The Venue: Almost but not Quite
After looking at the rich and boring golf resort from last time, we decided to get more creative with our research and think of the beautiful but affordable locations that Miami can offer. In the back of my mind, I’ve wanted a beach wedding during sunset with minimal flowers and decorations. That may not be possible though since summer weather in Miami can be too temperamental to work around. We’ll either be scorched or rained out. In either case, planning for it could end up racking the bill a lot more than it’s worth. Back to reality.
Through the awesome powers of the interweb, Christian found Pincecrest Gardens, a location that brought back childhood memories once I got there because lo and behold, this was where Parrot Jungle and Gardens used to be before they decided to find a larger space to contain the birds and plants and the kids who go crazy for them.
This park offers a few different locations based on how much space is needed and how elaborate you want to make your event, but what I couldn’t understand is why one of the locations, called the lakeview terrace, looks so spacious in photographs and feels so cramped when you stand in it. Is it me? Have I gotten that wide that my perception of space is altered? I didn’t take a picture of said terrace, but it essentially looks just like their hallways:
According to their brochure, the lakeview terrace can accomodate 80 guests and for $550 you can rent the place for 4 hours. I’m not sure if that includes set-up and clean-up time, but it seems like it has potential… if my guests don’t mind being cramped in a long corridor. The dimensions are 110 feet by 14 feet, in case you need further clarification.
The only nice part of this part of the park is the lakeview itself. It has some really nice scenery that’s for sure.
Peacock and other birds included, I believe.
But it’s not quite the venue we hoped it would be. The final deciding factor was the fine print to reserve this event. It clearly states:
All events must be held during park hours and end one (1) hour before the park’s scheduled closing time.
October - May 9am-5pm
June - September 9am-6pm
End at 5:00PM? That could work if Miami wasn’t so hot during the hours of 11:00AM and 5:00PM in July. Overall, this venue had it but not entirely.
Gotta keep looking.
I’m in the same exact boat you are in. I really want an outdoor wedding, not stuffy, really natural and laid back. Everything I like is either way over my budget which is 10,000 or a banquet hall which is out of the question. I’m getting a little frustrated and am about to have it at my Dad’s house! Please let me know if you find anything. I feel like I’ve been through everything. My ideal is Fairchild….. its like 20,000 just to rent the place.