Captiva Beach Weddings
Captiva Weddings
Your Captiva Island Beach Wedding
Imagine standing at the edge of the Gulf as the sky turns from blue to gold to pink, the sound of gentle waves mixing with your vows, shells scattered at your feet like nature's confetti. On Captiva Island, this isn't a fantasy wedding Pinterest board—it's just another sunset.
Captiva Island is where couples come when they want their wedding to feel like an escape—a place so beautiful and unhurried that the outside world simply fades away.
This slender barrier island on Florida's Gulf Coast is only five miles long, with no traffic lights, no strip malls, and a speed limit that tops out at 25 mph. The sunsets paint the sky in impossible shades of coral and violet, and bottlenose dolphins regularly make appearances just offshore.
"We wanted our wedding to feel like we'd escaped to our own private island. Captiva delivered exactly that. A dolphin literally surfaced during our vows—our photographer caught it. You can't plan that, but somehow it felt like the island knew."
— Amanda & Chris, February 2025
Why Captiva Island
An Island That Time Forgot
Captiva has intentionally resisted development. The result is a wedding destination that feels genuinely exclusive—not because of velvet ropes or price tags, but because the island itself is a sanctuary. Your guests won't just attend your wedding; they'll feel like they've been let in on a secret.
Wildlife Encounters
The waters around Captiva teem with life. Dolphins swim close to shore, manatees drift through the warm shallows of the back bay, and if you time your wedding during the right months, you might spot sea turtles nesting. These unscripted moments become part of your wedding story. Browse our Captiva gallery to see what we mean.
What Makes Us Different Here
We Know Captiva's Hidden Spots
The island's most photographed beaches aren't always the best for weddings. We'll guide you to locations that offer the right combination of scenery, and practical logistics. Whether you want the dramatic shells of Turner Beach, or the classic Gulf views from Captiva Beach, we'll match your vision to the perfect setting.
Seamless Island Logistics
Captiva is accessed via a single road through Sanibel Island, and accommodations book up quickly—especially during peak season. We provide our list of amazing lodging options, from the historic South Seas Island Resort to charming vacation rentals, and coordinate timing so everyone arrives relaxed and ready to celebrate. We handle the permits, the setup, the timing and the ceremony with photography – and you handle saying "I do."
The Guest Experience
A Captiva wedding is a mini-vacation for everyone invited.
Island Activities
Rent bikes and cruise the flat, shaded paths that wind through the island
Take a boat tour to nearby Cayo Costa State Park, an uninhabited barrier island with pristine beaches
Kayak through mangrove tunnels teeming with herons, egrets, and roseate spoonbills
Book a fishing charter for a pre-wedding bonding experience
Dining Worth the Trip
The Green Flash: A perfect restaurant with private room just minutes from Captiva beach.
The Bubble Room: A quirky, nostalgia-filled experience with towering desserts
Fresh Gulf seafood at RC Otter's or Keylime Bistro
Practical Details
Starting Investment: Captiva beach wedding packages start at $999 for our Intimate Affair package. For the full island experience with photography, videography, and décor, most couples invest $1,500-$2,500. See all packages.
Getting There: Fly into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers, about 45 minutes from Captiva. Tampa and Sarasota airports are also options, each roughly 2-2.5 hours away.
Ceremony Timing: Sunset ceremonies are quintessential Captiva, and on Sanibel Island the sun sets over the trees with a romantic glow with pictures of the nautical lighthouse and crystal blue waters as your backdrop.
Guest Count: Captiva's intimate beaches are ideal for smaller gatherings—typically under 50 guests.
Ready To Start Planning?
What Happens Next
Here's how easy we make this: Request our free brochure, and we'll follow up to learn about your vision. Most brides like to also give us a quick call to get acquainted and go over our packages to answer your questions. It’s so easy to get started right from our website and begin planning your special day!
Exploring other options? Neighboring Sanibel Island offers a similar island atmosphere with more beach variety, while Fort Myers Beach provides a livelier scene with more lodging and dinner reception options to celebrate with family and friends.
Call us directly: (800) 846-5683
Captiva Beach Weddings Are Beautiful For Exceptional Photos
Captiva beach weddings are always popular. Everyone loves a destination wedding and your family and friends will love to attend the moment you say the words “I Do” in sunny Captiva, Florida. The sun, sand, and island breezes will be a gorgeous backdrop to your special you’re your guests will love the kicked back Island vibe that makes up Captiva. They will be talking about and sharing wonderful memories from your Captiva beach wedding for years to come. They may even decide to return themselves for a family vacation. It is simply that beautiful.
We Offer You Peace of Mind
Your Captive beach wedding should be enjoyable and stress-free. Be a guest at your wedding and let us take care of the rest. We make sure our Captiva beach weddings are beautiful and to your taste. Whether you want to get married right on the beach or somewhere more traditional, we listen to want you want, what kind of budget you have, and we make it happen.
There are so many options for many different budgets. We are professionals who are proud of our weddings in Captiva, FL, and since we are local, we are familiar with the businesses and venues. We also know what to do in almost any situation whether it be rain, wind, or plans that don’t work out. This is our business and our number one concern is your happiness on your special day.
Remember – It’s Your Day!
If you love the beach and have always dreamed of an island wedding than a Captiva Island, beach wedding will be perfect for you. No detail is too small and we love to plan all beach weddings large and small. Don’t hesitate to give us a call to find out your options today. We are easy to reach and would love to find out what you envision your special day to look like. Beach weddings in Captiva are some of our favorites to plan. Give us a call today! 800-846-5683
Florida destination weddings made simple and affordable
Fun Facts about Captiva Beach
Origin Story
The name “Captiva” is believed to have originated from the Spanish word “captiva,” meaning “captured.” It is thought to refer to the island’s history of being a hideout for pirates and privateers during the 18th century.
Famous Sunset Views
Captiva Island is known for its stunning sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. Many visitors gather on the beach in the evenings to enjoy the breathtaking views as the sun sets on the horizon.
Secluded Beaches
Captiva Island’s beaches are known for their seclusion and serene beauty, offering a quiet retreat compared to more crowded tourist spots. The fine, soft sand and gentle waves create an ideal setting for relaxing and sunbathing.
Calusa Natives
Captiva Island was originally inhabited by the Calusas, a Native American tribe known for their advanced fishing and hunting skills. The Calusa thrived in the area for thousands of years, utilizing the abundant natural resources of the surrounding waters and land.
Bioluminescence Tours
On certain summer nights, visitors can experience bioluminescence on the water’s surface during guided night kayak tours, a magical natural phenomenon where the water glows with light due to the presence of microorganisms.
Dolphin Sightings
Captiva Beach is a great spot for dolphin watching. The waters around the island are home to a healthy population of bottlenose dolphins, which can often be seen playing or hunting near the shore.
