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By TESSA MAxine

The Journal

10 Unique Wedding Venues in South Florida

December 29, 2018

Here are 10 Unique Wedding Venues in South Florida. The wedding venue that a couple chooses can tell the world all about their personality. Whether you’re inspired by art, nature, history, or architecture.  The venue you choose will provide the backdrop for photos that will sit on your mantle for years to come

Recently, I moved to Miami so, like many engaged couples, I have been getting to know some of the wonderful people and venues here in South Florida. South Florida has endless options for your wedding, so I’m writing about a few of my favorites to help recently engaged couples and for those not getting married, many are still fun to check out for dinner, brunch, exploration, or a staycation! 

Vizcaya, Miami Florida

Miami Wedding Photography
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Wedding

Vizcaya was at the top of my to-see list when I first arrived in Miami (even though it was ridiculously hot in June). I grew up in England and have a long-held love of places that are historic, and romantic with beautiful gardens. The venue has all of these and a unique fairytale feel that I haven’t found anywhere else in Miami. Vizcaya is a unique wedding venue in South Florida but is also wonderful to visit and would be a great place to come back to at each anniversary.

Things to Love

There is not a more romantic old-world feeling spot in Miami and whether it’s for your engagement or wedding it’s a simply gorgeous option that will make you feel like you are a world away.

The Breakers Hotel, West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach Wedding Photography
Breakers Hotel, West Palm Beach Wedding

The Breakers Hotel is an absolute dream. The level of service and experience is second to none. I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of two weddings in this beautiful wedding venue over the last year and both were a joy. This venue will provide a beautiful backdrop and dedicated team of professionals who will make sure your day runs perfectly and they make the prettiest in-house cakes ever. This is a go-to wedding venue destination whether a couple is coming from across the country or calls South Florida home.

Things to Love

Luxurious historic options and impeccable service, Opulent ballrooms, Oceanfront ceremonies, and the Mediterranean Courtyard. Whether you envision a garden soirée or a traditional glamorous ballroom wedding it’s all possible here.

Versace Mansion, Miami Beach Florida

Miami Beach Wedding Photography
Versace Mansion Wedding

The Villa Casa Casuarina aka The Versace Mansion outside of the prestige and history is just simply a beautiful space. I’ve had the joy to be a part of two weddings here over the last year. The venue has a historic feel and your guests will feel a world away from South Beach as soon as they walk through the guest list the only gate.

Things to Love

The courtyard and pool and of course the history. The Mansion is gorgeous and your wedding will be taking place in the place that Versace called home which is perfect for those with a love of both fashion icons and historic venues.

Fisher Island, Miami Florida

Miami Fisher Island Wedding Photography
Vanderbilt Mansion, Fisher Island Club Wedding

Fisher Island with the Vanderbilt Mansion is elegant with yachts abound. The venue has a courtyard that is perfect for an outdoor ceremony and multiple indoor spaces so that your guests can have different experiences throughout your wedding day. There is just something about getting married on an island that is infinitely romantic.

Things to Love

Luxury that goes beyond appearance. The Vanderbilt Mansion offers both a luxurious look and the perfect experience for your guest. To reach this South Florida wedding venue your guests will have to travel via a boat which is in itself a unique experience.

The Miami Beach Woman’s Club, Miami Beach

Miami Beach Wedding Photography
Miami Beach Woman’s Club

The Miami Beach Woman’s Club Are you looking for a unique historic South Florida Wedding Venue that is full of charm? There is not a sweeter space for an intimate wedding in Miami. The venue has a front area that is perfect for your ceremony. A wonderful outdoor space for a cocktail hour and the main room for your reception. Your day can flow effortlessly in one location.

Things to Love

I find new little details each time that I visit. Outside is a lush green space that is perfect for photos. If your heart is set on a beach wedding, the beach is just a few blocks away. The Club has a trusted list of vendors and the in-house venue manager is a joy to know.

Villa Woodbine, Coral Gables

Villa Woodbine is a wonderful option for an alfresco wedding. With the cafe lights, courtyard and that gorgeous tree in the background for your ceremony. They can accommodate up to 300 people and Bill Hansen is the caterer so you know you’ll be in good hands with your tasty food and wonderful service.

Things to Love

There is something really nice about having a venue all to yourself. Villa Woodbine is a historic mansion and garden. Tenting can be provided through the venue so whether it is sunny or rainy your day will be perfect.

