Experiential & Interactive Guest Experiences at Historic Walton House
Planning a wedding in South Florida today goes beyond the ceremony and dinner. Couples want guests to be part of the story from start to finish. Trend reports show that unique and interactive experiences—think do-it-yourself cocktail bars, karaoke sessions and augmented reality photo booths—are high on the list for modern weddings, so the celebration feels like a vibrant gathering instead of a formal event. At Historic Walton House in Homestead, we take that idea a step further by offering interactions with our own resident animals amid our tropical garden.
Why interactive guest experiences matter
Transforming guests from observers to participants creates a dynamic atmosphere. When your family and friends have something enjoyable to do, it sparks conversation and creates memories that last well beyond the big day. These engaging activities help couples put their stamp on the celebration and encourage guests to relax and mingle.
Meet the stars of Historic Walton House
Our five-acre estate is home to a variety of exotic and rescued animals. Wander through the gardens and you might encounter our colourful macaws and parrots, graceful flamingos and free-roaming peacocks. We also house turtles, tortoises and curious monkeys. According to our venue’s description, the wildlife encounters—ranging from macaws and flamingos to peacocks—are part of what makes the Walton House experience so special, offering unforgettable moments for you and your guests.
Working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
We believe that creating magical experiences for guests must go hand-in-hand with animal welfare. That’s why we partner with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to ensure our resident animals receive the best care. FWC often calls on us to foster animals that need homes, and we gladly provide sanctuary for these creatures until permanent arrangements can be made or we make our estate their home. This approach means that when guests interact with our animals, they are seeing healthy, well-cared-for residents in a safe environment.
Experiential ideas for your Walton House wedding
Animal meet-and-greets
Guests can enjoy supervised sessions with our animal family during cocktail hour or at specific points in the celebration. Picture feeding a friendly macaw, watching a flamingo strut near the lagoon or spotting a peacock wander through the gardens. These impromptu moments delight guests of all ages and make for great photos.
Tropical garden walks
Our estate’s pathways invite guests to explore five acres of exotic plants, ponds and water features. Guided tours can introduce them to native tropical species and point out the hidden corners of our property. It’s a relaxing way to let guests stretch their legs and savor the scenery.
Wildlife photo opportunities
Instead of a standard photo booth, set up a photography area where natural light and our animals come together. Couples and guests can pose with a macaw perched nearby or capture candid shots with a peacock in the background. It’s an easy way to create keepsake images.
Signature cocktail station
Encourage guests to create their own drinks using herbs and fruits grown on our property. A mixologist can guide them through choosing ingredients, while guests pick fresh mint or smell tropical orchids. This station transforms cocktail hour into an experience tied to the natural surroundings.
Conservation activities
Couples who care about animal welfare can involve their guests by partnering with a rescue group or highlighting ways to support wildlife conservation. An adoption or donation station can raise awareness and funds for local animal care while commemorating your wedding.
Planning interactive experiences at Walton House
Interactive weddings work best with thoughtful planning. Start by mapping out the day so activities flow smoothly: for example, a garden walk before the ceremony and animal meet-and-greets during cocktails. Talk with our team and wildlife handlers so they can advise on the best times for each activity and ensure that guests know how to interact safely with the animals. Communicate these ideas to your photographer, caterer and planner so everyone is prepared to support your plans. This coordination helps create a memorable, interactive celebration.
Make your celebration truly unique
Interactive guest experiences are more than a fad; they represent how couples want to engage with their loved ones. Historic Walton House is ideally suited for these gatherings because it combines lush gardens with resident animals, offering built-in experiences that your guests will remember. If you’re ready to design a celebration where guests mingle with flamingos and craft their own botanical cocktails, book a tour with us to start planning a wedding that brings your vision to life.
Ready to meet our macaws and flamingos? Book a tour today.