It’s no secret South Florida has some of the best wedding venues in the country. From Miami’s spicy nightlife, to the class of Palm beach, couples from all over the country seek Florida’s beaches and year round sunshine for their wedding. But there’s another city not many people are talking about, and that’s Fort Lauderdale! I thought I’d share some of my most memorable Fort Lauderdale wedding venues I’ve worked at to help put Fort Lauderdale on the map for South Florida weddings!
In no particular order:
W HOTEL FORT LAUDERDALE
This Fort Lauderdale wedding venue is a favorite for a few reasons! First, SPACIOUS, LIGHT FILLED, getting ready rooms (bridal suites) I never have to worry about moving furniture or unsavory lighting in this hotel. Plenty of room for a large wedding party, and sexy enough for your first night as newlyweds!
I also love that the W Hotel itself gives you plenty of options for indoor photo ops. Sleek, modern, spaces like The Living Room, white staircase, and Steak 954 are some must-visit spots on your wedding day. I’ve shot entire wedding days here without stepping outside – your makeup and hair artist will thank you.
If you’re going for a nightclub/party vibe for your reception, your search is now over with the W’s dark ballrooms. Go all out with reception/DJ lighting and your guests will have the time of their lives!
See Michelle & Will’s wedding at the W Hotel here
See Michelle & Eric’s wedding at the W Hotel here
GRAND FLORIDIAN YACHT / CHARTER ONE YACHTS
If you want to give your guests a true Fort Lauderdale experience, consider chartering a yacht! Not your typical Fort Lauderdale wedding venue, Charter One and the Grand Floridian yacht set sail on a dinner cruise during your ceremony and cruises through the intracoastal of Fort Lauderdale. With numerous levels for your guests to navigate, it’s easy to have dinner on one, then dancing and cocktails at the top. The top deck also allows for sexy cityscape night portraits!
On top of all that, once you’re back on dry land, a sparkler or champagne exit is totally doable!
Click here to view Rachel & Kevin’s Grand Floridian Yacht wedding blog post
HISTORIC STRANAHAN HOUSE MUSEUM
Located just off Las Olas Blvd, the Stranahan House Museum is the perfect venue for intimate weddings and smaller gatherings. I’ve photographed a wedding here that installed a tent in the lot next door, and another that held their reception on property under the cafe lights. Guests are invited inside during cocktail hour to tour the house, and the staff are some of the most helpful people I’ve met.
The newly renovated front porch area gives you a couple options for ceremony spacing, and the light as the sun sets is my absolute favorite! Outside catering is encouraged, and the after-party options are endless with downtown Las Olas just steps away!
View Kim & Arman’s Stranahan House wedding here
RIVERSIDE HOTEL FORT LAUDERDALE
If you’ve driven through the city, it’s hard to miss this Fort Lauderdale wedding venue! It’s old Florida charm will impress your guests, and a ton of Fort Lauderdale hot spots are within walking distance down Las Olas.
I’m a fan of Riverside Hotel‘s rooms and getting ready suites, too. They’re spacious with plenty of good light, but I wouldn’t suggest them for larger wedding parties. The courtyard just off the back is perfect for first looks and portraits, and a larger waterfront space just across the street is an amazing ceremony space, too!
Don’t forget about their large ballroom and rooftop space as well! I’ve seen some swanky cocktail hours on the roof and the city views of Fort Lauderdale can’t be beat.
Check out Vanessa & Dan’s Riverside Hotel wedding here
PELICAN GRAND BEACH RESORT
If you’re daydreaming of saying “I do” barefoot on the sand, then the Pelican Grand Beach Resort is one Fort Lauderdale wedding venue you should definitely have your list! It’s buttercream exterior is typical old Florida, but the ballroom’s ocean view will have you swooning all night.
The staff take care to try to alleviate crowds before the beachside ceremonies, or you can opt for a rooftop ceremony with the gazebo. Either way, there are plenty of spaces for photo ops, and smaller gatherings could party the night away in a tented space off the back deck.
And yes, you’ll totally see pelicans flying by the bridal suite as you’re getting ready. Shit’s magical, I tell ya.
See Madi & Ryder’s Pelican Grand Beach Resort Wedding here
STACHE DRINKING DEN
So say you’re not into Fort Lauderdale’s beaches or ballrooms – have you considered a WHISKY DEN?
Offbeat, fun-loving couples should consider this Fort Lauderdale wedding venue for a truly different guest experience. It’s part speakeasy, part nightclub, and ALL FUN. A live band or performer on the stage will bring your reception to life, or guests can chill in the library upstairs. And once again, with downtown Fort Lauderdale just steps away, the after-party can literally go on till Sunday!
If you’re thinking about Stache for your wedding venue, make sure your vendors can properly light it! The space is darker than most traditional wedding venues, but that’s what makes it so unique!
Plus, um… WHISKY.
Check out Deena & Phil’s Stache Whisky Den Wedding here
RENAISSANCE FORT LAUDERDALE-PLANTATION HOTEL
This budget-friendly Marriott Hotel is a hidden gem! Located in west Broward right off 595, this newly renovated hotel is the perfect location for weddings large and small.
The Renaissance Hotel Fort Lauderdale’s new bridal suite is complete with a gorgeous full length mirror and large windows. The rooms are like new as well, so your partner won’t feel left out in some windowless conference room.
And if you’re not a fan of that aggressive hotel carpeting, no worries here! The hotel has plenty of indoor spaces for romantic portraits by the bar or in the back hallway.
If you’re in the planning stages for your Fort Lauderdale wedding, I’d love to chat! This list isn’t the end-all-be-all for Fort Lauderdale wedding venues, and I’m sure I can point you in the right direction. Click here to get in touch and check availability!
