Built in 1929 as a winter retreat for Cincinnati radio pioneer Powel Crosley Jr., the Powel Crosley Estate sits on a breathtaking stretch of Sarasota Bay with sweeping water views and the kind of old-Florida grandeur rarely found intact today. The Mediterranean Revival manor house, manicured waterfront gardens, and boat dock create a spectacular canvas for wedding celebrations of every scale. Ceremonies on the bayside lawn with Sarasota's cityscape shimmering across the water make for some of the most stunning wedding photography in all of Southwest Florida. For couples seeking estate elegance on the water at a premium rather than luxury price point, the Crosley Estate is exceptional value.
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 | 5:38 PM | 3:38 PM | 1.8″ |
| December | 5:37 PM | 3:37 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, 2.2 miles away.
Amenities & Inclusions
Catering
BYO catering — outside caterers welcome
Bar / Alcohol
Permitted with licensed bartender
Music Curfew
11:00 PM
Vendors
Very flexible — BYO most vendors
Rain Backup Plan
Indoor manor house spaces available
Hurricane Season Note
June–November; bayfront location; indoor manor provides shelter
Verify Before You Book
Verify current rental rates, capacity, and inquiry process
Rob Craven
Lead Photographer
Sunset Direction
West-facing Sarasota Bay — beautiful sunset over the water and city
Shade Coverage
Good — mature trees and manor overhang
Best Shots & Hidden Gems
Sarasota Bay waterfront, Mediterranean Revival manor, manicured bayside gardens, historic boat dock, cityscape backdrop across the water
8445 Crosley Dr
Sarasota, FL
Parking
On-site parking lot; ample for events
Nearest Airport
Sarasota Bradenton International (SRQ) · 8 mi
Guest Hotels
Sarasota Marriott at City Centre, Hyatt Regency Sarasota, Hotel Indigo Sarasota
