The Breakers
Venue Guide
Unmistakably iconic in the heart of Palm Beach
Photos by Sunny Lee Photography
Getting Married at The Breakers in Palm Beach
The Breakers is the real-life version of Palm Royale. It’s iconic, elegant, and deeply tied to Palm Beach’s legacy. It offers golden-era elegance and aristocratic charm at every turn.
This guide is for couples who want to know more than just the basics. After filming weddings at this iconic Palm Beach venue for over a decade, I’ve seen what makes it special and what you won’t find in the brochure.
Inside, you’ll find honest tips, real photo advice, and the kind of behind-the-scenes insight that only seasoned photographers and filmmakers know. Whether you’re just starting to plan or finalizing the details, this guide will give you insider tips on one of my favorite Palm Beach wedding venues.
Why Couples Love The Breakers
The Breakers is made for couples who value tradition, detail, and a level of service and the five-star service that goes far beyond a typical wedding venue.
It’s an excellent fit for:
- Couples with ties to Palm Beach, especially those who spent childhood winters here
- Those who want a stunning ballroom, gold details, floor-to-ceiling windows, hand-painted ceilings, ornate detailing, not a blank slate space
- Anyone who wants to pamper their guests with iconic views and luxury service
It’s probably not the best fit if:
- You’re going for a minimal or modern aesthetic.
- You’re on a strict budget.
- You want total flexibility with photo locations (some areas may be off-limits depending on VIP guests staying at the resort)
Heads up: The time of year heavily affects pricing and flexibility. Peak season is considered between Thanksgiving and Easter. During this time, dates will fill up quicker and some portrait locations may be blocked off.
Ballroom and Lawn Options
The Circle Ballroom
One of the most recognizable spaces at The Breakers, the Circle Ballroom has glass ceilings, a hand-painted domed rotunda, and windows that wrap around the entire room. Couples most frequently host their receptions here, but ceremonies can also be held there.
At night, the room transforms into a glowing, grand setting. The layout offers a striking perspective, and the symmetry and architectural details create a dramatic atmosphere for both photography and celebration.
Ocean Lawn
The Breaker’s only outdoor space with sweeping views of the Atlantic. Surrounded by palm trees and just steps away from the beach, the Ocean Lawn is one of the most sought-after ceremony locations at The Breakers. The space feels open and luxurious, with plenty of room for larger guest counts without losing its intimacy.
The Medertrainian Ballroom
The Mediterranean Ballroom is one of The Breakers’ most iconic indoor spaces, featuring rich architectural detail, hand-painted ceilings, Venetian chandeliers, and grand arched windows.
One of my favorite things about this space is how the checkered floor, ornate walls, and painted ceiling come together. It’s a unique combination that adds depth and texture to every image. The room feels timeless, romantic, and full of history.
The Gold Room
The most intimate space and arguably the most ornate. The ceilings are a gold-leafed crisscross pattern and walled mirrored panels. It feels like stepping into a European palace. This room is often used for smaller ceremonies, cocktail hours, or as a weather backup plan. It’s the smallest of the historic rooms, but its design gives a grand visual impact.
Venetian Ballroom
This ballroom features floor-to-ceiling windows with ocean views. The neutral palette and high ceilings create a bright, open feel that works well for couples who want to bring in their own design. It’s an ideal setting for receptions and the only indoor space at The Breakers that overlooks the ocean.
It gets beautiful natural light during the day, and the lighting becomes more dramatic at night. The space transitions seamlessly from ceremony to dinner to dancing.
The Front Lawn
The Front Lawn is most frequently used for cocktail hour receptions because it is centrally located on the property and offers beautiful sunset views. It is surrounded by gardens in a symmetrical layout that feels grand and inviting. We find that many guests like taking photos near the Front Lawn fountain, using the tropical foliage and the sun set as a backdrop.
