Miami is a vibrant cultural melting pot; home to many outstanding historic event venues. From iconic houses to beach hot spots to art deco facilities, event attendees with their sights set on Miami have no shortage of majestic ballrooms, tropical gardens and intimate courtyards.
At the same time, finding the ideal Miami location for your romantic day or important event may seem overwhelming at first. It helps to have an overview of historic event venues available for your special gathering. Each listing includes detailed descriptions of the venues’ histories, architectural highlights, and the types of events they best accommodate. Furthermore, Joy Wallace Catering can enhance your event with customized catering solutions that respect the venue’s heritage while delighting your guests.
Whether on the quest for a historic Miami event venue or simply visiting, here are some locations to explore while you’re in town:
Vizcaya, Miami-Dade County
Vizcaya stands as one of Miami’s most treasured cultural gems and a top event venue, consistently earning rave reviews. Overlooking Biscayne Bay, this National Historic Landmark captivates visitors with its majestic Rococo to Italian Renaissance architecture. Additionally, the diverse plant life and magical energy enchant everyone who visits. At Vizcaya, you’ll never run out of exhilarating things to do.
Guests who attend a grand event or wedding at Vizcaya quickly realize that there is no other location like it. Moreover, it’s a photogenic spot perfect for family experiences. The immaculate grounds invite guests to enjoy five-star dining, take long walks through tropical gardens, and perhaps discover secret passageways within the house. Furthermore, you or your guests might spot a manatee, surely making it a highlight of dinner conversations or while enjoying a cocktail stroll.
Alfred Dupont Building, Miami-Dade County
This historic landmark is quite the source of nostalgia, preserving the spirit of old Miami. It makes a sophisticated event location. Guests are entranced by vintage details like security cameras, teller stations and a brilliant iron-wrought bank vault that leads to an elegant ballroom.
Many shows and movies were filmed at the Alfred Dupont Building. The radiant stone and iron surfaces have made an appealing background for Bad Boys, For Love Or Country, Blood & Wine, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Miami Vice and South Beach, to name a few. Guests enjoy the inspiring conversations that take place here or ordering from the bartenders behind the bank teller cages.
The Cruz Building, Miami-Dade County
The three-level building stands out for its unique character and detailed intricacies. Features include a stained glass ceiling, European and French/New Orleans architecture, 19th-century sculptures, brick archways, and ironwork. Your guests will feel as though they’ve traveled through time and space.
This all-in-one location offers multiple spaces for wedding ceremonies and receptions, along with many photogenic backdrops. Imagine a stunning bride descending the Cruz Building’s grand staircase. The first floor sets the scene for the ceremony, while the second floor offers an elegant dining experience. Furthermore, the third floor is perfect for a night of dancing. Although its massive splendor is something to marvel at, the venue is perfect for any size event. Additionally, its layout allows for creative themes.
Douglas Entrance, Miami-Dade County
Completed in 1927, the Douglas Entrance is one of the premiere historic Miami venues. Originally known as La Puerta Del Sol, “Gate of the Sun”, Douglas Entrance was one of the original entrances into the City of Coral Gables. Upon arriving you’re greeted by a beautiful, large fountain which serves as the perfect backdrop for your ceremony. Cocktail hour is held outdoors in front of the building’s façade or indoors along the Grand Staircase. Additionally, your reception can be hosted inside the ballroom boasting ornate, vaulted ceilings and large windows where natural light beams through.
Ancient Spanish Monastery, Miami-Dade County
The Ancient Spanish Monastery brings a piece of Europe to Miami, captivating all who visit. This 12th-century Romanesque and Gothic location casts a spell with its enchanting atmosphere. It stands as the ultimate destination wedding venue, featuring three chapels, 20 acres of rare palms, Spanish oaks, and sprawling gardens.
Furthermore, the venue offers ample space for all your wedding activities—pictures, ceremony, cocktail hour, and parties. Moreover, the Spanish Monastery provides an intimate experience meant for sharing with loved ones. Guests can mingle and enjoy cocktails in the garden, followed by dinner and dancing in The Cloisters. Although it’s ideal for weddings, this venue can easily host any significant event.
Thalatta Estates, Miami-Dade County
Thalatta Estate is a historic gem, originally built in 1926 by the Connett family. This elegant two-story residence is one of the few homes that have adorned the shores of Biscayne Bay since the early 1900s. Set on over four acres of lush land, the estate offers stunning, unobstructed views of Biscayne National Park. It is a sanctuary for herons, pelicans, marine iguanas, and a variety of other wildlife native to the protected mangroves along the South Miami-Dade coastline.
Deering Estate, Miami-Dade County
Guests choose the preserved 1920 estate of Charles Deering for its historic houses overlooking Biscayne Bay and manicured lawns lined with palms. The Spanish-Mediterranean-style house provides three unique areas for enjoyment. The Grand Lawn is ideal for cocktail events and ceremonies. For indoor events, guests will be mesmerized by the elegant ballroom, which features checkered floors and crystal chandeliers.
You can treat your guests to a cocktail hour with views of the bay, followed by dinner under the tree canopy in the open courtyard. This magical estate serves as the perfect venue for anyone seeking a historic location capable of accommodating both large and small parties.
The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater, Miami Beach/South Beach
The rock and roll center features an art deco ambiance that offers the ideal backdrop for private events, cocktail receptions, product launches, fundraisers, and more. This unique Miami Beach landmark stands out from ordinary arts center venues.
The Fillmore excels as a venue for corporate events, especially when entertainment is a key focus. Clients favor this space for its top-notch audiovisual capabilities, which elevate presentations significantly. Additionally, the best part is that these services are fully managed by the venue itself. It’s also perfect for hosting one-of-a-kind weddings and social events.
The Temple House, Miami Beach/South Beach
The Temple House, an iconic celebrity hangout, offers a world-class location for exclusive events. It has hosted everything from fashion shows to galas to international conferences. Known as an “avant-garde canvas,” the venue features a 25-foot ceiling, an elegant mezzanine, and a Grecian-style outdoor terrace. Indeed, you and your guests will cherish memories of your night here for years to come.
Located in the Art Deco District, this prized venue fits seamlessly into one of the world’s most popular destinations.
Miami Beach Botanical Garden, Miami Beach/South Beach
Once upon a time, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden was home to the world’s largest mango and avocado groves. Over the years, though, it deteriorated and was damaged by Hurricane Andrew. In 1996, a group of passionate residents formed the Miami Beach Garden Conservancy. This non-profit organization embarked on a mission to restore the garden, a crucial effort that enhanced the property’s historic character.
Today, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden stands as one of Miami’s best-kept secrets and a stunning venue for private events or weddings. It boasts a variety of tropical plants, flowering trees, and brilliantly colored koi fish swimming in a pond. Furthermore, the canopied terrace offers a special setting for summer parties, dances, or receptions. Indeed, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden provides the perfect stage for an informal garden event and can accommodate any taste.
We can help you find the perfect one among all Historic Miami Wedding Venues
Joy Wallace Catering and Events creates exceptional weddings and events at the finest historic Miami venues. Consider having your wedding, next business meeting or other special event in Miami, and share the details with us. Or if you just want to know more about things to do in Miami and other historic venues, let’s talk!
