Editors Tip: If you Are planning on visiting all of the hotels to choose which one is right for your event, start with the
Captiva Island hotels and then visit the Sanibel hotels. We have listed all of the hotels in order of location, so while on
Sanibel start with Casa Ybel and end with Sanibel Harbour back on the mainland. This will make for an easier trip
with no waisted time back tracking.
Captiva Island hotels and then visit the Sanibel hotels. We have listed all of the hotels in order of location, so while on
Sanibel start with Casa Ybel and end with Sanibel Harbour back on the mainland. This will make for an easier trip
with no waisted time back tracking.
The Dunes This country club offers beautiful ceremonies on their golf course followed by amazing food served in their
restaurant or under their poolside pavilion. Some simple lighting and candles and the pavilion easily transforms into a unique
tropical venue that even Martha Stewart would love.
Ceremony:
on the golf course: Traditional golf course setting
Reception
Pavilion: This permanent structure has the same feel as a Tent without the hassle. This is truly Sanibel's hidden gem.
Restaurant: Great food and impeccable service in a steak house that closes for private parties and weddings.
The low down:
*Expect personal service from this low volume property
Editors Tip:
Consider an event on the beach, and provide a trolley to bring all of the guests to the Dunes for your reception.
Sundial Beach Resort This busy family resort is a great spot for bride who wants to have that Sanibel beach wedding on a
less extravagant budget than some of its neighboring properties require. The sister property of South Seas Resort, you'll find
the same attentive staff but in a less exotic atmosphere.
The rooms at the Sundial are all individually owned and decorated condos. There is a very wide range of styles in these rooms,
however most have been renovated in the last few years. The hotel boasts a large amount of pools, but you'll find all of the
action around the main pool at the center of the hotel. There they have a nice bar area, activities for children and occasionally
live music.
Ceremony:
Beach: Same great beach, just a bit busier than the other island locations
Lawn: Fairly private lawn location. Close to the water, but landscaping blocks the actual beach view.
Walkway to beach: Big palm trees frame this setting, but it is very close to the pool area. You may be passing a few kids in
swimsuits while you come down the isle.
Reception:
Banquet rooms: the hotel has several traditional banquet rooms
Restaurant: Unique room just off the hotel lobby. Great views of the beach from this beautiful room, but If you are planning for
an evening event, don't let the view sell you. It'll be dark when your group moves inside.
The low down: *Get a rental car and head out to South Seas for a day, when you stay at Sundial you can use the amenities at South Seas as
well.
Editors Tip:
Late February - mid April as well as holiday weeks, the beach will be crawling with beach-goers, maybe consider the lawn area
during this time of year.
less extravagant budget than some of its neighboring properties require. The sister property of South Seas Resort, you'll find
the same attentive staff but in a less exotic atmosphere.
The rooms at the Sundial are all individually owned and decorated condos. There is a very wide range of styles in these rooms,
however most have been renovated in the last few years. The hotel boasts a large amount of pools, but you'll find all of the
action around the main pool at the center of the hotel. There they have a nice bar area, activities for children and occasionally
live music.
Ceremony:
Beach: Same great beach, just a bit busier than the other island locations
Lawn: Fairly private lawn location. Close to the water, but landscaping blocks the actual beach view.
Walkway to beach: Big palm trees frame this setting, but it is very close to the pool area. You may be passing a few kids in
swimsuits while you come down the isle.
Reception:
Banquet rooms: the hotel has several traditional banquet rooms
Restaurant: Unique room just off the hotel lobby. Great views of the beach from this beautiful room, but If you are planning for
an evening event, don't let the view sell you. It'll be dark when your group moves inside.
The low down: *Get a rental car and head out to South Seas for a day, when you stay at Sundial you can use the amenities at South Seas as
well.
Editors Tip:
Late February - mid April as well as holiday weeks, the beach will be crawling with beach-goers, maybe consider the lawn area
during this time of year.
Casa Ybel This historic property will make you feel like you stepped back in time to a charming old Florida estate. Sprawling
lawns with big old palm trees and quaint gazebos make for a very romantic setting. At the center of the property is the Thistle
Lodge, a fine dining resteraunt featuring an award winning menu and live piano music. Small sections of the restaurant are
closed off for private parties. It also has a second level that is used exclusively for weddings and events.
Ceremony:
on the far lawn (119): huge coconut palms frame this beautiful island setting
on the lawn at the Thistle Lodge: equally nice lawn location, more convenient to the thistle lodge but closer to the hotel pool
and little less private
on the beach nice beach location. There is a boardwalk leading out to the beach. It makes a really nice isle way to they
ceremony.
Reception
Thistle lodge: Old Florida with some modern touches. The upstairs room does become crowded when filled to capacity. Be
sure not to go over their suggested guest limit (approximately 75 people). It can be very tight. Great view of the beach from
here, but keep in mind If you are planning a sunset event, it will be dark when your group is moving inside and the view will be
very limited.
Tent: Casa Ybel has the Tent wedding down. Located just steps from the beach and the main lodge, this is a beautiful spot for
a Tent. Be sure and plan early enough, they have very strict noise ordinances and all outdoor events must end at 10pm.
The low down:
*10pm music must end outside *There have been some issues with their staff coordinators in the past, but current wedding
coordinators get great reviews from brides.