Ponce de Leon Ballroom
The most modern part of The Breakers, originally part of The Breakers’ early 20th-century expansion, was designed to host large guest lists and formal receptions. This is the rain plan location for events on the Ocean Front Lawn. It provides a regal backdrop that blends historic charm with modern comfort. Think of it as a blank canvas where you and your designer can create a space entirely tailored to your vision.
Best Photo Spots at The Breakers
There’s no shortage of stunning backdrops. Here are a few of my favorites:
The Fountain
It’s iconic. It’s classic. If you want the epic photo that says, “I got married at The Breakers”, this is it. Perfect for romantic portraits with architectural drama.
Spa Walkway
The south side of The Breakers offers a quieter, palm-lined path where you can always find a patch of shade. It’s one of the rare spots where photographers can still capture soft, flattering light, despite the harshness of the midday sun.
Ballroom Interiors
This is a unique benefit to weddings at The Breakers, unlike other hotels’ ballrooms, the ballrooms beg to be photographed. Gold details, grand ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows create an old-world vibe.
Can I take wedding photos at The Breakers without getting married there?
The short answer is no.
The Breakers reserves its grounds for couples hosting their wedding on the property.
But…. your best way to flip that no to a yes is to be a hotel guest with room blocks. If you are a hotel guest and have secured a room block as part of a larger wedding weekend, the venue may allow limited access for portraits. These requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and require prior approval.
Things to Know Before You Book
Before booking your wedding at The Breakers, here are the essential details to consider. We’ve outlined everything you should know to help you decide if this iconic Palm Beach venue is the right fit.
Parking
Valet parking is available for you and your guests. There’s a guest shuttle to off-site restaurants are owned or partner with The Breakers.
Ask about
Experience is required
Vendor rules are strict. Only experienced photo and video teams should shoot here; serious privacy and property rules are in place, especially when high-profile guests stay.
The property is large
Expect long walks between getting ready, portraits, and reception rooms. (Photographers, wear comfy shoes and plan meals accordingly.)
Planning Resources
Address: 1 S County Rd, Palm Beach, FL
Instagram: @breakerswedding
Venue contacts
Kami Peck – Kami.Peck@thebreakers.com
Nick Davila – Nicolas.Davila@thebreakers.com
” Ten years filming weddings at The Breakers and it’s still our favorite.”
From a Professional’s Perspective
I love weddings at The Breakers because there’s beauty at every turn. You never have to go off-property for photos. Its grounds provide reliable light and stunning backdrops at any hour. It’s easy to capture portraits of the couple, the wedding party, and the entire family all in one place.
My favorite spot? Photographing the Circle Ballroom from above. The upper floor isn’t always accessible, but when it is, that bird’s-eye view captures the grandeur and energy of the room like nothing else.
Light Tips: The best portraits are usually shot 1–2 hours before sunset. The getting-ready rooms, while on the smaller side, have been recently updated and offer great lighting for prep photos.
Pro Tip: The ballroom lighting is dramatic and beautiful with the right setup. The Breakers has an in-house lighting team that is absolutely worth the investment. Good lighting at The Breakers enhances the architecture and elevates an already stunning space.
Tip for Photographers and Videographers
Respect the rules, always. The Breakers hosts celebrities and dignitaries frequently. If a space is off-limits, trust that there’s a reason. Play it cool and professional, and you’ll be more likely to get access next time.
Bring snacks and prepare for a long day. Your meal will likely be served late evening, often across the property from the reception space. It’s not uncommon for vendor meals to be available after 11 p.m. at this venue.
Best Kept Photo Location
The oceanfront walkway is often overlooked amid the grandeur of the rest of the property, but it’s an ideal location for family portraits, wedding photos, and first looks. Photographers and videographers prefer it because the building provides consistent shade just past noon, thanks to The Breakers’ east-west orientation. It’s also easily accessible, with flat ground and wheelchair-friendly paths, making it an accessible spot for all guests.
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