[full_width background=”#ffffff”]If you are thinking about getting married in Florida, there are plenty of places to do so.

From the sandy shores of South Beach to the private feel of Fisher Island, here’s a list of our must-see wedding venues to look at if you are having a Florida wedding. While every venue has something unique to offer, it’s important to discuss your personal “must haves” in a location that will host your wedding. As a planner, I get the behind the scenes look at these venues too, and will add my comments about the ones that I love working at!

Use this key to help narrow down your venue selections:

Private Venues (P) – Water View (WV) – One-of-a-Kind (1) – Blank Canvas (BC) – On The Beach (OTB) – Ballroom (B) – Country Club (CC) – Bring Your Own Vendors (BYOV) + Luxury (L)

Fisher Island Club: located south of Miami Beach, this private island is only accessible by ferry. Talk about exclusive! You can have your wedding on the terrace of Vanderbilt’s former estate, or possibly under the giant banyan tree that adorns the courtyard. As the sun sets, watch the manatees swim next to the docked yachts and sink your toes in sand before returning to your private villa. P + WV + 1 + L

Ask Amber: “This is the very definition of one-of-a-kind! One of my absolute favorite places to work because your guests will feel like they have been transported to Europe!”

Conrad Ft. Lauderdale: Brand spanking new! If the shining new fixtures or chipper staff don’t give it away, I don’t know what would. The Conrad in Ft. Lauderdale is freshly opened and designed to be the ultimate wedding venue. The covered valet presents itself for a totally unique event space, but the pool deck is even better. Separate from the actual pool, you have full use of the terrace overlooking Ft. Lauderdale beach or have your ceremony on the turf landing just next to that. The built in bar and views will make your guests want to make their stay a vacation. The ballroom downstairs has the perfect layout for any design or setup you envision. OTB + B 

Ask Amber: “The planner in me is going to nerd out about the logistic smoothness of this venue. You can use the pool deck without having to kick guests out of the pool. Amazing. Plus, having your reception in the ballroom virtually gives you the entire floor for your guests. Ask for Ashley or Angeline, they’re great!”

Trump National Doral: If you don’t care for a beach venue, but still want a private space that really feels like Florida, head on over to Trump National in Doral. The golf course is enough to make the ultimate golfer’s heart melt, and the spa is truly an experience. Spend the weekend with your friends and family in a number of private villas on property, that are separate from the ballroom which means you can party all night! The ballroom features floor to ceiling windows and a balcony overlooking the green. P + B + L

Ask Amber: “Visit Ashly or Roxana for a tour of the property, but be prepared to fall in love with them and the ballroom!”

The Confidante: This boutique hotel mixes art deco with midcentury fixtures and eclectic elements. Eat at Bird and Bone, then head out to the backyard where your guests can enjoy lawn games for a really intimate family-wedding feel. Better yet, cover the pool and get married where Dua Lipa sang “New Rules”. Say “I Do” on the Vista Terrace overlooking the water with a single ukulele player! Their brand new Carmen Miranda ballroom will be open in January 2019 and you don’t want to miss the sunset out on that terrace. WV + OTB

Ask Amber: “Go visit Juan or Corina for a private tour of the property. You’ll fall in love with the artsy furniture and colors. The hotel’s patterns and boutique feel allow you to embrace a hip and fun design for your wedding!”

Coral Gables Country Club: Perfectly located in Coral Gables, you can host every pre and post wedding event on-site. Hold your rehearsal dinner in the Fountain Room, get married by the tree in the courtyard, have cocktails in the atrium or pool deck, then start the party in the main ballroom! B + CC

Ask Amber: “Lorena, Natalia, and Lissette will help you out with all your event needs. The chef loves creating a personalized menu and the flow of the event space is intimate so guests won’t get lost.” 

Curtiss Mansion: Located in Miami Springs, this 1925 historic home has indoor and outdoor space for your use. You can dance in the courtyard surrounded by the Spanish architecture or serve cocktails on the lawn! With a private bridal suite upstairs, you can look out the balcony like a real life princess!  P + BC + BYOV

Ask Amber: “The staff at the Curtiss Mansion is UNMATCHED! You will become best friends with Sherry, Javi, Nyree, and the whole Mansion Crew. From a logistics standpoint, I love that you don’t have to worry about parking since there’s a private lot and ample load-in space for vendors!” 

