Natural Settings

The Call of the Wild: Gardens to Gazebos

Bonnet House was built in 1920 by artist and collector Frederic Clay Bartlett and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Situated on 35 acres of oceanfront property, and named for the yellow water lily that grows in the property's marshland, Bonnet House is a reminder of times past. The Garden Courtyard, Veranda Lawn and Hibiscus Garden offer a serene and memorable outdoor setting for ceremonies, cocktails and receptions. For weddings, an air-conditioned room is available for use by the bridal party. Catering, tables and chairs, debris removal, etc. are the responsibility of the renting party. The maximum number of guests for a seated affair is 200 on the Veranda Lawn and 350 in the Hibiscus Garden. Prices begin at $2,500. Summer-time discounts are available. Call 954-563-5393, ext 120.

Weddings and events blossom at Flamingo Gardens, a 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary that is home to thousands of rare, exotic and native plants plus Florida's largest collection of Champion trees. A flowering tree walk and specialty gardens, including the new Croton Garden, provide endless discovery. Explore the Wray Botanical Collection and take a narrated tour by tram through a 200-year old oak hammock, citrus groves and wetlands. Relive Florida history in the 1930s Wray Home or visit the Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary to view live alligators, otters, bobcats, tortoises and flamingos. Over 70 species of Florida native birds may be seen in the Free-Flight Aviary and Bird of Prey Center. The Wray Home Lawn, Barbecue Pavilion (2,500-square-foot, covered picnic area with optional kitchen/brick BBQ), Victorian  Wedding Gazebo and The Gallery (an indoor facility that accommodates 80 people with banquet table setting, buffet area and dance floor) are among the distinctive locations available for rental. Please check our web site for a complete price list or call 954-473-2955 for availability.

The "natural" choice for a unique ceremony or reception, the 6,060-square-foot Mangrove Hall at the Anne Kolb Nature Center can accommodate up to 210 guests and is complete with kitchen facilities. A rental fee of one $1,000 for a 12-hour period includes use of a reception hall and courtyard. For additional activities, Anne Kolb Nature Center offers a five-level observation tower, fishing pier, two nature trails and an outdoor amphitheater (250 capacity). An exhibit hall features nature displays, a 3,500-gallon aquarium and a 10-minute ecological-themed video. Call 954-926-2480.

Riverwalk Park has provided a beautiful waterfront backdrop for many weddings. The most popular location is under the Connie Hoffman Gazebo, which is tucked among lush foliage in the Historic District overlooking the New River. Rental rates through the City of Fort Lauderdale are $135. A larger gazebo in Esplanade Park is available for $365. To reserve a gazebo, call 954-828-7275. Additionally, Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale Trust has worked with more than 100 eager gentleman to craft creative proposals on Riverwalk Signature Bricks that line the New River. Usually, proposals coincide with a romantic stroll along the Riverwalk followed by an intimate dinner at one of the area restaurants or a show at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

Royal Horse Drawn Carriages will deliver the bride to the ceremony – a breathtaking arrival for a garden or park wedding. The carriage will await the newlyweds afterwards for transportation to the reception, hotel or other venue. Bart is a twelve year old Percheron (French Draft Horse). Call 954-971-9820 or 561-439-4096.