Weddings by Cheeca Lodge and Spa

Weddings by Cheeca Lodge and Spa
Table of Contents
Wedding Guidelines ………………………………... pages 1-3
Frequently Asked Questions ……………………….. pages 4-5
Wedding Packages …….………..……………………... pages 6-12
charlene lopez • 305.517.4424 • catering@cheeca.com
reservations • 800.327.2888 • 305.664.4651
81801 overseas hwy • mile marker 82 oceanside
islamorada, florida keys
Weddings and Special Occasions
Cheeca Lodge & Spa takes pride in being able to provide a full range of catering services
including weddings, theme parties and beach BBQ welcome dinners. Our award-winning
culinary team serves up unique menus to satisfy the simplest or most sophisticated of
tastes. Formal affairs may consist of three to five courses paired with an extensive selection
of wines. A tropical beachside buffet is ideal for those desiring a more casual setting.
Whatever the occasion, the sumptuous island flavors include the freshest catch from our
saltwater pantry, the finest cuts of meat, locally grown garden fresh produce, and decadent
homemade desserts.
Wedding Ceremony and Reception Information
Your wedding ceremony will include appropriate rehearsal time, setup and detailing of the
ceremony, dance floor for indoor venues, white folding chairs, guest book/gift table(s), conch
shells filled with Cheeca’s fresh florals to line the aisle, aisle runner, bamboo tiki torches,
potted palm trees, welcome sign and coordination by our Catering Professionals.
For your reception we will include setup and detailing of the reception, cocktail tables, dinner
tables, skirted accent tables, white padded folding chairs, white linens, china, glassware,
silverware, votive candles, conch shell or hurricane shade centerpieces with Cheeca’s fresh
florals and tropical greenery, table numbers, potted palm trees, tiki torches, welcome sign,
indoor dance floor.
Site Fees for 2014 and 2015
Peak Season: January through May 31, 2014/2015, $10,000
Low Season: June 1 through September 30, 2014/2015, $5,000
Mid Season: October 1 through December 20, 2014/2015, $8,000
Weekdays: $3,000 | Holidays if available: $18,000
Intimate Weddings and Elopements
Available for 2 to 10 guests, Monday through Thursday, Site Fee $1,500. This fee covers the
private venue, tiki torches, potted palms, aisle runner, white folding chairs and conch shells
with Cheeca fresh florals lining the aisle.
Event Venues
A 22% service charge and 7.5% tax applies to all fees and services including site fees.
Club Level
• Includes: Chart Room, Oceanfront Terrace and Sundeck
• Exclusive use of the Club Level is based on availability. When available, a supplemental fee
of $8,000 will apply in addition to the seasonal site fees noted above.
Oceanfront Beach and other Outdoor Locations
All outdoor locations are available until 9 pm daily, year round.
North Beach
• Seated and/or reception capacity up to 120 guests
• Capacity up to 200 guests if a tent is rented
• Requires the Presidential Building (7 rooms) to be secured for your wedding guests
1
charlene lopez • 305.517.4424 • catering@cheeca.com
reservations • 800.327.2888 • 305.664.4651
81801 overseas hwy • mile marker 82 oceanside
islamorada, florida keys
Lagoon Beach
• Seated and/or reception capacity up to 120 guests
South Beach
• Seated and/or reception capacity up to 120 guests
• Requires 6 Beachfront Bungalow King Rooms to be secured by your wedding guests
Spa Island
• Seated capacity up to 40 guests
• Reception capacity up to 120 guests
Courtyard
• Seated and/or reception capacity up to 120 guests
Indoor Locations
Bougainvillea Ballroom
• Available until 1:00 am based on availability
• Seated dining capacity 120 guests with a dance floor
Sunrise Ballroom/Terrace
• Available until 9:00 am based on availability
• Seated dining capacity 120 guests with a dance floor
Deposit and Payment
A non-refundable 25% deposit is required upon signing a contract in order to hold your event
on a confirmed/definite basis. Deposits are only accepted in the form of check or money
order. An additional non-refundable payment of 50% of the anticipated charges, based upon
the number of expected guests, food and beverage requirements and all other anticipated
charges, is due 60 days prior to your event. The final non-refundable payment of 100% of
the anticipated charges is due 30 days prior to your event. The final payment needs to be
made by cashier’s check, cash or a major credit card. The final accounting will be done at
the conclusion of your event. In the event that the charges may be greater than anticipated,
a major credit card is required on deposit. If there has been an over payment, a refund will
be made after accounting reconciliation.
