No matter where you envision your perfect wedding, there's no question why couples favor the sunshine state as their ideal location. The gorgeous weather year-round, glowing sun, beaches, and harmonious history make it a perfect setting for a wedding. One of the first steps to take when preparing for the big day is to decide on a venue.
Take a glance at this consolidated list of venues within Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, Broward, and Palm Beach counties that will meet the preferences of any couple-including the most elegant,
budget-friendly, and scenic venues in Florida. Whether it's a majestic ballroom in a historic
venue or a romantic beachfront ceremony under the stars, these impressive spots are bound to surpass your expectations.
Miami-Dade County
1. Most Elegant - The Biltmore Hotel
The Biltmore offers an enchanting setting for indoor and outdoor wedding celebrations. You can say your vows on a private terrace and submerge yourself in the harmonious history of the Mediterranean architecture that characterizes The City Beautiful and dance the night away in any of the magnificent ballrooms, delicately illuminated by opulent chandeliers. Encompassed by 150 acres of polished landscape and timeless elegance, this venue is an excellent choice whether you envision an intimate yet elegant affair, or a lavish festivity. You can never go wrong with The Biltmore’s classic historic style. The staff will assist every step of the way, providing entertainment and exceptional service at this Coral Gables landmark.
2. Most Scenic - Rusty Pelican
Rusty Pelican is a contemporary waterfront banquet hall venue located in Key Biscayne, Florida. Known for its energetic nightlife, this venue is ideal for couples who want to experience Miami in all its splendor and beauty. A union of eclectic and modern chic, Rusty Pelican's 15,000 square feet is suitable for any wedding style. The staff assists with defining the details and plans anything from the menu to floral arrangements. The Pelican Ballroom overlooking the Miami skyline, presents the perfect backdrop for exceptional wedding pictures. Full access to the kitchen and bridal suite can be located in the Grand Ballroom, with unobstructed waterfront views. The Rusty Pelican offers unique event cuisines from brunch to dessert, served by your choice of plated, buffet style, or stations.
3. On a Budget - The Palms Hotel & Spa (Minimum)
A perfect destination wedding paradise for any couple dreaming of saying "I do" on the beachfront- on a budget! The Palms Hotel & Spa offers 11 outdoor and indoor spaces for the ceremony and reception. A resort-style venue with tropical gazebos and gardens puts no limit on space. The Palms offers in-house catering and event planning, so all of the details will leave you stress-free for the big day. Other amenities include packages for bridal hair, makeup, and pampering.
Broward County
4. Most Elegant - The "W" Hotel
An award-winning wedding venue in Fort Lauderdale, "The W " offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic, making it the most elegant Broward County option. Have your ceremony on the beach or take advantage of a perfect backdrop for pictures beforehand.
The staff brings your big day to life, so you can sit back and relax on the beach or at the spa before the big day. The private event space offers 8200 square feet and accommodates up to 250 guests. With outstanding cuisine and superior service, the dining guarantees a one-of-a-kind experience.
5. Most Scenic - Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a charming and historic wedding venue with 35 acres of land. An estate devoted to historical and environmental protection; the Bonnet House grounds is one of South Florida's last surviving displays of a native barrier island habitat. It's no wonder Bonnet House Museum & Gardens made it to the most scenic category! Fit for private or extravagant weddings, this venue sets a romantic, 20th-century scene.
6. On a Budget - Sea Watch On The Ocean
If you wish to be serenaded by the Atlantic rhythmic waves while you recite your vows without breaking the bank, then Sea Watch on the Ocean is your venue of choice. This laid-back Ft. Lauderdale restaurant showcases a pristine Florida coastline, ideal for an intimate celebration. This venue proposes three private dining spaces, making this an engaging and comfortable setting. Guests will be surrounded by breathtaking scenic views while they enjoy the restaurant’s celebrated cuisine.
The main dining area is in the Captain's room, with an elite patio and roomy dance floor. With exceptional food, striking views, and casual ambiance, Sea Watch on the Ocean is a venue that stays faithful to the tropical feel of Fort Lauderdale.
Palm Beach County
7. Most Elegant - The Breakers
An oceanfront resort produced as a grand Italian Renaissance palace; The Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach County is one of the most premier destinations for weddings. Whether you want a quaint beach side ceremony or a large reception in the majestic ballroom, the courteous staff will accompany every detail. The Breakers highlights 540 newly restored guestrooms and suites to assure that you and your guests have essentially every home comfort.
With its glittering beachfront completely redeveloped, this ocean side retreats reminiscent of a luxurious island escape. The Breakers offers amenities to fit any preference, including a rejuvenating spa, a beauty salon, golf, tennis courts, a private beach, pools, whirlpool spas, private cabanas for daytime rental, an array of water sports, and more.
