Wedding Restaurants for Rent in Miami, FL

Your Guide to Renting Wedding Restaurants in Miami, FL

Over the years, Miami has evolved from an exciting coastal location to an even more exciting international hub. As a result, the city has become loaded with places where you can gather with your loved ones and celebrate life’s precious moments. And what could possibly be a better occasion than a wedding?

Everyone wants the ideal place for their wedding celebration, but not everyone can afford to book a luxurious estate set on acres upon acres of land. Renting a restaurant can often be a more affordable alternative, and no less grand at the same time!

If you want to book the perfect space that suits your wedding's theme and style, wow your guests with unique venue decor and knock their socks off with delicious food that they’ve never tasted before, then you can easily find Miami restaurants that tick all of these boxes. Read our guide for some extra tips, then browse our listings and see if anything catches your eye!

Guide to booking the best Miami restaurant for a wedding

To create a memorable experience for you and your wedding guests, there are a number of things you should figure out when searching for that perfect restaurant for your wedding reception. That’s why we’ve compiled a checklist that covers five main aspects to consider. Answering these questions will get you at least one step closer to making your dream wedding a reality, so go grab a notepad and let’s start planning!

1. What is your wedding budget?

Money is often the most dreaded issue when planning weddings – they don’t exactly have a reputation for being cheap, especially when you add a location such as Miami to the mix. But hey, there’s no need to panic. With a little bit of planning, you can have the wedding of your dreams, no matter the size of your budget.

Whether you’re ready to splurge or trying to cut costs, it’s wise to go into the planning and venue booking process with a specific dollar amount in mind. So, have a discussion about this with your partner and come up with a price range that’s comfortable for you. Once you’ve done that, it’ll be much easier to narrow your search to wedding restaurants that fit your financial criteria.

2. How many guests are you planning to invite?

Now that we’ve tackled the budget, let’s work on the guest list. Actually, the two are connected, as your budget will most likely determine the size of your wedding. So, think about how big or how small your reception will be, and who’s going to make the guest list. Once you have at least an estimated number of guests, you can use our platform to filter Miami restaurants by capacity and quickly find a place that can comfortably fit all of your guests. You can also choose from a few seating layouts, or browse spaces suitable for a standing reception.

3. What kind of food and drinks do you want to serve during the reception?

One of the best parts about hosting your wedding at a restaurant is definitely the fact that it comes with on-site catering. On your big day, treat yourself to your favorite cuisine. Or surprise yourself and try something new! You can pick and choose from known and loved Miami staples and globally-influenced dishes. Besides planning the menu, also think about how you’re going to serve the food: a family-style plated dinner, a buffet or maybe a mix of the two?

When it comes to drinks, the choice is just as broad! Cocktails, wine, champagne – anything you wish for. Restaurants will typically provide alcohol, but some may allow BYO, which can be a good option if you want to save some cash. If you want to bring your own food to the restaurant, e.g. a wedding cake ordered from an external vendor, make sure you get a green light from the manager first.

4. What kind of entertainment are you planning?

Another thing to consider is whether you’re planning anything extra that will require additional space. For example, maybe you’ll need a little bit of extra dance floor to have that first dance which you’ve meticulously practiced for months? And how about a stage area for the band? Or, if you’re trying to save whatever money you can and would rather keep the entertainment to a minimum, then maybe a simple set of speakers to play a tailor-made wedding playlist will do the trick? Make a list of all the amenities the restaurant should have so that your big day goes smoothly.

5. Which part of the city are you considering for your wedding?

Don’t overlook the importance of picking the right location. Put some thought into which Miami neighborhood would be the most suitable for your wedding. Remember to also consider where you’ll be hosting the ceremony. Ideally, the venue where you’re going to say your vows shouldn’t be too far from the restaurant where you want to throw the reception. The logistics of moving from one end of the city to another between the ceremony and reception could be a challenge, plus transportation costs can create an additional strain on your budget.

When picking the perfect area, you should consider:

• its range of restaurants suitable for a wedding reception
• the general vibe of the neighborhood – some couples will prefer to have their reception in the very heart of the city, while others will prefer a more suburban location
• transportation – the amount of traffic, the availability of parking spaces, and public transit links

FAQs about Wedding Restaurants in Miami, FL

Which areas of Miami have the best restaurants for wedding receptions?

South Beach is a popular place for weddings and receptions. The area has many excellent restaurants that can accommodate large parties. The ones along Ocean Drive are particularly popular, as they offer a variety of cuisines, including Italian and Mexican. Several other neighborhoods in Miami have excellent restaurants, too. Wynwood is known for its artsy ambiance, the Design District offers high-end restaurants with elegant decor and fine dining options, and Coral Gables features many classic restaurants with French cuisine and Old World ambiance. If you're planning a wedding in Miami Beach, you'll find plenty of options there as well.

How much does it cost to rent a wedding restaurant in Miami?

The average cost of renting a Miami restaurant for a wedding celebration is around $30 per person. Depending on the restaurant’s prestige, size and location, prices can vary from as little as $15 to $60 per person. Remember to check what’s included in the price. Per person packages will typically cover space rental and catering, but things such as service fees and gratuity may not be included. (Based on data from Tagvenue.)

How far in advance should I book a restaurant for my wedding reception in Miami?

There are no hard and fast rules about when to book a restaurant for your wedding reception, but we recommend booking as early as possible, especially if you have your heart set on a particular date or time. This is the best way to ensure that you don't miss out on the perfect spot for your special day. In general, try to get things locked down at least nine months in advance. This will allow you time to finalize all the details with the restaurant’s manager and ensure that everything runs smoothly on the big day itself.

Can I rent an outdoor space at a Miami restaurant for my wedding celebration?

With its warm weather, beautiful beaches and lush greenery, Miami is a great place for outdoor weddings. If you’re planning to rent a restaurant for your wedding, you’ll be happy to know that many of them also boast outdoor spaces that are perfect for ceremonies, cocktail hours and receptions. You can rent out a charming patio or a romantic private garden, or better yet – book the entire restaurant and enjoy both the indoor and outdoor space.