Food and Beverage Minimum
A minimum spend per person is required for all weddings, exclusive of the 22% taxable service
charge and 7.5% sales tax per Florida State Tax Law. The food and beverage minimum is
not package or menu based. The minimum may include the rehearsal dinner and/or farewell
brunch. Peak Season: $200 per person | Mid Season and Low Season: $150 per person.
Florida Marriage License Requirements
Couples wishing to be married in Florida must obtain a license at any County Clerk’s Office
within the State. No blood test is required. A waiting period of three days applies to Florida
residents, but no waiting period is required for out of state guests. Proper identification is
necessary, such as a valid driver’s license with photograph, or a passport. Copies of applicable divorce decrees are required. Both bride and groom must be present to obtain the
license. The fee for the marriage license is $93.50 (subject to change without notice). Hours
are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, excluding holidays. The license will be
issued immediately and must be used within 60 days. Information may be obtained from the
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Monroe County Clerk’s Office on Plantation Key at 305-852-7145 or at the County’s website
at https://gov.propertyinfo.com/fl-monroe/other/MarriageLic.html.
Function Space Assignment
Function space is assigned according to the anticipated number of guests and setup requirements at time of booking. Should any of these factors change, the Resort reserves the right
to relocate the function to a more appropriate space.
Guarantees
We require a minimum number of guests to be guaranteed by 12:00 noon, 5 business days
prior to your event. Once this number is provided, your guest count can be increased but
cannot be decreased. The day of the event you will be charged for this guaranteed number
or the actual number of guests served, whichever is greater.
Guestroom Requirements
Cheeca Lodge & Spa requires that all Weddings meet a minimum guestroom block
requirement. For the comfort of all resort guests, selection of certain Wedding venues may
require that group reserve any adjacent guestrooms directly affected by the celebration.
Special group rates may be available seasonally for room blocks of 10 rooms or more per
night. Please refer to your Catering professional for details as room block requirements and
group rate availability are seasonal.
Smoking
Please note that smoking is limited at Cheeca Lodge & Spa. It is not permitted in guestrooms, spa, restaurants or connecting patios, function rooms, any indoor area and some
outdoor areas.
Miscellaneous
All Food and Beverage items must be supplied and prepared by Cheeca Lodge & Spa.
Vendors are required to be a preferred vendor of Cheeca. There will be an added surcharge
for outside services contracted and billed through Cheeca Lodge & Spa.
Service Charge and Taxes
All food, beverage, miscellaneous and site fees are subject to a 22% taxable service charge as
well as applicable sales tax (per Florida State Tax Law). Sales tax for Monroe County, Florida
is currently 7.5% and is subject to change.
Weather Policy for Outdoor Functions
Cheeca Lodge & Spa reserves the right to make the final decision to relocate an outdoor
function to a designated indoor backup area if weather conditions are expected in the
vicinity that may adversely affect the ability to properly service the function and/or endanger
the safety of guests and staff members. The decision will be made no less than 5 hours prior
to the scheduled start time of the event. Should this decision be delayed or overridden by
the host/patron and it results in a double setup of the function, an additional special setup
fee of $15.00, plus service charge and tax, per guest (with a minimum of $500.00 plus
service charge and tax) will be charged.
The policies outlined above are valid until December 31, 2015 and are subject to change
without notice.
3
charlene lopez • 305.517.4424 • catering@cheeca.com
reservations • 800.327.2888 • 305.664.4651
81801 overseas hwy • mile marker 82 oceanside
islamorada, florida keys
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should my ceremony start?
