Plans to revitalize a key outdoor space at The Breakers resort in Palm Beach are moving forward. But what does that mean for couples who are planning their wedding?

The Breakers resort, renowned for its grand architecture and rich history, is set to begin an extensive renovation of its Mediterranean Courtyard. This exciting project, recently granted unanimous approval by the Town Council, marks the final phase of a comprehensive, three decades-long, multi-million-dollar restoration that has refreshed every part of the resort, with the central courtyard being the last area awaiting transformation.

Its renovation promises exciting updates, but couples will need to consider these changes in their wedding planning. Let's dive into the specifics of this renovation project, explore how it will impact couples planning weddings, and highlight alternative outdoor venues available at The Breakers for your special day.

Framed by classic balustrades and accented with tropical flora, the Mediterranean Courtyard reflects the resort’s Renaissance sensibility. This charming outdoor space may host weddings that accommodate 75 to 500 guests.

However, unless reserved for a wedding or event, the courtyard is underutilized. There is no service there for guests, and there is no cover from the heat, sun and rain. The entire rectangular concrete expanse is currently open to the sky above.

On April 17, 2024, the town's Landmarks Preservation Commission unanimously approved a proposal to enhance the historic resort’s Mediterranean Courtyard, focusing on adding more seating, increasing shade, making necessary repairs, and ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The courtyard is set to be transformed into a vibrant, welcoming oasis.

Paul Leone, CEO of The Breakers, referred to the project as the "final piece of the preservation puzzle." Over the past three decades, under Leone’s leadership, the resort has undergone extensive renovations, with the Mediterranean Courtyard being the last to undergo revitalization.

Leone emphasized the need for continuous improvement to maintain relevance, unlike comparable historic hotels. “We had to evolve while others clung to the past.” He added that the redesigned courtyard would offer a more inviting space for guests, because in its current state, it’s “not very functional.” Once renovations are complete, the space is expected to become a central and highly frequented area on the property.

The revitalization plans include a 1,763 square-foot conservatory on the west side of the courtyard, featuring glazed walls, sliding doors, and a glazed roof. This new space will have glass windows looking to the east and doors to the west for guests to enter through the resort's lobby.

The conservatory will house bars for drink and barista services, along with additional seating. A total of 128 seats will be added—24 within the conservatory and 104 outdoors—but these will be redistributed from the resort’s current banquet spaces. This ensures no increase in overall capacity while greatly improving the guest experience.

Leone said that the new seating area will not have a name, not be a new venue, and will not receive promotion or advertising. The work is being done to bring an area that is historically underutilized into the modern era and into line with the rest of the property.

The conservatory’s design will allow for the restoration of the resort's large lobby windows and create a more welcoming flow between the lobby and the courtyard. To protect The Breakers' historic stone structure, the conservatory will be self-supporting and only connected at specific stucco areas.

The pale green color of the conservatory was chosen based on original designs and references from early reviews in The New York Times, which described much of the resort’s metalwork as pale green.

Additional upgrades include two new pavilions, each approximately 625 square feet, located on the north and south sides of the courtyard. These will provide shelter from the elements with openwork trellises and glazed pergola roofs.

The project also includes a service elevator in the courtyard’s southeast corner and a storage area in the northeast corner.

David Rau, partner and architect at Hart Howerton, the firm responsible for the design, pointed out the unique scale of the courtyard, surrounded on three sides by tall towers. The design addresses long-standing issues, including the need for ADA-compliant ramps on the north and south
sides, and a full restoration of the courtyard’s central features, in the original materials, such as the fountain, railings, and stairs.

The landscaping will be enhanced with a more robust tree canopy, including larger palms and native vegetation to provide ample shade.

According to Leone, construction is scheduled to begin in May of 2025.

For more details, visit the news article here.

Above renderings courtesy of Hart Howerton

Renovation of the Mediterranean Courtyard begins in May 2025, which is the start of the off-season for Palm Beach. Couples who are getting married at the Breakers during this period may anticipate construction related to this ambitious project. The central courtyard is accessible from the Main Lobby, Mediterranean Ballroom and the North and South Loggias. Therefore, evidence of its revitalization may be seen and heard from all these areas.

Once the renovation begins, the Mediterranean Courtyard will no longer be available to reserve for weddings. Currently, The Breakers is fully committed through April 2025. Couples who have already reserved this space will be the last to transform the space.

However, once revitalized, the Mediterranean Courtyard will be one of the most dramatic and used parts of the property. Therefore, both couples and guests will have an enhanced experience of the resort during the entirety of the wedding.

Ocean Lawn

Framed by swaying palm trees and lush landscaping, the Ocean Lawn directly overlooks the Atlantic, rendering it ideal for alfresco cocktails or an outdoor dinner. Its location adjacent to the elegant, highly versatile Ponce de Leon Ballroom, gives you endless options for an indoor-outdoor fête. This spectacular lawn is the most requested outdoor space and accommodates 150 to 300 guests.

Front Lawn

The resort’s Front Lawn offers a garden-like atmosphere, thanks to the lush tropical foliage that frames it. Adjacent to the tranquil Palm Courtyard and The Shops at The Breakers, it’s a picturesque location for cocktail receptions, rehearsal dinners and welcome parties. The Lawn accommodates 75 to 350 guests.

Click here for a 360-degree tour of these outdoor spaces provided by The Breakers.

For decades, the Mediterranean Courtyard at The Breakers resort has remained the same: a rectangular space surrounded by the behemoth property, mostly paved and open to the elements. An outdoor space utilized mostly by couples for their ceremonies and weddings.

Starting May 2025, a project to revitalize the space will result in covered seating, more greenery, better access and overall, a more pleasing experience for guests, visitors and employees. Although couples will not be able to utilize this space anymore for weddings, the new conservatory will be available for enjoyment during their stay and there are other spectacular outdoor spaces on the property to host a wedding.

Contact us to start planning your wedding at The Breakers!