Planning Your Epic Wedding in Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

There are few places in Miami that feel as effortlessly grand and romantic as Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. The moment you step onto its grounds, you’re transported — intricate stone architecture, European-inspired gardens, and that perfect golden light reflecting off Biscayne Bay. It’s one of those rare venues that balances history and intimacy, giving couples a cinematic setting that feels both timeless and deeply personal.

As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen how Vizcaya has a way of shaping each couple’s story into something unforgettable. The space carries an “old-world” charm, yet the energy of each celebration brings it to life in new ways. So if you’re planning your wedding here, this guide will help you make the most of its beauty, from timing and flow to small details that make all the difference.

The Vibe: Grand, Romantic, and Editorial

Weddings at Vizcaya are more than just beautiful—they’re IMMERSIVE! With its old-world architecture and sweeping gardens, the venue naturally lends itself to a classic, cinematic look. Abigail and Brandon leaned into that feel with soft tones, structured design, and moments that felt both poised and heartfelt.

Their day was filled with timeless details: champagne hues, blush roses, flowing veils, and the warmth of hundreds of candles at the reception. The result was a celebration that felt both opulent and deeply personal, a reminder that luxury doesn’t have to mean impersonal.

Vizcaya Museum and Garden Luxury Wedding

Why Couples Love Vizcaya

There’s a reason Vizcaya Museum Weddings remain some of the most sought-after celebrations in Miami. Vizcaya isn’t just a venue, it’s an experience. The estate’s European-inspired architecture and lush tropical gardens create an atmosphere that feels both regal and romantic. Every corner tells a story of history, artistry, and quiet luxury.

Couples choose Vizcaya Museum and Gardens for its timeless elegance. The kind that makes your wedding feel like it could belong to any era. Stone terraces, vine-covered archways, and fountains overlooking Biscayne Bay give the venue a cinematic quality. Every photo, from grand portraits to candid exchanges, feels instantly iconic.

Designed in the style of Italian Renaissance villas, Vizcaya flows effortlessly between indoor and outdoor spaces. One moment, you’re framed by marble columns; the next, you’re surrounded by palms and bougainvillea. This fusion of architecture and nature creates a kind of enchantment you won’t find anywhere else in Miami.

Beyond its beauty, Vizcaya offers versatility. Host a sunset ceremony on the East Terrace, an intimate dinner in the courtyard, or a celebration under the stars. Each space has its own character, allowing you to design a day that feels uniquely yours, whether grand and editorial or soft and romantic.

For photographers, Vizcaya Museum Weddings are pure inspiration. Light filters through the courtyards, stone meets soft florals, and reflections shimmer across the bay. Candlelight dances against history itself, creating moments that feel alive and timeless.

Vizcaya doesn’t just host weddings—it transforms them into artful, unforgettable celebrations.

Cost for a Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Wedding

It goes without saying, but having your wedding at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens does come with a higher price tag—though it’s worth every penny for the experience.

Pricing depends on your desired setup and timing. According to Vizcaya’s 2025 Facility Rental Guide, base rates for evening rentals start at $23,000 for up to 100 guests from 6:30 pm to 11 pm.

Each additional guest over 100 is $25 per person
Events extending past 11 pm (Friday – Saturday) are billed at $2,400 per additional hour
Weddings exceeding 100 guests must include a tent rental

For intimate weddings, daytime ceremonies for up to 25 guests begin at $2,000, depending on timing and access area.

While the cost may lean toward the higher end, what you’re investing in is truly a once-in-a-lifetime setting that blends history, artistry, and natural beauty.

Vizcaya Museum Photography Permits

Vizcaya takes great care to preserve its estate and gardens, which means photo sessions require a permit.

Here’s a quick guide:

Weekday Permits: $250 + tax
Weekday Permits: $350 + tax
Deposit: $25 + tax (non-refundable and non-transferable)
Remaining fees are due on the day of you shoot
All tickets are non- refundable

If you’re looking for that quiet, golden-hour magic before the museum opens, you can also book a Premium Early Access Permit, granting private access to the Gardens or Main House from 8:00–9:30 AM. These range from $450–$750 + tax, a worthwhile option for couples who value privacy and cinematic light.

Learn more about Vizcaya Museum & Gardens photography permits here.

Wedding Guest Capacity at Vizcaya

While Vizcaya exudes grandeur, it’s best suited for intimate to mid-sized weddings. The estate aims to preserve its historic setting and atmosphere, which creates a more intentional guest experience.

Main House: Up to 100 seated guests
East Terrace (overlooking Biscayne Bay): Up to 300 seated guests

This balance allows you to host a celebration that feels both expansive and personal. Ideal for couples who value quality over quantity.

Amenities Included

When you book Vizcaya, you’re not just securing a venue, you’re curating a complete, high-end experience. Amenities include:

Indoor and outdoor event spaces
Setup and cleanup services
On-site parking and security
ADA accessibility
Wedding rehearsal options (at no additional cost)

Important Restrictions to Note

Vizcaya’s preservation policies are key to maintaining its timeless beauty. A few rules to keep in mind:

No balloons, confetti, glitter, or small particles
No dancing or bands on marble floors
No docking of boats or use of fireworks
Smoking only in designated areas
No animals (service animals excluded)
Drones are not permitted

Ideal Time of Year for a Vizcaya Wedding

Miami is known for its warmth, but that can quickly turn to humidity depending on the season. For the best experience, consider scheduling your Vizcaya wedding in the Fall, Winter, or early Spring. These months offer milder temperatures and golden light that perfectly complements the venue’s architecture and gardens.

Avoiding the peak of summer will make a world of difference for both you and your guests. You’ll stay cool, comfortable, and radiant throughout the day.

A Vizcaya Museum & Gardens wedding is the epitome of timeless elegance, grand yet grounded, luxurious yet deeply personal. From its historic courtyards to candlelit terraces, every space invites connection, romance, and artistry.

Couples like Abigail and Brandon show how intentional planning can turn even the most iconic venue into something distinctly yours. Whether it’s documenting your morning with a vintage camcorder or filling the gardens with song and laughter, it’s those personal touches that make your Vizcaya wedding unforgettable.