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
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 | 2.4″ |
| February | 6:20 PM | 4:20 PM | 1.8″ |
| March | 7:37 PM | 5:37 PM | 2.1″ |
| April | 7:52 PM | 5:52 PM | 2.4″ |
| May | 8:08 PM | 6:08 PM | 3.5″ |
| June | 8:23 PM | 6:23 PM | 9.7″ |
| July | 8:24 PM | 6:24 PM | 9.4″ |
| August | 8:06 PM | 6:06 PM | 10.4″ |
| September | 7:33 PM | 5:33 PM | 9.0″ |
| October | 7:00 PM | 5:00 PM | 3.1″ |
| November | 5:38 PM | 3:38 PM | 1.8″ |
| December | 5:38 PM | 3:38 PM | 1.9″ |
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
Catering
In-house island catering
Bar / Alcohol
Full bar service
Music Curfew
10:00 PM
Rental Hours
8 hrs included
Vendors
Approved vendors only; island access logistics apply
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
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
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