get-togethersCorporate EventsHoliday celebrationsRetirement partiesCharity eventsThemed eventsStrategy sessionsSit-down staff dinnersCommercial & Entertainment EventsLive performancesArt shows and exposFilm shootsStyled shoots
What gets you most excited about wedding day?
Getting to know the couples we work with and seeing the unique ways they use our space. We also love to hear speeches and see first dances!
Tell us about a memorable story from a recent event.
When the band equipment failed in the middle of the couple’s first dance the Best Man carried the rest of the song without missing a beat. The lead singer had just sang “I needed the shelter of someone’s arms” when the sound failed. Without missing a beat he belted out “and there you were.” It was so brave of him! He sang alone for a few seconds, but his voice didn’t waver and by the end of the dance the entire crowd was singing along with him- “how sweet it is to be loved by you.” It wasn’t ideal, but made for a truly memorable first dance that no one will forget!
Best piece of advice for couples planning a wedding.
Relax and enjoy the process, even when things don’t go exactly as planned–your mindset dictates the energy of the day! Also, invest in a wedding planner, they are worth it, tenfold.
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Victoria 1883 is a preferred Wedding Venue Map venue.
