Ancient Spanish Monastery Wedding Portraits in North Miami, Florida | Elsa & Enrique

ncbyashley
Mar 15
3 min read

Tucked away off West Dixie Highway in North Miami, Florida, the Ancient Spanish Monastery is one of the most breathtaking wedding locations in South Florida. Known as the oldest building in the Western Hemisphere, the monastery was recreated to replicate a 12th-century Romanesque and Gothic monastery from Spain.

Its architecture is known for ancient beauty and remarkable stone craftsmanship, where every archway and corridor feels steeped in history. Inside the active church, wooden pews line the sanctuary while historic pipes built into the walls and glowing stained glass windows create a sacred and romantic atmosphere.

Outside, lush gardens wrap around the monastery with sculptural details and quiet pathways. These historic grounds create an unforgettable backdrop for Ancient Spanish Monastery wedding portraits, where couples can experience the romance of Europe without leaving Florida.

For couples dreaming of a wedding in Spain but unsure if Florida offers anything comparable, the Ancient Spanish Monastery provides a setting that feels timeless, romantic, and undeniably European.

historical white stone building with arch ways and lush green courtyard and blue sky

Sunlight casts shadows on a checkered stone corridor with benches and columns, creating a serene, reflective atmosphere. Black and white.

historical white stone building with archway and historical bell with lush green grass and blue sky on a sunlit day

Elsa & Enrique’s Ancient Spanish Monastery Wedding Portraits

Elsa and Enrique’s Ancient Spanish Monastery wedding portraits unfolded beautifully against the monastery’s historic architecture.

Elsa wore a stunning sculpted wedding gown, its structure catching the sunlight as she stepped beneath the ancient pillars that line the cloisters. A halo of light poured through the arches as she stood effortlessly within the historic architecture.

Bride in white gown and veil stands in a sunlit stone corridor, looking serene. The arched ceiling and pillars add a historic charm.

A bride in a white gown and veil holds hands with a groom in a suit, walking in a stone corridor. The mood is romantic and timeless.

Bride in white gown smiling, standing next to groom in black suit in a stone corridor with arches, creating a joyful and elegant scene.

Bride in white gown adjusts veil next to groom in black tuxedo outside a stone building with arches, set against a leafy background.

Inside the monastery, Elsa’s bridal shoes were hung quietly upon an ancient piece of art displayed within the building, a delicate detail that told a story of how her life had led her to the man she loved. Suspended against centuries-old craftsmanship, the shoes symbolized the journey she had walked one that ultimately brought her to Enrique.

white bridal shoes hand on a stone pillar

Outside in the gardens, Enrique took a quiet moment surrounded by the lush greenery. Standing tall and confident within the natural beauty of the monastery grounds, he reflected the calm presence that anchored their love story.

Man in a tuxedo walks joyfully on a forest path. He carries a jacket over his shoulder. Lush greenery surrounds the path.

Together, Elsa and Enrique wandered through the gardens hand in hand. When they paused at the entrance of the monastery, framed by the grand stone doorway, time seemed to pause as they shared a beautifully composed editorial moment.

Bride in a white dress adjusting veil, standing outdoors with a dark leafy background. Sunlight highlights the delicate lace edge.

Bride in white gown and groom in black tux stand under a stone archway, with an elegant corridor behind. The mood is formal and serene.

Their love was soft, gentle, and deeply felt. They exchanged glances that spoke volumes — saying I love you without words.

Bride and groom in wedding attire share an intimate moment on a stone balcony, surrounded by lush plants, under an arched, stone backdrop.

Why the Ancient Spanish Monastery is Perfect for Wedding Portraits

The Ancient Spanish Monastery offers one of the most unique portrait settings in Florida. Couples searching for Ancient Spanish Monastery wedding portraits often fall in love with the venue for its historic charm and European aesthetic.

The property features:

12th-century Romanesque and Gothic inspired architecture
Historic stone cloisters and archways
Beautiful stained glass windows
Lush gardens and sculptural courtyards
Quiet pathways ideal for romantic portraits

Every corner of the monastery provides an opportunity for imagery that feels both editorial and timeless.

Bride in white gown and groom in black suit stand facing each other, smiling, in a stone chapel with colorful stained glass window.

Couple kissing in a stone corridor. She wears a white gown, he a white shirt and suspenders. Romantic mood in an arched, historic setting.

Editorial Elegance Meets Documentary Storytelling

As the afternoon unfolded, we photographed the monastery with intention capturing its textures, architecture, and quiet beauty as though discovering Spain for the first time.

Elsa glowed beneath her veil as a warm breeze created natural movement throughout the courtyard. Enrique spun her gently as the veil swayed softly in the air, bringing organic motion to every photograph.

Though the day was warm, the wind created the perfect atmosphere for portraits that felt alive and effortless.

women in a white bridal gown spins as she while the man in a black tuxedo gazes at her with stonework backdrop and arched corridors in black and white

Elsa and Enrique envisioned editorial moments blended with documentary storytelling, and every photograph reflected that vision.

As their photographer, I am always attentive to the details ensuring every moment is captured intentionally while preserving the authenticity of the day.

Bride in white dress and groom in black tuxedo stand arm-in-arm on a stone balcony, surrounded by greenery. They appear content.

Bride and groom kiss in front of a stone archway. She's in a white dress with veil; he's in a black suit. Plants in foreground. Mood: romantic.

A Love Story Framed by History

Elsa and Enrique’s Ancient Spanish Monastery wedding portraits felt timeless — a quiet mixture of history, romance, and organic movement.

From the soft sway of Elsa’s veil in the courtyard to the delicate placement of her bridal shoes resting against centuries-old artwork, every detail reflected a love story unfolding within a place rich with history.

Their portraits felt less like photographs and more like moments suspended in time.

A woman in a white gown smiles while walking on grass, with trees in the background. The image is in black and white, creating a serene mood.

Bride in a flowing white dress walks on gravel, her shadow cast on grass. Lace shoes add elegance to the scene.

Planning Your Wedding Portraits at the Ancient Spanish Monastery

If you are dreaming of a romantic European setting for your wedding portraits, the Ancient Spanish Monastery is one of the most remarkable venues in South Florida.

My approach blends editorial composition with documentary storytelling, ensuring your images feel natural, timeless, and deeply personal.

If you are planning your Ancient Spanish Monastery wedding portraits or celebrating at another historic venue in Florida, the Southeast, or beyond, I would be honored to help tell your story.

Inquire with Ashley Steckman Photo to begin planning your wedding photography experience.