About Us

The Lake Wales Arts Center is a historic and architecturally unique wedding venue located in the heart of Lake Wales, Florida. Built in 1927, the building originally served as a Catholic Church for more than 60 years before being restored and transformed into a cultural arts center and event venue. With soaring arches, warm stucco walls, historic stained glass, and the glow of natural light filtering through the octagonal dome, the space feels both intimate and grand.

Why couples love the Lake Wales Arts Center

  • Historic architecture: A rare blend of Roman, Byzantine, and Renaissance influences within a Spanish Mission–style building.

  • Stunning details: Features include arched architecture, stucco walls, tiled roofs, stained glass windows, and an octagonal dome with clerestory windows that create dramatic light inside the space.

  • Versatile event spaces: Couples can use several areas including Updike Hall, Crews Gallery, outdoor patio spaces, and smaller rooms for intimate gatherings.

  • Flexible capacity: The venue can host larger celebrations of up to about 200 guests depending on the layout.

You won’t find another wedding venue quite like it. The moment you step inside, the architecture and ambiance transport you. The blend of historic church architecture and artistic charm creates a unique setting that feels timeless, romantic, and completely unforgettable.

Ready to take the next step?

Explore our Wedding & Event Guide for pricing and contact us for more information!

Our Spaces

  • A decorated banquet hall with round tables covered in white tablecloths, adorned with floral centerpieces, black chairs, and candles. The hall features three stained glass windows with colorful abstract designs and hanging string lights.

    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: 100-person seated, 80-person with tables.

  • Empty art gallery with framed posters on white walls, round tables with beige tablecloths, floral centerpieces, a black grand piano, potted plants, and orange balloons in the background.

    Crews Gallery

    The Crews Gallery is a contemporary gallery space showcasing rotating exhibitions of work by local and regional artists. The open layout and curated visual setting create a sophisticated backdrop for cocktail receptions, networking sessions, or guest arrival and mingling.

    Capacity: 75-person, standing room only.

  • Empty outdoor patio with round tables, chairs, and striped umbrellas, decorated with flowers in vases, surrounded by beige walls and building

    Outdoor Patio

    The center offers several distinct spaces like Updike Hall with stained glass windows, the Crews Gallery art space, and an outdoor patio. It allows couples to host ceremonies, receptions, and cocktail hours in different artistic settings all in one venue!

    Capacity: 30-person

  • People working on ceramic pottery projects at a table in a classroom or workshop, with clay, bowls, and tools spread out.

    Conference Room

    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.

  • A diverse group of business people engaged in a meeting around a long conference table in a room decorated with artwork, books, and paintings of horses and cowboys.

    Classrooms

    DescriptionIdeal 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.

What’s Included?

  • Use of the space for the contracted time

  • Tables & Chairs

  • Linens (tablecloths, napkins, runners)

  • On-site staff & point of contact during event

  • Audio & visual equipment (projectors,

  • sound system, microphones)

  • Dance Floor (For Upper Packages)

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  • Close-up of a crumpled white plastic bag.

    "Love the Arts Center!! The staff is amazing and they do some great things for the community."

  • Close-up of crumpled white paper or plastic sheet with soft light and shadows.

    "Beautiful historic venue that hosts a wide variety of arts and cultural events. One of the best features of Lake Wales."

What Makes Our Orlando Wedding Venue Unique

  • Wedding venue with satined glass windows, black chairs, floral centerpieces, and tall stained glass windows with colorful abstract designs. There are string lights and hanging lanterns overhead.

    Historic architecture

    Defined by its historic architecture, our space showcases stunning arches, textured walls, and classic design elements that reflect old-world craftsmanship. Stained glass windows add in depth and artistry throughout the venue. The architecture creates a timeless atmosphere that feels both elegant and immersive.

  • An art gallery with framed posters and artworks on white walls, small tables covered with beige cloths, and a black grand piano in the center. Some tables have flower arrangements and there are potted plants near the walls. The ceiling has several track lights illuminating the room.

    Events surrounded by art and culture

    Unlike typical venues, events take place inside a working arts center, where rotating art exhibits and creative spaces create a sophisticated and inspiring backdrop for ceremonies, receptions, cocktail hours, corporate and social gatherings!

  • An outdoor patio with tables, chairs, and large umbrellas. One table has a white tablecloth with a flower arrangement. The area is enclosed with beige walls and adjacent to a building with stairs.

    Multiple unique spaces

    The center offers several distinct spaces like Updike Hall with stained glass windows, the Crews Gallery art space, and an outdoor patio. In addition, Updike Hall offers a grand setting for large-scale events!. It allows clients to host ceremonies, receptions, and cocktail hours in different artistic settings all in one venue!