Wedding Venue

The Collier Inn Useppa Island

Bokeelia, FL

The Collier Inn on Useppa Island is one of the most exclusive and genuinely remote wedding venues in all of Florida — a historic inn on a private island in Charlotte Harbor, accessible only by private boat or ferry, where a 1912 estate inn, pink-sand beaches, ancient Calusa Native American mounds, and the quiet of true island isolation create an entirely unique wedding setting. Originally developed by Barron Collier as a retreat for Northern industrialists, Useppa preserves a near-mythical version of old Southwest Florida — lush, unhurried, and completely removed from the modern world. For intimate celebrations of 100 or fewer guests who want maximum remoteness and old Florida magic, it is without equal in the state.

Best seasons to marry here

October–April

Plan your day here

When are you getting married?

Pick a day and I'll work out the light for it — sunset here, when golden hour opens, and the ceremony time that puts you inside it.

Planning your timeline

MonthSunsetCeremonyRain
January5:57 PM3:57 PM2.4″
February6:20 PM4:20 PM1.8″
March7:37 PM5:37 PM2.1″
April7:52 PM5:52 PM2.4″
May8:08 PM6:08 PM3.5″
June8:23 PM6:23 PM9.7″
July8:24 PM6:24 PM9.4″
August8:06 PM6:06 PM10.4″
September7:33 PM5:33 PM9.0″
October7:00 PM5:00 PM3.1″
November5:38 PM3:38 PM1.8″
December5:38 PM3:38 PM1.9″

Sunset times are calculated for this venue's coordinates, shown in EDT for the 15th of each month in 2026. Golden hour is the 60 minutes before sunset. The ceremony start is my rule of thumb — about 2 hours before sunset, so a short ceremony and family photos still leave the two of you in golden light. Adjust it to your own timeline. Average temperatures and rainfall are NOAA 1991–2020 normals from FT MYERS PAGE FLD AP, 20.7 miles away.

Amenities & Inclusions

✓ Bridal Suite✓ Tables & Chairs✓ Ceremony + Reception✓ ADA Accessible✓ A/C Available✓ Kid Friendly✓ Setup Day Before
Planning Details
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Catering

In-house island catering

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Bar / Alcohol

Full bar service

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Music Curfew

10:00 PM

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Rental Hours

8 hrs included

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Vendors

Approved vendors only; island access logistics apply

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Rain Backup Plan

Historic Collier Inn indoor spaces

Hurricane Season Note

June–November; private island in active storm zone; require comprehensive cancellation policy and early-season or late-season scheduling

Verify Before You Book

Coordinate ferry logistics, caterer access, and guest transportation carefully; limited to 100 guests maximum

Photographer's Perspective
Rob Craven

Rob Craven

Lead Photographer

Sunset Direction

West-facing Charlotte Harbor; extraordinary private island sunset

Shade Coverage

Inn covered areas and mature tropical trees

Best Shots & Hidden Gems

Pink-sand beach ceremonies, Charlotte Harbor turquoise water, 1912 historic inn facade, ancient Calusa mounds, private island solitude, no other structures visible from ceremony sites

Location

Useppa Island

Bokeelia, FL

Parking

N/A — island access by private boat or ferry only

Nearest Airport

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) · 30 mi

Guest Hotels

On-island inn accommodations only; Charlotte Harbor area hotels on mainland

Open in Google Maps →

Common questions

What time does the sun set at The Collier Inn Useppa Island?

Sunset at The Collier Inn Useppa Island moves by about 3 hours across the year. November is the earliest sunset at 5:38 PM local time, and July the latest at 8:24 PM. Golden hour starts roughly an hour before — 7:24 PM in July. Every month is listed on this page.

What time should our ceremony start at The Collier Inn Useppa Island?

Start about 2 hours before sunset and your vows finish as golden hour begins, which is when the portraits afterwards look their best. At The Collier Inn Useppa Island that means around 6:24 PM in July and 3:38 PM in November. Pick your date on this page and I will work out the exact times for it.

When is the best time of year to get married at The Collier Inn Useppa Island?

The best of the year at The Collier Inn Useppa Island is October–April.

Does hurricane season affect weddings at The Collier Inn Useppa Island?

June–November; private island in active storm zone; require comprehensive cancellation policy and early-season or late-season scheduling

How many guests does The Collier Inn Useppa Island hold?

Around 100 guests. Ceremony and reception both happen on site. That figure is my research rather than the venue's own, so confirm it with them before you count on it.

What happens if it rains at The Collier Inn Useppa Island?

Historic Collier Inn indoor spaces

Is there a music curfew at The Collier Inn Useppa Island?

Music has to be done by 10:00 PM.

What is the nearest airport to The Collier Inn Useppa Island?

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), about 30 miles away. Guest hotels nearby: On-island inn accommodations only; Charlotte Harbor area hotels on mainland

Have you photographed a wedding at The Collier Inn Useppa Island?

Not yet. I have worked out this venue's light and its rules in detail, which is what this page is — but no wedding here has been photographed for the map, so yours would be the first.

How much does wedding photography at The Collier Inn Useppa Island cost?

My collections run $2,500 to $6,500, covering 4, 8 and 10+ hours of the day, and sales tax is not included. The full investment guide has what each one includes.

Photography

Getting married at The Collier Inn Useppa Island?

I photograph weddings across Naples & Southwest Florida and I'm available for dates at this venue.

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