The Cost of a Luxury Wedding in Miami

The cost of a luxury wedding in Miami can add up quickly, but understanding the key expenses can help you plan wisely. This guide covers everything from top high-end venues and vendor pricing to a full budget breakdown and money-saving strategies—all tailored to Miami’s vibrant wedding scene.

Top Luxury Wedding Venues in Miami

Miami boasts a variety of luxurious wedding venues, ranging from historic estates to upscale beachfront resorts. Below is a selection of the top luxury wedding venues in the city.

Faena Hotel Miami

An opulent oceanfront hotel known for its Art Deco glamor and Hollywood flair. Faena Hotel offers multiple event spaces, including a gilded theater and a modern beachfront ballroom. It delivers a “Miami at its gilded best” experience.

• Website: www.faena.com
• Phone: 305-534-8800
• Location: 3201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
• Pricing: Ceremony fees range from $3,500 to $7,500, and reception packages start around $325 per person. For 50 guests, expect a minimum of about $16,250 in catering
• Capacity: Accommodates up to 500 guests for ceremonies or seated receptions (indoor or outdoor) – ideal for grand celebrations

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

A historic waterfront estate famed for its European-inspired gardens and architectural grandeur. Vizcaya offers a romantic, old-world backdrop with lush gardens, stone terraces, and a historic mansion – a national historic landmark perfect for fairytale weddings.

• Website: www.vizcaya.org
• Phone: 305-250-9133
• Location: 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129
• Pricing:
  • Daytime garden ceremonies for smaller weddings cost $2,000 for up to 25 guests (add $25 per extra guest)
  • Evening rentals start at $23,000 for 100 guests. Exceeding this requires a tent (e.g., a clear tent is $8,500+) and $25 per extra guest. Overtime past 11 PM costs $2,400 per hour
• Capacity: Up to 300 guests outdoors (garden or terrace) and about 100 indoors

The Biltmore Hotel Miami

The Biltmore Hotel boasts Mediterranean architecture, a grand courtyard and ballrooms with hand-painted ceilings, and a lavish pool – offering “Miami’s most elegant historic landmark” ambiance. It’s a favorite for upscale weddings with a classic glam touch.

• Website: www.biltmorehotel.com
• Phone: 305-445-1926
• Location: 1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134
• Pricing: Wedding packages are customized. Typically requires a food and beverage minimum and offers in-house catering. While exact costs vary, luxury weddings here often start around the mid-five figures
• Capacity: Accommodates 100 to 400+ guests – from intimate garden ceremonies to grand ballroom receptions

The Villa Casa Casuarina

The Villa Casa Casuarina, formerly known as the Versace Mansion, is a 1930s Mediterranean villa epitomizing luxury and drama. With its mosaic-adorned courtyard, opulent pool, and richly decorated interior rooms, the villa provides a unique setting steeped in fashion history and South Beach glamour. Ideal for intimate, ultra-luxurious weddings that leave a lasting impression.

• Website: www.vmmiamibeach.com
• Phone: 786-485-2200
• Location: 1116 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
• Pricing: Average base cost is around $68,000 for a 125-guest wedding​. Venue rental fees range from $13,000 (weekday) to $17,000 (weekend). Catering costs around $300 per person
• Capacity: Best suited for up to 100-150 guests to comfortably enjoy the mansion’s courtyard and garden spaces

St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort

St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort is a Forbes five-star wedding venue blending modern elegance with oceanfront beauty. Its grand Astor Ballroom, with floor-to-ceiling mirrors and ornate details, suits sophisticated receptions, while the Ocean Palm Court offers stunning beachfront views. With impeccable service and a refined atmosphere, it’s an ideal setting for a luxury wedding.

• Website: www.linktr.ee/stregisbalharbour
• Phone: 305-993-3300
• Location: 9703 Collins Ave, Bal Harbour, FL 33154
• Pricing: Wedding packages start at $285–$365 per person. There may also be venue rental fees or minimums, so a 150-guest upscale wedding could easily be in the $50,000+ range just for reception costs.
• Capacity: Up to 250-360 guests in the largest ballroom​

Cost of Essential Wedding Vendors in Miami

Beyond the venue, a luxury Miami wedding involves hiring top-notch vendors. Below is a breakdown of essential wedding vendor costs and what you can expect to pay for high-quality services in the Miami area.

Wedding Planners

Hiring a wedding planner can range widely based on their experience and the level of service.

• Full-service planning & design: Starts at $5,000+ for comprehensive wedding coordination
• Mid-range planners: Typically charge between $4,500–$12,000 for full planning packages
• Day-of or month-of coordinators: Cost $1,500–$3,500 for basic event execution
• Luxury and destination planners: Range from $10,000+, with celebrity-level planners charging $20,000–$30,000

Florists and Event Designers

Florists and event designers create lavish, tropical-inspired weddings in Miami with elegant floral arrangements and luxury décor.

• Standard floral budget: $10,000–$15,000 for elegant bouquets, centerpieces, and basic ceremony décor
• Lush, premium arrangements: Expect to spend $15,000–$20,000+ for abundant florals and high-end blooms. This includes a professional florist team for design, setup, and breakdown
• Décor rentals (separate costs): Specialty linens, chairs, lighting, and draping can add $5,000–$10,000+ for luxury enhancements

Photographers

Wedding photography costs in Miami vary based on experience, reputation, and package inclusions.

