Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Wedding Venue- Wedding Planner’s ultimate guide
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is one of our absolute favorite Sarasota wedding venues and for good reason. Tucked along the bayfront with breathtaking views of Sarasota Bay, this botanical garden venue offers a unique blend of tropical elegance, lush gardens, and peaceful waterfront serenity. As Sarasota wedding planners, we’ve had the pleasure of designing stunning celebrations here, and every single wedding feels like it’s straight out of a fairytale.!
The Perfect Beginning Starts Here Marie Selby Botanical Gardens| Sarasota, FL
If you’ve ever dreamed of a wedding that feels romantic, timeless, and surrounded by natural beauty, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens brings that vision to life. Nestled along Sarasota Bay, this breathtaking venue blends vibrant botanical gardens with serene waterfront views. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony beneath the banyan trees or a tented reception under the stars, every detail is thoughtfully curated to create unforgettable memories.
Why Couples Love the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Sarasota
Couples are drawn to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens for its natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and unforgettable garden setting. Guests are welcomed into a lush oasis filled with tropical plants, bayfront views, and tranquil paths that create a romantic and relaxed backdrop for any celebration. From the moment you step onto the grounds, you’re surrounded by an atmosphere that makes your wedding day feel truly magical.
How have you transformed it in different ways to make it unique to each client
At Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, we take pride in bringing each couple’s unique vision to life within this iconic and naturally elegant setting. Nestled along Sarasota Bay, the gardens offer a tranquil escape where lush greenery, blooming orchids, and sweeping waterfront views create an atmosphere unlike any other. No two love stories are alike, and we embrace the opportunity to design weddings that reflect each couple’s individuality while showcasing Selby’s timeless botanical charm.
One of our most breathtaking transformations featured a romantic candlelit ambiance that began along the garden pathways and led into the ballroom, where hundreds of flickering candles bathed the space in a golden glow. The glass walls reflected the shimmering light, allowing the gentle illumination to spill into the night and dance across the surrounding gardens. Inside, elegant tables draped in soft linens and accented with cascading florals glowed beneath the candlelight, creating a setting that felt intimate, warm, and dreamlike. Guests dined and celebrated under the soft radiance, surrounded by the serene beauty of nature just beyond the windows — a seamless blend of the indoors and outdoors that captured the essence of Selby’s magic.
In another unforgettable design, we fully embraced the organic beauty of the gardens by weaving lush greenery and vibrant florals into every detail of the outdoor spaces. From cascading arrangements adorning the garden entrances to a floral arch framing the ceremony against the bayfront, every element was chosen to harmonize with the natural landscape. As the sun set and the gardens glowed under the evening light, the scene felt ethereal — a living masterpiece of color, texture, and romance.
Each celebration at Selby Gardens reflects our meticulous attention to detail and our ability to seamlessly fuse refined styling with heartfelt, personal touches. Within these lush and historic grounds, love, nature, and artistry come together to create moments that linger long after the last dance. Your wedding at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will not only tell your unique story — it will be remembered as an enchanting celebration of beauty, connection, and timeless Sarasota charm.
We recommend this venue to
Allow me to present a recommendation tailored to your discerning tastes. For a couple enchanted by both natural beauty and the quiet elegance of a garden steeped in charm, I have discovered a venue that perfectly captures the essence of your desires.
Nestled along Sarasota Bay, this breathtaking garden sanctuary resonates with the peaceful rhythm of nature, inviting you to step into a space where time slows down and romance blossoms effortlessly. Stepping onto its grounds, you’ll feel transported to a world where tropical beauty dances in the breeze, igniting a sense of wonder and connection.
As you explore the venue, the winding pathways, ancient banyan trees, and lush canopies whisper stories of love and timeless celebration. The sun-dappled courtyards, adorned with vibrant blooms and gently flowing fountains, evoke the feel of a secret garden—offering a tranquil haven for intimate moments and stolen glances.
Inside its event spaces, you’ll discover a seamless blend of natural textures and elegant details that reflect the garden’s serene atmosphere. From wooden beams wrapped in greenery to botanical-inspired décor, each design element honors the beauty of the surroundings while adding a refined touch to your celebration.
Imagine exchanging vows beneath a canopy of trees, with the bay glistening behind you and soft petals underfoot Marie Selby Botanical Gardens becomes a living canvas where your love story unfolds in harmony with nature’s grace. Let the garden’s tranquil ambiance carry you away to a place where every detail feels personal, heartfelt, and unforgettable.
Indulge in the organic beauty of Selby, embrace the romance that lives within its landscape, and allow this extraordinary venue to be the place where your love story takes center stage. I adore this venue for couples with a creative vision or those who are open to dreaming one up together.
Key Features Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Sarasota
Ceremony Options
- Scenic outdoor ceremonies with breathtaking views of Sarasota Bay, surrounded by lush gardens and tropical blooms.
- Versatile indoor event spaces for couples who prefer a classic setting, with options to bring the beauty of the gardens indoors.
Reception Spaces
- The Great Lawn & Garden Pavilion: A picturesque open-air setting surrounded by tropical greenery perfect for larger celebrations under the stars or a tented reception with botanical charm.
- Bayfront Terraces: Ideal for intimate receptions and sunset dinners overlooking the water, offering a peaceful, romantic backdrop.
On-Site Amenities
- Private getting-ready suites available nearby for a comfortable and relaxed start to your day.
- Curated catering partnerships with top local chefs to create a menu that reflects your taste and style.
- Peaceful garden surroundings perfect for pre-ceremony meditation, portraits, or a quiet moment before walking down the aisle.
Wedding Planner’s Perspective
From a planner’s point of view, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is an absolute joy to work with. The staff is warm, professional, and highly attentive to every detail, ensuring each event flows seamlessly. One of the biggest perks of this venue is its built-in connection to nature — along with thoughtful backup plans for unexpected Florida weather, giving couples peace of mind. The variety of outdoor and tented options also makes it easy to tailor the space to your vision and guest count.
Pro Tip: Schedule golden hour portraits in the gardens or by the bay — the light filtering through the trees creates one of the most romantic photo moments in Sarasota.
ANY “INSIDERS” TIPS FOR WEDDING AT Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Sarasota
- How many guests can Marie Selby Botanical Gardens accommodate?
250 guests, depending on the chosen lawn or garden space, with flexible options for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations. - Is the venue indoor or outdoor?
Primarily outdoor — couples can exchange vows and celebrate in the open air, surrounded by lush gardens and bay views. Tented options are available for weather flexibility. - What makes Marie Selby Botanical Gardens unique compared to other Sarasota venues?
Its combination of vibrant tropical landscapes, waterfront views, and serene garden ambiance creates a truly magical setting. Selby offers a naturally elegant backdrop unlike any other in Sarasota — ideal for couples who want a celebration that feels organic, romantic, and timeless.
Final Thoughts for Your Dream Day
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is the perfect venue for couples who want natural beauty, timeless romance, and a truly unforgettable atmosphere all in one place. With breathtaking bayfront views and a lush, serene setting, your wedding here will feel like a genuine celebration of love, surrounded by the peaceful elegance of nature.
