Ancient Spanish Monastery Elopement In Miami

Miami has this incredible way of surprising you. Just when you think you know it as beaches, art deco, and palm trees, you step through the gates of the Ancient Spanish Monastery and feel like you’ve been transported straight to Europe. That’s exactly what it felt like photographing this Miami elopement there—intimate, romantic, and full of old-world charm tucked right into North Miami Beach.

The Ancient Spanish Monastery is actually a 12th-century monastery that was originally built in Spain, carefully dismantled stone by stone, shipped to the United States, and eventually rebuilt in Florida. Today, it’s considered one of the oldest buildings in the Western Hemisphere and one of the most unique wedding venues in Miami. Walking through its cloisters, you’re surrounded by worn stone walls, ivy-covered archways, quiet courtyards, and soft pockets of light that make it a dream location for an elopement.

This particular day was exactly why I love intimate weddings so much. With an elopement, everything slows down. There’s no rush to move through a packed timeline or hundreds of guests to greet. Instead, the focus shifts fully to the couple—their connection, their vows, and the little moments in between that might otherwise be missed.

We started the day wandering the cloisters, taking our time exploring corners of the monastery that felt like they were made for portraits. The soft, neutral stone of the walls made every color pop—the greenery in the courtyard, the subtle tones of their bouquet, and the delicate lace of the veil. I loved tucking the bouquet into little alcoves and stone ledges, letting the textures play off each other. It’s the kind of location where you can point your camera in almost any direction and find something beautiful.

One of my favorite things about photographing at the Ancient Spanish Monastery is the variety in such a contained space. There are long hallways of arches that frame a couple perfectly, quiet courtyards with fountains and gardens, and tucked-away corners that feel incredibly private. For an elopement, that sense of intimacy is everything. It allows the couple to fully relax, breathe each other in, and forget about everything else happening outside those ancient walls.

The ceremony itself was simple and heartfelt. With just a few witnesses present, the words exchanged felt especially powerful. There’s something really special about saying your vows in a place that has been standing for centuries—a place that has seen so much history, prayer, and quiet reflection. The air feels heavier in the best way, like you’re adding your own chapter to a story that started long before you and will continue long after.

After the ceremony, we took our time with portraits around the grounds. I always encourage my couples to build space into their elopement timeline just to wander and be together. We moved through the gardens, paused under archways, and found little spots where the light filtered through the trees just right. I love capturing those in-between moments—the shared laughter, the quiet forehead touches, the way hands instinctively find each other.

Because this was an elopement, we also had the freedom to play with angles and compositions that can sometimes be tricky on a fast-paced wedding day. I could step back and frame the couple against the sweeping architecture, then move in close to focus on details like the way their fingers intertwined or the lace of the dress against ancient stone. Those tiny details help tell the full story of the day.

One of the things I adore about destination elopements like this is how they invite couples to choose places that truly reflect their personalities and relationship. The Ancient Spanish Monastery is perfect for couples who love history, architecture, and a feeling of old-world romance—with the bonus of being just a short drive from Miami’s beaches and city energy. You get the best of both worlds: European-style romance and tropical warmth.

As the day wrapped up, I remember feeling so grateful to have been trusted with such an intimate milestone. Elopements are incredibly personal—often fewer people see those moments than will eventually see the photos. To be one of the few people present, to document the way two people look at each other when there’s no big audience, is such an honor.

If you’re dreaming of a destination elopement that feels timeless and romantic, Miami’s Ancient Spanish Monastery is such a beautiful option. Whether you’re drawn to its history, its peaceful cloisters, or simply the idea of saying your vows in a tucked-away stone courtyard, it’s the kind of place that holds your story gently and lets it shine.

And if you’re planning your own elopement—whether in Miami, in the mountains, or across the ocean—I’d love to help you document it in a way that feels true to you.

Your Narrative blog will appear here, click preview to see it live.
For any issues click here