• Standard photography packages: Range from $2,000–$6,000 for professional wedding photography
• Top-tier photographers: Charge between $7,000–$15,000 for full-day coverage
• Luxury and celebrity photographers: Can exceed $20,000, especially for destination weddings
• Videography costs: A cinematic wedding film typically ranges from $3,000–$6,000 for a high-quality videographer in Miami

Food Caterers

The cost of food catering for luxury weddings in Miami varies based on the venue, menu, and service level.

• In-house catering packages: Most luxury venues include per-person pricing, typically ranging from $150–$300+ per guest
• Outside catering options:
  • Basic buffet catering: Starts at $50–$100 per plate
  • Luxury catering: Includes bespoke menus, chef stations, and top-shelf alcohol, often costing $200+ per person
• Additional costs:
  • Service charges and taxes: Typically 20–24% on catering proposals
  • Wedding cake: Custom designer cakes range from $6–$12+ per slice, meaning $600–$1,200 for 100 guests

Entertainment

Wedding entertainment in Miami includes DJs, live bands, and specialty acts, setting the perfect tone for each couple’s celebration.

• Luxury wedding entertainment: Some couples hire multiple acts, such as a string quartet for the ceremony, a band for dinner, and a DJ for late-night dancing
• Specialty acts: Miami offers Latin percussionists, salsa bands, and celebrity performers which can further increase costs
• Professional wedding DJ: Costs range from $1,500–$3,000 for a full reception, with top DJs or upgraded sound/lighting packages on the higher end
• Live bands:
  • 4–6 piece band: Typically $4,000–$7,000
  • Larger show band or added musicians: Can range from $10,000–$15,000 for the night

Beauty Services

Luxury weddings in Miami often include professional beauty services, such as bridal hair, makeup, and skincare treatments.

• Full-day glam team: Brides who want multiple looks or on-call styling may spend $1,000+
• Bridal hair and makeup: Typically $150–$300 per service, with trial runs at an additional cost
• Bridesmaids’ hair & makeup: Usually $100–$200 per person
• Groom’s grooming: Hot shaves, hairstyling, and skincare treatments can add extra costs
• Beauty prep: Spray tans, facials, and spa treatments can cost a few hundred dollars

Others

Premium details like custom stationery, luxury transportation, and personalized gifts add to the overall wedding experience.

• Stationery: Luxury invitations and save-the-dates range from $1,000–$3,000, with costs increasing for custom calligraphy, letterpress, or acrylic designs
• Transportation: Limos, classic cars, and guest shuttles vary from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on vehicle type and rental time
• Gifts: Upscale weddings often budget $20–$50+ per guest for personalized gifts or welcome bags, especially for destination weddings

Cost-Saving Tips for a Luxury Wedding in Miami

Planning a luxury wedding doesn’t have to mean unlimited spending. Savvy couples can find creative ways to cut costs while maintaining an upscale experience. Here are smart strategies couples can implement to keep costs in check while achieving an elegant luxury wedding in Miami.

Choose Off-Peak Dates or Days

Booking a Friday, Sunday, or off-season wedding (July–August or late fall) can reduce venue and vendor costs by 20–30%. A weekday or off-peak month can offer the same luxury setting at a significantly lower price.

Trim the Guest List

A smaller guest count reduces expenses for catering, rentals, and décor, allowing for a more refined experience. Hosting an intimate wedding lets you splurge on premium food, drinks, and design while maintaining exclusivity.

Pick a Venue That Needs Little Décor

Choosing a naturally stunning venue like Vizcaya can save thousands on decorations. Venues with built-in ambiance reduce the need for expensive draping, florals, and rentals.

Use Seasonal and Local Resources

Opting for in-season flowers and locally sourced ingredients lowers costs without compromising quality. A florist can recommend budget-friendly alternatives, and a caterer can feature local seafood and produce for a high-end yet cost-effective menu.

Re-purpose and Simplify Décor

Maximize value by reusing ceremony florals at the reception and incorporating greenery to add volume for less. Simple, elegant touches like candlelit tables and strategic floral focal points can create a luxurious atmosphere at a lower cost.

Limit High-Cost Extras

Prioritize what truly enhances the guest experience and scale back on less noticeable expenses. Instead of a full open bar, opt for signature cocktails, or swap a multi-tiered cake for a smaller display cake with a sheet cake for guests.

Plan Ahead and Book Early

Booking vendors well in advance helps lock in current rates before price increases and provides time to find sales on attire, décor, and rentals. A longer engagement also allows for better budgeting and spaced-out payments.

Enlist a Skilled Planner

A well-connected wedding planner can negotiate better deals and recommend cost-effective luxury alternatives. They help allocate funds wisely, ensuring a high-end wedding without unnecessary overspending.

Planning a luxury wedding in Miami is a significant investment, but with the right strategy, it can be both breathtaking and cost-effective. Thoughtful choices, like off-peak bookings and leveraging venue aesthetics, help maintain a lavish feel without overspending. By working with experienced vendors and prioritizing key details, couples can create an elegant celebration that aligns with their budget.

More…

• www.urbanicaevents.com/blog/how-much-do-wedding-planners-cost
• https://greatbridalexpo.com/19-clever-ways-to-plan-a-luxury-wedding-on-a-budget/
• https://www.brides.com/wedding-planner-cost-4798009
• https://www.herecomestheguide.com/wedding-venues/florida
• www.tooperfectevents.com/luxury-wedding-photographers-in-miami
• https://www.tooperfectevents.com/unique-wedding-ideas-from-experienced-wedding-planners/