The Vizcaya Museum and Garden in Miami, FL is a beautiful location for both engagement sessions and weddings. No matter where you are, the backdrops make you feel like you are in Italy! If you are looking for a location with history and a Mediterranean ambiance, this is definitely the place for you.
The Vizcaya was completed in 1916 and was originally the estate of a wealthy businessman named James Deering. He wanted to emulate the gorgeous look of Mediterranean and Italian villages. The estate overlooks Biscayne Bay and is now owned by Miami-Dade County and available to the public as a museum.
For you history buffs, the Vizcaya has welcomed several famous guests, including Queen Elizabeth II, Pope John Paul II, and President Ronald Reagan. According to the rental brochure, the resort was host to the Free Trade Agreement signing and the Summit of the Americas. Although, nowadays, it is mainly used as a beautiful setting for weddings and tourism.
The Vizcaya offers breathtaking views during your wedding ceremony and in your photos long after. No matter what your style is, you will be able to find it here. The manicured gardens are perfect for nature lovers; the Italian sculptures and fountains portray a sophisticated style; the antique brickwork and weathered stone offer a classic look that will work with anyone’s style.
Now let’s talk about weddings at the Vizcaya. The facility is almost always available for weddings and parties. Your guests will be able to enjoy complete privacy in the courtyard, gardens, and terraces while you take your wedding photos in the external areas that are specifically designed for photos. There is plenty of Spanish moss, stone stairways, and beautiful arches to pose against. The art and sculptures range from the early twentieth century to pieces from the Renaissance age. The venue’s pricing is based on the size of your party and the time of year that you will be renting it. You have the choice between an evening rental or a daytime garden wedding. For evening rentals, you have exclusive use of the inner courtyard, outside terraces, and gardens. Daytime garden weddings are stunning but do come with additional rules and regulations.
One drawback of a daytime garden wedding here is that you are not allowed to have items that will damage the greenery. This includes chairs, wedding canopies, and other large decorative items. Also, the museum itself is still open during daytime hours, so your music must be quiet enough for other guests to enjoy their visit. In order to protect the grounds, they also do not allow food or drinks at events held in the gardens. However, the Vizcaya Cafe and Shop can provide a reception area with food.
Brides who get married here often wear Galia Lahav gowns. These couture wedding gowns fit perfectly with the Italian style of the venue. For engagement sessions, you could either wear upscale, sophisticated outfits or go for flowy, more relaxed outfits that let you frolic in the gardens.
I love shooting weddings and engagements at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. It is such a classy and versatile location that it produces gorgeous photos every single time.
