Venues, golden-hour secrets, and insider tips from a local photographer who’s obsessed with love + light✨ Here is your Sarasota Wedding Guide.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding filled with salty Gulf breezes, [probably some sweaty kisses too] and sunsets that make you question reality… welcome to Sarasota. I’ve been photographing couples here for over a decade, and I’m still in awe of how magical this place can be. Whether you’re planning a barefoot beach ceremony, a lush garden party, or a fancier black-tie bash, this guide shares a few of my favorite venues, local tips, and photo-friendly secrets to help you plan a day that feels perfectly you.
✨ Sarasota Wedding Venues That Bring the Magic
Beaches
- Lido Beach & South Lido Nature Park – Wide open sand, EPIC sunsets, and the easiest access for guests. Perfect for couples who want that barefoot-but-elevated vibe.
- Siesta Key Beach – Famous for its powder-white sand, chill vibes and dramatic skies.
Historic + Architectural Gems
- The Ringling Museum & Ca’ d’Zan – Old-world elegance with Bayfront views and marble courtyards. Literally JAW DROPPING.
- Powel Crosley Estate – A waterfront Spanish-Mediterranean beauty with dreamy arches and views for days…
- Phillipi Estate– Timeless and Romantic estate with old Southern Charm, beautiful oak trees and a waterfront view. Golden Hour magic happens here.
Garden + Romantic Hideaways
- Marie Selby Botanical Gardens – Tropical plants, banyan trees, and orchid houses for couples who want lush, vibrant backdrops. The options for portraits are endless !
- Baker’s Ranch – One of my preferred-vendor homes! Rustic charm meets romantic greenery with a staff that treats you like family.
Luxury Hotels & Modern Vibes
- Art Ovation – A stylish, art-infused boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Sarasota, offering rooftop views, rotating gallery exhibits, and a modern backdrop for chic city-vibe weddings.
- The Westin Sarasota – Modern luxury meets sky-high views, with sleek ballrooms, a stunning rooftop terrace overlooking the bay and downtown Sarasota, and five-star service
🌅 Golden Hour & Photo Magic
Sarasota sunsets are no joke. The Gulf faces west, which means you’ll get that fire-y glow if you time things right.
- Best Light: Aim for a ceremony time that works best for portraits, first looks etc. Allow time to get back out during golden hour/sunset if need be during reception.
- Backup Plan: Florida weather loves a pop-up shower. Clear umbrellas photograph beautifully—embrace the drama if it happens. Hello Nicolas Sparks 😛
- Insider Tip: Even after the sun dips, the “blue hour” is insanely romantic. Trust me, stay for a few extra portraits. Because even if I say “last one” it probably definitely isn’t.
💡 Planning Tips From a Local
- Seasonal Sweet Spot: November through April brings cooler temps and less humidity.
- Permits & Parking: Beaches require permits and some downtown venues have limited parking—plan ahead or arrange guest shuttles.
- Vendor Love: Sarasota is full of incredible planners, florists, and bakers. Need recs? I’ve got a preferred list ready for my couples.
📸 Why Hiring a Local Sarasota Photographer Is a Game-Changer
It’s more than snapping pretty pictures. A true local knows when the Ringling’s marble steps glow with golden light, how Siesta Key’s tide pools mirror the sunset for next-level reflections, and how the Gulf sky shifts with the seasons. I’m there to guide the flow, balance the chaos, and help you simply be—to pause long enough to feel the day—while I capture images that feel alive. Moments that carry the moon, pull you in with energy, and tell your love story exactly as it was meant to be: beautifully, magically, and undeniably yours.
💌 Let’s Make It Happen
If this sarasota wedding guide has you daydreaming about your own Sarasota wedding, I’d love to hear your story.
👉 Contact me here and let’s start planning the photos that will make you feel all the feels—and relive every magical moment—for years to come.
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