The Barnacle Historic State Park is the oldest home in Miami-Dade County still on its original site, a remarkable 1891 pioneer homestead built by Ralph Munroe on a bluff overlooking Biscayne Bay in the heart of Coconut Grove. The five-acre park combines a beautifully preserved Victorian-era home with a waterfront lawn shaded by ancient native trees, creating a ceremony setting of genuine historic and natural character. Events on the bayside lawn frame spectacular bay views through the tree canopy, with the historic boathouse and dock extending into the water for cocktail hour. The park accommodates up to 100 guests for private ceremonies and receptions and requires advance booking through the Florida State Park Service.
Best seasons to marry here
Plan your day here
When are you getting married?
Pick a day and I'll work out the light for it — sunset here, when golden hour opens, and the ceremony time that puts you inside it.
Planning your timeline
| Month | Sunset | Ceremony | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5:51 PM | 3:51 PM | 2.3″ |
| February | 6:14 PM | 4:14 PM | 2.3″ |
| March | 7:29 PM | 5:29 PM | 2.0″ |
| April | 7:43 PM | 5:43 PM | 2.6″ |
| May | 7:59 PM | 5:59 PM | 4.6″ |
| June | 8:13 PM | 6:13 PM | 8.7″ |
| July | 8:14 PM | 6:14 PM | 4.2″ |
| August | 7:57 PM | 5:57 PM | 5.8″ |
| September | 7:25 PM | 5:25 PM | 7.3″ |
| October | 6:53 PM | 4:53 PM | 6.0″ |
| November | 5:32 PM | 3:32 PM | 2.6″ |
| December | 5:32 PM | 3:32 PM | 2.5″ |
Sunset times are calculated for this venue's coordinates, shown in EDT for the 15th of each month in 2026. Golden hour is the 60 minutes before sunset. The ceremony start is my rule of thumb — about 2 hours before sunset, so a short ceremony and family photos still leave the two of you in golden light. Adjust it to your own timeline. Average temperatures and rainfall are NOAA 1991–2020 normals from MIAMI WSO CITY, 2.6 miles away.
Amenities & Inclusions
Catering
Open vendor policy; no commercial kitchen on site
Bar / Alcohol
Beer and wine permitted; licensed server required
Music Curfew
Dusk
Rental Hours
4 hrs included
Vendors
Florida State Parks guidelines apply
Rain Backup Plan
Historic home can shelter guests; no full indoor event option
Hurricane Season Note
June–November; bayfront; historic structure; check state park closure policies
Verify Before You Book
State park — permits required; small intimate venue only; ceremony-focused rental
Rob Craven
Lead Photographer
Sunset Direction
South-facing bay; dramatic evening light
Shade Coverage
Old-growth hardwood hammock provides dense shade
Best Shots & Hidden Gems
1891 pioneer homestead facade, ancient hardwood hammock trees, Biscayne Bay shoreline, intimate bayfront clearing, Coconut Grove old Florida atmosphere
3485 Main Hwy
Coconut Grove, FL
Parking
Small on-site lot; street parking
Nearest Airport
Miami International Airport (MIA) · 9 mi
Guest Hotels
Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Mayfair Hotel, Sonesta Coconut Grove