Most photographers familiar with Cheeca recommend 1.5 hours prior to official sunset time.
This allows for good lighting still available for post ceremony photos. Your catering professional keeps a sunrise/sunset calendar or you can visit www.sunrisesunset.com/calendar.
What time will my reception end?
Our outdoor events end by 9 pm. We can make arrangements for a private indoor venue for
an After Party.
Where does the sun set?
Cheeca is situated on the Atlantic (east) side of the island and the sun sets on the Florida
Bay (west) side of the island. You will, however, see beautiful pink and purple skies close
to sunset. This is an advantage, as the beaches will be shaded and your guests will not be
sitting in direct sunlight during the ceremony.
What are your beaches like?
The Florida Keys do not have truly natural beaches. We import sand. Cheeca’s sandy
beaches are perfect for outdoor events as our sand is packed so your feet will not sink into
it. The beaches are level because of our coral rock wall making it a wonderful setting for
tables to be set. We recommend if the bride will be wearing shoes, to look for a heel that is
somewhat chunky.
Can you swim in the ocean?
You can! We recommend you take a snorkel and mask to view the Coastal Seagrass
Environment and perhaps water-shoes as the ocean floor is very soft. The best way to get in
the water is to take our Daily Snorkel Trip.
Why are there no waves?
The Coral Reef line is 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) from the coast. The water between the coast
and the Coral Reef line is very shallow - at the deepest points only about 15 feet (4.5 meters).
After the Reef line there is a drop and there are waves, however, by the time they travel the
4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) to the coast, they have dissipated.
Will we be the only wedding that day?
Sometimes we do have more then one wedding. It depends on the size of each wedding. If
we have a large wedding over 60 guests, we may agree to do a small wedding for less than
50 guests, or vice versa. The weddings would not cross paths and you will not hear the other
wedding. The start times are also staggered by 30 minutes.
Do I really have to pay that site fee for my small wedding?
For small weddings, we recommend considering a Monday through Thursday wedding date.
In this case, we will be able to negotiate the site fee. We are not able to negotiate site fees
for Friday, Saturday and Sunday events.
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Where will the restrooms be for my guests if we are outside?
There are restrooms located in the Main Lodge and at the Spa. We also recommend that you
reserve a guestroom in one of the buildings near your outdoor event.
Can we rent a golf cart?
For liability reasons we are unable to rent our golf carts. Our Bellmen will be happy to drive
guests wherever they need to go on property.
How can I get my dress/suit steamed, pressed, dry cleaned?
There is one dry cleaner in Islamorada. We suggest you consult the dress shop where
you purchased your dress for the recommended method of refreshing your dress after
travel. You will need to contact the dry cleaner at 305-664-5060 before arriving at
Cheeca to confirm their hours of operation and how much time they need to refresh your
wedding dress.
Where do I get ready on my wedding day?
Brides typically get ready in their guestroom, or in that of a family member. We will send a
Bellman to escort the bride and bridal party to the staging area of the ceremony.
What is the weather like?
(shown in averages)
Jan
Feb
Mar
High
Low
Mean
Precip
76°
62°
68°
2.1 in
77°
64°
70°
1.9 in
80°
67°
74°
1.8 in
Apr
May
Jun
84°
86°
70°
74°
77°
80°
2.0 in 4.5 in
88°
76°
82°
7.8 in
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
90°
90°
88°
77°
77°
76°
84°
84°
84°
3.6 in 4.6 in 6.3 in
Jul
Aug
85°
74°
80°
5.8 in
80°
68°
75°
2.6 in
77°
64°
71°
1.8 in
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charlene lopez • 305.517.4424 • catering@cheeca.com
reservations • 800.327.2888 • 305.664.4651
81801 overseas hwy • mile marker 82 oceanside
islamorada, florida keys
Purple Isle Wedding Package
Minimum of 25 Guests
“Happily Ever After” begins with your wedding at Cheeca Lodge & Spa.
