If you're looking for a Mayfair House wedding photographer, you're in the right place. The Mayfair House Hotel & Garden in Coconut Grove is one of the most photogenic hotels in Miami, and I got to document Monique & Juan's wedding there, from getting ready in their suite to a candlelit reception under all that greenery.
As a Miami wedding photographer, I'm always looking for venues that feel like they have a story of their own, and the Mayfair is one of them. Every corner has plants, texture and character.
This guide covers what I'd want every couple to know before their Mayfair House wedding: a little about the hotel, my favorite photo spots, timeline tips, a real wedding and answers to the questions couples ask me most.
About the Mayfair House Hotel & Garden
The Mayfair House first opened in 1985 and reopened in September 2022 after a full transformation by the New York studio Goodrich. The original building was designed by architect Kenneth Treister, and the renovation kept his signature style. The hotel says no two rooms are exactly alike, and every one of its 179 guestrooms has a balcony.
For weddings, the hotel offers indoor and outdoor spaces. The Terrace is an outdoor space used for ceremonies, cocktail hours and intimate receptions. The Magnolia Ballroom is the main indoor ballroom, with vaulted ceilings and rich wood details. Sipsip, the rooftop rum bar, and the Mayfair Grill are also listed as event spaces. The hotel also has suites for getting ready and valet parking, so you can keep most of your day in one place.
Location: 3000 Florida Avenue, Coconut Grove, Miami, FL 33133
The Best Spots for Mayfair House Wedding Photos
1. The Suites
Getting-ready photos set the tone for your whole gallery, and the Mayfair suites make that easy. Monique's suite had deep green walls, tall windows and soft light coming through, which is exactly what I look for. Her dress hung in the window, and we did bridal portraits right there in the suite.
Ask the hotel for a suite with good window light for getting ready. It makes a huge difference in your first photos of the day.
2. The Garden Walkways
This is my favorite part of the property. The walkways are lined with big tropical plants, stone floors and wrought-iron railings, so you get a lush, editorial backdrop without leaving the hotel. Monique & Juan did their first look up on one of the walkways, surrounded by greenery, and it felt private and calm.
The plants also give you shade, which matters in Miami. It's one of the few spots where we can shoot portraits in the middle of the day and still get soft, flattering light.
3. The Atrium and Balconies
Look up anywhere in the hotel and you'll see layers of balconies covered in plants. It's one of the most recognizable views at the Mayfair, and it's a great wide shot to open or close your gallery. I love using it for couple portraits where the building does a lot of the storytelling.
4. The Reception
Monique & Juan's reception was set with long tables, rows of candles and white florals, with the planted balconies rising on both sides. It photographs beautifully in color and black and white. When the room is full of candles, those are some of my favorite detail shots of the night.
If you want a reception that glows in photos, go big on candles. They do more for your reception photos than almost anything else.
5. The Rooftop
The Mayfair has a rooftop pool and Sipsip, a rum bar with a fireplace that the hotel says comes to life at sunset. It's worth asking the hotel's events team whether it's available for a golden hour portrait or a cocktail hour with a view on your date.
Tips for Your Mayfair House Wedding Photos
Do a first look in the garden walkways. They're shaded and private, and they get most of your portraits done before the ceremony. Not sure about a first look? Read my guide to first look wedding photos.
If your ceremony is off-site, plan for travel time. Monique & Juan said their vows at a church and came back to the Mayfair for the reception, so we built drive time into their timeline.
Protect golden hour. Save 15 to 20 minutes around sunset for couple portraits.
Plan for weekend traffic. Coconut Grove gets busy on weekend evenings, so give your vendors and guests some buffer time.
Have a rain plan. Miami storms move fast. Talk to the hotel about moving outdoor plans indoors to the Magnolia Ballroom if the weather turns.
Think about adding film. The greenery, green walls and window light at the Mayfair look amazing on film. Monique & Juan's film scans are some of my favorites. Read more in my film wedding photography guide.
Real Mayfair House Hotel Weddings
Monique & Juan's Mayfair House wedding: Monique & Juan got ready at the hotel, did their first look in the garden walkways and celebrated with a candlelit reception surrounded by greenery. Juan wore a deep green tuxedo jacket that matched the hotel perfectly, and Monique had a second dress too. Their day was planned by Leiton & Co, and I shot film alongside digital, which came out phenomenal.
Planning a wedding nearby? See my Coconut Grove wedding guide and my Villa Woodbine wedding guide, or browse all of my Miami venue guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Mayfair House Hotel & Garden in Coconut Grove?
The Mayfair House is at 3000 Florida Avenue, Miami, FL 33133, in the heart of Coconut Grove.
Can you have a wedding ceremony and reception at the Mayfair House Hotel & Garden?
Yes. The hotel offers both indoor and outdoor spaces, from a ceremony on the Terrace to a reception in the Magnolia Ballroom. Monique & Juan chose a church ceremony and held their reception at the hotel, so both options work. Confirm current spaces and capacities directly with the hotel, since the numbers on its website vary from page to page.
What is the best time for wedding photos at the Mayfair House?
The garden walkways are shaded, so they work well for a first look earlier in the day. For couple portraits, golden hour, roughly the last hour before sunset, is my favorite.
What happens if it rains on a Mayfair House wedding day?
The Magnolia Ballroom is indoors, and some of the walkways sit under the balconies and plants, so we can still get beautiful photos if a storm rolls in. Ask the hotel about its rain plan for outdoor ceremonies on the Terrace.
How many hours of wedding photography do I need at the Mayfair House?
For a full Mayfair House wedding I recommend at least 8 hours of coverage. That leaves time for getting ready, a first look, your ceremony, golden hour and the reception. If your ceremony is off-site, 8 hours or more makes the day feel a lot less rushed.
How much does a Mayfair House wedding photographer cost?
My full wedding collections start at $6,900 with two photographers. Here's why a second shooter helps at a hotel wedding where you're often getting ready in two different suites. Send me your date and details and I'll share the collection that fits your day. You can also see all of my wedding photography collections.
Book Your Mayfair House Wedding Photographer
If you're planning something at the Mayfair House, I'd love to hear about it. I'm now booking 2027 and 2028 weddings in Miami, Coconut Grove, South Florida and beyond. Start your inquiry here, or read my wedding photography FAQ first.