Picking a location to get married may be easier said than done. There are always the local options in your hometown, a banquet hall or a barn? But why not add some sunshine, beautiful weather, and amazing beaches to your special day? Sarasota and Bradenton are hands down the most beautiful places in Florida, and the nation!

So, let’s break it down to the top 10 reasons to get married in Sarasota and Bradenton!

 

  1. Water, Water and More Water

Picture this- you’re in your breathtaking gown with your new husband standing on the beach and the calming sound of the waves is the soundtrack to your gorgeous sunset pictures! In 2011 and 2015, Sarasota’s Siesta Key Beach was rated the #1 beach in the U.S by Dr. Beach and Trip Advisor; it was also 2nd place in 2009 and 2010. The flour like sand, crystal clear waters and hot rays of sunshine are an ideal location for any destination wedding! Bradenton is also home to some spectacular salt water shorelines. Anna Marie Island is a 7 mile stretch of beach with several specialty venues that cater to brides, grooms and their guests!

sarasotawedding15

  1. Location

Sarasota and Bradenton are located just 60 miles from Tampa International Airport. Direct flights from all major cities around the world allow for convenient travel plans for you and yours. Did I mention that Mickey and Minnie are only a jump, hop and skip away? You can get to Disney in Orlando about 2 hours! Tampa, which is about 1 hour away, is also home to several attractions such as Busch Gardens, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers! Miami and Key West are also popular locations that guests can travel to, or that you may want to Honeymoon at!

sarasotawedding5

  1. Outdoor Activities

There will never be a dull moment for you or your guests! With activities ranging from prestige golf courses, sailing and boating, canoeing and kayaking, tennis, swimming, lush nature trails and of course, shell collecting, there is something to entertain all age groups throughout the day.

st_20armands

  1. Shopping

If you are looking for specialty shops, St. Armands Circle provides high-end arts, jewelry, gifts and clothes. It’s also a fun place to people watch while eating up some delicious ice cream from the infamous Ben & Jerry’s! There is also the newer University Town Center where you can find a store that caters to just about everyone. There is a plethora of delicious eateries from the casual burgers and pizza to finer dining such as Capital Grille.

  1. Entertainment

Sarasota/Bradenton offer a long list of venues and hot spots to keep your days full. The world-renowned Ringling Museum can appeal to all ages! There is a Circus Museum and gorgeous grounds for those with a green thumb. There is also the Van Wezel Performing Arts hall that has a full calendar year round of performances from ballets to top headliners. Selby Gardens, Mote Marine, the Opera & Symphony are just a few more of the intriguing wonders that allow for the title of the “Cultural Coast of Florida!”

  1. Lodging

Due to the ideal location of being right on the coast, there is never a shortage of accommodations for you and your guests. Everything from The Ritz Carlton to the Hampton Inn, but not limited to, are available. Both Sarasota and Bradenton beaches are lined with condos, villas, hotels and houses available to traveling patrons searching for the perfect getaway. One of our favorite resorts to do weddings at is the Longboat Key Club. It has a pristine location right on the shoreline, gorgeous views, superb staff, and several options for ceremony and reception locations.

web_5day_small

  1. Weather

The weather here can vary between 50 degrees to 90 degrees and rarely ever falls below 38 degrees.  Planning a wedding here can be scheduled almost throughout the entire year. You are more likely to see rain daily from May through August, and a slight ‘chill’ from November to February, but aside from that our climate is superb and can provide every couple with their dream destination wedding!

  1. Sunsets

With the coast coated with miles and miles of beaches, one of the best and MUST SEE parts of any wedding, (if it’s not already the background of your wedding pictures) is the sunsets! Every single sunset differs from the next, making every night a unique experience! Watch as the sky fills with warm hues of oranges and reds or get surprised by a sky that looks like cotton candy with lots of blues and pinks.

  1. Lifestyles

You can expect to feel welcome with an entourage of all ages. Families, couples, singles, and grandparents can enjoy an atmosphere that accommodates all of your company! If someone prefers to live the life of luxury or be a beach bum, everyone can create their own traveling aura.

  1. Food

There is something accommodating for everyone’s taste buds and all assortments of eatery options. Fine dining, beachfront, Bayfront, casual, pubs- you name it, we have it! Some favorites are located in downtown Sarasota- Social Eatery, Louis Modern, Classico for a few good cocktails and delectable foods. If you are in the mood for a flip flop wearing atmosphere, O’learys on Marina Jacks and Daquiri Deck can put a fun cocktail in one hand and a basket of grouper bites in another. Bradenton has some of the best beachfront restaurants- Beach House and the Gulf Drive Tiki. The Sage Biscuit Café is home to some of the best breakfast in town and O’Bricks Pub and Martini Bar has the best service and even better cocktails!