1. Stellar Scenery
The amazing weather and endless beaches have always been a major draw for the area. But that's just the beginning of Miami's photo-worthy wedding backdrops -- exotic orchids, pink hibiscus, and fruit like avocados, mangoes, and bananas grow in backyards. Have a wedding in Miami and you're pretty much guaranteed some serious photo album bragging rights.
2. Hot Hotels
Okay, close your eyes and picture your idea of vacation Zen. Are you poolside at a 5-star luxury resort? Or sipping a glass of wine in a restored Art Deco hotel with mid-century furnishings and streamlined architecture? Whatever your taste, Miami has a hotel option that'll fit your travel style.
For those keen on high-end lodging where every whim can be attended to, Miami has luxe hotels that boast beachfront pools, rooftop retreats, and oversize balconies (perfect for late-night get-togethers). What's more, many large hotels can host your wedding on-site, so couples looking for ultimate convenience can have their ceremony and reception in the same place they (and their guests) stay.
A number of recently renovated boutique hotels give guests a unique room to return to after exploring the city. Many of these hotels feature cutting-edge design, contemporary art collections, and pristine grounds. For a more intimate ambience, some boutique hotels offer a little something extra in the way of romance: private pools, luxurious cabanas and in-room massages make these cozy hideaways ideal for newlyweds.
3. Easy Beach Weddings
If you have your heart set on a beach wedding, Miami can accommodate in style. Because of the number of hotels on the water, a beach wedding in Miami can be more than simply saying “I do" and heading off to celebrate elsewhere -- many couples choose to have their entire wedding close to the ocean. One popular option is to exchange vows on the beach, move to a hotel veranda for the cocktail hour, and then head inside for a more formal reception. Luxury yacht charters are another exciting option for a Miami wedding reception. Miami's luxury yachts offer elegant, catered receptions and a variety of onboard musical entertainment.
4. Historic Sites
There are a number of historic venues in Miami that can add a sense of timelessness to any wedding. For couples who love the vintage style but still want something that feels like Florida, state parks, historic hotels, and tropical estates can have the perfect mix of nostalgia and elegance.
Like other venues, many historic locations can offer both indoor and outdoor options for your wedding, but what sets these apart is their historical and cultural significance, and their one-of-a-kind architecture and furnishings. If you're the type of couple who wants a space that doesn't need much extra decor, a historic site can be a great wedding setting.
5. Chic Museum Venues
If your wedding style is more formal than the beach, and has a certain amount of artistic flair, there are plenty of museums and cultural centers that double as wedding venues. With striking views and large open spaces, many museums in Miami can host large weddings for the couple looking for a high-end vibe. On the other hand, some cultural centers such as Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, The Biltmore Hotel and The Villa by Barton G. (the former Versace mansion) would be well suited for the couple looking for an old-world European feel. With unique architecture, priceless paintings, and rich hues, these types of locations offer an eclectic, worldly feel for the globe-trotting pair.
6. Happy Guests
If your guests are traveling from out of town, chances are they'll want to extend their stay and enjoy the city. Even Florida natives might opt to use the wedding as an excuse to enjoy a few days of sun and sand. That's one of the biggest perks to hosting a wedding in Miami: you won't hear any guest complain about a lack of things to do.
Families headed to the wedding can find hotels that cater to all ages, some with children's activity centers stocked with board games and offering supervised playtime while mom and dad hit the spa. For families with older children, day trips to go snorkeling, visiting the zoo, or sightseeing through the Everglades National Park are great ways to experience Miami's natural surroundings.
For singles and couples headed to your wedding, suggest they spend their downtime trying out a new water sport -- there's everything from kayaking to Jet Ski rentals -- and check out the area's dance clubs, lounges, and late-night pools in their free evenings.
There are endless offerings to keep guests entertained. They can explore the Art Deco District for a look at the classic architecture; check out Bal Harbour for a laid-back but upscale afternoon; hang out in areas like Little Havana, where you can spend an entire day without hearing a word of English; or visit Coconut Grove, famous for its tree-lined streets and eclectic shops and galleries. Miami is large enough that there's something for every personality but also small enough so that guests traveling from out of town won't feel overwhelmed.