Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a remarkable 35-acre historic estate that feels like a secret world hidden within Fort Lauderdale. The property features lush subtropical gardens, a beloved resident monkey population, serene lagoons, and the beautifully preserved Bonnet House itself — an artist colony built in the 1920s. Ceremonies held beneath ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss have an ethereal, timeless quality rarely found in South Florida. For couples drawn to history, nature, and genuine Southern Florida charm, Bonnet House is truly one of a kind.
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 | 5:49 PM | 3:49 PM | 2.5″ |
| February | 6:13 PM | 4:13 PM | 3.3″ |
| March | 7:28 PM | 5:28 PM | 3.2″ |
| April | 7:43 PM | 5:43 PM | 3.5″ |
| May | 7:59 PM | 5:59 PM | 6.3″ |
| June | 8:13 PM | 6:13 PM | 8.0″ |
| July | 8:14 PM | 6:14 PM | 6.0″ |
| August | 7:57 PM | 5:57 PM | 7.3″ |
| September | 7:25 PM | 5:25 PM | 9.3″ |
| October | 6:52 PM | 4:52 PM | 7.7″ |
| November | 5:31 PM | 3:31 PM | 4.2″ |
| December | 5:31 PM | 3:31 PM | 3.0″ |
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 FT LAUDERDALE BEACH, 0.8 miles away.
Amenities & Inclusions
Catering
Approved vendor list required
Bar / Alcohol
Permitted through licensed caterer
Music Curfew
10:00 PM
Rental Hours
5 hrs included
Vendors
Must use approved caterer; garden-safe decor required
Rain Backup Plan
Historic house interior available for small groups
Hurricane Season Note
June–November; fully outdoor primary; limited indoor shelter
Verify Before You Book
Verify current rental inquiry URL, capacity, and approved vendor list
Rob Craven
Lead Photographer
Sunset Direction
West-facing lagoon areas — soft golden evening light
Shade Coverage
Excellent — mature oak and tropical tree canopy throughout
Best Shots & Hidden Gems
Spanish moss oak canopy, tropical lagoons, historic 1920s estate exterior, subtropical garden paths, resident swans and wildlife
900 N Birch Rd
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Parking
On-site parking lot; complimentary for event guests
Nearest Airport
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) · 6 mi
Guest Hotels
The Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale, W Fort Lauderdale, Bahia Mar
