Let’s be honest, Sarasota is one of the most beautiful cities to host your wedding. With the Gulf of Mexico as your backdrop, miles of white sand beaches, and plenty of gorgeous venues to choose from, it’s no wonder why countless couples tie the knot here every year.
There are so many options when it comes to venues - from luxurious, historic waterfront mansions, to rooftop hotels, nature preserves, and of course, the beach itself - it can be tough to choose.
Here’s a list of over 20 Sarasota wedding venues to help you plan your dream day (and yes, they’re all worth checking out - I’ve left out dozens of venues that just don’t have that “wow” factor).
PS
Very close to Sarasota, you’ll find Siesta Key, Anna Maria Island, and Bradenton. If you’re looking for more venues in the area to consider, check out those separate articles for more ideas.
The Ringling Museum of Art (and the Ca d'Zan Mansion)
The Ringling Museum of Art goes by many names - usually referred to as The Ringling or The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. But this large property is also home to the Ca d’Zan Mansion, so you may hear or see that name thrown around as well.
For traditional weddings, The Ringling offers 2 main wedding locations: The Museum of Art Courtyard, and the Ca d’Zan Mansion.
The Museum of Art Courtyard is absolutely stunning. It’s large, surrounded by the pink facade of the museum, and filled with statues and greenery.
At the other end of the property is the Ca d’Zan Mansion, which sits right on the water of Sarasota Bay. The sunsets here are a dream come true. And the mansion itself is magnificent - a true architectural and historic masterpiece.
The terrace overlooks the water and makes for a gorgeous location to host your ceremony.
The Ringling also offers micro weddings for up to 25 guests, with 4 locations available. These last 2 hours, and can be anytime between 10 am and 2:30 pm.
You can learn more about weddings at The Ringling here.
The Ritz Carlton
If The Ringling is the most sought-after wedding venue Sarasota has, then the Ritz Carlton is a close second.
The Ritz Carlton in Sarasota, Florida is a luxurious and elegant wedding venue right on the waters of Sarasota Bay. You can host your ceremony on the lawn, just a couple of feet in front of the water, making for an idyllic backdrop and stunning wedding photos.
There are actually a few different places on the property where you can host your ceremony or your reception, allowing you to plan a day perfectly suited to you.
With ocean views, lush gardens, and a grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests, there is no shortage of options.
Powel Crosley Estate
The Powel Crosley Estate is another one of the most popular and beautiful wedding venues Sarasota has to offer. It’s a couple blocks away from The Ringling, and just across the street from the SRQ airport.
Powel Crosley Estate is a historic wedding venue located that also happens to sit right on the waters of Sarasota Bay. The estate's Mediterranean Revival architecture and scenic waterfront location make it a popular choice for couples seeking a classic and timeless wedding venue.
The estate offers several indoor and outdoor event spaces, including a ballroom, a courtyard, and a waterfront terrace. It’s just about as dreamy as The Ringling, but a lot more affordable. They also have options for ceremonies only, elopements, and other options.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens + Spanish Point
If you love nature and greenery and want a modern wedding venue close to the beaches and in the heart of the city, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is another incredible choice.
The Selby Gardens actually have two different locations (and different venues), but both are in Sarasota.
The Downtown Campus, is, you guessed it, right on the waters of Sarasota Bay, in the heart of downtown, where all the fun stuff is. It’s a breathtaking wedding venue that offers a unique and romantic setting for outdoor weddings, with indoor options as well.
The gardens feature a diverse collection of exotic plants, flowers, and trees, and are situated on the shores of Sarasota Bay. The giant banyan trees and live oaks make for a stunning canopy, under which you can host your reception.
Selby Gardens also has its Historic Spanish Point campus, which is 10 miles south of Downtown Sarasota. It also has bayfront views and a few different garden venues to choose from, all of which are surrounded by lush Florida foliage.
Art Ovation Sarasota Mariott
Art Ovation Sarasota Marriott is a contemporary and sophisticated venue in the heart of downtown (a block away from The Ritz Carlton).
The big draw here is the rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Sarasota. Say your vows with the city, and Sarasota Bay, in the background. There are also several indoor event spaces that can accommodate up to 300 guests.
The Westin Sarasota
The Westin Sarasota is also around the corner from The Ritz Carlton and boasts a rooftop pool and terrace, as well as elegant ballrooms.
You can choose to host your ceremony on the roof, or you can save it for cocktail hour. There are a handful of other locations to choose from for your reception, such as the Triton Ballroom which can accommodate up to 350 guests.
For small receptions of up to 140 guests, you can opt for the Coral Bay room which is filled with floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing for views of palms, Downtown Sarasota, and the Bay.
Phillipi Estate (Edson Keith Mansion)
Phillipi Estate is a historic Sarasota wedding venue nestled on 60 acres of lush gardens. Rather than sitting on the Bay, Philippi Estate sits on a river and is a stone's throw away from Siesta Key.
The wedding venue here is actually Edson Keith Mansion, a vintage, Mediterranean-style estate just in front of the river. The lawn, overlooking the water, is the perfect place for a ceremony. And the indoor reception area easily flows outdoors onto the terrace.
Mature live oak trees, dripping in Spanish moss, a private pier, and a rose garden make the outdoor spaces here lovely.
New College of Florida
New College of Florida is often overlooked, but that’s a big mistake. It’s literally next to The Ringling, meaning it has the same waterfront view. And the College Hall is actually the old home of THE Charles Ringling.
It’s historic and magnificent. The mansion, and the lawn, make for a dreamy wedding venue, especially if you love the vibe and style of The Ringling, but can’t get your desired date. This is one of the best wedding venues in Sarasota FL for those looking for classy, European-inspired architecture on the Bay.