8. Most Scenic - Morikami Japanese Garden
With over 7,000 exquisite Japanese art pieces and unique, authentic artifacts, the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens make the most scenic category. The venue is surrounded by 16 acres of gardens that showcase Japanese bridges, manicured paths and pristine koi ponds, make this a serene ambiance for a private event. Planning services are offered on-site to organize the details and surpass your expectations for your big day. Lighting and sound services are also available to fulfill the details that will turn your wedding celebration into a magical experience.
9. On a Budget - Mounts Botanical Garden
An enchanting garden wedding doesn't have to be out of the budget! The Mounts Botanical Garden offers a storybook setting to make your fairyt-ale wedding come to life. Nine gardens flow through the landscape, each offering its picturesque setting. Whether it's an elopement in the Garden of Well-being or an intimate gathering in the Butterfly Garden,100 of your guests will witness your ceremony surrounded by the beauty of nature. Although there is no reception venue on-site, Mounts Botanical Garden brings the vision for your ceremony by providing the perfect backdrop for all formal photos.
Hillsborough County
10. Most Elegant - Le Meridien, Tampa
Le Meridien, a former Federal Courthouse turned historic, full-service hotel and wedding venue in downtown Tampa makes this the most elegant venue in Hillsborough County. There are four different event spaces to choose from, depending on the number of guests.
With windows from the floor to the ceiling, this elegant hotel provides panoramic city views. The outdoor pool and large gathering area allow guests to enjoy a cocktail hour before the reception. The Catering Sales Manager will guide you through the details of your big day, including a tasting of the food to make the perfect decision. Food can be served buffet style, stations, or family-style.
11. Most Scenic - The Barn at Crescent Lake
The authentic rustic charm and lakeside setting of The Barn at Crescent Lake make this the most scenic option for a venue. Surrounded by breathtaking views of the crescent lake, you can say your vows surrounded by ethereal beauty. Couples can exchange their vows in a two-story white trimmed barn with illuminating chandeliers. There's a comfy bridal cabin and groom's lodge for getting ready and relaxing.
They offer all-inclusive or rental-only packages designed to make your event stress free and affordable. The lovely lakefront surroundings give a picture-perfect setting for intimate and extravagant weddings. One option to consider is a delightful horse-drawn carriage for a memorable entry.
12. On a Budget - The Empress Tea Room with Divine Menus Catering
Filled with elegance and old-world charm and a tropical view with a waterfall, The Empress Tea Room makes your big day magical. With a variety of style possibilities depending on your party's size, this venue offers both indoor and outdoor settings. The main room allows up to 65 guests making it the perfect choice for an intimate affair and gives plenty of space to celebrate on the dance floor.
Orange County
13. Most Elegant - The Waldorf Astoria
Whether a glorious gala celebration or an intimate gathering of friends and family, each detail will represent your personal and unique style. The Waldorf offers versatile wedding venues, from the promenade with a waterway view to an elegant ballroom capturing the sunset.
This venue offers a pleasant setting for a dramatic sunset cocktail hour, and our new Central Park Ballroom and Gardens is your own personal, private oasis. Known for culinary innovation, Waldorf Astoria understands cuisine's essence, offering a personalized menu to reflect your style and taste. A private and considerate butler for the bride and groom will guarantee that your every need is met, while your guests will be taken care of by a white-gloved service team.
14. Most Scenic - Bella Collina
The Club at Bella Collina is a wedding venue located in Montverde, Florida that possesses the Italian countryside's romantic ambiance. This venue has 1,900 acres of landscape and glittering lakes, making this a unique setting for memorable weddings. To capture the spirit of Tuscan romance, the intimate indoor and outdoor locations offer astounding panoramic views ideal for lavish ceremonies and receptions. The Club at Bella Collina offers multiple indoor and outdoor spaces to include up to 250 wedding guests.
The formal ballrooms an indoor space, equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows and phenomenal architecture to exchange vows in. The wine cellar is another wonderful option for small gatherings of loved ones for their ceremony.
Formerly known as The Courtyard at Lake Lucerne, Dr. Phillip's House turned venue has grand Victorian rooms and elegant furnishings that create a classic vibe for your special day.
The Dr. Phillips House provides a historic and elegant backdrop, and your guests will be in awe
when they attend your celebration in the garden. After the flower-filled ceremony, you will move to the dining room full of natural light, where you and your guests will enjoy an unforgettable meal, make unforgettable memories, and celebrate your special moment.
Dr. Liliana Wolf, licensed psychotherapist, former professor of psychology and international relationship expert, has been preparing couples for marriage at her Coral Gables office for over 20 years. She is an approved and certified provider of online premarital courses in all states extending incentives, Including the State of Florida where couples can save time and money in their Florida marriage license by showing an Official Florida Certificate of Completion. Favored by couples about to be married, her courses have achieved a consistent 5-star rating, positioning her in the top 1% in sales of online courses by the Teachable platform worldwide. Ranked at the top 1% in the specialty of marriage and family nationwide by HealthGrades, Dr. Wolf is at the top of her game both as a clinician and professor.