The Stranahan House is Broward County's oldest surviving building and Fort Lauderdale's most historically significant landmark — a 1901 pioneer trading post turned residence on the New River that has been beautifully preserved as a museum and intimate event venue. Its broad river-view veranda, period furnishings, lush native plantings, and genuine connection to Fort Lauderdale's founding story create an atmosphere unlike any other venue in South Florida. Ideal for intimate ceremonies of 100 or fewer guests who value history, authenticity, and a sense of place — and for photographers who want a backdrop that tells a story beyond just beauty.
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 | 5:50 PM | 3:50 PM | 2.5″ |
| February | 6:13 PM | 4:13 PM | 3.3″ |
| March | 7:29 PM | 5:29 PM | 3.2″ |
| April | 7:43 PM | 5:43 PM | 3.5″ |
| May | 7:59 PM | 5:59 PM | 6.3″ |
| June | 8:14 PM | 6:14 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 | 6:53 PM | 4:53 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, 2.5 miles away.
Amenities & Inclusions
Catering
Open vendor policy
Bar / Alcohol
Licensed bartenders required
Music Curfew
10:00 PM
Rental Hours
6 hrs included
Vendors
None
Rain Backup Plan
Indoor historic house available for limited use
Hurricane Season Note
June–November; riverside historic structure; confirm storm and flooding protocols
Verify Before You Book
Non-profit museum — confirm rental rates, permit requirements, and available dates
Rob Craven
Lead Photographer
Sunset Direction
West-facing over the New River
Shade Coverage
Covered veranda and mature tree canopy
Best Shots & Hidden Gems
1901 Florida Cracker-style veranda, New River waterway backdrop, historic pioneer furnishings, native riverside plantings, Fort Lauderdale river district
335 SE 6th Ave
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Parking
Limited street parking; nearby downtown garages
Nearest Airport
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) · 5 mi
Guest Hotels
Hyatt Centric Las Olas, Riverside Hotel, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina
