Planning Tips for Your Miami Wedding at Vizcaya
Okay, so let’s talk about Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in Miami, Florida because oh my god, this place is a whole vibe. You pull up and suddenly you’re not in Miami anymore?! You’re in some grand Italian villa where every corner has a fountain, a statue, or a secret garden tucked away like it’s waiting for your portraits. And then, just when you think it can’t get better, you walk out to the water and bam! Biscayne Bay, sparkling like a glass of Prosecco in the sun.
As a Florida wedding photographer, I’ve been lucky enough to visit and photograph Vizcaya a few times, and every single time I leave wanting more. Like, give me the full wedding weekend takeover, please. Welcome party with twinkle lights in the courtyard. Ceremony under the banyan trees (with your best friend crying through their sunglasses). Sunset portraits on the stone barge while boats drift past in the background. And then dinner on the terrace where the chandeliers glow against the Miami night sky. I’m already swooning (aren’t you?!).
What Vizcaya looks like in photos
-
The gardens? Straight-up art. Symmetry, fountains, greenery that feels like it’s wrapping around you
-
The infamous stone barge? Looks like a stage made for your portraits. It’s dramatic in the best Miami way (we all know Miami loves the drama)
-
Courtyards that trick you into thinking you’re in Florence – maybe because some of it is legit from ancient Italy and shipped over in the 1920’s
-
Sun-drenched terraces where your guests will never want to leave cocktail hour
-
Inside, you’ve got ornate staircases, chandeliers, and every kind of historic detail you could imagine
Basicallyyy: you’re never going to run out of backdrops. I could shoot here all day and still find something new.
Why Vizcaya is that wedding venue
-
Yes gardens are gorgeous, but they feel alive, layered, & cinematic
-
The house itself is moody, decadent, and totally unique to Miami
-
Biscayne Bay makes everything look ten times dreamier (sunsets here are unreal)
-
Every wedding feels different because there are so many corners, courtyards, and spots to play with
Things to know about Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
-
Vizcaya works for both intimate weddings and “bring the whole crew” celebrations (we love both)
-
Miami heat is real, so plan for shade, fans, and maybe push your ceremony a little later
-
Photo magic moments? Sunset by the water or soft morning light in the gardens — both unbeatable!
-
Vizcaya is protective of its space (and fair enough), so check their photography rules if you’re doing an engagement session or portraits on a separate day
FAQ: Planning Your Vizcaya Wedding
-
Where is Vizcaya located? Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is in Coconut Grove, just south of downtown Miami, about a 20-minute drive from Miami International Airport.
-
How many guests can it hold? The property can accommodate intimate gatherings or larger weddings (up to around 300 guests at the high end).
-
Can out-of-town guests stay nearby? Yes! Vizcaya is surrounded by incredible hotels, from luxury options like The Biltmore and Faena Hotel Miami Beach to boutique stays in Coconut Grove. Perfect if you’re planning a destination wedding weekend.
Vizcaya is one of those venues that sticks with you. It’s historic and grand but still feels warm and a little wild; like Miami itself. It gives you that European fantasy with tropical flair, which is basically my sweet spot as a wedding photographer!
Planning your wedding at Vizcaya? I’d love to be your Vizcaya wedding photographer! Get in touch and let’s make it official.
