Unique Fall Wedding Venues in South Florida

Let's face it. Most weddings you've attended have been exactly the same. The same generic banquet hall, same rubber chicken for dinner, same average service. Even though you live in South Florida and loved the people getting married, the location wasn't memorable. Those locations are not on this list. The following locations take advantage of South Florida's beautiful fall weather and are all unique.

It should be noted that this is a partial list. As far finding the best location for your needs, you should consult a professional wedding planner. Besides coordinating the event, a wedding planner will negotiate lower site fees, hidden costs, and make sure you are getting the best deal. Unfortunately, there are some bait and switch tactics in the wedding industry when it comes to food and beverage minimums and room reservations. A wedding planner also knows the service history and can help you make your overall vision a reality. No matter what your budget is, making this decision will help you get your money's worth. A list of three recommended planners is listed at the end of the article.

1. Sundy House: Located in Delray Beach off historic Atlantic Avenue, this is perfect location for weddings ranging from an intimate wedding of 30 all the way to 140 guests. You can have cocktail hour by the salt water pool, walk through the maze of gorgeous gardens and choose between three dining rooms. Oh, and the food? Unreal. It is recommended to visit the Sundy House for brunch to taste a huge variety of food, explore the gardens, and talk to the friendly staff. Brunch is $42 per person and includes unlimited Mimosas and Bloody Marys. Go to www.sundyhouse.com for more information.

2. Joseph S. Leiser Opera Center: Even if you hate opera, you'll love this place. Located in Ft. Lauderdale, this two story building captures the essence of historical Florida architecture. The Center is Florida Grand Opera's Fort Lauderdale headquarters and the location for numerous events including weddings. This location caters towards larger weddings. The banquet hall hold up to 150 guests and is located on the second floor. It opens up to a large balcony overlooking the beautifully landscaped gardens. Cocktail hour can be held in the expansive foyer in the first floor. For more information to go to www.leisercenter.org

3. The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens: Located in Delray Beach, this unique location needs to be seen to be believed. Behind the museum is a huge lake surrounded by Japanese Gardens, bridges, and a waterfall. You can have your ceremony in the beautiful Japanese Ash wood-lined foyer or on the terrace overlooking the entire gardens. It's a memorable venue whether it's an intimate gathering or inviting everyone including that cousin you haven't seen since 1978. For more information go to www.morikami.org

4. Benvenuto Caterestaurant: Located in Boynton Beach, at this location you can choose to have your ceremony or reception in their outdoor courtyard or pick from a total of seven dining rooms. They can accommodate up to 300 guests and it is one of the few venues that allow you to have complete control to build your wedding with outside vendors, hence the term "caterestaurant." For more information, visit www.benvenutorestaurant.com/wedding.shtml

5. The Brazilian Court: Located in W. Palm Beach, the impeccable food quality and service matches the breathtaking architecture of this charming boutique hotel. Get married under a canopy of palm trees, spoil yourself the day before at the spa, and have your reception in equally beautiful indoor and outdoor venues. For more information, visit www.thebraziliancourt.com/weddings-social-events/index.cfm

In addition, to save time, money, and make the wedding process stress-free, consult one of these recommended South Florida wedding planners:

1. Mr. & Mrs. Wedding - www.foxweddingplanner.com
2. Rainbow Dream Weddings - rainbowdreamweddings.com
3. An Elite Affair - www.aneliteaffair.net