Wedding Venue in Sarasota, FL
Your Sarasota Beach Wedding
Friday night, you're at the opera. Saturday morning, you're hunting for shells. Saturday evening, you're barefoot on sugar-white sand, saying vows as the sun melts into the Gulf. Sunday brunch is at a James Beard-nominated restaurant. This is Sarasota—where "beach town" and "cultural capital" aren't contradictions. They're just Tuesday and Wednesday.
Sarasota is where culture meets coast—a city that proves you don't have to choose between art museums and beach bars, between symphony performances and sunset ceremonies.
This Gulf Coast destination has earned its reputation as Florida's Cultural Capital, with world-class arts venues, acclaimed restaurants, and a sophistication that surprises first-time visitors. But Sarasota is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, including the famous shores of Siesta Key and the quieter stretches of Lido Beach and Longboat Key.
"We wanted culture AND beach—not one or the other. Sarasota delivered both. Rehearsal dinner overlooking the bay, ceremony at sunset on Lido, then dancing at a venue downtown. Our guests kept saying it was the best wedding weekend they'd ever experienced."
— Jennifer & Mark, February 2024

Why Sarasota
Florida's Cultural Capital
Sarasota punches well above its weight culturally. The Ringling Museum houses one of the most important art collections in the Southeast. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall brings Broadway and world-class performances to the coast. The Sarasota Opera and Sarasota Orchestra maintain seasons that rival much larger cities. Your wedding weekend can include more than just beach time. Browse our Sarasota gallery.
Award-Winning Beaches
While Siesta Key gets most of the attention (more on that on our dedicated page), the greater Sarasota area offers diverse beach options:
Lido Beach: a beautiful wedding beach with easy access to St. Armands Circle shopping and dining
Longboat Key: Upscale and serene
Turtle Beach: Quieter alternative on the south end of Siesta Key
South Lido Park: Natural setting with bay and Gulf access
The Sand Really Is Different
The beaches in this area feature quartz-crystal sand that stays cool even on hot days and squeaks when you walk on it. It's not marketing—it's geology—and it makes for an exceptionally comfortable barefoot ceremony.
What Makes Us Different Here
We Know the Whole Region
"Sarasota beach wedding" can mean many different things depending on which beach you choose. We'll help you understand the differences:
Want walkable shopping and dining? Lido Beach
Want famous sugar-white sand?Siesta Key
Want quiet exclusivity? Longboat Key
Each option has different permitting requirements, logistics, and vibes. We'll match you to the right fit.
The Guest Experience
Sarasota offers the most well-rounded wedding destination experience on Florida's Gulf Coast.
Cultural Experiences
The Ringling: Art museum, circus museum, and stunning grounds
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall: Check the schedule for your wedding dates
Florida Studio Theatre and other performing arts venues
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: Orchids, bromeliads, and waterfront beauty
Beach Activities
Kayaking and paddleboarding
Dolphin-watching cruises
Snorkeling trips to nearby reefs
Parasailing and jet ski rentals
Shopping and Dining
St. Armand’s Circle: Boutiques and restaurants in a European-style setting
Downtown Sarasota's Main Street: Growing culinary scene
Burns Court: Historic neighborhood with galleries and cafes
Fresh Gulf seafood at local favorites
Day Trips
Myakka River State Park: Florida's largest state park, about 30 minutes away
The Everglades: About two hours south
Tampa: About an hour north for additional entertainment options
Practical Details
Starting Investment: Sarasota area beach wedding packages start at $999. Compare packages to find the right fit for your vision and budget.
Getting There: Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is growing rapidly with service from many U.S. cities. Tampa International Airport (TPA) is about 75 minutes away with more flight options.
Ceremony Timing: Sunset ceremonies are stunning throughout the Sarasota area. We'll time your ceremony to the exact minute based on sunset times for your date.
Guest Count: Different beaches accommodate different sizes. Siesta Key and Lido can handle larger gatherings; South Lido and Turtle Beach suit more intimate ceremonies.
Sarasota Sands: Your Dream Beach Wedding Venue Awaits
Planning the perfect wedding starts with choosing the ideal location. Sarasota, Florida, is an idyllic destination for couples dreaming of a picturesque beach wedding. At Florida Weddings, we bring stunning beach venues to Sarasota, with a variety of packages to fit any couple’s vision. Imagine exchanging vows with the gentle sound of waves lapping the shore in the background. Sarasota’s natural beach wedding venues blend elegance with beauty, ensuring your special day is unforgettable.
Sarasota Serene Shores: The Perfect Place for Your Dream Wedding
Sarasota’s beach is not only beautiful but also offers practical advantages. The convenience of nearby accommodations and amenities ensures that your guests will have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. From luxurious beachfront hotels to charming vacation rentals, Sarasota has options to suit every budget and style. A Florida beach destination wedding in Sarasota offers a unique opportunity to combine your wedding with a vacation. Guests can explore local attractions, such as the renowned Ringling Museum, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and the vibrant arts scene in downtown Sarasota. The city’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural surroundings provide abundant opportunities for entertainment and exploration.
Tailored Experience for Every Couple
Whether you’re dreaming of a grand beachfront ceremony or an intimate beachside gathering, Florida Weddings offers an array of customizable packages in Sarasota to suit your needs. Sarasota Beach, with its pristine sands and gorgeous sunset views, provides the perfect romantic backdrop. Our experienced staff is dedicated to making your day flawless, capturing breathtaking wedding photos and stunning wedding videos. Our professional photographers and videographers ensure that every special moment is beautifully preserved, allowing you to relive your magical day for years to come. Choose from our handcrafted packages designed to match your unique desires, ensuring that your wedding is as unforgettable as your love story.
