Skip to main content
Weddings

About

The Hippodrome Theatre is Gainesville’s premier wedding and event venue. The Hipp is one of the most romantic spots in all of Gainesville with enough historic charm and modern accents to make your event one-of-a-kind.

The Hippodrome Theatre lower level has an elegant, unique, and stylish atmosphere that provides a versatile backdrop for any and all events. The helpful and knowledgeable staff can accommodate your every need to make your event go as smoothly as you had hoped and planned it to be.

The lower level is kept at an affordable and reasonable price, while maintaining a high-end feel for all events. And the Hipp has a non-restrictive vendor policy, which is rare to find for a venue as magnificent as ours.

The Hipp's chic lower level is perfect and unique for your special event and our staff will make sure it is a success and full of memorable moments. Rent the Hipp today!

illustration popular

Venues you may like

See other venues that are popular with couples right now

Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$525

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

$525

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?

Bartender(s)

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

3

Describe your venue:

Historic Building

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Bar Services
Clean Up
Outside Vendors

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)
Cash Bar
Champagne Toast
House Liquor
House Wine
Limited Bar
Liquor License
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine

What food and beverage items are available?

Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Wheelchair Access

Reviews of Hippodrome Theatre

T
Teri Sent on 12/29/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Great Experience

I had the pleasure of working with both Shaina and Allen, the event coordinators at the Hippodrome. I had a short time to find a venue for my wedding. They allowed me to have my ceremony and reception in the lower level event space. We didn't hire a DJ and used the AV system which was just an additional $75 and was worth it! The booking process was easy, the communication was great, and the price was unmatched! If you're looking for an event space definitely check out the Hippodrome Theatre.
Jordan
Jordan Sent on 11/07/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Fabulous Experience

Shania was so sweet and very quick to send me what I needed. I am so happy to be getting married at The Hipp!
Kristen
Kristen Sent on 05/21/2018
5 out of 5 rating
The Hippodrome basement is a unique and exquisite venue to host a wedding reception. We were very impressed with Shaina’s communication throughout the planning process. It was easy to make changes to the layout and even our rental and set-up times. We chose to do a prepaid amount on the bar but unfortunately didn’t spend as much as we pre-paid for. We didn’t know that it was non-refundable until after we had paid. Lesson learned. My advice to future renters, start with a lower budget for the bar and work your way up so you’re not out $100 or more. We also would not recommend using their AV system as your only source of music for the night. We created a carefully timed spotify playlist in lieu of a DJ and deeply regret this decision. There were long periods of silence during the reception and we heard the same 5 songs more than 3 times each. After talking to the house manager/bartender about starting the music back up or changing a song, they would replay an already played song. Save yourself the disappointment and hire a DJ. These couple things aside, we would strongly recommend the Hippodrome’s basement for your next event. We highly recommend doing the "light" package and the GOBO. The blue lights and personalized decal made the night.
E
Emily Sent on 03/12/2018
5 out of 5 rating
This venue was absolutely amazing for our wedding reception on 3/10/18. The new rentals coordinator, Shaina, is extremely accommodating and sweet. We had a 4 hour reception plus 1 hour set up and 1 hour breakdown time (mandatory). The place is very reasonably priced, with the only downside being that you have to use their alcohol (ended up spending more here than on the actual venue - ~$1900) because of it being a government owned building. However, the bartender had great service throughout the night. The venue had a built in sound system and projection screens as part of their AV package, which both worked beautifully. Their lighting package with the wall washers is a neat effect too.
We totaled at 108 guests and the venue was definitely at its limit. They can seat up to 120 but that would get very crowded. Everyone had an amazing time and we would highly recommend this place to anyone.
M
Meredith Sent on 07/18/2011
5 out of 5 rating
My husband and I had our wedding reception in the Hippodrome basement in April of 2011. We LOVED the location--close access to downtown, it's beautiful in pictures and it was great environment for a reception! The rental coordinator helped us through-out the planning process, and was very kind and knowledgeable. We HIGHLY recommend working with the Hippodrome :) You won't regret it!
B
Brittany Sent on 06/30/2011
5 out of 5 rating
The Hipp is such a wonderful space for an intimate wedding. The atmosphere was wonderful day-of. In preparation, the staff was extremely helpful. Pricing was perfect for my budget wedding.
A
April Sent on 07/01/2011
4.8 out of 5 rating
I loved the basement for our ceremony! Beautiful place for pictures! No need for extravagant decor, the architecture speaks for itself! The package includes day of service! I just provided them with my plans and they took care of the rest! Fabulous! Very honest too! We did a prepaid bar, the hipp sent us home with the leftovers.
Would have loved a deal for parking, maybe as a package. But we didn't loose anyone so it's not that big of a deal :p
Bottom line. The girls at the hippodrome exceeded my expectations!
Mikayla
Mikayla Sent on 07/07/2011
3.7 out of 5 rating
The Hippodrome State Theater was absolutely gorgeous. It was a unique venue that fit our offbeat wedding style. The coordinator and event scheduler were easy to work with.

