How Much Does a Mar-a-Lago Wedding Cost?

Last Updated on January 3, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

As one of the most opulent estates in Florida, Mar-a-Lago provides an unparalleled backdrop for weddings and events. The resort owned by former President Donald Trump offers old-world glamour and modern amenities alike. If you want an exclusive Palm Beach wedding, Mar-a-Lago delivers luxury venues bathed in Mediterranean style.

But hosting a wedding at Mar-a-Lago doesn’t come cheap. As a private club, there are membership fees, food & beverage minimums, and strict rules. Read on to learn what’s involved with hosting a fairy tale wedding at Mar-a-Lago – and just how much it will cost.

Below we break down everything you need to know about getting married at Mar-a-Lago, from costs to wedding venue options and requirements. While not accessible for most, understanding the opulence of a Mar-a-Lago wedding give you a glimpse into the lifestyle of the ultra-wealthy.

Key Takeaways on Mar-a-Lago Weddings:

• Mar-a-Lago provides breathtaking Palm Beach wedding venues like the Grand Ballroom and beachside lawn.
• Wedding costs easily exceed $500k for the venue, food and drink minimums, membership fees, and more.
• Bride/groom or their family must be Mar-a-Lago members to host a wedding.
• Several rules limit flexibility, like required on-site vendors and no outside media coverage.
• Top Florida hotels like The Breakers or Acqualina Resort offer similar luxury at lower prices.

How Much Does a Mar-a-Lago Wedding Cost?

Holding a wedding at Mar-a-Lago comes at a sky-high price tag, putting it out of reach for most couples. Costs can easily exceed $1 million. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

• Venue rental fee – Around $150,000 to $250,000+ depending on season, day of week, and space used. Renting Trump’s private quarters costs even more.
• Food and beverage minimum – Catering through Mar-a-Lago starts at about $200 per plate, with a food & drink minimum typically around $100,000.
• Membership fee – The bride, groom, or their parents must be Mar-a-Lago members to host a wedding. This currently requires a $200,000 initiation fee plus $10,000 in annual dues.
• Event planning – The club can provide their own event planning and design services, which is an additional sizable expense. Expect at least $100,000+ for flowers, music, decor, etc.
• Service fee & tax – A 22% service charge and 7% Florida sales tax apply to the total cost.

So between venue, food, membership fees, and more, the baseline budget for a Mar-a-Lago wedding usually starts around $500,000-$600,000. Wealthy people like Tiffany Trump, for example, easily spend $1 million or more for over-the-top celebrations.

Overview of the Mar-a-Lago Club

Mar-a-Lago is a sprawling, 20-acre Mediterranean-style estate built in Palm Beach, Florida by cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post in 1927. The impressive resort features 126 rooms, three bomb shelters, a full spa, and other luxury amenities across its main building and guest houses.

Donald Trump purchased Mar-a-Lago in 1985 and transformed it into an exclusive, members-only club. Today it operates as a social club with annual dues reportedly around $150,000-$200,000 per member. Trump often traveled to Mar-a-Lago and dubbed it the “Winter White House” during his presidency.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a wedding at Roloff Farm, in Las Vegas, or the Bellerive Country Club.

In addition to Trump’s private quarters, Mar-a-Lago contains event spaces like the gold-leafed Donald J. Trump Grand Ballroom. The club also provides guest suites, restaurants, pools, tennis courts, and beach access.

This unparalleled setting for weddings regularly hosted celebrity guests like Oprah Winfrey, Barbara Streisand, and Celine Dion during Trump’s ownership.

Wedding Venues at Mar-a-Lago Golf Club

Mar-a-Lago offers both indoor and outdoor venues to host fairy tale weddings and receptions. Some of the main venues available include:

• Grand Ballroom – The resort’s premier ballroom provides old-world elegance with its 22-karat gold leaf ceiling accents, marble floors, and crystal chandeliers. It can accommodate gatherings of up to 600 people for a seated dinner or 1,000 for a cocktail reception.
• White & Gold Ballroom – This smaller ballroom with white and gold decor provides an intimate feel for weddings and events of up to 300 guests.
• Outdoor venues – Outdoor wedding ceremonies can be held on the Beach Club lawn overlooking the ocean or on the pool patio surrounded by swaying palm trees and vibrant floral displays.
• The Trump Family Quarter – For the ultimate exclusivity, the former First Family’s personal quarters can be rented for exclusive receptions.

From grand galas in the ballroom to intimate vow exchanges on the beach, Mar-a-Lago offers endless possibilities for a Palm Beach dream wedding.

Mar-a-Lago Wedding Requirements

Mar-a-Lago maintains strict protocols for members wishing to host weddings and events at the club:

• The couple must become members themselves, or the bride/groom’s parents can sponsor their membership.
• A food & beverage minimum applies, usually around $100,000, depending on the month.
• The event must be approved by Mar-a-Lago staff, who coordinate all vendors, catering, decor, etc. External planners and vendors are not permitted.
• Guests must adhere to the club’s formal dress code requiring suits for men and evening attire for women.
• Media coverage of the event is prohibited, including photography in most areas.

Mar-a-Lago prides itself on privacy, exclusivity, and discretion for its members. These rules help maintain the refined atmosphere but can limit flexibility.

While hosting a dream wedding at Mar-a-Lago has an exorbitant price tag, for the wealthy looking to wow guests, no other venue quite compares to its old-world grandeur and seaside beauty. It’s the pinnacle of extravagance.

Alternatives for a Luxury Palm Beach Wedding

For those seeking luxury Florida wedding venues without Mar-a-Lago’s sky-high budget or restrictions, plenty of alternatives exist, such as:

• The Breakers – Iconic Palm Beach hotel with beautiful oceanfront wedding options.
• The Biltmore – Landmark Coral Gables resort featuring stunning gardens and pools.
• Eau Palm Beach – High-end Manalapan resort with a magnificent beachfront setting.
• Four Seasons Miami – Sophisticated hotel with art deco flair and bay views.
• Acqualina Resort – Posh Sunny Isles Beach locale with multiple outdoor wedding spaces.
• 1 Hotel South Beach – Eco-friendly Miami Beach gem with chic event spaces.

While not as famously lavish as Mar-a-Lago, these top South Florida resorts provide amazing backdrops for weddings at a more attainable price point. A luxury wedding in Florida can fit nearly any budget.

Final Words on President Donald Trump’s Private Club

For those looking to spend millions on a fairytale wedding at a golf club in Palm Beach, Mar-a-Lago delivers. But couples seeking a similarly upscale experience can find excellent Florida venues for a fraction of the price. Either way, Florida provides no shortage of possibilities for an elegant dream wedding.