This session was shot by GMP founder and Principal Photographer Elizabeth Millar
A Bright Autumn Maitland Art and History Museum Micro Wedding
Kevin and Monique’s Maitland Art and History Museum micro wedding had a crisp, early-fall feel that we don’t always get in Florida—cooler air, bright sun, and light that just hits perfectly. Their intimate ceremony took place with a small group gathered in the Mayan Courtyard at 9am. This couple found me through Google and after seeing my work, they were drawn to the warmth and natural feel of my style. From the start, their focus was simple: something meaningful, intentional, and easy to be present in the moment.
I also shot part of their day on film—both medium format and 35mm. In the end, the 35mm images were the ones that made it into the final set, but the process itself added another layer to how the day was documented. Film forces you to slow down a bit, and that matched the pace of their wedding perfectly.
Why the Maitland Art and History Museum Is the Perfect Florida Micro Wedding Location
The Maitland Art Center is one of the most visually unique places to get married in Central Florida. It’s not your typical venue. It’s historic, a little unexpected, and full of texture and Mayan Revival-style architectural details that provide the perfect photo backdrop. It’s also Orlando’s only National Historic Landmark, dating back to 1937.
There are four main ceremony spots throughout the property (see more of the weddings I’ve captured at Maitland Art and History Center here). The Mayan Courtyard is the most popular, with its sculptural walls and open-air layout that photographs beautifully. There are also other areas across the grounds that can be used for ceremonies or portraits, each with a completely different feel—the Chapel, West Garden, and Main Garden.
One of the biggest reasons my couples choose this location is flexibility. You can absolutely have a larger wedding here in the afternoon or evening, but the morning elopement option—for under 15 guests—is one of the best-kept secrets. It’s affordable, simple, and gives you access to a space that already feels styled without needing to over-design anything.
A Relationship Built on Time and Intention
Kevin and Monique have been together for seven years, which you can feel right away when you’re around them. There’s no awkwardness, no trying to figure each other out—they’re easy-going, comfortable, and fully themselves together.
They love being outside, spending time in nature, and just keeping things simple. Their Shiba Inu, Ginger, is a big part of their life, and that same grounded, low-pressure energy showed up in how they approached their wedding day. They weren’t trying to impress anyone. They were just getting married.
Morning Elopement in the Mayan Courtyard
Kevin and Monique chose a morning micro wedding in mid-October, and it paid off immediately. The light at 9am in the Mayan Courtyard is clean and directional without being harsh. It wraps around the textured walls and highlights all of those sculptural details that make the Maitland Art Center so distinctive. It felt bright, calm, and grounded, which is exactly what they were looking for.
Their ceremony itself was simple and personal—just the two of them and their closest people. When you strip everything else away, that’s usually what couples are actually looking for.
Want to see even more examples of micro weddings I’ve captured at this location? Check out featured galleries below, and read my post dedicated to Maitland Art & History Museum for even more details.
- Autumn Micro Wedding at the Maitland Art & History Museum
- Bright micro wedding at the Maitland Art & History Center
- Family focused wedding at the Maitland Art Center
Couple Portraits Around the Maitland Art Center
After the ceremony, we took advantage of everything the Maitland Art and History Center has to offer. This is where the location really stands out. You can walk five steps and get a completely different look—textured walls, archways, sculptural elements, open courtyards, shaded corners. It’s one of those places where you don’t need a long timeline to get variety.
Kevin and Monique made this part easy. They’re both naturally photogenic and very into each other, which means I didn’t need to over-direct anything. I could step back, let them move, and just capture what was already there.
Letting the Location Do the Work
One of the best things about a Maitland Art Center wedding is that you don’t need much to make it feel complete. The architecture, the textures, the history—it’s already there. You’re not starting from a blank slate. For a micro wedding, that matters. It means less setup, less stress, and more time actually experiencing the day.
Kevin and Monique leaned into that. No over-the-top decor, no complicated timeline—just a strong location, good light, and the two of them showing up fully.
FAQ: Planning a Maitland Art and History Museum Wedding
Costs vary depending on the time of day and guest count. Morning micro weddings are typically the most affordable with options starting at just $300 for an off-season weekday going up to $650 for a peak-season Saturday. Larger afternoon or evening events come with higher rental pricing. Check out the Maitland Art and History Museum wedding guide for current pricing details.
Micro weddings are limited to 15 guests for the morning option. Larger weddings are possible later in the day, depending on the space and rental package.
The Mayan Courtyard is the most popular, but there are multiple areas across the property that can be used depending on your setup, guest count, and time of day. Other ceremony spots include the Chapel, West Garden, and Main Garden.
Yes—you’re not limited to just the space you reserve. Even if your ceremony is in one specific area, you’ll still have access to the full grounds for portraits, which is one of the best parts about this location.
Yes—especially if you want something visually interesting without needing a lot of extra design. The space already has strong character, which works really well for smaller, more intentional weddings.
The affordable micro wedding and elopement packages only take place during the morning from 9-11 am, and the lighting around that time can be pretty sensitive. I have lots of experience in this location so I can give you recommendations about the best locations based on the time of year. And remember that you have access to the whole place so we can shoot everywhere!
Photo sessions at the Maitland Art Center require a location fee, which varies depending on the day (see more in their wedding guide). Weekday sessions are typically around $100 per hour, while weekends are closer to $200 per hour. I can handle the permission process for you. If you want to get married during your photoshoot and want me to officiate, we would complete the legal ceremony off-site before heading in for photos.
Choose the Right Maitland Art Center Micro Wedding Photographer
Kevin and Monique’s Maitland Art and History Museum micro wedding is a good example of what happens when you keep things simple on purpose and choose the right wedding photographer to capture your intimate celebration. They picked a location that already had character, a timeline that gave them space to breathe, and a structure that let them stay present in the moment.
They shared their kind words about working with me after their big day:
“She was so patient, kind, and easy to work with; which made such a difference on our wedding day. She captured every moment beautifully, from the emotional moments to the candid ones we love so much. The photos turned out better than we could’ve imagined and truly tell the story of our day. We’re so grateful to have these memories to look back on forever.”
If you’re planning your own Maitland Art Center wedding or looking into micro wedding options in Central Florida, reach out. I’ll help you figure out what actually makes sense for your day—and document it in a way that feels like you.
