Always dreamt of having your wedding on Anna Maria Island, and not sure where to start planning?
No need to worry, we’ve prepared this guide especially for you.
We know all too well the stress it brings to plan the perfect wedding, down to the smallest detail.
So we offer you our own list of venues, caterers and even photographers that we’ve compiled to make this journey easier for you and your partner.
And what better place to hold your ideal wedding ceremony than the majestic Anna Maria Island!
Let’s begin, shall we?
Choose your wedding venues on AMI
Your first step in planning your perfect AMI wedding is picking the venue that’s most suited for you, your partner and your guests.
Whether you’re looking to have a traditional indoor reception, or an outdoor wedding on the beaches of Anna Maria Island, we’ve got you covered.
The Sandbar Grand Pavilion
A beachfront venue that can only be described as heaven on earth, AMI’s Sandbar Grand Pavilion has had its fair share of grand weddings.
Here, you can plan the perfect wedding ceremony in the warm white sands of Anna Maria Island’s beach, and host your reception under its beautiful white canopy, which comfortably seats no less than 180 of your closest family and friends.
The staff at the Sandbar Grand Pavilion will help make your special day one to truly remember, down to the finest details.
They’ll set up the entire wedding venue for the occasion, including the aisle, a canopied arbour, the tables and chairs for both the ceremony and the reception, etc.
And if you don’t feel like going through another list of caterers after finally deciding on a venue, the Sandbar Grand Pavilion are known for offering one of the best cuisines Anna Maria Island has to offer.
If you think their wedding menu selection is mouthwatering, it’s nothing compared to its presentation – different hors d’œuvres are offered during cocktail hour to prepare guests for a wide-ranging buffet.
Obviously no party’s complete without drinks! Celebratory champagne and cocktails are served for hours into the nights.
And don’t worry if any of your wedding guests don’t consume alcohol. The bar serves some the best mocktails on Anna Maria Island.
You, your partner and your entire wedding party are bound to have a blast, experiencing one of the best wedding experiences AMI has to offer.
Plus, if you’re second guessing your wedding planner’s opinion, or not sure how to best organize your nuptials, The Sandbar Grand Pavilion also offers complementary wedding consultations.
Overall, whether you’re planning for a lavish occasion, or a simple gettogether for your family and friends, having the Sandbar Grand Pavilion as your wedding venue will leave you with some of the best memories on your special day.
The Sunset by Gulf Drive Café
Amongst Anna Maria Island’s most alluring wedding venues, we should definitely highlight The Sunset by Gulf Drive Café.
Located at the southernmost point of AMI, Gulf Drive café offers a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Mexico’s emerald waters.
A personal recommendation, if you’re looking for a wedding venue to host a sunset ceremony, The Sunset should definitely be in your top 5 places to choose from.
And their team of highly equipped professionals will help you all throughout the planning process.
With its waterfront setting, you and your guests will have first class seats to experience the mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colors that are AMI’s sunsets.
Pledge your vows to your partner in one of the most romantic Anna Maria Island venues.
And if you’re looking for a more private setting for your wedding, the Gulf Drive Café also presents you with the Sea Star Sands, their private beach with secluded tiki huts.
The Sunset Deck at the Beach House Restaurant
Where modern beach vibes meet chic and luxurious settings, the Sunset Deck at the Beach House Restaurant is an ideal option for couples looking through AMI’s wedding venues.
Located on Bradenton Beach, the Sunset Deck boasts a stunning waterfront vista, a terrace overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, and over 700 feet of pearl white sandy beach space.
Seating no less than 100 guests, and offering an unbeatable menu with mouthwatering hors d’œuvres, what sets the Sunset Deck apart from its competitors has got to be its state of the art and climate controlled dining area.
This venue also offers a suite for the bridal party to get ready for the ceremony.
And it has one of AMI’s friendliest and most welcoming staff and wedding planning experts.
With the Sunset Deck’s well qualified staff and their help, you’ll go through an almost stress free wedding planning process on AMI.
Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub
What sets the Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub aside from others is mainly its unique and distinctive ambiance.
This venue is bound to offer you unrivalled aesthetics for your wedding reception.
Immediately facing the ocean, it’ll give you and your guests an unparalleled view of the AMI’s breathtaking waters and unique marine life.
Start your happily ever after by taking your first step down the isle to the marina lawn, where your partner’s waiting for you.
Then enjoy the festivities with your guests on the Bayview Deck, with a slight refreshing ocean breeze.
And the wedding menu at this AMI venue is mostly locally sourced, so you’ll get the perfect chance to taste the wide range of seafood the island has to offer.
Anna Maria Island’s best wedding caterer
More often than not, the wedding venue that you’ve chosen will offer its menu and selection of hors d’œuvres for you and your guests.
But sometimes, couples might choose to forgo that option and hire a separate wedding caterer.
That’s specifically why we’ve added our personal pick of caterer for any Anna Maria Island wedding.
Traveling Gourmet
Chef Molly O’Connor is the lead chef at AMI’s Traveling Gourmet.
She began her career in the kitchen at an early age, working at the renowned Mountain View Grand Resort in New Hampshire’s fine dining kitchen.
She’s also a recipient of a B.S. in Culinary Arts Management from the famed Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York.
She’s built her experience working in several upscale restaurants across the nation, including Eli’s on Block Island, RI, Latitudes on Sunset Key in Key West, FL, and she’s currently working as a personal caterer on Anna Maria Island.
So if you’re looking for someone to make the best fresh dishes for your wedding reception, don’t hesitate and book an appointment with Chef Molly.
Anna Maria Island’s best wedding photographers
You’ll definitely want your special day documented in the very best way possible.
That’s exactly why we’ve compiled you a list of our very best pics of wedding photographers throughout Anna Maria Island.
Sandhill Photography
Based in Bradenton, Florida, and servicing the Anna Maria Island, Sarasota, Tampa and St. Pete areas, Sandhill Photography‘s lead photographer Emma-Rose is highly skilled and qualified in her domain.
She’s gathered quite the experience through her years in the business, and has an incredible eye for capturing the best and most candid photos.
And they’re not just limited to wedding photography.
You can also book a session with them for engagement photos, maternity photos and family photos.
Chi Photography
Paul Nguyen, the owner and lead photographer at Chi Photography, has been in the game since 2005.
He’s covered more than 1000 weddings since then, and has garnered nothing but stellar reviews.
Along with his wife and a team of highly skilled photographers, he’s hands down one of the best photographers Anna Maria Island has to offer.
Everence Photography
Married at 21, parents at 22, and business owners at 23, Jordan and Jessica are a husband and wife team who specialize in AMI weddings and romantic photography session.
Jessica is often described as sweet and professional, and Jordan is outgoing and a huge sports fan. They perfectly balance each other out.
Everence Photography are extremely passionate about creating and crafting the absolute best images for their clients, that look like they came straight out of a magazine.
With this guide that we’ve compiled, we hope that we’ve made the whole wedding planning process a bit easier for you.
And if you’re not originally from AMI, and you’re worried about booking accommodations while planning your wedding there, don’t worry.
Tstays offers the best houses for you, your partner and families, with extreme proximity to Anna Maria Island.
