Wedding & Event-Friendly Rentals in Gainesville: Your Dream Event

Planning a wedding, retreat, reunion, or private celebration in Gainesville, Florida? Finding the perfect venue is often the most stressful and expensive part of the process. Between securing a site, finding accommodations for guests, and coordinating vendors, it’s easy to feel like you’re juggling too much.

What if we told you there’s a simpler, more elegant solution?

Enter The Camellia Rose Inn and The Laurel Oak Inn — two breathtaking historic properties available as whole-home vacation rentals through StayGainesville. These properties not only provide a stunning backdrop for your event, but they also include built-in accommodations for your guests, giving you full control of your experience from start to finish — and saving you thousands in the process.

Whether you're saying “I do,” hosting a milestone celebration, or planning a multi-day retreat, these iconic Gainesville inns give you the freedom, charm, and convenience you won’t find anywhere else.

Why Choose a Whole-Home Event Rental?

Traditional event venues often come with strict rental windows, noise restrictions, additional vendor fees, and expensive overnight lodging that’s offsite. That’s where The Camellia Rose Inn and The Laurel Oak Inn offer a game-changing alternative.

When you rent either of these homes for your special event, you get exclusive access to the entire property — no shared spaces, no strangers, no awkward handoffs. The inn becomes yours for the weekend (or longer), meaning:

• You can decorate and set up on your own schedule
• You can host both your ceremony and reception onsite
• You can enjoy pre-event prep and post-event relaxation in the same space
• Your out-of-town guests have a built-in place to stay — no hotel blocks or late-night Ubers required

And the best part? It’s surprisingly affordable. By combining your event venue and accommodations into one all-inclusive rental, you’re cutting costs without compromising quality.

The Camellia Rose Inn: Graceful, Romantic, and Rich with Character

Located in the heart of Gainesville’s historic district, The Camellia Rose Inn is a stunning 1903 Queen Anne-style home with charming wraparound porches, elegant rooms, and a timeless Southern feel.

Venue Highlights:

• Accommodates up to 14 overnight guests in beautifully appointed bedrooms
• Ideal for small weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, tea parties, retreats, and family gatherings
• Elegant outdoor spaces including a brick courtyard, gardens, and private porches
• Full kitchen and dining areas for prep or catering setup
• Walking distance to downtown Gainesville restaurants, parks, and venues

The Camellia Rose Inn is a dream venue for couples who want a romantic and intimate atmosphere — especially those who appreciate the craftsmanship and elegance of a bygone era. With hardwood floors, antique furnishings, and original architectural details, every corner is photo-ready.

Whether you’re hosting a garden ceremony, a bridal brunch, or a girls’ weekend leading up to your big day, the inn’s charm and flexibility make it an unforgettable setting.

The Laurel Oak Inn: Sophisticated, Spacious, and Entertaining-Ready

If you’re looking for something slightly larger and more versatile, The Laurel Oak Inn offers an equally enchanting, yet more expansive option. This Victorian-inspired estate includes:

Venue Highlights:

• Sleeps up to 16 guests in 7 uniquely designed bedrooms
• Large, private outdoor entertaining space with market lights, garden paths, and multiple porches
• Indoor common areas perfect for rehearsal dinners, brunches, or group activities
• Plenty of privacy for both guests and hosts — ideal for multi-day retreats or destination weddings

The Laurel Oak Inn is especially popular for weddings, rehearsal dinners, retirement parties, and milestone birthdays. With enough space for a tented reception outdoors and indoor backup in case of weather, it provides peace of mind for any host.

You and your guests can spread out, relax, and truly soak in the celebration without needing to leave the property.

Freedom to Host Your Event Your Way

Unlike many traditional event venues, StayGainesville’s whole-home rentals empower you to be in full control of your special day:

• No required vendors – bring your own caterer, florist, photographer, or DIY your decorations
• No hidden rental fees – your flat nightly rate includes use of the entire home and property
• No time limits or pressure – enjoy the weekend at your pace with check-in flexibility
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Whether you're planning a morning ceremony with brunch, a sunset wedding under the twinkle lights, or a cozy family-style dinner, you get to decide how it unfolds.

Want to hire a yoga instructor for your retreat? Bring in a mobile bartender or food truck? Set up a game night for your bridal party? It’s all possible — and easier when you have the entire property to yourselves.

Built-In Accommodations = Built-In Savings

Another major perk of hosting your event at The Camellia Rose Inn or The Laurel Oak Inn is that you don’t need to stress about lodging.

With room for 14–16 guests on-site, these homes are perfect for:

• Wedding parties
• Immediate family
• Out-of-town attendees
• Retreat participants or instructors

That means no transportation logistics, no hotel blocks, and no surprise cancellations. Your guests can relax, freshen up, and stay late — because they’re already home.

Financially, it’s also a smart move:
When you factor in the cost of a traditional venue plus accommodations at a hotel, the combined rate of renting one of these historic homes is often half the price — with twice the beauty and personalization.

Real Events, Real Memories

Over the years, both inns have hosted:

• Elegant garden weddings
• Intimate elopements
• Wellness retreats
• Birthday and retirement parties
• University of Florida alumni reunions
• Baby and bridal showers
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Guests rave about the ambiance, the location, and the ease of having everything in one place. Many come back year after year — even for non-event visits.

Ready to Book Your Event-Friendly Gainesville Rental?

If you’re looking for a unique venue that offers flexibility, beauty, comfort, and value — look no further than The Camellia Rose Inn and The Laurel Oak Inn.

✨ Your dream event starts with a space that feels like home.
✨ Let StayGainesville help you bring it to life.

Visit www.StayGainesville.com to browse availability, view photos, and speak with our reservation specialists, Steph and Cindy, who can guide you through the best rental for your event.



Bonus Tip: Book Early!

Event-friendly homes book far in advance — especially during UF graduation, football season, and the spring/summer wedding season. Reserve your dates today and get ready to host a celebration your guests will never forget.