Seaside Glamour: The Breakers is a posh Palm Beach Paradise that was founded at the turn of the century and was a playground for elegant socialites and industry tycoons (think regular guests like Vanderbilt, Rockefeller, Astors, etc.)  It is one of the few grand hotels left that consistently remains one of the top hotels in the world – known for exclusivity, top tier dining (boasting 9+ dining choices), endless activities (golf, tennis, spa, etc.) and unparalleled service.   Surprisingly, it is still a family owned property (descendants of Mr. Flagler) and has not been taken over by a major corporation or hotel chain.  This is part of what makes the property so unique and special. The Breakers holds a particularly special place in my heart because we used to vacation here every winter with my grandparents since I was a child.  I even *almost* had my own wedding here – did the tasting and everything – until we decided to follow our hearts to Paris for something much more intimate.  It’s still an all-time favorite though…and no trip to PB is complete without a trip to the hotel for dinner or drinks….definitely the place to be seen!

If you desire a traditional wedding in a glamorous tropical setting, this is the place for you.  This is not your typical beach resort; it has a formal Mediterranean feel (75 artists were brought in from Italy during the hotels construction to create the frescoes and Italian architecture) so remind your guests (ahem, college friends) to bring a jacket – it’s required at dinner in several of the onsite restaurants.  What at first may seem as a bother really adds to the old school charm and elegance – a nod to a truly bygone era.  If you think it all sounds out dated, think again – it’s still the play ground of the rich and famous and was even recently the backdrop for an epic photo series by Gray Malin (the ever-popular photographer-artist).  Sneak peek of the series below:

The Front Lawn

The resort’s Front Lawn offers a garden-like atmosphere, thanks to the lush tropical foliage that frames it. Adjacent to the tranquil Palm Courtyard and The Shops at The Breakers, it’s a picturesque location for cocktail receptions, rehearsal dinners and welcome parties.

The Ocean Lawn

Framed by swaying palm trees and lush landscaping, the Ocean Lawn directly overlooks the Atlantic, rendering it ideal for alfresco cocktails or an outdoor dinner, and is the resort’s most requested outdoor space.

The Mediterranean Courtyard

Framed by classic balustrades and accented with tropical flora, the charming Mediterranean Courtyard reflects the resort’s Renaissance sensibility.

The Gold Room

Aptly named for its gorgeous gold ceiling, painted in a graphic diagonal pattern and adorned with 260 hand-carved cherubs, this room is a replica of a space in Venice’s Galleria Academia.

The Mediterranean Ballroom

Modeled after the loggias of Italian villas, the magnificent Mediterranean Ballroom features elaborate fresco-painted ceilings portraying the sky, large Venetian-style chandeliers and a series of 15-foot arched windows overlooking the Mediterranean Courtyard.

The Venetian Ballroom

With floor-to-ceiling windows directly overlooking the ocean, this 9,600-square-foot ballroom features a 25-foot-high ceiling that glows with six chandeliers, custom woodwork and fabrics in golden hues.

The Circle Ballroom

Through its 15-foot windows, The Circle boasts a glimpse of spectacular ocean views. The soaring 30-foot domed ceiling features eight oval fresco-painted murals depicting Renaissance landscapes and a stunning Venetian crystal chandelier.

What you need to know: Wedding venues in Palm Beach

Ceremony/Reception space:

• The Breakers offers a number of venues that are lovely for both ceremonies and receptions.

Capacity:

• The Front Lawn: 300-500
• The Ocean Lawn: 100-500
• The Mediterranean Courtyard: 75-500
• The Gold Room: 250 for a ceremony, 85 for a seated dinner with dance floor
• The Mediterranean Ballroom: 250
• The Venetian Ballroom: 550
• The Circle Ballroom: 200

Accommodations:  The resort accommodations offer a luxurious escape that guests (who want to splurge) will enjoy spending the weekend in.  However, there are several other hotels nearby to offer guests a variety of price points.

Time of Year:  A wedding at The Breakers is lovely year-round, however the summer months in FL are usually avoided due to higher temps (although that also means better deals!). Peak season for weather (and pricing) is typically December-April.

Cost: Wedding Packages starting at $399pp + venue rental fees

Sources: weddingsbythebreakers.com

Let us know if we can help you plan something fabulous at one of our favorite venues – The Breakers Palm Beach is a destination all in itself!