A Beachfront Ceremony At Acqualina
Photo Courtesy of Acqualina Resort & Spa
Miami has long been a popular spot for destination weddings. Whether you’re seeking an intimate setting on a secluded private beach or a grand affair on an estate, we’ve narrowed downed the choices to five of the most stunning and unique wedding locations around the Magic City.
Acqualina Resort & Spa
‘I Do’ Style: Ultra Luxury
Away from bustling South Beach in Sunny Isles Beach, Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Acqualina Resort & Spa is a seaside haven located on four and a half stunning acres. A Miami wedding destination of choice for discerning couples, the ultra-posh resort offers two exquisite, customizable wedding packages: the Elegance Collection Wedding and Opulence Collection Wedding, both inclusive of some combination of florals, linens and décor, food and beverage and the Bridal Suite for the big night. An onsite wedding planner will take care of all the particulars from selecting the right spot on the sand for the ceremony to setting up a paramount reception at the Mediterranean-inspired property. Out-of-towners can also get a taste of European flavor by staying in one of the resort’s world-class 54 rooms or 44 suites. Treat the bridal party to an indulgent day of pampering at the Five-Star Acqualina Spa by ESPA, while the groom and his groomsmen play a round of golf at one of the five championship-level courses nearby.
Fontainebleau’s Island Cabana Wedding, Photo Courtesy of Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
‘I Do’ Style: Art Deco Chic
You’ll find a blend of Old World glamour, modern luxury, and architect Morris Lapidus’ signature flair for the theatrical at this Forbes Travel Guide Recommended beach escape located on the famed Millionaires’ Row. Relax away any pre-wedding jitters with the Take a Load Off My Back massage at Four-Star Lapis The Spa at Fontainebleau and an authentic Italian rehearsal dinner at Four-Star Scarpetta Miami Beach inside the hotel. Host your reception in the historic Fontaine/Fleur De Lis ballroom and follow with an after-party at LIV, the hip, onsite nightclub. A popular ceremony setting is the candlelit “floating” cabana at the Oasis pool deck. The hotel’s Dreams Do Come Bleau package consists of a cocktail hour with passed appetizers, dinner with wine, a four-hour open bar, cake, champagne toast with your guests and more. Schedule your nuptials for a date between June and September 2015 and take advantage of the Summer Ever After promotion that will discount the per-guest rate.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
‘I Do’ Style: Magical Fairytale
Inspired by old palaces of Europe, this regal holding (and its lush gardens) was once industry executive James Deering’s winter home in the early 1900s. Today the National Historic Landmark is a popular locale for knot tying. Descend the home’s grand staircase before walking down the aisle or marry on the Garden Mound in the midst of splendid oak trees. After, host cocktail hour or dinner and dancing on the South Terrace, surrounded by gardens and fountains, or venture over to the East Terrace for views of Biscayne Bay and the historic home. If you’re planning an evening affair, you’ll have exclusive access to the estate’s courtyard, outside terraces and gardens, and you can also ask for usage of Vizcaya’s ground floor for an additional fee (definitely worth the splurge). The jaw-dropping look onto the bay is also a spectacular backdrop for wedding photos. Stay at Four-Star The Biltmore in nearby Coral Gables and indulge in a post-wedding brunch at its Four-Star Palme d’Or restaurant.
Spanish Monastery’s Cloisters Area, Photo Courtesy of The Ancient Spanish Monastery
The Ancient Spanish Monastery
‘I Do’ Style: Traditional Romantic
The Ancient Spanish Monastery, originally built near Segovia, Spain in 1141 and shipped to New York in 1925 by William Randolph Hearst, is an ideal setting for a romantic wedding. (The massive crates of bricks weren’t moved to Florida until 1952.) Exchange vows at one of three structures — the Main Chapel for up to 150 guests, the smaller Chapter House chapel for up to 80 loved ones, or the intimate French Altar for 10 family members and friends. The well-manicured formal gardens, which showcase more than 20 acres of rare palms, Spanish oaks and flowering trees, is also a popular spot for large outdoor ceremonies or receptions. Post-wedding, hold a reception in the Cloisters (the covered passageways that circle the open courtyard), the Loggia, or in one of the gardens. An added bonus of saying ‘I do’ here is that the Spanish Monastery has a team of caterers, florists and decorators to take care of all of the trimmings.
Deering Estate at Cutler
‘I Do’ Style: Grand Splendor
Located along the edge of Biscayne Bay, the 444-acre Deering Estate offers a truly majestic setting and stunning backdrops. You can select from among lush gardens and two historical venues — the Stone House and Richmond Cottage. Have a post-nuptial cocktail reception on the front lawn lined with royal palms and nosh on dinner in an elegant ballroom with black-and-white checkered floors and crystal chandeliers. After the meal and a bit of mingling, guests can take a moonlit stroll throughout the front lawn and courtyard.
