VIZCAYA VENUE GUIDE

Everything you need to know about wedding photography at Vizcaya

Location: 3251 South Miami Avenue, Miami FL

Telephone: 305-250-9133
Fax: 305-285-2004

Type: Italian Country Villa

Background:

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, initially built in 1922, was previously owned by industrialist and businessman James Deering. Located on Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove, the venue is conveniently located adjacent to downtown Miami, Florida. Coconut Grove was a bohemian enclave in the 1960s, and recently has experienced expansive growth; that being said, it's high street is still tranquil and quaint enough to serve as a great destination for out-of-town guests. It is unique in every sense of the word, drawing a feeling of peace and calm vibe that is rarely found in Miami.

The 50-acre villa is reminiscent of old-world Italy. The extensive and well-manicured gardens provide ample photo backdrops and the stone terrace - which has direct water views - is where you and your friends will dance the night away.

Widely considered to be one of the premier Miami wedding venues, it's available for events most days of the year with exception of major holidays.

Event Space:
Ceremonies are held in the gardens, or in the Courtyard of the Main House while cocktail parties can be held either in the Courtyard of the Main House, the gardens, or the terraces that's overlooking Biscayne Bay and Vizcaya’s historic gardens (Take note: this areas availability depends on the size of the event).

Here are some photos of weddings and engagement sessions I've captured at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens:

If you want to host a large outdoor reception, tenting is recommended for events with a guest count greater than 100, but for the latest updates and exact numbers, it's recommended that you contact the venue directly.

The indoor Main House Courtyard provides a unique indoor, European garden experience and can host around 80-100 for table seating or 120 for theater style. The outdoor east terrace that's overlooking Biscayne Bay can accommodate around 300-500 guests seated at tables of 10. Lastly, the gardens, with the east and south terraces for reception can accommodate around 800-1,000 guests.

Rental Details:
Vizcaya rental rates apply to 125 guests between 6:30 PM and 11 PM. Additional hours can be purchased separately. Additional fees apply for security, permits, valet, etc. Events at Vizcaya begin at 6:30 PM and must conclude at 11 PM, unless additional hours are purchased. Also, additional hours may not exceed past 1 AM.

Vendor Setup: Seeing that Vizcaya is a working Museum, open daily to the public, it provides a limited set up window for vendors. Not to mention, considering the grounds are so extensive, loading in/out of Vizcaya can be logistically complicated. To that point, it is advised that you hire vendors who have worked the grounds previously.

Parking: On side parking available up to 125 vehicles

Catering: You can select from the venue's preferred vendor's list or you can bring your own caterer

Accommodations: An array of hotels are conveniently located in nearby Coconut Grove, just 2.5 miles of the venue

Transportation: Public transportation less than one block away from the venue

AS SEEN IN STYLE MY PRETTY

VIZCAYA WEDDING

VIEW THE WEDDING

Vizcaya is a popular choice for portrait sessions including engagement photography, family photography and quinceañeras. The venue is often crowded - especially on weekends - so I recommend scheduling your session for a weekday, if your schedule permits.

Know before you photograph: Vizcaya charges a portrait session fees which includes a pass for your photo shoot as well as passes to tour the home. Prices are constantly changing so check with the venue before booking.

Be sure your photographer does not bring a rolling photo bag as that is not allowed on the grounds in order to maintain the integrity of the coral floors.