A Guide to Hotel Colonnade Weddings
If you’re looking into a Hotel Colonnade wedding, you’re probably already into that mix of classic and cool. Right in the middle of Coral Gables, this place has old-school charm on the outside and a bit of a surprise once you step inside.
The building has that vintage, Miami feel—columns, arches, and all the history—but the inside gives off more of a formal, black-tie kind of vibe. It’s the kind of spot that doesn’t need a ton of decorating to look great, which is always a win. If you’re picturing a ballroom with a giant fountain in the middle and cocktail hour happening one floor up? Yep, that’s this place.
It’s definitely not your average wedding venue, and that’s what makes it fun to talk about. Let’s get into what it’s really like to shoot and celebrate at a Hotel Colonnade wedding.
Why Couples Love Getting Married Here
So what makes a Hotel Colonnade wedding actually stand out? It’s not just the location or the architecture—it’s the little things that come together and give the whole day a unique vibe. Here’s what couples love most about tying the knot at this spot:
That Old-School Coral Gables Feel
A Hotel Colonnade wedding has a vibe that’s hard to find anywhere else in Miami. The outside of the hotel has that vintage, classic look—lots of columns and cool architecture that gives it that old Miami charm. It’s got personality, but it’s not flashy, which makes it feel laid-back but still elegant.
A Ballroom That Feels Like a Big Deal
The ballroom here isn’t your usual rectangle. It’s a huge circle with a fountain right in the middle—yep, an actual fountain at your reception. The floor has this fun patterned design, and since it’s round, couples can get creative with table setups. It kind of feels like a mini arena, but for a party.
Two Levels Means More Ways to Party
Another cool thing about a Hotel Colonnade wedding is the two-story layout. The upstairs wraps around the ballroom, and that’s usually where cocktail hour happens. Guests can walk around up top, hang out, and look down at the reception space. It adds a fun energy to the night—and it makes for some great “wow” moments when people first see the setup.
A Ceremony Setup That’s a Little Different
Ceremonies usually take place in a long hallway right outside the ballroom. It’s a narrow space, so the seating is usually a bit tight, but the aisle goes on for a while, which gives it a cool, dramatic look. It’s not your usual setup, but it totally works—and once it’s all dressed up, it feels cozy and personal.
Feels Formal, But Not Too Fancy
Overall, a Hotel Colonnade wedding leans more classic. It works really well for black-tie events or couples who want something clean and put together without going overboard. You don’t have to do a lot to make the space feel wedding-ready—it kind of does that for you.
Ceremony & Reception Setup at Hotel Colonnade
Every Hotel Colonnade wedding has its own flow, but the layout of the space naturally lends itself to a few go-to setups that work really well. Whether you’re planning something small or going all in with a full guest list, the space kind of shapes itself around the feel you want.
Ceremony in the Hallway
Most couples hold their ceremony in the long hallway right outside the main ballroom. It’s not a huge space—it’s actually kind of narrow—but that also makes it feel a little more intimate. It’s one of those spots that transforms nicely once the chairs are in, the music’s going, and guests are settled in.
The aisle is long, which makes for a great walk and even better photos. Just keep in mind, seating can be a bit tight, so it’s good for smaller or medium-sized groups.
Reception in the Round
The ballroom is where the real magic happens during a Hotel Colonnade wedding. It’s a big, round space with a fountain in the center and a ton of room for different layout ideas. You can wrap tables around the fountain, or keep a big open dance floor in the middle—it really depends on your style.
Since it’s two floors, there’s also space above for cocktail hour or a little balcony moment for your first entrance. It’s one of those setups where guests will probably say, “Whoa, this is cool,” the moment they walk in.
Weather Talk (No Outdoor Setup = No Rain Worries)
One nice thing about a Hotel Colonnade wedding is that you don’t really have to stress about the weather. Since everything is indoors, there’s no scrambling for a backup plan if it rains. The only time you might head outside is for quick portraits—and even then, there are some covered areas like the front arches that work if the weather gets weird.
Timing Things Out
It’s always good to check with the venue about timing and any rules, but in general, things tend to run on a pretty standard event schedule. There are cut-off times at night (no super late-night ragers), and the venue keeps things pretty orderly, which is great for keeping the day on track.
If you’re planning to do a room reveal or want extra time for portraits, make sure to ask about early access or setup windows ahead of time—just so you’re not rushing last minute.
What’s Included in a Hotel Colonnade Wedding
Planning a Hotel Colonnade wedding is pretty straightforward once you know what comes with the space. The hotel offers a good amount of flexibility, but they’ve also got plenty baked into the rental so you’re not starting from scratch.
The Basics Are Covered
Your venue rental includes the usual suspects—tables, chairs, and linens. If you want to upgrade to gold or silver Chiavari chairs, that’s one of the perks you can choose based on your package level. They’ve also got dedicated spaces for getting ready, like the salon and game room—both solid options for a relaxing start to the day.
Built-In Help
There’s an on-site team that helps coordinate things so you’re not stuck answering questions on your own mid-rehearsal. They’re not full planners, but they do handle the venue side of things and know the space well. You’ll also get access to their decor and setup inventory, which can come in handy if you’re trying to keep things simple without renting every single item.
Hotel Colonnade Wedding Packages & Pricing
Alright, let’s talk numbers. A Hotel Colonnade wedding typically falls somewhere in the $20,000 to $40,000+ range depending on the date, guest count, and food and drink minimums. And with that spend, you unlock perks—kind of like wedding rewards points.
Here’s how it breaks down:
- Spend $20K–$30K → 2 perks
- Spend $31K–$40K → 3 perks
- Spend $41K+ → 4 perks
Some of the perks include:
- Getting ready rooms (salon + game room)
- Premium liquor upgrades
- A celebration suite
- Specialty coffee carts
- Gold or silver Chiavari chairs
- 50% off the rental fee
- 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points (yes, seriously)
Just note: perks are based on your food & beverage total—not including taxes and tips—so keep that in mind when doing your math.
