Note: Due to the mansion's historical designation, interior decorations using tape, nails, or any materials that might damage the structure are prohibited.

El Conquistador County Club

4350 El Conquistador Parkway

Bradenton

www.elconcc.com

An award-winning chef and phenomenal views of Sarasota Bay are the main attraction at El Conquistador.

Capacity: 300

Catering: Available on-site

Rental costs: $200-$800

Entertainment: Space available

Alcohol: Full bar available

Contact: Sebert Griffith, (941) 758-1466, ext. 115

Historic Spanish Point

337 N. Tamiami Trail

Osprey

www.historicspanishpoint.org

This historic site that overlooks Little Sarasota Bay was home to Sarasota pioneer Bertha Palmer and holds two Indian middens and many Florida artifacts. Popular for smaller weddings held inside a quaint re-creation of an 1880s chapel or beside a languid pool with a white trellis covered in bougainvillea.

Capacity: Sunken Gardens accommodates 150 guests; Mary's Chapel seats 40.

Catering: Only weddings are permitted at Historic Spanish Point; no catering is allowed.

Rental costs: Sunken Gardens, $500 for two hours; Mary's Chapel, $300 for two hours.

Contact: Diane Gootee, Deputy Director, (941) 966-5214

Note: Receptions are not permitted at Historic Spanish Point; however, couples may bring a cake and champagne to their ceremony for a small celebration and photography. Also, be aware that the chapel is not air-conditioned.

Hyatt Sarasota

1000 Boulevard of the Arts

Sarasota

www.sarasota.hyatt.com

After a major renovation, the Hyatt has unveiled a new ballroom with a sophisticated décor that hosts many wedding receptions. Most wedding ceremonies are held in the outdoor sunken garden near the private Hyatt marina or at the 130-foot lagoon pool and its 30-foot waterfall.

Capacity: 800 in the ballroom; 150-200 at the pool.

Catering: Available on-site

Rental costs: No space fee. Quotes are based upon food and beverage estimates.

Entertainment: Space available.

Contact: Sheila Chilkotowsky, (941) 363-2603

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

5401 Bay Shore Road

Sarasota

www.ringling.org

This state museum was created by circus impresario John Ringling to house his collection of Baroque art. Like Selby Gardens, it has various places to wed, from a spacious courtyard filled with statuary in a graceful, English-style garden to the terrace of Cà d'Zan.

Capacity: Up to 400, but the courtyard can accommodate as many as 1,000. The terrace accommodates up to 100.

Catering: Most major functions secure outside vendors.

Rental costs: Small receptions at the Banyan Café, $500 plus food. Cà d'Zan terrace, $3,500 weekdays, $7,500 weekends. Cost includes use of the first floor of the mansion from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The museum courtyard is available from 6 p.m. to midnight for $3,500 in the summer, $5,000 in season.

Entertainment: Space available. All vendors must be approved by the museum.

Alcohol: Must be supplied by outside vendor.

Contact: Anna Pohl, (941) 359-5733

Note: The museum offers a $500 rate for weddings with no reception during museum hours.

Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club

7650 Legacy Blvd.

(Located on the Sarasota/Bradenton County line)

www.lakewoodranch.com

The 42,000-square-foot clubhouse at Lakewood Ranch is a favorite for weddings and receptions due to its grand, Italian-villa style and its view of the Arnold Palmer-designed Legacy golf course.

Capacity: 250 for a sit-down dinner with dance floor

Catering: Available on-site

Rental costs: No space fee; quotes are based upon food and beverage estimates.

Entertainment: Space available

Alcohol: Full bar on-site

Contact: D.J. Bracken (941) 907-4700, ext. 244

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

811 S. Palm Ave.

Sarasota

www.selby.org

This year the gardens celebrate 25 years of hosting weddings. One of the most popular places to get married in Sarasota, it frequently hosts two and three weddings in a single day. Will provide a calendar of sunset times to help plan your wedding hour. Settings include the mansion, koi pond, gazebo, banyan trees and the new Schimmel Wedding Pavilion.

Capacity: The koi pond area seats 20; the banyans 100; the new gazebo up to 250.

Catering: Kitchen on-site. All vendors must be approved in advance. Receptions take place inside the Activities Center, where 60 feet of glass span Sarasota Bay.

Rental costs: Weekday range from $800 to $2,000; Saturday range from $1,250 to $3,250; Friday and Sunday range from $1,000 to $2,750. Prices include rental for 4 1/2 hours.

Entertainment: Space available.

Alcohol: Must be supplied by outside vendor.

Contact: Nancy Richardson, (941) 366-5731

Michael's On East

1212 East Ave. S.

Sarasota

www.bestfood.com

Known as much for its award-winning cuisine as its grand ballroom, Michael's is one of Sarasota's most popular reception spots. Guests can linger in the adjoining tropical courtyard or stroll down for martinis at the EastSide piano bar. Most of the staff has been here for years, and the service shows it.

Capacity: The ballroom seats 400 but can accommodate higher numbers for informal receptions.

Catering: Available on-site.

Rental costs: No space rental; costs are based on menu and beverage selections.

Entertainment: Space available

Alcohol: Full bar on-site

Contact: Phil Mancini, (941) 366-0007, ext. 227