J
Jannette Sent on 06/09/2016
3.3 out of 5 rating
This was the wedding location of my dreams. Everything went as planned. Had the event coordinator switch on us week and half before our wedding. This new coordinator had very general knowledge of our event details. We had already paid in full and she wanted to charge us for things the other coordinator knew and had agreed to and did not mention a charge for. I was working until the wedding which made it impossible for us to reach each other. We played phone and email tag. Thank god my aunt was able to get with her and go over the details and make it right. After much negotiation they were able to deliver what the previous coordinator had agreed to. Everything turned out amazing after that. Only complaint is whoever was in charge that day had a stick up their butt and left the air conditioning on 85 degrees with 108 guests in the basement. Then did not want to budge about bringing the temp down until groom spoke with her. It was soooo hot in there I had sweat rolling in waves down my legs. We were married in the cinema. It was AMAZING! Love the large bar in the basement. Wish they offered byob, soooo expensive the alcohol. But everything was wonderful and I would recommend. I believe we only had those issues due to the switch of coordinators and whoever was in charge that night was having a bad day.
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

9
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2012 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

2 Endorsements
Kara Winslow Makeup Artist Kara Winslow Makeup Artist Wedding Hair & Makeup

The Hippodrome is an amazing place to get married. Whether you are having your rehearsal dinner there, the ceremony or the reception you can't ask for a more magical location. The facility is beautiful. The staff is nice and very helpful. It's a great location being in the heart of downtown with the Hampton Inn in walking distance. I can't think of a better place to get married.

Verve Studio Photography Verve Studio Photography Wedding Photographers

After having photographed a wedding at the Hippodrome recently I can say it is one of the most charming locations in the Central Florida area! I love the drama and the historic charm of the building itself... but inside are tucked some utterly fabulous locations for great images. Like a vintage metal screen elevator, hollywood style dressing room filled with a hundred lightbulbs and walls of mirrors. And the location is perfect for popping outside for some amazing downtown images as well as access to several ceremony locations and a large hotel for guests within walking distance.

Map

Hippodrome Theatre frequently asked questions

The bar service starting price at Hippodrome Theatre includes:
  • Bartender(s)
The space offered by Hippodrome Theatre for wedding events is known for:
  • Historic Building
Hippodrome Theatre offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
Hippodrome Theatre offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Rehearsal Dinner
Hippodrome Theatre offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Bar Services
  • Clean Up
  • Outside Vendors
Hippodrome Theatre is recommended by 93% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.6 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.7 in flexibility, 4.7 in professionalism, 4.7 in value, 4.6 in quality of service and 4.5 in average response time.
Next Banquet Halls: UAA Facility Rentals

Other vendors in Jacksonville for your wedding

Wedding Venues