Food, Drinks & Flexibility
One of the biggest parts of a Hotel Colonnade wedding is the in-house catering and bar. You’ll be working with their team directly, and they offer a ton of menu options. We’re talking American, French, Caribbean, Cajun, and more. Plus, they’re used to working around dietary stuff like vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free—you name it.
The meal setup is flexible, too. You can do plated dinners, buffets, stations, or even family-style if that fits your vibe better. They’ve also got dessert options, cake service (yep, you can bring in your own), and even French service if you’re feeling fancy.
As for drinks, there are a bunch of bar package options depending on what kind of experience you’re going for. Want to bring your own booze? Not really an option here—it’s all through the hotel—but their bartenders and packages make it pretty easy to customize what’s being served.
Vendor Flexibility
A Hotel Colonnade wedding lets you work with your own crew—for the most part. They do have a preferred vendor list, and it can be helpful since those folks already know the space, but you’re not required to stick to it.
You can bring your own Hotel Colonnade wedding photographer, DJ, planner, or florist, as long as they meet the hotel’s guidelines and insurance requirements. Just check in with the team ahead of time so there are no surprises.
Getting Ready On-Site
The hotel has dedicated spaces for getting ready, and they’re actually pretty great. The Salon is perfect for the bridal party—there’s natural light, big mirrors, and private restrooms, so you’re not scrambling for space. The game room is usually where the guys hang out, and it’s more than just a couch and TV situation—it’s got shuffleboard, a pool table, and an easy vibe.
If you’ve booked one of the wedding packages that include perks, early access and use of the getting-ready rooms are often part of the deal. Just confirm your access time so you can plan your hair, makeup, and setup schedule without feeling rushed.
Photo Opportunities
A Hotel Colonnade wedding is mostly indoors, but that doesn’t mean you’re short on photo spots. The arches right outside the hotel are kind of the unofficial first look spot. They’ve got just enough character to give the photos some visual interest without pulling too much focus. Plus, they’re tucked away enough that you won’t feel like everyone’s watching while you do your first big reveal.
There’s not a ton of greenery around the venue, but if you want a different look, you can take portraits on nearby Coral Gables streets or plan a quick stop at a park. Just know the lighting inside is best during the day, so aim for portraits early if possible.
Also, if time allows, plan a quick room reveal before guests walk in. The round ballroom layout makes for really fun content, and it’s a nice little moment to take it all in before the party starts.
Working with a Hotel Colonnade wedding photographer like Lavie Studios means you’ll already have someone who knows how to time and frame these shots without missing a beat.
Parking, Transportation & Accessibility
Let’s talk logistics. Hotel Colonnade offers valet parking, which is $42 overnight or $18 for daytime use. There’s no self-park, and oversized vehicles aren’t allowed—something to keep in mind if you’ve got guests coming in a shuttle or party bus.
Rideshare works fine here, and the hotel is centrally located, so Uber and Lyft are easy. As for accessibility, the hotel has ramps, elevators, and ADA-compliant restrooms, so elderly guests and those with mobility needs won’t have trouble getting around.
Venue Rules & Policies
Like most venues, a Hotel Colonnade wedding comes with a few house rules. There’s a cut-off time in the evening (no going all night), and noise levels need to stay reasonable since it’s a functioning hotel. Be sure to ask about curfew times during booking so you can plan your timeline accordingly.
For decor, open flames and anything that hangs from the ceiling will need approval. If you’re bringing in outside vendors or rentals, make sure they’re insured—some items may also need to be cleared by the venue in advance. A little upfront coordination goes a long way to avoiding last-minute headaches.
Where to Stay Nearby
One of the best parts about having a Hotel Colonnade wedding is that the venue is a hotel—so you and your guests don’t have to go far. It’s super convenient and saves you from the usual wedding-day logistics drama.
If you’re looking to keep everyone close by, here are a few options:
- Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables – Your wedding venue and hotel in one. It has stylish rooms, a game room, pool, and all the perks you’d expect. Ask the team about wedding room blocks or group rates.
- Aloft Coral Gables – Just a 5-minute walk away. Trendy vibe, modern rooms, and a great backup for guests if the main hotel fills up.
- Hyatt Regency Coral Gables – Around a 10-minute walk. Classic and comfy, with Mediterranean-style architecture that vibes well with the area.
- Thesis Hotel Miami – About a 10-minute drive. Slightly more modern feel with great dining and a rooftop space if guests want to keep the party going.
- Courtyard by Marriott Coral Gables – Another solid nearby option, about a mile from the venue. Simple and reliable.
Is Hotel Colonnade the Right Fit?
A Hotel Colonnade wedding is a great pick if you’re into a more classic, polished look. It leans formal—think black tie or cocktail attire—and most of the day happens indoors, which keeps things simple and weather-proof. There are a couple of outdoor photo spots, but it’s not the venue for garden-heavy or super casual weddings.
If you like the idea of a timeless space with solid service, clean architecture, and an easy flow, this place checks all the boxes. Want to see it for yourself? Reach out to their events team to set up a tour and talk through the options.
Book a Photographer Who Knows Hotel Colonnade Inside and Out!
Let us help you make the most of your Hotel Colonnade wedding with photos that actually feel like you. Lavie Studios is a seasoned Hotel Colonnade wedding photographer who knows the ins and outs of the space—every go-to photo spot, lighting trick, and little detail that brings the venue to life. From quiet first looks to the energy of the ballroom, we’ll capture the day as it really felt.
Reach out to check availability or chat about your plans—we’re here for it!
