Miami Wedding Venues...need help!

sietseld

Hi,

We are planning a simple, low-key wedding before we leave on our cruise. I am looking for a venue to rent that will allow me to serve food from an outside caterer (ie On the Border restaurant), and also serve our own drinks. Every hotel I have talked to says no outside caterers. I'm sure there are those that will provide event space only but I have yet to find one. People have suggested parks but as of yet, I can't find any that have more than small picnic shelters. I would also be willing to consider a restaurant that can provide a private dining area.

I am from Cincinnati and have never been to Miami. I have been searching for months now to find a place and am so lost, I just keep meeting dead ends. Any ideas at all would be greatly appreciated.

Mademoiselle D

If you are looking for a park then I would highly recommend checking out Pinecrest Gardens. It is a beautiful garden and it's budget friendly. I believe you get to bring in your own vendors so it's worth checking out. The only con about using this location is the time restrictions. It's best for day weddings. Is your wedding at night and how many guests are you expecting? It will give us a better idea in what to recommend to you.

http://www.pinecrest-fl.gov/index.aspx?page=310

sietseld

We are expecting 25-50 people, but possibly much smaller. I am wanting an evening but might be willing to compromise on time of day.

Mademoiselle D

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_florida-south-florida_miami-wedding-venuesneed-help?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:67Discussion:989e97cb-4a3d-4387-97d8-2215b39e0c69Post:8592afd6-577d-45e7-8fe5-594a909c2d33">Re: Miami Wedding Venues...need help!</a>:
[QUOTE]We are expecting 25-50 people, but possibly much smaller. I am wanting an evening but might be willing to compromise on time of day.
Posted by sietseld[/QUOTE]

I had the hardest time looking for a venue which would allow me to bring my own vendors especially for catering. Venues make their biggest profit from the food they serve. Not sure what is your budget for your venue but try checking out these locations:

- The Ronald W. Shane Center: This is the venue my FI and I decided to book for our wedding reception. It allows you to bring ALL of your own vendors (even catering). You will have more than enough room for everything you need and can even use less space if you life (the rooms has dividers. Best part, since it's a nonprofit organization...they don't charge taxes. It's right by the water (located in Miami Beach but away from South Beach) and right next to the water.

- Thalatta Estate: This venue it completely outside but the grounds are really nice. It's affordable and you can bring in all your own vendors. However, you will need to supply your own tables and chairs.

- Kovens Conference Center: <a href="http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/kovens-conference-center-north-miami/38017258b4e8b1b8.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/kovens-conference-center-north-miami/38017258b4e8b1b8.html</a>

Now you mentioned you wouldn't mind a park and we have many. The only thing is that you will have to make sure you will have electricity of lighting. I have heard some wedding stories if this occuring so make double check.

But if you really want a park...then check out the Barnacle in Coconut Grove. Very nice but I'm not sure about the price. Also, check out the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens. They have a room which your 50 guests will fit nicely.

sietseld

Thanks for the ideas! I also came across a website last night that lists several venues in the area (www.partyspace.com)so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that something works out!

thebtflbride

You wouldn't want to host it in an actual restuarant?

My favorite restuarant is Bottega Grill..they host small parties and it's honestly, a beautiful restaurant.

Its on like 147th ave and coral way

socialgal

The biggest problem in a park wedding in Miami is the weather!!! During summer it is almost unbearable humid!!!! Icky!!!

If you want a small outside catering wedding, a good choice is look for hotel with conference space. You can just get the space… The Hampton Inn Miami Brickell Downtown (http;//www.hamptoninnmiamibrickell.com/) has a conference space facing the pool that can look beautiful!!!! The hotel is also close to the Port of Miami for your cruise.