The Journal · Southwest Florida

The Best Southwest Florida Wedding Venues

Sanibel beach resorts, Fort Myers riverfront estates, and Gulf-front clubs from Fort Myers to Naples

From a toes-in-the-sand ceremony on Sanibel Island to a 1908 estate on the Caloosahatchee River to a Gulf-front country club in Naples, Southwest Florida is built for weddings by the water.

Fort Myers, Sanibel, and Naples make up one of Florida's most beautiful stretches of coastline — white-sand beaches, historic island resorts, and lush tropical settings all within easy reach. Here are some of our favorite Southwest Florida wedding venues, plus a note on how to capture the day in a way that feels as warm and nostalgic as the celebration itself.

Fort Myers · Bayfront ResortSanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa

A full-service resort with panoramic bay views, Sanibel Harbour offers multiple ceremony sites — beachfront, gazebo, or lawn — plus on-site suites, a spa, and a private marina. Ideal for couples who want the whole weekend under one roof.

Sanibel Island · BeachCasa Ybel Resort

Set on the secluded, shell-strewn beaches of Sanibel, Casa Ybel ranges from swaying coconut palms on the sand to a grand old-island manor house — a classic barefoot-elegant island wedding with historic charm.

Sanibel Island · Gulf-FrontSundial Beach Resort & Spa

Right on the shores of Sanibel, Sundial lets couples exchange vows with their toes in the sand or on a scenic lawn framed by panoramic Gulf views. A relaxed, resort-style beach wedding with room for the whole party to stay.

Fort Myers · Historic RiverfrontThe Heitman House

A waterfront venue on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River in downtown Fort Myers, the Heitman House was built in 1908 as an engagement gift — a romantic, historic backdrop for an intimate riverside celebration.

Gasparilla Island · Historic ResortThe Gasparilla Inn & Club

A full-service resort on Gasparilla Island offering old-world ambiance since 1913, the Gasparilla Inn is a timeless choice for couples who want a grand, classic Florida wedding steeped in island history.

Sanibel Island · Golf & TennisThe Dunes Golf & Tennis Club

A tropical Sanibel venue with lush fairway and water views, The Dunes pairs an island-club setting with the amenities of a full-service club — a polished option for a golf-course or garden-style ceremony.

Naples · Country ClubVineyards Country Club

A stunning Naples club with manicured grounds and elegant reception spaces, Vineyards is a refined choice for couples who want a country-club celebration in one of Florida's most sought-after wedding cities.

Capturing your Southwest Florida wedding

However beautiful the beach, the moments you'll rewatch most are the candid ones — the laughs while getting ready, the toasts, the dance floor after dark. That's exactly what Forever Tapes captures: we hand your guests vintage-style camcorders to film the day, then edit the footage into a warm, nostalgic home-video film — the guest's-eye companion to your photographer, starting at $749 (a fraction of a traditional videographer).

For a closer look at the coast, read our full guide to Fort Myers & Sanibel wedding venues. Learn what a guest-filmed wedding video is, or see our Fort Myers wedding video page.

Getting married in Southwest Florida?

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