Sarasota Outdoor Wedding Overview to Help With Your Special Day

Imagine standing on a pristine white sand beach exchanging vows with a special someone. Above, the sun paints the sky with bright light or the sunset provides soft hues of rose and gold. These are just a couple of reasons why couples enjoy getting married in Sarasota. In addition, the city has also earned top honors among best food cities, top small cities and best beaches in the U.S. Ready to get started? Then check out this quick Sarasota outdoor wedding guide.

Sarasota Outdoor Wedding: Quick Tips, Suggestions

Best times

Celebrate in style with a fall or winter destination wedding. Escape the cold and head to warm and sunny Sarasota on Florida’s gorgeous Gulf Coast. July highs can average around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, so the off-season may offer cooler temperatures and lower costs. February and March temperatures reach around 75 degrees, while October hangs around 85 degrees. In the off season, nighttime temps can dip as low as 50 degrees and hover around 72 in the summer.

Expert wedding planners

Sarasota ranks as a popular spot for beach weddings due to its sunny skies and water views. And the city is ready. Find a full-service wedding event community ready to help arrange every detail. Expert wedding planners can arrange catering, flowers, transportation, food, beachfront tents, ministers and officiators to create the perfect wedding.

Before selecting a wedding planner, check with the venue and ask if they have someone on staff. This may save time and money, and simplify the planning process.

Top Sarasota outdoor wedding venues

The city also has dozens of picturesque places to hosts weddings and receptions. From simple gatherings at the beach to full-blown events, Sarasota offers it all. Couples can select from historic sites and museums, golf courses, quaint gardens and more. Top venues include:

The Garden Room Cafe at Shoogie Boogies
Hotel Indigo Sarasota
Marie-Selby Botanical Gardens
Phillippi Estate Park
Plantation Golf & Country Club (Venice)
Powel Crosley Estate
Ringling Museum of Art
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
Sarasota Garden Club
TPC Prestancia Golf Club
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Vacation rentals vs. hotels

While hotels offer a central spot for destination weddings, their prices are typically higher too. To offset wedding costs, consider booking a vacation rental for the fraction of the price. In most cases, renting a vacation home for a week costs one-third less than a hotel for a week. In addition, couples have more privacy, can easily visit loved ones and enjoy more space. And don’t forget the romantic sunsets. Imagine sitting on a beachfront balcony with a glass of wine, good company and incredible views.

Read more reasons why vacation rentals are better than hotels.

Other things to do

Sarasota also offers plenty of exciting activities to keep the wedding party and guests busy before the big day. Day spas, sports fishing, parasailing, cruises, theaters, amusements and a vibrant nightlife scene keep everyone entertained. After the wedding, Sarasota’s cozy beach communities sreve as a great spot for a romantic honeymoon.

Learn more about Sarasota and search vacation rentals.