The Best Retreat Wedding Venues in Sarasota, FL

The Best Retreat Wedding Venues in Sarasota, FL

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1 Wedding Venues in Sarasota, FL

Lodges, retreats
Quick responder
Grace River Island 

5.0

  • Up to 100 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $9,000
  • Offer

Grace River Island Resort is a stunning private tropical island sunset wedding venue that can host up to 80 guests (up to 90 with children) and a large house that sleeps 20 and is located in the middle of the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, Florida. Most people check in on Thursday or Friday and check out on Sunday or Monday, making it a relaxing wedding weekend. The island is accessible by a land bridge, creating a sense of serenity while still being close to the city. This luxurious resort is well-suited to host sunset weddings ceremonies, rehearsal dinners, destination weddings, and couples hoping to escape for their honeymoon. The owners Mike and Karen Peterson hope that their island serves as a relaxing space for such a magical occasion. It is place that you and your guests will remember forever!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides event staff
  • Flexible event spaces
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • No venue-provided food services
  • Does not allow pets
  • Dance floor not included
Awarded Best of Zola
Had one of the greatest times of our lives staying at the Grace River Island Resort for our November Wedding! We booked for November 22nd - 25th and from the moment we arrive we were in awe of how breath taking the location was, just like the first time we saw it a year prior. Mike, Karen, and Skye were very attentive to our questions and needs, and everything was ready for us upon our arrival. All the amenities they provided were clean and fresh, ready for us to use, shout out to the cleaning crew! There was plenty of room for our wedding party of 20, and we spent four amazing days making wonderful memories with our family and friends. The sunsets here were truly magical, as we would often gather at the dock to take in the view and spend most of the nights cozy around the firepit. On the day of the wedding, their team helped set up tables, worked alongside the vendors, and were extremely professional throughout the day. I'll be forever grateful that Skye came out with a tray of food for me and my husband, thanks to her we could actually taste all of our catering menu while we were in the process of taking photos and videos! The hospitality that was shown to us by the Grace River Island team was impeccable and they truly made our stay there one we shall never forget. Thank you so much Grace River Island!!! - With Love Gabriella & Gelson
Gabriella, a year ago

Location flexible? Discover venues near Sarasota, FL

About wedding venues in Sarasota, FL

Sarasota blends Gulf Coast beauty with historic charm to create unforgettable wedding settings. You'll find Mediterranean-inspired ceremonies at The Ringling Museum's courtyard while Lido Beach Resort offers celebrations on the largest private beach stretch in the area. March is when most couples start their wedding planning journey in Sarasota; no surprise given those perfect spring temperatures you'll enjoy.

How Much Does a Sarasota Wedding Typically Cost?

Sarasota weddings run between $33,041 and $45,359 for 100-150 guests, putting you right in the sweet spot for Florida celebrations. Planning something smaller? You can create a beautiful 50-guest wedding for around $19,940. Going bigger with 300 guests might reach $78,394.

Venue costs in Sarasota average $7,313 compared to the national range of $6,500-$12,000. Most local venues fall between $6,600-$8,000 which means you're getting solid value for your Florida wedding investment.

What Makes Waterfront Wedding Venues in Sarasota Special?

Waterfront venues transform your ceremony with stunning Gulf and bay views that'll wow your guests. Marina Jack gives you a second-floor space for 170 guests with downtown waterfront panoramas that create perfect photo backdrops. The Retreat Sarasota sits on 84 acres of conservation land where you'll experience natural beauty alongside modern amenities while the venue maintains its ecological commitment.

Which Historic Venues Showcase Sarasota's Cultural Heritage?

Powel Crosley Estate features Mediterranean architecture against a bayfront setting where you'll marvel at ornate ceilings and vintage tile work. The John and Mable Ringling Museum surrounds you with Italian-inspired courtyards Renaissance art collections and historic gardens that double as ceremony settings and natural photography locations your photographer will thank you for.

What Types of Garden Settings Are Available in Sarasota?

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens offers ceremony sites surrounded by native Florida plants and waterfront views partnering with Michael's on East for exceptional catering your guests will remember. Both venues blend natural elements with climate-controlled indoor reception options so you don't have to worry about Florida's unpredictable weather during your celebration.

What Should I Budget for Other Wedding Services in Sarasota?

