WEDDINGS

What kind of a wedding would I experience at the Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale?

Contemporary sophistication and traditional elegance is the best way to describe a wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale. From the mesmerizing water views when walking through our foyers to the breathtaking chandeliers in our ballrooms, there are very few additions you will need to create a perfect wedding at our hotel. Our Ladies and Gentlemen have the perfectly subtle touch to make your wedding experience uncomplicated and worry free. Occupancy maximum is 400 persons. We do not offer beach ceremonies.

Can I get my flowers from the hotel?

The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale does not have an on-site florist however, we have wonderful relationships with various floral vendors in the local area who know our hotel very well and have continuously partnered with us to create exceptional events. We will gladly provide you with a list of our preferred vendors.

Do you suggest photographers, entertainment and other vendors?

Capturing the memory of your special day is important, so let our staff assist you in finding the perfect photographer.

The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale has established great relationships with many entertainment acts! Whether you are looking for a traditional orchestra, DJ, swing band, or a jazz trio, we have the resources to assist you in finding the perfect match for your celebration.

Who will help me through the wedding planning process?

Our Weddings Team consists of a Catering Sales Manager and Special Events Manager.

Upon contacting the resort, a Catering Sales Manager will:

Check availability for preferred dates 

Provide a tour of the wedding locations to select venue/s that meet your needs 

Create a personalized wedding proposal outlining costs inclusive of food, beverage and space rental fees 

Work with Reservations Manager to establish a guest room block with preferred rates 

Work with you to understand your vision and determine any additional services needed 

Create a Wedding Agreement to secure your date and venue/s

Once your Wedding Agreement has been signed and returned, our Special Events Manager will work with you on every detail including:

Confirm your preferences and help design your event 

Recommend vendors in areas such as wedding planning, floral design, photography, videography, officiate, entertainment, and beauty consultants 

Act as your wedding liaison between your wedding planner, selected wedding vendors and the resort 

Layout your floor plan including placement of tables, dance floor, bar and wedding cake and any additional displays 

Schedule tasting with the Chef and work with you to create your personalized wedding menu 

Work closely with you and/or your wedding planner to develop the ceremony and reception timeline 

Monitor your guest room block 

Detail a Wedding Resume outlining all your event specifics to communicate all aspects of your wedding to the hotel 

Oversee Ceremony and Reception set-up, food preparations and all other resort operations on the day of your wedding 

Create an estimate of charges outlining your financial commitment and deposit schedule 

Review accuracy of banquet check prior to completion of your final bill

What other services can The Ritz-Carlton provide for my event?

The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale can also provide a wide range of specialty items to help you personalize your event. These upgraded items include, but are not limited to: Chiavari chairs, specialty linens, specialty base plates and Ritz-Carlton menu cards (Additional Fees may apply).

How far in advance should I reserve the date?

The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale typically books weddings approximately 9 - 12 months in advance of the wedding date.

Is there a minimum guest requirement to have a wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale?

The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale is pleased to host a beautiful wedding for you, no matter how grand or intimate.

What are the deposits based on and when are they due?

Deposits are based on anywhere from 25% - 100% of the combined food and beverage minimum, plus the rental fees for the event space reserved. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.

What is a food and beverage minimum?

The food and beverage minimum is the least amount of money that you are required to spend on a combination of food and beverage, excluding service charge and sales tax, but it is not all that you could spend. The food and beverage minimum is reached by selecting individually priced, a la carte menu items to equal or exceed the required dollar figure. 

The following examples would apply towards the food and beverage minimum:

Hors d'oeuvres, food display and carving stations, plated or buffet meal, wedding cake, dessert display stations, wine service with the meal, champagne toast, bar (including alcohol), and any non-alcoholic beverages.

Centerpieces, upgraded linens/china/silverware, décor and specialty lighting would not apply towards the food and beverage minimum. 

Food and Beverage minimums will vary from size, time and date of event.

Does the hotel offer a discounted room block?

If you wish to reserve a block of rooms for your family and guests, please notify your Catering Sales Manager who can provide you with availability and rates. A discounted group rate will be offered based on a minimum of 10 or more guestrooms per night.

Holiday weekends may be subject to a three-night minimum stay. Please note check-in time is 4 p.m. and check out is 11 a.m. 

For all reservations a daily $48 Resort Fee will apply. Fee subject to applicable taxes.

Can we book a ceremony only, and not a reception at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale?

The resort ceremony locations are reserved exclusively for weddings holding a reception at the resort.

Can we take wedding pictures at The Ritz-Carlton if we are not holding our reception at the resort?

We reserve the privilege of wedding photography at the resort for Ritz-Carlton brides and grooms only.

What if we plan an outdoor ceremony and it rains?

The Catering Sales Manager always holds an appropriately sized backup room inside the hotel in case of inclement weather. The client will see the potential backup space, prior to the event confirmation, during the original hotel tour.

What is the average cost per person for food and beverage?

Based on our current banquet menus, on average you may expect to spend approximately $75-$100 per person for Brunch, $100-$175 per person for Lunch and $165-$250 per person for dinner, exclusive of service charge and sales tax. These averages would encompass hors d'oeuvres during your welcome reception, three-course plated meal or buffet, wedding cake or dessert buffet station, the option of wine service with the meal, champagne toast and an open hosted bar for the entire event. 

Please be aware that our menu items and pricing are subject to change. Your final menu pricing will be based on what you actually select.

Can food or beverage be brought in from the outside or catered?

It is our policy that all food and alcoholic beverages must be provided by the resort.

When do I need to finalize my menu?

Food and beverage selections must be finalized and confirmed with your Special Events Manager at least three weeks prior to the date of your wedding.

When do I need to let the hotel know exactly how many guests will be attending my event?

Your Special Events Manager must be notified of the exact number of guests attending a function at least 72 working hours prior to the start of the event. This will be considered a guarantee, for which you will be charged, even if fewer guests attend the event. In either case, your contracted food and beverage minimum will have to be met or exceeded.