Lido Beach Resort
There are a handful of Sarasota beach wedding venues available. Some are on Siesta Key, which I’ve written a separate post about. But this one’s a little bit closer to downtown - on Lido Key - the much smaller island just across from downtown Sarasota.
It’s also home to Lido Beach Resort, which is a tropical beachfront wedding venue. This is a luxurious venue that gives you the chance to get married on a pristine, private beach.
The Resort at Longboat Key Club
The next island over from Lido Key is Longboat Key. This island is mostly private, so it’s quiet and dreamy.
At the southern point of the island is The Resort at Longboat Key Club. They have four venue options to choose from, one of which is the sand in front of the Gulf of Mexico. If you’re looking for tropical elegance, this is the place.
Zota Beach Resort
Also on Longboat Key, but a little further north, is Zota Beach Resort, a chic and modern waterfront wedding venue. Not only can you host your ceremony on the soft white sands, but you can also have your reception in a secluded beachfront garden as well (or indoors if that’s more your style).
Bay Preserve at Osprey
Bay Preserve at Osprey is a unique and tranquil wedding venue located on the shores of Little Sarasota Bay in southern Sarasota. The venue features several outdoor event spaces, including a charming garden with a tranquil pond and a waterfront pavilion.
The Bay Preserve's natural beauty and serene atmosphere provide a perfect setting for a romantic and intimate wedding celebration. A historic estate, with a palm-covered lawn overlooking the water, makes this a charming venue outdoor wedding venue, with lots of gorgeous photo opportunities.
Van Wezel
Here’s one of the most unique wedding venues in Sarasota, for those looking for something vibrant and fun. Van Wezel is a performing arts hall, with striking purple architecture on the waterfront.
Most weddings take place on the back lawn, overlooking Sarasota Bay. A small pier over the water can house a standard-sized ceremony. And the reception can take place inside the hall, where floor-to-ceiling windows still allow your guests to enjoy the view of the sunset over the water.
Sarasota Garden Club
Sarasota Garden Club is a beautiful little green space right in the middle of the city. The lush, green foliage provides a living backdrop as you recite your vows and take a couple of photos around the grounds.
Depending on the time of year, some of the larger grasses may be in bloom, making for some stunning photos as well. It’s located in the perfect part of town, with the Sarasota Bay just across the street, and the Ritz Carlton, Sarasota Modern, and Hotel Indigo just around the corner.
Mote Aquarium
You probably never thought you could get married in an aquarium, surrounded by sea life. But, you can. Mote Aquarium on Lido Key is certainly one of the most unique Sarasota FL wedding venues available.
It has a few alternative options for your ceremony and reception. The Chickee is available as an outdoor, tiki hut pavilion near the water. The outdoor aquarium courtyard, as well as the indoor aquarium facilities, are also available for the reception so that your guests can enjoy sea critters while celebrating your big day.
Michaels On East Events and Catering
Michaels On East is a bit of everything. They have a restaurant. They are wedding caterers for other wedding venues. And they also have their own wine cellar and wedding venue on site.
The Atrium at Michaels on East is absolutely stunning. It feels like you’re outdoors, but is actually covered with a glass roof, making this venue weather-proof. They also have a luxurious grand ballroom available for larger receptions.
Laurel Oak Country Club
Laurel Oak Country Club is an elegant golf course wedding venue in the heart of Sarasota. The club features several indoor and outdoor event spaces, including a grand ballroom, a romantic courtyard, and a picturesque golf course.
There are lots of great outdoor spots for dreamy couple photos or wedding party photos. And the massive clubhouse has space for up to 400 guests.
Ranch and Farm Venues in Myakka City (Just East of Sarasota)
If you head inland about 30 minutes from Sarasota, you’ll hit Myakka City (and nearby Myakka River State Park, one of the biggest in Florida).
If you’re looking for a rustic venue, surrounded by large oaks and dripping Spanish moss, these venues are perfect.
The Venue at Diamond C Ranch
The Venue at Diamond C Ranch is a charming and rustic wedding venue located in Myakka City, just a short drive from Sarasota, Florida.
It’s a 240-acre working cattle ranch lined with mature, 100-year-old oak trees. You can host your reception outdoors under the canopy of trees, or indoors in the modern yet charming barn.
Heavenly Farms
Heavenly Farms is a beautiful and serene horse ranch. The farm's natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere provide a perfect setting for a romantic and memorable wedding celebration.
Ponds, pastures, woods, and dripping Spanish moss make this venue a natural paradise.
Wandering Oaks
There’s a lot to take in at Wandering Oaks. This rustic ranch has plenty of mature oaks and is draped with moss, as well as a large barn to host your reception. Bride and groom suites make it easy to plan the day's logistics.
And plenty of little details make this venue incredibly charming, like the wooden swing for photos, and of course, the cornhole boards.
Crooked River Ranch of Myakka
Crooked River Ranch of Myakka is a picturesque and serene ranch sitting on 50 historic acres. It sits right along the Myakka River, and even though the property is mature and well cared for, the barn is brand new.
There’s a loft upstairs that makes a good spot for the bride to get ready.
Once Your Venu Is Booked, Book Your Photographer!
Your venue is the first decision to make as a couple planning their wedding day. Number 2?
Your wedding photographer. Most book up their weekend dates 12-18 months in advance, so it’s best to reach out to a photographer as soon as you have a date and venue set.
If you’re looking for a photographer, I would love to hear from you! My husband and I are a wedding photography duo here in Sarasota, and love spending time at many of these gorgeous venues.
Head here to learn more about us, and our wedding photography, and to send us a message and see if your date is available!
