On Friday I took a trip to the Bonnet House to continue my search for the perfect wedding venue. (more to come on my other trips soon) In all my years of living in South Florida, I have never been to the Bonnet House, but finally decided to check it out after seeing some recent wedding pictures online.
I arrived at the outdoor venue and immediately noticed that stilettos are a definite don’t. Trying not to let this small downfall get the best of me, I strategically placed my heels in between pebbles and maneuvered my way up a path that led me to the welcome center. Once inside, a cheerful volunteer paged the event manager and after a few minutes of waiting I was on a golf cart touring the property.
The Bonnet House is rich in history, has an artistic look, and is very peaceful and serene. You can opt to have your ceremony in the garden (which has a very long aisle made of pebbles!) or in the courtyard of the main house. Since the house is a museum, it is off-limits and closed to the public after hours leaving only an outdoor area for the reception.
The History: Hugh Taylor Birch, an early settler gave the Bonnet House site to his daughter Helen and her husband, Chicago artist Fredric Clay Barlett as a wedding gift. The Bonnet House was later constructed as a winter retreat so the newlyweds could work on their art and poetry. Some of Barlett’s art is housed in the Art Gallery onsite. (If I could host my reception in the art gallery I would have signed a contract…no such luck!) After a series of events and many years later, Barlett’s third wife Evelyn Fortune Lilly donated the property to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation in 1983.
The Venue: A whimsical venue with Caribbean-style architecture and bright colors. Perfect for an outdoor wedding ceremony or reception.
The Cost: The venue offers an All-Inclusive package as well as the option to bring in your own vendors. There is a site fee to host you event on the property. For more information call (954) 563-5393 ext. 120 or click here
Final Thoughts: Back to the drawing board! This venue is truly unique and beautiful but it is a no for this bride-to-be.
what was the price range
I don’t remember the actual price they quoted me but I want to say it was between $10,000-$15,000 for a wedding. But I would call because I went there over a year ago and I heard prices have been going up everywhere. It’s really pretty there! Good luck planning!