Proposals and weddings at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale
The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale can host proposals, elopements, and full weddings across ocean-view ballrooms, a Tropical Pool Terrace, and beachside locations; event services include on-site catering, an event planner, and a photography concierge. Popular reception spaces include the Grand Ballroom and Astor Ballroom, while pool-deck and cabana options let you plan an Atlantic-facing ceremony or intimate proposal.
In this guide
Main wedding venues and capacities
The property offers multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces that suit small to large weddings. The Grand Ballroom is the largest indoor option and the Astor Ballroom is a smaller ocean-view ballroom with a foyer and terrace.
Published capacities vary by configuration and source; use these as planning guides and confirm final capacities with the hotel events team when you inquire.
- Grand Ballroom — listed as up to 520 guests (largest ballroom).
- Astor Ballroom — listed capacity up to 180 guests.
- Tropical Pool Terrace — used as an oceanfront ceremony site; outdoor capacities vary by setup.
| Venue | Typical maximum capacity (published) |
|---|---|
| Grand Ballroom | 520 |
| Astor Ballroom | 180 |
| Tropical Pool Terrace (outdoor) | Varies — used for ceremonies and terrace receptions |
Ceremony and proposal locations on property
You can plan an oceanfront ceremony on the Tropical Pool Terrace, which sits above the Atlantic and is used for wedding ceremonies. For proposals or very small ceremonies, the 7th-floor sundeck and private cabanas offer Atlantic views and direct beach access via a skywalk.
The hotel’s private skywalk connects the 7th-floor pool deck directly to Fort Lauderdale Beach, allowing ceremony or photo opportunities on the sand without crossing the street. Confirm exact beach access and non-guest restrictions with the events team.
- Tropical Pool Terrace — ceremony site on the pool deck.
- 7th-floor sundeck and cabanas — poolside proposals or small ceremonies.
- Beach access via private skywalk — use for photos or post-ceremony strolls (hotel policy governs non-guest beach access).
| Spot | Best for |
|---|---|
| Tropical Pool Terrace | Ceremony with ocean backdrop |
| 7th-floor sundeck / cabana | Proposals, intimate ceremonies, photos |
| Beach via skywalk | Beach photos and sandside moments (subject to hotel rules) |
Reception details, catering and timing
Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits is the hotel’s main restaurant and handles coastal cuisine and private-dining requests; Sea la Vie Sundeck serves poolside tropical drinks and small bites. The hotel provides on-site catering and an included event planner for weddings.
There are private-dining rooms and ballroom prefunction spaces available; menus evolve seasonally, and the restaurant oversees reservations and private events. Discuss menu options, dietary needs, and timing directly with the hotel or Burlock Coast.
- Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits — main restaurant, private dining and reception options.
- Sea la Vie Sundeck — poolside bar/café useful for cocktail hours or casual post-reception gatherings.
- On-site catering and event planner — included per wedding service listings; confirm scope and fees.
| Food & Drink Outlet | Role for weddings |
|---|---|
| Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits | Dinner receptions, private dining, plated and buffet options (contact for menus) |
| Sea la Vie Sundeck | Poolside cocktails and light bites, cabana packages |
Room and suite options for the wedding night
The hotel offers room types that fit different wedding-night needs, from ocean-view guest rooms to larger suites. Many rooms have balconies with ocean or intracoastal views; check room descriptions for exact square footage and bed types.
If you need a specific room name for reservations or packages, the hotel’s published room list includes Club Room, 1 King Bed, Balcony, Ocean View and Suite, 1 Bedroom, Balcony, Ocean View, among others.
- Club Room, 1 King Bed, Balcony, Ocean View — ocean-facing Club Room with balcony.
- Suite, 1 Bedroom, Balcony, Ocean View — larger suite option with balcony and sofa bed available.
- Room, 1 Bedroom, Balcony, Ocean View (914 sq. ft.) — a 1-bedroom room option listed with ocean views.
| Room name (exact) | Notes |
|---|---|
| Club Room, 1 King Bed, Balcony, Ocean View | Published as 500 sq. ft.; ocean view; fits up to 3 guests |
| Suite, 1 Bedroom, Balcony, Ocean View | Published as 700 sq. ft.; includes sofa bed; ocean view |
| Room, 1 Bedroom, Balcony, Ocean View (914 sq. ft.) | Larger 1-bedroom option with ocean-facing balcony |
Planning, logistics and practical notes
The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale provides event services including an on-site event planner, on-site catering, and a photography concierge for event photos and videos. The property lists multiple meeting rooms and roughly 24,000–25,000 sq ft of event space across indoor and outdoor venues.
Standard hotel policies to check when planning: standard check-in at 4:00 PM and check-out at 11:00 AM; minimum age to check in is 21; valet parking and a mandatory nightly resort fee apply. Confirm final contract details, fees, and timelines with the hotel events manager.
- Event planner and on-site catering included as part of wedding services—confirm scope and fees.
- Photography concierge available for photos and video services.
- Confirm resort fee, valet parking rates, and any room-block or vendor rules with events staff.
| Item | Published detail |
|---|---|
| Check-in / Check-out | 4:00 PM / 11:00 AM |
| Minimum age to check in | 21 |
| Event space total (approx.) | About 24,000–25,000 sq ft (published meetings summary) |
Timing, weather and nearby photo locations
Fort Lauderdale’s driest and most reliable weather is typically December through April; summer and fall are hotter and wetter and coincide with the Atlantic hurricane season (June 1–November 30). Plan outdoor ceremonies with a backup indoor option in case of storms or heavy rain.
Nearby spots for wedding photos include Fort Lauderdale Beach (adjacent to the hotel), Las Olas Boulevard and the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. Travel times and exact permissions for off-property shoots should be confirmed with each location.
- Best months for outdoor weddings: December–April (drier season).
- Rainy season and hurricane season: May–October and June 1–Nov 30 — arrange indoor backup.
- Nearby photo locations: Fort Lauderdale Beach, Las Olas Boulevard, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens (confirm permits).
| Location | Use for |
|---|---|
| Fort Lauderdale Beach (adjacent) | Beach photos, post-ceremony strolls (subject to hotel rules) |
| Las Olas Boulevard | Urban, boutique-lined portraits |
| Bonnet House Museum & Gardens | Historic garden photos — check permit requirements |