Our wedding venue in Sarasota, FL caters to all types of weddings, offering flexibility and a variety of options to suit every couple’s vision. Experienced wedding planners and coordinators are available to assist with every detail, ensuring your wedding reflects your unique love story. From photography and videography to stunning decorations and expert wedding consultants, every aspect of your wedding can be tailored to your preferences. This attention to detail and commitment to excellence ensures your Sarasota wedding is truly one-of-a-kind.
Florida Weddings specializes in ceremonies and provides comprehensive support for couples. They offer a list of vetted companies to assist with all your needs, from hotels and reception venues to hair and makeup salons and top-rated restaurants. Sarasota, Florida, is an exceptional location for weddings, combining natural beauty, cultural richness, and excellent service. Whether planning a Sarasota beach wedding or a grand celebration at one of the city’s elegant beachfront locations, you can be confident your special day will be everything you’ve envisioned. Sarasota provides the perfect backdrop for a wedding that you and your guests will remember forever.
Convenience and Accessibility
One of the significant advantages of choosing Sarasota for your wedding is its accessibility. The city is conveniently located near Tampa International Airport, making it easy for out-of-town guests to travel. The airport offers numerous domestic and international flights, ensuring that your loved ones can join in your celebration without hassle. Additionally, Sarasota’s well-developed infrastructure and transportation options make it easy to navigate the area, whether you’re exploring downtown or heading to the beach.
Creating Lasting Memories
A wedding in Sarasota is more than just a ceremony; it’s an experience that you and your guests will cherish forever. The stunning scenery, excellent service, and unique charm of Sarasota beach wedding venues ensure that your special day will be everything you’ve dreamed of and more. From the moment you say “I do” to the final dance at your reception, every detail is crafted to perfection.
Unparalleled Services and Options
Choosing Sarasota for your wedding also means access to unparalleled services and options. Florida Weddings provides a comprehensive support system, ensuring that every aspect of your big day is carefully managed. From the moment you begin planning, experienced wedding coordinators are available to assist with venue selection, decoration ideas, and coordinating with vendors. This ensures that every detail is meticulously planned and executed.
The range of packages available means that there is something for every couple. Whether you desire a simple, elegant ceremony on the beach or a more elaborate celebration with all the trimmings, Sarasota’s wedding planners can make it happen. The focus on personalization and customization ensures that your wedding day reflects your unique style and preferences.
Local Attractions and Activities
Sarasota’s location also offers numerous opportunities for pre- and post-wedding activities. Guests can enjoy a variety of local attractions, from visiting the art galleries and theaters in the city’s cultural district to exploring the natural beauty of nearby state parks and beaches. The area’s culinary scene is also a highlight, with numerous fine dining restaurants, casual eateries, and fresh seafood options.
For those looking to relax, Sarasota’s beaches provide the perfect setting for a leisurely day in the sun. The warm Gulf waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. For a unique experience, consider arranging a group outing such as a fishing charter, dolphin-watching tour, or a sunset cruise.
Conclusion: A Wedding Destination Like No Other
Florida Weddings truly offers everything needed for an unforgettable Sarasota beach wedding. From its stunning natural scenery to its rich cultural offerings and excellent service, it is the perfect location for couples seeking a unique and memorable wedding experience. With Florida Weddings’ expertise and the wide range of customizable options available, you can be confident that your special day will be everything you’ve dreamed of and more.
Choosing Sarasota for your wedding means more than just selecting a beautiful location; it means creating a cherished experience that you and your guests will remember for a lifetime.
Ready to Start Planning?
What Happens Next
Here's how easy we make this: Request our free brochure, read over our wedding packages and view our amazing beach decorations for the perfect custom look. We'll follow up to learn about your vision. We also welcome your email or phone call to answer any questions and discuss the big day.
For the iconic sugar-white sand experience, be sure to visit our dedicated Siesta Key page. If you're considering other Gulf Coast options, Anna Maria Island offers a charming small-town alternative, while Naples provides a more upscale atmosphere.
Call us directly: (800) 846-5683
Florida destination weddings made simple and affordable
Fun Facts about Sarasota Beach
Crystal-Clear Waters
The waters off Sarasota Beach are often so clear that you can see fish swimming around your feet. This clarity, combined with the white sand, gives the beach its picturesque, postcard-perfect appearance.
Best Sunset Spot
Sarasota Beach is renowned for its stunning sunsets. Many visitors and locals gather on the beach each evening to watch the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors
Sand Sculpture Competitions
Sarasota Beach is known for hosting annual sand sculpture competitions, where artists from around the world create incredible works of art out of sand. These events attract large crowds and showcase the amazing possibilities of Siesta Key’s unique sand.
Turtle Nests Everywhere
During turtle nesting season (May to October), Sarasota Beach is dotted with marked turtle nests. Visitors are often surprised and delighted to learn that these tiny creatures share the beach with them.
Squeaky Sand
The sand on Siesta Key Beach, part of Sarasota Beach, is so fine and pure that it actually “squeaks” when you walk on it. This phenomenon is due to the unique properties of the quartz crystals.
Secret Beaches
While Siesta Key is the most famous, Sarasota Beach is also home to several “hidden” beaches, like Turtle Beach and Crescent Beach, offering quieter, more secluded spots for those in the know.






























