The Urban Garden at the Ritz-Carlton

The Vibe
This urban oasis has all the relaxing, exotic seclusion of a tropical getaway, but with a top-notch city skyline to boot. The enclosed garden contains three unique spaces: a Lower Garden suited for a reception, an Upper Garden flanked by huge black olive trees, and a walled Overlook.

The Cost
To use all three spaces for your ceremony and reception, the fee is between $10,000 and $30,000. (set-up fee: $2,500 to $3,500.) The menu fee (including a four-hour open bar, passed hors d'oeuvres, a three-course dinner from the hotel's world-class kitchen, and, of course, cake) is $137 per person. up to 350 people.

What's Been Done?
For an old-time, romantic movie ambience, event-planning company Weddings and the City laid a black-and-white aisle through the Garden's trees, lining it with red rose petals, candles, and black chiavari chairs.

The Cool Factor
After taking the elevator up from the Ritz-Carlton's posh and polished lobby (where live jazz plays on weekends), guests will enter the Lower Garden, where an infinity pool and a lighted sculpture set the mood. The really cool part: no contest: the best uptown skyline view in the city.

Before & After
Travelers will have plenty of hotel options within walking distance of the urban Garden. Plus, in the heart of uptown and across from epiCentre, after-party options are endless.

Similar Options
NoDa's CenterStage, which has 10,000 square feet of modern space, including a stage and custom-built bar, has a distinct urban funk atmosphere. Plus, the venue's wide-open layout and simple décor leave plenty of room for bridal creativity.

Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton Charlotte