If you’re looking for a hot spot to hold your wedding, head to Miami, Florida. (And I mean “hot” figuratively and literally. Don’t plan a summer wedding down here.) With those words of wisdom, I give you, Vizcaya (that modest, little abode you see on the left), a palatial piece of property with a tropical ambience, exquisite gardens, lovely ocean and water views and a spectacular setting that’s guaranteed to set any wedding apart from the usual.

Now a museum, Vizcaya was once the winter residence of American industrialist James Deering from Christmas 1916 until his death in 1925. It has 34 decorated rooms with 15th through 19th century antique furnishings and art objects. The expansive gardens combine elements of Renaissance Italian and French designs.

Though it’s a bit on the pricey side to rent, your wedding memories will be well worth it. Because Vizcaya is also a museum, there’s a list of parameters you’ll have to work around. (Okay. I promise my next few destinations will be affordable to people in my own tax bracket, which I’m certain is significantly lower than the tax bracket of those who can afford to wed here.) But you have to admit, Vizcaya is an amazing backdrop for a wedding, and there are actually two price levels.

For those of you with deep pockets, Vizcaya is available for rent during the evening hours and guests have the exclusive use of the inner courtyard, outside terraces, and gardens. Private events can’t be held during the day because, well, it’s a museum. However, for a fraction of the cost you can have a daytime ceremony in the gardens. With the money you save, you can rent a yacht and take all your guests on an ocean adventure for the rest of the weekend. Have a safe and happy Independence Day!

Susan