The Colonnade Hotel, Coral Gables Florida

Miami Wedding Ballroom Photography
Colonnade Hotel Wedding

The Colonnade Hotel is located in Coral Gables and is a beauty of venue. I stayed here during Irma for more than a week so I know this venue both as a wedding photographer and also as a guest. In addition to the beautiful Rotunda and the staircase, there is a recently renovated ballroom and the sweetest cafe downstairs that is just perfect for an intimate wedding.

Things to Love

This venue is a Miami staple that has been renovated with an elegant contemporary Miami feel. Since it’s located in Coral Gables outside of what’s located inside the hotel there are plenty of spots close by so you can have a mix of marble and bougainvillea if that is what your heart desires.

The Historic Alfred Dupont Building, Miami Florida

Miami Historic Venue Wedding Photography
The Historic Dupont Building Wedding

The Historic Alfred Dupont Building with the gold gilded ironwork, bank vault, and a hand-painted ceiling is an epic space. Completed in 1939 it has a grandiose glamorous art deco feel. This South Florida wedding venue has open spaces, and glamour and there is marble everywhere.

Things to Love

Beautiful details in a space that’s perfect for a larger wedding. You can embrace the old-world feel or transform the space with lighting into whatever your heart desires.

The Thalatta Estate, Coral Gables Florida

Miami Wedding Estate Photography
Thallatta Estate Wedding

The Thalatta Estate is a historic mansion located in Palmetto Bay. It has a beautiful waterfront space perfect for your ceremony, the cocktail hour can take place on the lawn and your reception can be tented closer to the house.

Things to Love

With the water, garden, and estate you can plan your wedding all in one location (which is the gold standard for creating a relaxed wedding day) and the venue has the option of including a bride and groom suite to make your day go even smoother.

The Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables Florida

Miami Wedding Photography Bridal Portraits
Biltmore Wedding Miami

The Biltmore Hotel I visited the Biltmore shortly after moving to Miami. The events team graciously invited me for a tour of this gorgeous classic wedding venue just south of Miami in Coral Gables Florida. It was built in 1926 and has options for an outdoor ceremony plus two historic ballrooms.

Things to Love

The gorgeous classic look, those ever so pretty arches, and the wonderful events team. Friends and family can spend the weekend celebrating with you, while relaxing by the largest pool in the USA and joining you on Sunday for a tasty brunch. This venue is a South Florida classic whether it’s for brunch, a weekend stay, or your wedding day.

The Curtiss Mansion, Miami Springs Florida

Miami Wedding Photography
Curtiss Mansion Wedding

The Curtiss Mansion is a beauty of a venue. Located on a golf course with multiple options for your alfresco ceremony. My favorite outdoor spot is the trees that you pass while driving up to the venue. There is also a pretty courtyard and spaces inside in case of rain.

Things to Love

Above and beyond the appearance of a venue, the events team at the Curtiss Mansion are a joy and there is parking outside of this South Florida wedding venue which is a big convenience.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens, Coral Gables Florida

Miami outdoor wedding photography
Fairchild Botanical Gardens Wedding

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens opened in 1938 and with lush gardens, a tram tour for guests and multiple options for your ceremony and reception it’s a wonderful option for your wedding.

Things to Love

Endless options for photos outside in the beautiful gardens. Playing lawn games at cocktail hour. There is even a space for getting ready so you can skip the hotel. If you have your wedding here on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday you will receive a Tropical Botanic Garden Fellow membership which is a nice bonus.

Coral Gable Country Club, Coral Gables Florida

Miami Country Club Wedding Photography
Coral Gables Country Club Wedding

The Coral Gables Country Club is a perfect mix of 1930s classic romance and contemporary. With multiple spaces and that dreamy courtyard, your guests will be able to spend time enjoying their day instead of driving all over town. This venue has an assortment of event spaces so whether you’re wedding planning for a large formal wedding or a small and intimate South Florida destination wedding this venue can be a perfect fit.

Things to Love

My favorite space in this wedding venue in the back room with the glass walls. I also really like the old world details and the greenery outside. The golf course is right across from the street so you’ll be able to sneak away for a few minutes for some pretty photos that look like you are a world away from the city.

Here are 13 venues in a list that was supposed to be 10…….. and I’m realizing that most of these South Florida Wedding venues are historic, so I may have to write another entry featuring some modern wedding day options. South Florida really does have an endless list of wonderful wedding venues but if you choose to go with any of these you are sure to have a picture-perfect day. If you’d like to see more of my work, check out my website and if you are looking for your wedding photographer send me a note, I’d love to talk more. Happy planning! xoxo, Tessa Maxine

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