Weddings in Sarasota and Florida's Gulf Islands

GETTING MARRIED IN PARADISE

What could be better than listening to the sound of waves lapping at the shore or feeling the Florida sunshine on your face as you say I do? If you are looking for somewhere romantic to get hitched then head to Sarasota and Florida’s Gulf Islands on the west coast of the Sunshine State. From barefoot beach weddings to luxury manor houses, the area features something for even the most particular bride and groom.

How to get married in Florida
Once you have found that special person getting married in Sarasota and Florida’s Gulf Islands is easy just follow the easy steps below:

Couples need to visit the clerk of circuit in either Sarasota or Bradenton area to obtain a marriage license. These can be obtained at any of the following offices:

Sarasota County Courthouse
Marriage License Department
1991 Main Street, Suite 225
Sarasota FL 34237

South County Administration Bldg
4000 South Tamiami Trail,
Room 129a,
Venice, FL 34293.

R. B. "Chips" Shore Clerk of Circuit Court
1115 Manatee Avenue West
P.O. Box 25400 Bradenton, FL 34206

In order to obtain a marriage license couples need to be over 18 years of age and have a driver’s license, passport or valid id. If married before, you must have proof of divorce or death of spouse.

No blood test is required and the marriage certificate is valid for 60 days.

As soon as you have a marriage licence a wedding ceremony can take place. The cost of a wedding license is $93.50 payable by cash, credit card or cheque. A reduction in the fee of $32.50 will be assessed for any couple who provides a valid certificate of completion of a pre-marital course.

Alternatively if you cannot wait that long you can tie the knot immediately in the clerk’s office for a fee of $20 to $30. A clerk of the court can perform the service at the courthouse for a $20.00 fee in addition to the cost of the license. Ceremonies are performed Monday- Friday from 8:30am to 4:00pm by a deputy clerk.

Old Style Florida
For a traditional old style Florida wedding then head to Anna Maria Island the home of traditional Florida. The area has a selection of small family run motels that are licensed for wedding ceremonies many have wedding gazebos for a truly romantic way to get married.

Beach Weddings
With over 35 miles of fine, white sandy beaches, Sarasota and Florida’s Gulf Islands offer the type of wedding you can only dream about. If you want to be close to the sea but not feel the sand between your toes then why not head out to the bay with a wedding onboard a yacht is an elegant way to tie the knot.

If you are looking at ways to say I love you or renewing your vows then head to Siesta Key on Valentine’s Day. Each year hundreds of couples descend on this picturesque Siesta Key Public Beach to renew their wedding vows. The shops in Siessta Key stay open later for the Valentine’s stroll. Couples can pre register to exchange vows at www.parksonline.scgov.net. The Siesta Key Beach Pavilion is located at 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key.

Luxury weddings
It’s not all beachside and barefoot in Sarasota and Florida’s Gulf Islands. There are many venues available that can host the most luxurious of weddings. These include the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota where weddings can be held in the Grand Ballroom or the Ritz-Carlton Private Member’s Beach Club in true A list celebrity style. Alternatively try the Colony Beach and Tennis Resort which has bedrooms right on the beach and weddings can be held in a marquee next to the shore. If Longboat Key appeals then the Longboat Key Club and Resort is a private country club that can arrange a glamorous wedding in the acres of gardens.

Traditional venues
For those looking for something historical and oozing with character then head to the Powel Crosley Museum, an old manor house in Sarasota Bay. The property is often rented out for wedding ceremonies. For a traditional wedding ceremony those in the know head to the Historic Spanish Point, the venue is a 30 acre archaeological site with a small wooden chapel that offers candlelit weddings. For green fingered brides and grooms head to the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens which has nine acres of stunning grounds to hold a wedding ceremony so you can choose from the Banyan Trees or the tropical fruit trees.

Honeymoons
Sarasota and Florida’s Gulf Islands are an ideal place for a honeymoon. From romantic strolls along the powdery white sand beaches at sunset to candlelit meals or get back to nature with canoeing trips along the Manatee River or horse riding through the wooded trails there is something for the most relaxing or fun packed honeymoon you can dream of.