After photographing weddings at so many beautiful venues in Fort Myers, Naples, Tampa, St. Petersburg, and so many other locations, I’ve definitely found a few favorites. These are some of the venues I love not only for their beauty, but because they make the wedding day flow so smoothly and offer so many opportunities for beautiful, varied photographs.

The Club at Grandezza

Beautiful getting-ready spaces, lush greenery, stunning lighting, and multiple portrait locations make Grandezza one of my favorites. I also love that getting ready, the ceremony, and reception are all conveniently located together, so there’s no crazy amount of walking. And the planners are amazing at keeping everything running smoothly, with beautiful backup options when Florida weather doesn’t cooperate.

Shangri-La Springs

If you love having options, Shangri-La Springs is such a beautiful choice. There are multiple ceremony locations, including the gazebo, banyan tree, and courtyard. Everything is also conveniently located together, making the day feel easy and relaxed.

The Alderman

For couples wanting a luxury feel, The Alderman is hard to beat. The architecture is stunning, and almost every corner makes a beautiful portrait location. I also love that getting ready, the ceremony, and reception are all within the same space.

Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort

This venue does require a little more walking, but the variety makes it worth it. You get lush greenery, a beautiful covered walkway, the beach, and those dreamy Marco Island sunsets all in one place.

Sunken Gardens

Located in St. Petersburg, FL. This is a location that feels like a true garden party. If you love colorful florals, lush greenery, and beautiful bougainvillea, this venue is for you. Everything is close together, and the gardens provide so many beautiful spots for portraits. **2nd shot for @tiffanymaysonetphoto**

Choosing a Venue

When choosing your venue, think about more than just whether it’s beautiful. Think about how you want your wedding day to feel, what you’ve been saving on Pinterest, and whether the venue actually offers the things you’ve been dreaming about. Keep in mind the location you are looking for (garden, beach, greenery, country club, architecture, etc) while also staying within budget.

If you want multiple portrait locations, make sure your venue has them. If you don’t want a lot of walking, look for a venue where everything is conveniently located. And most importantly, choose somewhere that feels like you.

Your venue is more than a backdrop. It’s where your wedding story unfolds.