Wedding Guide to Sarasota County: Venues, Beaches & Vendors

Ever imagine getting married on white-sand beaches against a backdrop of crystal-blue waters? How about nuptials in tropical botanical gardens or gliding across the glistening Gulf aboard a sailboat? Whether you plan to get hitched with your toes in the sand, renew your vows inside an elegant, historic mansion or celebrate an engagement with Florida sea life inside an aquarium, Sarasota is a magically romantic destination to say "I do."

Explore stunning spaces, trusted caterers and event resources below.

Wedding Venues

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens & Historic Spanish Point

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens & Historic Spanish Point campuses will entrance you and your guests with a lush, landscaped waterfront setting, historical charm and scents of blooming botanicals. Combined, Selby's two campuses in Downtown Sarasota and Osprey offer 45 acres of bayfront sanctuaries, native flora and wildlife and regional history. The Garden is divided into two rental sections, which include ceremony, cocktail hour and reception areas with bayside views. Walking down the aisle surrounded by colorful orchids and bromeliads is truly a botany lover's dream come true. 

For catering, Michael's on East Catering is Selby Gardens' exclusive culinary partner. Michael's on East operates the cuisine out of both campuses' cafes and caters all special events and private functions on the Gardens' grounds, as well as the waterfront ballroom Michael's on the Bay. 

The Ringling

One of the most sought-after and identifiable landmarks of Sarasota remains The Ringling Museum, with its 66-acre estate of circus magnates John and Mable Ringling. The grounds include a magnificent Courtyard surrounded by mythological statues, along with the nearby Ca' dZan mansion. Designed in the Venetian Gothic style, this dazzling palatial structure along the bayfront perfectly captures the splendor and romance of Italy that the Ringlings so loved. In addition, Ringling's Bayfront Gardens is as awe-inspiring as any work of art, courting couples in a majestic greenscape of florals and statues for engagement or wedding day photos. 

The Ringling exclusively uses Culinary Creations by Metz for catering and bar service at its private events. While the museum has a list of other approved vendors for other event needs, including rental items and decor, their in-house caterer provides alcohol services and is a trusted, required vendor for events held at the venue. 

Mote SEA

Mote Science Education Aquarium (SEA) (coming 2025) offers an unforgettable aquatic setting for tying the knot. Imagine saying “I do” surrounded by vibrant marine life in one of Mote SEA’s distinctive settings—whether hosting your ceremony under a vast 400,000-gallon marine exhibit in the majestic Exploration Hall, celebrating with sunset views on the elegant Quarterdeck terrace or dancing the night away amid immersive displays in the Aquarium Galleries. Each space brings a blend of breathtaking scenery and refined ambiance to create an unforgettable Sarasota wedding experience. 

Cross another to-do off your list by going with Mote's exclusive catering partner, Deep Blue Hospitality. Enjoy a thoughtfully curated, sustainably sourced catering menu to elevate every moment of your cocktail hour and reception with seafood-forward creativity and seamless service.

The Bay Preserve

The Bay Preserve at Osprey is a private waterfront oasis, community park and preserve in Osprey. Dotted with mangrove islands, Florida oaks and wildlife make it a true hidden gem. Within the preserve sits a historic 1931 estate that can be reserved for weddings and events. The property includes a performance pavilion, boathouse, dock, observation deck, Great Lawn and private terrace, offering a serene Old Florida atmosphere surrounded by conservation land.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall brings the drama with its iconic purple building, newly renovated Roskamp Auditorium and picturesque bayfront scenery for events large and small. Its opulent Grand Foyer seats 35-350 and opens on the Terrace and Bayfront Lawn, which can accommodate an additional 1,500. Some of the biggest musicians, artists and comedians have performed on the stage of this renowned theater, and duos becoming one can feel the star-studded ambiance of the Van Wezel. 

The Ora

Located just 10 minutes from downtown Sarasota, The Ora offers an expansive 10,000-square-foot ballroom that accommodates up to 1,000 guests—ideal for large weddings. The venue also features smaller spaces for more intimate gatherings along with an elegant outdoor plaza terrace centered around a striking water feature. Note that The Ora does not allow outside food or beverage vendors.

Beach Ceremonies

Couple sealing it with a kiss on Lido Beach

Sarasota County’s six barrier islands each offer a distinct backdrop for weddings and vow renewals – and killer Gulf Coast sunsets over the horizon. Siesta Key's beaches are famous for the super soft, crystal-quartz sand and award-winning beauty. 

On Lido Key, the white sands of Lido Beach sits adjacent to the famous St. Armands Circle for shopping and dining, and offers gorgeous venues and accommodations like the Lido Beach Resort and Cirque St. Armands Beachside. 

Further north, the quiet coastal stretch of Longboat Key combines luxury amenities at private beachfront properties like The Resort at Longboat Key Club and St. Regis Longboat Key Resort with a quiet kind of natural scenery. 

The Resort at Longboat Key Club

In south Sarasota County, public beaches like Venice, Nokomis and Casey Key, Englewood and Manasota provide an intimate setting with fewer crowds, less built-up shoreline and a laid-back, relaxed feel.

Florida Gulf Beach Weddings helps couples plan ceremonies on these shores for groups of 2–100 guests, coordinating everything from officiants, photography and décor. 

Permits through Sarasota County Parks & Recreation are strongly recommended for beachside weddings. This ensures the space you want for your special day. Call 941-861-5000 to book.

Catering Services

Mattison's Catering Company tablescape

Catering can be provided by the venue's resident caterer or another caterer of your choice. Should you want to go with a local catering option, there are plenty of established Sarasota catering services, including Grillsmith, Tableseide Catering, Mattison’s Catering Company, Morton’s Gourmet Market and Gecko’s Hospitality Group.

Accommodations & Transportation

Lido Beach Resort, Lido Key

Depending on the size of your wedding party and number of guests, Sarasota County has accommodation options for your destination wedding. From beachfront luxury resorts and artsy boutique properties to group-friendly hotels right in the heart of our downtown, there are plenty of places to check in, drop your bags, get ready and go celebrate!

For a fun trolley experience (in both air-conditioned and nostolgic open-air styles) with a licensed chauffeur, check out Siesta Trolley & Transportation to get you and your guests to special occasion locations surrounding the wedding, such as a welcome party, rehearsal dinner, after-party or day-after brunch! 

Siesta Trolley dropping off guests, Bird Key Park

For transportation to and from Sarasota Bradenton Intl Airport, or wherever you need within the Sarasota area during your big day or big weekend, Gulf Coast Destinations, Transportation & DMC offers convenient ground services with options such as trolleys, motor coaches, limos and specialty cars, like Rolls Royce. Blue Ribbon Transportation provides luxury sedan, SUV, limo and party bus services as well should you need a driver and ride for your wedding party.

Event Rentals & Wedding Resources

Event rental needs can be met by Stella Rose Events which offers lounge furniture, dance floors, lighting, drapes and more for formal celebrations. For floral design, Tiger Lily Flowers is an award-winning studio specializing in high-end arrangements and displays.

In addition to venues, Sarasota County offers a wide range of trusted vendors to help complete your wedding vision. Suncoast Wedding & Event Leaders and Complete Weddings + Events provide local planning expertise and full-service coordination.

Couples can also reach out to Visit Sarasota County directly for planning assistance including help finding venues and vendors, securing hotel room blocks for guests and sharing visitor information to make the entire celebration seamless. 

Learn more about our services here or submit an RFP to connect with the team.