If your new to the Sarasota area and are still trying to find your perfect Sarasota Wedding location to capture some spectacular wedding portraits, or an engagement sessions theres quite a few locations that are under looked. Sarasota is located close to Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, and even Palmetto.
Each area has its own special and unique feeling. One of my favorite locations in this area has to be the beaches from Anna Maria Island down to Siesta Key. Siesta Key beach is known to have some of the most beautiful sand and is rated highly in many magazines and shows.
The Sarasota area is filled with life, however it does tend to die down by 11pm. St. Armands still has life until 1am, but even then it is quite slow because of the nature of this city. Its geared towards a modern family life-style and residential feel. There are also quite a bit of retirees and "snow-birds" as they call them come down for the winter from November till about February or March so traffic can get heavier during the beach at those months.
A few things to watch out when having a Sarasota beach wedding is to make sure you book early ! People from all over the world are booking weddings in the Florida area for a destination wedding especially during those peak May, June, and July months.
Also be prepared to have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. This is why its a good idea to piggy-back with a restaurant such as the Beach House, Sandbar, a Country Club, or a place that has a piece of property on the beach and can also do the catering for you which would save you more headaches in the future.
A few other locations I like for engagement photography sessions and some are great for weddings (not in any order) include:
Having your wedding in Tampa or St. Petersburg area can be a spectacular thing. It's near the beach to give it that relaxed atmosphere, or drive in towards down town and you're in a great party section. Everything is just a few minutes away without paying all the toll fees on the road. If you're looking to getting married in the Tampa Bay area, here are some tips that might help you. I am including some events, locations, and people that might be able to help you out.
Before jumping into any Tampa wedding photography service or person, if you have enough time visit the Florida Signature Bridal Affair by PWG. This is a informative bridal type of affair that is hosted in Tampa, FL at least one a year. Sometimes it's hosted in St. Petersburg, FL which is just 10 minutes away. At this event you can check out all the different Tampa wedding photographers, wedding cake designers, caterers, dj's, and much more in just one stop. The only drawback is that not always every photographer or every cake designer goes. So don't forget to check online and ask for other referrals. They always have tons of cool freebies. I got full off of the delicious strawberries, raspberries, and cake. Sadly they don't serve champagne. The entry fee is usually just $2
Remember though, if you're having your wedding in the mid-day in the Tampa or St. Petersburg area and you're traveling between two locations such as from the ceremony to the reception area during rush hour be careful on taking the main routes as there can be traffic delays quite often. Check the maps ahead of time and find a back up route just in case because there's so many ways to go from one place to another in Tampa.
I will try to work on putting a few good Tampa receptions and ceremony areas in a little bit.
Don't forget to check out the St. Petersburg reception and Ceremony areas as well. St. Petersburg is only a few minutes away. If you don't mind driving about an hour 45 minutes to an hour south then look into Sarasota and Bradenton also because they have some amazing spots and usually are not as booked as Tampa or St. Petersburg (if you’re looking for a venue last minute).
