Planning a Sarasota wedding? Great choice! It’s one of the most beautiful places along the Gulf Coast. Stunning beaches, elegant venues, and a whole lot more…this place has it all! As a Sarasota wedding photographer, we’ve truly seen just how beautiful a wedding here can be. And we would love to share it all with you!
If this is your chosen city for your big day, let’s dig into what makes it so special, and where you can truly take in all of its beauty. Read below to see the top-recommended Sarasota wedding venue options.
Sarasota Wedding Venue Options That Will Take Your Breath Away
All-Inclusive Resort Venues
Looking for the ultimate convenience and luxury for your Sarasota wedding? These venues offer both ceremony and reception spaces along with accommodations for you and your guests. And they are beautiful!
The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota:
The epitome of elegance, this downtown luxury hotel provides sophisticated spaces with impeccable service. Plus, guests can also book and room here for proximity to your venue.
Longboat Key Club:
A beautiful option that offers excellent value while maintaining the island’s sophisticated atmosphere.
The Ritz-Carlton Beach Club:
Located on pristine Lido Key, this beachfront venue offers the perfect blend of coastal charm and refined luxury.
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort:
The views speak for themselves. And the world-class amenities don’t hurt either!
Stand-Alone Wedding Venues
Dreaming of a multi-venue wedding day? These wedding and/or reception venues in Sarasota are the perfect places to exchange your vows or celebrate late into the night!
Ca d’Zan
Connected to the Ringling, but available to be rented seperately, is the dreamy Ca d’Zan!
The Ringling Museum:
A beacon of art and culture. This iconic museum has no shortage of stunning photo opportunities. Your guests will be blown away.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens:
Exotic plants and flowers bring paradise to you. The bayfront setting is simply magical for photos.
Bay Preserve at Osprey:
A waterfront venue that showcases Florida’s natural beauty with panoramic bay views.
Powel Crosley Estate:
This historic mansion offers old-world glamour with sweeping views of Sarasota Bay.
Bay Preserve at Osprey:
Where Your Guests Should Stay in Sarasota
In addition to the all-inclusive options mentioned above, if you’re looking for external accommodations for your guests, these are the best places to stay!
- The Westin Sarasota: Modern comfort conveniently located in downtown Sarasota. Not to mention, excellent amenities.
- Art Ovation Hotel: A boutique hotel that celebrates local art and culture. If your guests enjoy unique, one-of-a-kind experiences, this is the place to be.
- Aloft Sarasota: Stylish, modern, and a bit more budget-friendly.
- Longboat Key Club: If you plan on hosting your wedding in the Longboat Key area, this option provides you with a convenient location and resort-style amenities.
Rehearsal Dinner Venues in Sarasota to Consider
A great rehearsal dinner venue is a must, especially if you’re hosting a wedding weekend where you want to mix it up.. Here are the locations we recommend to couples and their guests:
- The Ritz-Carlton Beach Club: Beachfront elegance everywhere you look. It’s the perfect place to set the tone for your wedding weekend.
- Michael’s Wine Cellar: For couples looking for a more intimate space. Plus, wine lovers will adore this one!
- The Westin Sarasota: Convenient if your guests are staying here, with several dining options to choose from.
- Sage Restaurant: Exceptional cuisine and warm hospitality. What more could you ask for?
- Art Ovation Hotel: Bring the artistic energy of the hotel to your rehearsal dinner. A great place to dine under a unique backdrop.
- Marina Jack: Waterfront dining with beautiful sunset views over Sarasota Bay.
- Rose & Ivy: A charming local favorite that offers intimate dining experiences.
Creative Guest Experiences for Your Sarasota Wedding
Aside from choosing the right accommodations, venue, and rehearsal dinner/welcome party/brunch spot, you might also consider booking a few experiences, too! Sarasota is a beautiful place with lots to offer. Whatever you and your guests want to explore, there’s something for everyone. Of course, some of these attractions also double as wedding venues, as we mentioned above.
- The Ringling Museum: Explore world-class art collections and the stunning Ca’ d’Zan mansion.!
- St. Armands Circle: Shop, dine, and stroll through Sarasota’s most charming shopping district.
- Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: Explore the beautiful foliage Florida has to offer next to bayfront views.
- Downtown Sarasota: Experience the city’s vibrant cultural scene, from theaters to galleries to fantastic restaurants.
- Beach Time: No Sarasota visit is complete without beach time! Siesta Key Beach consistently ranks as America’s #1 beach, famous for its incredibly soft, white sand. Lido Beach is also a great option, and can be accessed directly from downtown.
Planning Your Perfect Sarasota Wedding
Your Sarasota wedding is waiting for you! Whether you’re dreaming of a beachfront ceremony at sunset, an elegant ballroom reception, or an intimate garden party, this city has no shortage of places to take your breath away.
But even with ALL this fantastic information, you may want to enlist some assistance pulling all the pieces together- especially wedding weekends!
We strongly recommend hiring a Sarasota Wedding Planner!
Some of our favorite wedding planners in the Sarasota, FL area to get in touch with when you’re ready to get planning include:
Nicole Kaney and team do a fantastic job! With 20 years of experience in the events and wedding industry. Nicole’s mission is to direct every detail of a wedding with creative flair and unparalleled service.
Brittany and her team of leading ladies hope to always create an event that feels uniquely you; Moments that are personal, intentional, and meaningful.
Maria is known for producing upscale weddings, and over-the-top social events. She utilizes her extensive background in theatrical production to deliver one-of-a-kind events, that leave a lasting impression.
Jennifer Matteo Event Planning
With over a decade of experience, Jennifer and her team believes that every wedding or special event is a unique experience for both their clients, and the guests in attendance. They stive to make your wedding day stand apart from the rest.
Laura and her team love seeing the vision come together and the whole planning process come to life. They truly have a passion for designing and creating unforgettable experiences for their clients from the beginning to the end!
With her background in Interior Design, Fashion Design, and Graphic Design, Christina bring a passion for design and all things beautiful to create the most swanky events. Creativity is their passion and flawless events are their specialty.
And when you’re looking for a photographer to capture it all?
As an experienced Sarasota wedding photographer, we’d love to help capture every beautiful moment of your special day. Follow me here to learn more about how we can work together!
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