For a 150-guest wedding your budget breakdown looks like this:

ServiceCost% of Total Wedding Costs
Hair & Makeup$4891%
Bands and DJs$1,3893%
Venue$7,31316%
Catering$5,85013%
Bar Services$4,68010%
Photography$3,8398%
Florists$5,85013%
Cakes/Desserts$8152%
Videography$3,8038%
Planners$3,5108%

How Can Sarasota Venues Accommodate Remote Participation?

The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota offers top-notch technology integration so your virtual guests feel like they're right there with you. Art Ovation Sarasota provides high-speed internet that's essential for quality livestreaming your distant loved ones will appreciate. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature makes interactive remote experiences possible with modern facilities that support virtual attendees who can't make the journey.

Which Sarasota Venues Offer Outstanding Culinary Experiences?

Michael's on East partners with venues like Marie Selby Botanical Gardens creating signature dishes including grouper chicken piccata and beef tenderloin your guests will rave about. The Ritz-Carlton crafts custom wedding menus featuring Gulf Coast seafood and locally-sourced produce alongside specialized cake designs from their in-house pastry team. Both emphasize Florida culinary traditions and you'll enjoy personalized menu consultations that help bring your food vision to life.

Sarasota blends Gulf Coast beauty with historic charm to create unforgettable wedding settings. You'll find Mediterranean-inspired ceremonies at The Ringling Museum's courtyard while Lido Beach Resort offers celebrations on the largest private beach stretch in the area. March is when most couples start their wedding planning journey in Sarasota; no surprise given those perfect spring temperatures you'll enjoy.

How Much Does a Sarasota Wedding Typically Cost?

Sarasota weddings run between $33,041 and $45,359 for 100-150 guests, putting you right in the sweet spot for Florida celebrations. Planning something smaller? You can create a beautiful 50-guest wedding for around $19,940. Going bigger with 300 guests might reach $78,394.

Venue costs in Sarasota average $7,313 compared to the national range of $6,500-$12,000. Most local venues fall between $6,600-$8,000 which means you're getting solid value for your Florida wedding investment.

What Makes Waterfront Wedding Venues in Sarasota Special?

Waterfront venues transform your ceremony with stunning Gulf and bay views that'll wow your guests. Marina Jack gives you a second-floor space for 170 guests with downtown waterfront panoramas that create perfect photo backdrops. The Retreat Sarasota sits on 84 acres of conservation land where you'll experience natural beauty alongside modern amenities while the venue maintains its ecological commitment.

Which Historic Venues Showcase Sarasota's Cultural Heritage?

Powel Crosley Estate features Mediterranean architecture against a bayfront setting where you'll marvel at ornate ceilings and vintage tile work. The John and Mable Ringling Museum surrounds you with Italian-inspired courtyards Renaissance art collections and historic gardens that double as ceremony settings and natural photography locations your photographer will thank you for.

What Types of Garden Settings Are Available in Sarasota?

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens offers ceremony sites surrounded by native Florida plants and waterfront views partnering with Michael's on East for exceptional catering your guests will remember. Both venues blend natural elements with climate-controlled indoor reception options so you don't have to worry about Florida's unpredictable weather during your celebration.

What Should I Budget for Other Wedding Services in Sarasota?

For a 150-guest wedding your budget breakdown looks like this:

ServiceCost% of Total Wedding Costs
Hair & Makeup$4891%
Bands and DJs$1,3893%
Venue$7,31316%
Catering$5,85013%
Bar Services$4,68010%
Photography$3,8398%
Florists$5,85013%
Cakes/Desserts$8152%
Videography$3,8038%
Planners$3,5108%

How Can Sarasota Venues Accommodate Remote Participation?

The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota offers top-notch technology integration so your virtual guests feel like they're right there with you. Art Ovation Sarasota provides high-speed internet that's essential for quality livestreaming your distant loved ones will appreciate. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature makes interactive remote experiences possible with modern facilities that support virtual attendees who can't make the journey.

Which Sarasota Venues Offer Outstanding Culinary Experiences?

Michael's on East partners with venues like Marie Selby Botanical Gardens creating signature dishes including grouper chicken piccata and beef tenderloin your guests will rave about. The Ritz-Carlton crafts custom wedding menus featuring Gulf Coast seafood and locally-sourced produce alongside specialized cake designs from their in-house pastry team. Both emphasize Florida culinary traditions and you'll enjoy personalized menu consultations that help bring your food vision to life.

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