Allow our talented catering team to assist you in creating a memorable day.
WEDDING PACKAGE INCLUDES
Our packages are designed as guidelines for your event’s potential.
Menus can be customized and designed to meet your vision.
Basic Ceremony Decoration
Tiki torches, aisle runner, potted palm trees for privacy of the venue selected, dance floor for
indoor venues, conch shells lining the aisle filled with Cheeca Florals, and
basic outdoor lighting.
Rehearsal Coordination
Rehearsal Dinner
Cocktail Hour
Plated Dinner with Five Hours of Premium Open Bar
Champagne Toast
Signature Wedding Cake from an Award-Winning Pastry Chef
Complimentary Suite for Bride and Groom for the Night of the Wedding
Farewell Brunch
6
Welcome Rehearsal
Dinner
Choose One Rehearsal Dinner
NIGHT IN HAVANA
Service Charge of $150 will apply if guest count falls below 25.
Prices based on 1.5 hours of service.
Salads
Spinach and Arugula Salad with Shaved Goat Cheese,
Strawberries and Passion Fruit Vinaigrette
Local Fish Ceviche with Plantain Chips
Tropical Fruit Slaw
Presented In Chafers
Mojo Chicken (Boneless, Skin-on Breast) with Orange Cilantro Glaze
Whole Banana Leaf Wrapped Grouper
Island Spiced Grilled Skirt Steak
Accompanied By
Black Beans and Rice
Sauté of Island Greens, Red Onion, Scallions, Zucchini and Carrots
Fried Yucca with Garlic Butter
Corn-off-the–Cob with Fresh Lime and Cayenne Pepper
Desserts
Guava Macadamia Bread Pudding with Warm Vanilla Creme Anglaise
Pineapple Coconut Bars
Beverages
Starbucks Coffee Service
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charlene lopez • 305.517.4424 • catering@cheeca.com
reservations • 800.327.2888 • 305.664.4651
81801 overseas hwy • mile marker 82 oceanside
islamorada, florida keys
Welcome Rehearsal
Dinner
SEASIDE BARBEQUE
Service Charge of $150 will apply if guest count falls below 25.
Prices based on 1.5 hours of service.
Salads
Potato Salad
Tropical Fruit Slaw
Mixed Green Salad with Spicy Island Ranch Dressing
From The Grill
Ribeye Steaks - Cooked to order (1 – 8 ounce, per person)
BBQ Chicken - Breasts and Legs
Presented In Chafers
Coconut Crusted Mahi Mahi with Tropical Fruit Chutney
Accompaniments
Baked Potatoes served with Sour Cream
Roasted Corn on the Cob
BBQ Baked Beans
Buttermilk Biscuits and Honey Butter
Desserts
Seasonal Fruit Cobbler with Chantilly Cream
Brownies
Watermelon
Beverages
Starbucks Coffee Service
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Farwell Brunch
Choose One Brunch/Breakfast
CHANGES IN LATITUDES BRUNCH
Service Charge of $150 will apply if guest count falls below 25.
Prices based on 1.5 hours of service.
Cold Display
Fresh Florida Orange and Grapefruit Juices
Sliced Melons and Fruits with Brie and Cheddar Wedges
Smoked Salmon with Capers, Onion,
and Hard Cooked Eggs
Assorted Pastries
English Muffins and Bagels
House Made Granola and Milk
Creamy Yogurt and Fresh Berries
Presented In Chafers
Scrambled Eggs
Eggs Benedict
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Onions and Peppers
Applewood-Smoked Bacon and Country Sausage Links
Pancakes topped with Sliced Banana, Mango and Shredded Coconut
Carved Ham
Shrimp and Grits
Desserts and Baked Goods
Key Lime Pie
Pineapple Rum Upside-Down Cake
Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding with Crème Anglaise
Sweet Butter, Preserves and Cream Cheese
Breads and Rolls
Beverages
All Breakfast Selections include Freshly Brewed Starbucks Regular and
Decaffeinated Coffee and Tea.
