Getting Married at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens: A European‑Inspired Wedding Venue in Miami

Why This Guide?

After three years of living in the United States—and a decade of photographing luxury celebrations across France and Italy—we’ve become (admittedly) selective about wedding venues. From Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild to Villa Balbianello, we know what true Old‑World charm looks like. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in Miami is one of the rare American estates that delivers that same authenticity—making it a must‑see for couples seeking chic, European‑inspired elegance right here in Miami.

1. Vizcaya at a Glance

• Location: Coconut Grove, Miami, FL (15 minutes from South Beach)

• Style: Italian Renaissance villa with formal gardens and Biscayne Bay views

• Guest Capacity: up to 100 seated indoors and 300 on the East Terrace overlooking the water (vizcaya.org)

• Event Hours: Evening rentals run 6:30 p.m.–11 p.m. with options to extend until midnight (Sun–Thu) or 1 a.m. (Fri–Sat) (vizcaya.org)

Pro Tip: Vizcaya books up to 18 months in advance. If you have your heart set on a peak‑season Saturday (November–April), inquire as early as possible.

2. Does Vizcaya Feel “Fake” to Europeans?

Many European‑inspired venues in the U.S. can feel like a movie set (looking at you, Las Vegas). Vizcaya is different. Built between 1914 and 1922 by James Deering, the estate was crafted with genuine Italian materials and artisans, creating what we like to call “la dolce vita of Coconut Grove.” In other words: approved by two very picky French photographers haha.

3. Italian Romance on Biscayne Bay

Step onto Vizcaya’s bayfront promenade and you’re greeted by color‑striped mooring poles, a charming Tea House, and a graceful stone landing that together evoke the romance of Venice. Caribbean light dances on the aged limestone, giving every portrait a painterly glow.

Favorite photo spots:

1. Garden Mound Staircase – perfect for a grand processional.

2. The Barge & Tea House – dreamy at golden hour.

3. Center Island Fountain – a symmetrical masterpiece.

4. Indoor Courtyard – soft, filtered light for editorial portraits.

   
   

4. Exploring the Gardens

The Italianate Center Island Garden parterre just below the Main House—anchored by the iconic Center Island Fountain—frames the villa perfectly, while lush tropical greenery unfurls farther out on the grounds. Every hedge, topiary, and gravel path is curated with exquisite taste and lovingly maintained by Vizcaya’s dedicated horticultural team.

At the far edge of this grand parterre, bordered by vibrant bougainvillea and blooming orchids, a coral‑stone wall embellished with classical statues opens onto twin staircases that sweep alongside a narrow waterway down to the main reflecting pool. Perched at the top of those stairs is one of the most breathtaking wedding ceremony spots in all of Miami.

5. The Garden Mound Ceremony

Shaded by century‑old oaks and towering ferns, the Garden Mound is one of Miami’s most enchanting ceremony sites. The space feels intimate for 50 guests yet dramatic enough for larger gatherings. Soft, dappled sunlight filters through the century‑old live oak branches and towering ferns, bathing the aisle in a golden glow and giving every ceremony a cinematic, dream‑like quality.)

6. Inside the Villa

The Main House stuns with a marble‑clad Courtyard (ideal for candle‑lit dinners up to 100) and art‑filled salons for cocktails. For receptions over 100, most couples dine al‑fresco on the East Terrace—think Tuscan courtyard meets tropical waterfront.

7. Engagement & Wedding Photography at Vizcaya

As destination wedding photographers, we adore Vizcaya for two reasons:

1. Editorial Potential – Limestone textures, wrought‑iron gates, and perfect symmetry give every frame a Vogue‑worthy edge.

2. Candid Moments – Because every corner is photogenic, we can document genuine laughs and tears without worrying about “messy backgrounds.”

   
   

Planning an engagement session? Vizcaya allows morning shoots before public hours, when soft light kisses the gardens.

8. Planning Tips

Detail	Need‑to‑Know
Permits & Vendors	Only vendors on Vizcaya’s Approved List may work on‑site (vizcaya.org)
Weather	November–April offers cooler temps and lower rain chances. Always budget for a clear tent—required for guest counts over 90. (vizcaya.org)
Timeline	Vendor load‑in begins at 3 p.m. (earlier load‑in available for a fee). (vizcaya.org)
Parking	125 on‑site spaces included; valet recommended for 200+ guests. (vizcaya.org)

9. Our Take on Vizcaya

As wedding photographers who live in the U.S. and have photographed across France and Italy, we’re constantly in search of places that combine beauty, elegance, and a strong sense of place. Among all the venues we’ve explored so far, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is undoubtedly one of the most stunning wedding venues in the United States.

Alongside Larz Anderson House in Washington, D.C.—another favorite of ours—

Whether you're planning a sunrise elopement or a 300‑guest celebration under the stars, Vizcaya offers a rare combination of timeless architecture, lush gardens, and cinematic light—making it a dream location to bring your wedding story to life.

10. Let’s Begin Your Vizcaya Wedding Journey

Ready to see how Vizcaya could look through our lenses? View our Portfolio and Contact Us