We are so excited about our impending wedding season we have decided kick it off with our Venue Showcase series, where we will periodically showcase exceptional venues on our blog! We know that there are so many fantastic venues for you to choose from. We want to help you by highlighting the best wedding venues of the Gulf Coast!
What makes the 5eleven Palafox unique or special?
“Located on the historical corner of Palafox and Main St. in downtown Pensacola, 5Eleven Palafox is a vibrant event space, completely customizable for your dream wedding or event. Whether you’re looking for an upscale venue with historic charm or a verdant courtyard for an intimate outdoor ceremony, our passion is ensuring that you and your guests enjoy an exceptional experience. Over the last several years, 5 Eleven Palafox has won numerous Best of the Coast and Best of the Bay awards as the “Best Wedding Reception Venue”, “Best Special Event Space” and “Best Place to Get Married”.
Ashton + Loren
What is the history of 5eleven Palafox?
“Built in 1896, the building was originally home to a shoe repair shop owned by Samuel Charles, a prominent African-American businessman of the early 1900s, and to Birgar Testman’s ship chandlery in the 1920s. The building is widely known for the tavern called Trader Jon’s which opened in 1953-2003 and was a top destination of choice for Naval aviators. The bar became known as much for its Navy memorabilia which has been moved to the T.T. Wentworth Museum in downtown Pensacola. In 2004, when Hurricane Ivan destroyed the Phenix building, the owners moved into the adjacent Trader Jon’s building as “Sarah’s Dress Shop”. Local entrepreneurs, Quint and Rishy Studer, purchased the building in 2017 and will continue to offer the venue for wedding receptions and other private events.”
Margaret Anne + Matt
Lexis + Mark
Do you have venue tips for future brides?
“Some of the venue features include:
– indoor/outdoor capacity of up to 200 guests
– historic charm, exposed brick walls, and original wood floors
– large windows provide generous natural light and views of downtown
– brick courtyard with large shade tree, benches, and lush greenery
– generous side lawn for luxury tented events
– private parking lot and driveway
– wheelchair accessible
– spacious loft available for the bridal party to get ready on-site, expected to be finished by early 2019”
Megan + Michael
Margaret Anne + Matt
Mambwe + Christian
What is your favorite wedding memory at 5eleven Palafox?
“My personal favorite wedding memory was a day where the ceremony was planned to take place in the courtyard, however, the weather changed last minute and the morning of the wedding we planned for the ceremony inside the venue instead. The view turned out being a beautiful happy accident. There was a warm glow from the dim lights inside and you could witness the rain pour outside through the large windows – it was magical.”
Ashton + Loren
How can brides connect with the 5eleven Palafox?
“You can inquire today by contacting Autumn Wascher at events@5elevenpalafox.com or calling (850)637-1044.”
Megan + Michael