Editors Tip: avoid the lawn ceremony during dry months when grass isn't as lush. Also, if you plan for the Tent, consider an
after hours party in the lodge so that your party can continue past 10pm.
lawns with big old palm trees and quaint gazebos make for a very romantic setting. At the center of the property is the Thistle
Lodge, a fine dining resteraunt featuring an award winning menu and live piano music. Small sections of the restaurant are
closed off for private parties. It also has a second level that is used exclusively for weddings and events.
Ceremony:
on the far lawn (119): huge coconut palms frame this beautiful island setting
on the lawn at the Thistle Lodge: equally nice lawn location, more convenient to the thistle lodge but closer to the hotel pool
and little less private
on the beach nice beach location. There is a boardwalk leading out to the beach. It makes a really nice isle way to they
ceremony.
Reception
Thistle lodge: Old Florida with some modern touches. The upstairs room does become crowded when filled to capacity. Be
sure not to go over their suggested guest limit (approximately 75 people). It can be very tight. Great view of the beach from
here, but keep in mind If you are planning a sunset event, it will be dark when your group is moving inside and the view will be
very limited.
Tent: Casa Ybel has the Tent wedding down. Located just steps from the beach and the main lodge, this is a beautiful spot for
a Tent. Be sure and plan early enough, they have very strict noise ordinances and all outdoor events must end at 10pm.
The low down:
*10pm music must end outside *There have been some issues with their staff coordinators in the past, but current wedding
coordinators get great reviews from brides.
Editors Tip: avoid the lawn ceremony during dry months when grass isn't as lush. Also, if you plan for the Tent, consider an
after hours party in the lodge so that your party can continue past 10pm.
Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa This elegant resort is covered with beautifully manicured landscaping and modern
Florida decor. Upscale restaurants and one of the nicest spas in southwest Florida are just a few of the amenities that this full
service resort has to offer. When it comes to weddings, Sanibel Harbour doesn't miss a detail. A beautiful location and great
service make this resort worthy of even the most posh event.
Sanibel Harbour has a little less of the unique charm that some of the smaller properties have, but If you are looking for
traditional resort amenities and you aren't willing to leave a single detail up to chance this is the place for you.
Ceremony:
Beach: the most private beach location. It is actually a man-made beach, enclosed by tropical landscaping, making it nearly
impossible for beach-goers to wander into your event. It is looking out on to the Harbour and off to the islands in the far
distance, not the actual gulf. The direction it faces does offer for a great view of the sunset as it goes down beyond the islands.
Pool Deck: Tropical pool setting with the beach and marina just beyond the pool. Nice for more formal outdoor ceremonies.
This is not the hotels main pool area, so there are typically no other hotel guests in the area.
Reception
Island Room: One of the most amazing rooms in Southwest Florida. The almost panoramic views of the water and the sunset
are beautiful. If you plan for after dark, you're guests will still enjoy the patio that surrounds the room and overlooks the
beautifully lite pool areas. The high ceiling and chandeliers create an elegant ambiance.
Banquet rooms: The hotel also offers a range of beautiful banquet rooms. Several have amazing views and outdoor patios
that overlook the water.
The low down:
The resort has created a list of the areas most reputable vendors. They ask all couples to chose exclusively from that list.
Outside photographers, florists, music, etc. are discouraged.
Florida decor. Upscale restaurants and one of the nicest spas in southwest Florida are just a few of the amenities that this full
service resort has to offer. When it comes to weddings, Sanibel Harbour doesn't miss a detail. A beautiful location and great
service make this resort worthy of even the most posh event.
Sanibel Harbour has a little less of the unique charm that some of the smaller properties have, but If you are looking for
traditional resort amenities and you aren't willing to leave a single detail up to chance this is the place for you.
Ceremony:
Beach: the most private beach location. It is actually a man-made beach, enclosed by tropical landscaping, making it nearly
impossible for beach-goers to wander into your event. It is looking out on to the Harbour and off to the islands in the far
distance, not the actual gulf. The direction it faces does offer for a great view of the sunset as it goes down beyond the islands.
Pool Deck: Tropical pool setting with the beach and marina just beyond the pool. Nice for more formal outdoor ceremonies.
This is not the hotels main pool area, so there are typically no other hotel guests in the area.
Reception
Island Room: One of the most amazing rooms in Southwest Florida. The almost panoramic views of the water and the sunset
are beautiful. If you plan for after dark, you're guests will still enjoy the patio that surrounds the room and overlooks the
beautifully lite pool areas. The high ceiling and chandeliers create an elegant ambiance.
Banquet rooms: The hotel also offers a range of beautiful banquet rooms. Several have amazing views and outdoor patios
that overlook the water.
The low down:
The resort has created a list of the areas most reputable vendors. They ask all couples to chose exclusively from that list.
Outside photographers, florists, music, etc. are discouraged.
There are several great spots on Sanibel Island for weddings. Each location has it's own individual style. We've listed some of the highlights of
the most popular spots.
the most popular spots.
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| All Images provided by Impressions Photography. Visit the Impressions Photography website at www.Impress-Photo.com |
| VCB - There are several smaller properties on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, as well as many great wedding venues that are located close to the islands in Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Springs and Naples. The Lee County Visitors Bureau offers great information on their website about these other locations. |