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charlene lopez • 305.517.4424 • catering@cheeca.com
reservations • 800.327.2888 • 305.664.4651
81801 overseas hwy • mile marker 82 oceanside
islamorada, florida keys
Farwell Brunch
CHEECA TRADITIONAL BREAKFAST
Service Charge of $150 will apply if guest count falls below 25
Prices based on 1.5 hours of service
Cold Display
Fresh Florida Orange and Grapefruit Juices
Seasonal Fruits and Berries
Assorted Pastries, Croissants and Muffins
Sweet Butter, Preserves
Presented In Chafers
Scrambled Eggs
Applewood-Smoked Bacon and Country Sausage Links
Blueberry - Coconut Pancakes
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Onions and Peppers
Beverages
All Breakfast Selections include Freshly Brewed Starbucks Regular and
Decaffeinated Coffee and Tea.
10
Wedding Reception
HORS D’OEUVRES
6 pieces per person
Cold Hors d’ Oeuvres
Miniature Cuban Roll-Ups
Fresh Antipasti Skewers
Tuna Tetaki on Wonton Crisp with Sweet Soy and Wasabi Aioli
Hot Hors d’ Oeuvres
Mozzarella Arancini with Pomodoro Sauce
Miniature Fish Tacos
Sea and Land Skewer (Grilled Shrimp and Filet)
PLATED DINNERS
Appetizers
Lump Crab Cake, Red Pepper Remoulade and Spinach Herb Salad
Salads
Fresh Florida Salad
Organic Mixed Greens, Avocado, Tomato, Passion Fruit Vinaigrette, Tropical Fruit Salsa
Entrée Choice Of
Surf and Turf* Full 6 oz. Tenderloin and Maine Lobster, Jumbo Lump Crab Cake
Served with Yucca Mash and Roasted Asparagus, Cabernet Demi, Hollandaise Sauce
Cuban Style Churassco Steak and Mojo Marinated Chicken Breast with Chimichurri,
Tropical Fruit Salsa served with Boniato Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans
Seared Snapper with Citrus Mango Beurre Blanc, Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus
Roasted Chicken Breast
Coconut Bamboo Rice, Seasonal Vegetables and Spicy Peanut Sauce
Dessert
Custom Wedding Cake
*Beef Entrees will be prepared Medium
We are often asked about choices for plated dinners. Selecting a single entrée for all guests is generally
recommended. Dual entrees are available as an option if looking for some diversity. In the event you
would like to offer up to 3 entrée selections, Chef will decide appropriate accompaniments and split
guaranteed guest counts are due 5 business days prior to event date along with meal indicators. Your
Catering Professional is pleased to present the best options for you and your guests.
11
charlene lopez • 305.517.4424 • catering@cheeca.com
reservations • 800.327.2888 • 305.664.4651
81801 overseas hwy • mile marker 82 oceanside
islamorada, florida keys
Wedding Reception
BEVERAGES
$100 bar setup fee will apply if guest count falls below 25.
Champagne Toast 1 glass per person
Signature Cocktail – Blueberry Mojito
5 Hour of Premium Bar to include:
Premium Brands
Stolichnaya Vodka
Bombay Gin
Bacardi Superior Rum
Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
Wild Turkey Bourbon
Seagram’s VO Whiskey
Johnny Walker Red Scotch
1800 Silver Tequila
Hogue Red and White Wine, Imported and Domestic Beers,
Mixers, Sodas and Juices
Prices start at $200.00 per person
Prices are exclusive of a 22% taxable service charge and 7.5% tax.
12
charlene lopez • 305.517.4424 • catering@cheeca.com
reservations • 800.327.2888 • 305.664.4651
81801 overseas hwy • mile marker 82 oceanside
islamorada, florida keys
charlene lopez • 305.517.4424 • catering@cheeca.com
reservations • 800.327.2888 • 305.664.4651
81801 overseas hwy • mile marker 82 oceanside
islamorada, florida keys