Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a world-renowned 15-acre botanical garden on the southern shore of Sarasota Bay, globally recognized for its living collection of epiphytic orchids, bromeliads, and air plants. The gardens' bayside lawn, shaded by enormous banyan trees draped in Spanish moss, is one of the most breathtaking ceremony settings in Southwest Florida, with the open waters of Sarasota Bay visible through the canopy. The historic Selby House and bayfront terrace accommodate intimate receptions, while the main gardens provide an extraordinary photographic canvas throughout. Evening exclusive-use events allow private access to the illuminated garden paths, water features, and the orchid conservatory.
Best seasons to marry here
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
| Month | Sunset | Ceremony | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5:57 PM | 3:57 PM | 2.8″ |
| February | 6:21 PM | 4:21 PM | 1.9″ |
| March | 7:38 PM | 5:38 PM | 2.9″ |
| April | 7:54 PM | 5:54 PM | 2.5″ |
| May | 8:11 PM | 6:11 PM | 2.6″ |
| June | 8:26 PM | 6:26 PM | 7.0″ |
| July | 8:27 PM | 6:27 PM | 7.4″ |
| August | 8:08 PM | 6:08 PM | 9.1″ |
| September | 7:35 PM | 5:35 PM | 6.0″ |
| October | 7:01 PM | 5:01 PM | 2.8″ |
| November | 5:39 PM | 3:39 PM | 1.8″ |
| December | 5:38 PM | 3:38 PM | 2.3″ |
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 SARASOTA BRADENTON AP, 4.9 miles away.
Amenities & Inclusions
Catering
Approved caterers list
Bar / Alcohol
Licensed bartenders; approved by garden
Music Curfew
10:00 PM
Rental Hours
5 hrs included
Vendors
Approved vendor list; botanical garden regulations
Rain Backup Plan
Indoor Great Room and conservatory
Hurricane Season Note
June–November; bayfront garden; tropical plantings vulnerable to wind; confirm storm protocols
Verify Before You Book
Confirm current event space availability after recent garden expansion project
Rob Craven
Lead Photographer
Sunset Direction
West-facing Sarasota Bay terrace
Shade Coverage
Extensive tree canopy throughout gardens
Best Shots & Hidden Gems
Orchid gardens, banyan tree canopy, Sarasota Bay terrace, tropical bromeliads and air plants, bayfront sunset, lush jungle-like pathways
1534 Mound St
Sarasota, FL
Parking
On-site lot
Nearest Airport
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) · 9 mi
Guest Hotels
Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, Westin Sarasota, Hyatt Regency Sarasota
