Key Takeaways
• These are some of the most sought after Sarasota wedding venues for beach, estate, garden, and modern celebrations
• Each venue includes practical details to help you compare options quickly
• Golden hour timing matters more in Sarasota than most couples realize
• I have photographed weddings at nearly all of these venues and know how they truly function on wedding day
If you are searching for Sarasota wedding venues, you are likely choosing the setting that will shape your entire wedding experience.
Sarasota offers Gulf-front sunsets, historic estates, tropical gardens, and modern rooftops. The challenge is not finding something beautiful. It is choosing what fits your guest count, vibe, and priorities.
Below are the venues I consistently see deliver stunning experiences and strong logistics.
Beachfront Sarasota Wedding Venues
The Resort at Longboat Key Club
Venue Details
Address: 220 Sands Point Rd, Longboat Key, FL 34228
Website: https://www.longboatkeyclub.com
Phone: 941 383 8821
Guest capacity: Up to approximately 500 depending on layout
Best For: Large guest counts, full weekend weddings, luxury coastal feel
This is one of the most established Sarasota wedding venues on the Gulf. You get private beach access, lawn ceremonies, and elegant indoor reception space.
Real insight: Wind can be strong on the shoreline. I always recommend weighted decor and mics for officiants. Sunset here is reliable, but ceremony orientation matters. Facing west is not always ideal if you want guests comfortable and not squinting.
Zota Beach Resort
Venue Details
Address: 4711 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228
Website: https://www.zotabeachresort.com
Phone: 941 383 2451
Guest capacity: Up to approximately 250
Best For: Modern beach weddings, mid-size guest lists, clean aesthetic
Zota feels sleek and contemporary. The beach access is easy, and the reception space is bright and minimal.
Planning note: This works beautifully for couples who want a resort feel without an oversized ballroom. It transitions well from ceremony to reception without needing transportation.h reception spaces.
Elegant Estate Wedding Venues in Sarasota
Philippi Estate Park
Venue Details
Address: 5500 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34231
Website: https://www.scgov.net/government/parks-recreation-and-natural-resources/parks/philippi-estate-park
Phone: 941 861 7275
Guest capacity: Approximately 250 outdoors
Best For: Romantic outdoor weddings, oak trees, Southern charm
This venue is entirely outdoors. That matters.
If you love moss-draped oaks and water views, this is stunning. But you must plan a solid weather backup strategy.
Photographer perspective: Golden hour here is unreal. The light filters through the trees in a way that feels cinematic. I always build extra sunset portrait time into timelines at this venue.
Powel Crosley Estate
Venue Details
Address: 8374 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34243
Website: https://www.powelcrosleyestate.com
Phone: 941 722 3244
Guest capacity: Up to approximately 800 outdoors
Best For: Grand architecture, waterfront views, larger celebrations
This is one of the most iconic Sarasota wedding venues.
Important planning insight: The ceremony lawn is fully exposed. Summer heat and wind can be factors. Shade planning and hydration stations matter here.
From a photo standpoint, the arches and balcony give incredible portrait variety without leaving the property.
Garden + Romantic Hideaways
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Venue Details
Address: 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Website: https://selby.org
Phone: 941 366 5731
Guest capacity: Varies by garden space, generally 150 to 200
Best For: Lush greenery, tropical vibe, garden lovers
Selby Gardens offers multiple ceremony sites and reception layouts.
Important note: They work with preferred catering partners. This is not a bring-anyone venue. Planning flexibility depends on their vendor guidelines.
Real experience: Sunset by the bay here is soft and layered. You get water views and tropical depth in the same frame.
Bakers Ranch
Venue Details
Address: 5015 Fort Hamer Rd, Parrish, FL 34219
Website: https://www.bakersranch.com
Phone: 941 531 3100
Guest capacity: Approximately 200
Best For: Rustic elegance, intimate celebrations, all-in-one layout
I am a preferred vendor here, which means I know the property intimately.
The ceremony lawn flows naturally into cocktail hour and reception. Sunset drops beautifully behind the trees. I know exactly when and where to step away for portraits without disrupting the party.
The Retreat Sarasota
Venue Details
Address: 3500 Journey Ln, Sarasota, FL 34240
Website: https://theretreatsarasota.com
Phone: 941 567 6298
Guest capacity: Approximately 150
Best For: Private feel, nature setting, smaller guest counts
This venue feels tucked away and quiet.
Preferred vendor insight: The staff runs smooth timelines. That makes a huge difference in how relaxed your day feels.
Worthington for Events
Venue Details
Address: 803 39th Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208
Website: https://worthingtonforevents.com
Phone: 941 739 3600
Guest capacity: Approximately 200
Best For: Lakefront ceremony without beach logistics
This is ideal for couples who want water views but not sand.
The indoor reception space is bright and neutral, which photographs beautifully in any lighting condition.
Unique Sarasota Wedding Venues
Mote Marine Aquarium
Venue Details
Address: 225 University Town Center Dr, Sarasota, FL 34243
Website: https://mote.org
Phone: 941 388 4441
Guest capacity: Varies by event space
Best For: Unique experience, marine backdrop, non-traditional weddings
Mote is for couples who want something unforgettable.
You can host events with aquarium backdrops and marine life displays. It is not your typical ballroom. It is immersive.
Planning note: Layout flow and guest navigation should be discussed carefully because this is not a traditional event space. But if you want memorable, this is strong.
Modern and Luxury Hotel Wedding Venues
The Sarasota Modern
Venue Details
Address: 1290 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236
Website: https://www.thesarasotamodern.com
Phone: 941 906 1290
Guest capacity: Approximately 200
Best For: Editorial aesthetic, modern couples
Poolside ceremonies and clean architectural lines make this a strong choice for stylish weddings.
The Westin Sarasota
Venue Details
Address: 100 Marina View Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
Website: https://www.marriott.com
Phone: 941 217 4777
Guest capacity: Approximately 300
Best For: Rooftop ceremonies, skyline views, luxury hotel convenience
The rooftop sunset here is dramatic and elevated. It feels different from beach venues. More city, less sand.
Honorable Mentions
If you are expanding your search, also consider:
• The Ringling
• Bay Preserve at Osprey
• Sarasota Yacht Club
• Lido Beach public ceremonies
These are strong options depending on guest count and formality level.
Golden Hour Tips for Sarasota Wedding Venues
Sarasota faces west. That means sunset is everything.
I always build timelines around it. Even ten minutes during reception can change your entire gallery.
After sunset, blue hour gives you soft, romantic sky tones. Do not skip it.
Florida weather shifts fast. Have a rain plan that still feels intentional.
Final Thoughts on Sarasota Wedding Venues
There is no single best Sarasota wedding venue. There is only the one that fits your priorities.
Beach luxury. Garden romance. Historic elegance. Modern skyline.
If you are narrowing down venues and want to understand how they will truly photograph and flow on wedding day, I would love to guide you.
Angela Moon Photography specializes in Sarasota weddings with bold, emotional storytelling rooted in real light and real moments.
When you are ready, reach out.
💌 Let’s Make It Happen
If exploring these Sarasota wedding venues has you picturing your own sunset, your own people, your own moment — I would love to hear your story.
If you’re still searching for a Sarasota wedding photographer who knows these venues inside and out, I’d love to show you how I document weddings here.
When you’re ready, reach out and let’s start planning the photos that will make you feel everything.