Penthouse Riverside Wharf: In the heart of Downtown Miami, Penthouse is a venue above the rest. Literally. Overlooking the Miami skyline, this blank canvas venue allows you to bring in whomever and whatever you want to create your vision. With a wrap around rooftop terrace, you have the best of both indoor and outdoor space, with a modern layout and aesthetic. P + 1 + BC + BYOV + L

Ask Amber: “Tasha and Melissa will chat with you about your vision and remind you that anything is possible with the space. While the bar service is provided, you can bring in a totally custom vendor team and caterer! Best of all, the sunsets you see from the balcony are everything!”

The Bath Club: In you didn’t recognize its iconic grass walls and entryway, you might miss it! This private venue gives you full use of 3 separate indoor spaces plus a large courtyard, which means you can have your ceremony and reception at one place! Located right on Collins Avenue, you are close to the beach and other attractions your guests will love. P + OTB + BYOV + L

Ask Amber: “With 3 connecting spaces, you have the option to separate the rooms or fuse them together in a cohesive look. Be sure to hire a valet, but your guests will not want to leave. Party until 3am if you’d like!”

EPIC Hotel: You’ll know EPIC by its iconic ballroom of curved windows and bulb lighting. You’ll get amazing photos on the pool deck or out by the yachts and valet. With new art exhibitions featured monthly, you’ll have some seriously beautiful backdrops for all your photos. The bridal suite is one of my favorites, giving you a view of the water below. B + WV

Margaritaville: Maybe you want a beachfront property that doesn’t have the hustle and bustle of Miami Beach, and is still more private than Ft. Lauderdale. Margaritaville is located on Hollywood Beach with a giant ballroom and even a margarita glass chandelier! WV + OTB + B

Ask Amber: “Chat with Cat about your large wedding party or even an elopement on the pool deck. I’m dying for someone to go on the Flow Rider surf station in their wedding dress and tux!”

Marriott Harbor Beach: A private resort hidden off the main strip of Ft. Lauderdale beach. This luxury property offers a beach ceremony site, or (even better!), a raised beach-view turf ceremony lawn. Host your cocktail hour right afterward, still enjoying your (virtually) private beach access before moving into the ballroom complete with breezeway and terrace! WV + OTB + B + L

Ask Amber: “Katie and Lorena are the sweetest! Let them show you where you can host your rehearsal dinner or brunch, and then be wow-ed by the ocean backdrop just steps away!”

Rusty Pelican: On the tip of Key Biscayne, and hidden behind the boat yard, is the restaurant-venue combo of Rusty Pelican. You. Can. Not. Beat. This. View! The ballroom has a complete, unobstructed view of Miami and the ballroom is large enough for your high guest count.  WV + B 

The Loft on Bayshore: Coconut Grove’s hidden gem! Tucked off the street is this private gallery with bare walls and industrial vibes. You can carpet the floor, drape the walls, or party until the sun comes up! The blank canvas interior allows you to create whatever look you’re dreaming of. P + BYOV

JW Marriott Marquis Miami: (specifically the basketball court):This upscale property in Downtown Miami gives your guests the ability to stay on-site after the party. It’s modern vibe and contemporary atmosphere make it the perfect place to have a “Miami wedding”.  BC 

Ask Amber: “You read that right. The basketball court on the20th  floor offers too-tall-to-be-true ceilings and full room draping and carpet for a neutral slate to create your ultimate vision. Across the hall is a private bowling alley and movie theater, too, so no guest is leaving unhappy!”

Lavan Catering and Events: Located near Ft. Lauderdale, this intimate space offers a sleek interior and all-inclusive decor like intelligent lighting and draping. You can host your ceremony or cocktail hour on the private patio out back before returning to your luxe reception inside! P + BC

Emanuel Luxury Venue: If you have a large guest count and you’re looking for the ultimate ballroom, ELV is the place for you. ELV is located in the Art Deco neighborhood of Miami Beach and features a grand ballroom that echos it’s so big! You can fit even your biggest party in this space, and utilize their intelligent lighting and staging if you’d like. P + BC + B 

Patch of Heaven Sanctuary: A 20-acre estate in the Redlands, with a variety of wildlife running about. You have full use of the property including photo ops by the koi pond, zen garden, chocolate patch, or even with the majestic Fresian horses! P + 1

Ritz-Carlton Ft. Lauderdale: This waterfront property was designed to make you feel as if you are on a cruise ship. Located right on Ft. Lauderdale beach, you can utilize the pool deck for your ceremony, and then wow your guests as soon as they walk into the ballroom. You will enter chandelier heaven when you see what you’ll be dancing under. WV + B

Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne: On the slower-paced, and quieter island of Key Biscayne, you’ll feel like you have the entire city to yourselves. Opt to have an outdoor ceremony by the beach or inside in the ballroom then bring your guests over to the tiki hut for cocktail hour or after party.  WV +OTB + B + L

St. Regis Bal Harbor: Oh. My. Mirrors. If you want bling and glam and gorgeousness, head on over to the St. Regis. Their ballroom has beveled mirror accents, but what’s even better is their outdoor ceremony and cocktail space. Get married on the lawn, then let your guests walk down the steps to the private terrace where they can overlook the water. B + L

Eden Roc: With a variety of ballrooms and event spaces to choose from, you have your choice about whether you want a standard ballroom setup or a unique function layout. Either way, your guests will love the pool, being able to stay on-site, and having Nobu right next door! WV + B + L

Boca Raton Resort and Club: This mediterranean resort is a nestled on the waterfront in Boca Raton. Choose from a number of ballrooms that fit even your largest guest count plus your bridal suite will definitely have the best view yet! P + WV + B + L

Seafair Miami: This luxury megayacht features 4 floors of empty space to create your ultimate dream wedding. With over half a million dollars in custom furniture alone, you’re bound to be spoiled by that or the ridiculously talented chef on board. P + WV (duh) + 1 + BC + BYOV + L

Ask Amber: “Check back this Fall for a special project I’m working on for Seafair Miami!”

Biscayne Lady Yacht: For an intimate vow renewal or small reception, Biscayne Lady will charter you and your guests out to see for a few hours while you party it up on one of the 3 levels.  P + WV

Villa Woodbine: A shaded private estate in the Coconut Grove area, just minutes from Bayshore. Walk down the mansion’s historic steps and dance by the fountain in the courtyard. Opt for a tent or without one, for a dinner under the trees and some romantic bistro lighting. P + BYOV

Ask Amber: “Having an amazing caterer on-site is a huge advantage to working at Villa Woodbine. Once you see the backyard banyan tree, you’ll sign on the spot!”

1 Hotel South Beach: The minute you walk in, you’ll either obsess over the fresh cedar smell or the greenery work of art on the wall next to you. The hotel mixes natural elements like wood and plants with clean, white textures. Hold your dinner in the ballroom that features a LIVE plant wall. Yup. A wall of greenery that is specially tended to by the expert team. Get married or have your first look in the domed atrium for an ethereal and bright feel. Dance or have drinks out on the terrace that’s large enough for the biggest party. WV + OTB + L

 

The Ancient Spanish Monastery: A medieval monastery with Spanish elements and an outdoor-indoor atmosphere. Your guests will dine like royalty at long tables in the wrap around walkways. P 

Faena: For the bold and off-beat couple! The architecturally unique forum features windows and a domed ceiling that create an experience in itself. Not for the faint of heart, this venue also showcases a gilded mammoth. Yes. For real. P + WV + 1 + BC + B + L 

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science: A planetarium, aquarium, science museum, and event venue all in one! Located near Bayshore, the Frost Museum gives your guests an experience that matches your celebration. Serve cocktails next to a shark tank, or dance on the light-up floor. Get married under the tank viewing window and dance by jelly fish! P + 1 + L

Ask Amber: “Chat with Lourdes about hosting your wedding at the museum. This is the perfect ballroom alternative for the astronomy whiz, or the marine bio bride!”

Mondrian South Beach: This trendy hotel has a unique layout and a stunning deco stair case for the coolest looking photos! Host your cocktail in the garden, get married out by the pool deck cabanas, and party is up in the ballroom lounge that rivals Alice in Wonderland! WV + OTB

Acqualina: In the quiet area of Sunny Isles, enjoy an almost private beach for your ceremony! You can tent the lawn for an unparalleled water view. Be sure to check out the private his and hers spa room with private terrace to relax in before your big day. WV + OTB 

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: You will feel transported to Tuscany with this garden estate. Walk through the woodland foliage and to the waterfront terrace where you can hold your ceremony or dinner. Truly a “doesn’t feel like Florida” Florida wedding venue. WV + L 

Good luck with your Florida wedding venue search! If you can’t visit the property in person, be sure to check out photos of each location and see if their unique qualities match your needs and wants in a venue. Getting married in Florida opens up numerous possibilities for where you can host your big day. Happy Planning!

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