The Edison & Ford Winter Estates are one of Florida's most storied and historically significant landmarks — the adjoining winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford on a sweeping river estate along the Caloosahatchee in Fort Myers. The Edison property features a grand main lawn ceremony area beneath towering banyan trees that Edison himself planted, the historic laboratory, a botanical garden of Edison's experimental plants, and a river-view setting that roots every wedding in American history. Couples who celebrate here get more than a beautiful backdrop — they get a ceremony set amid the living legacy of two of the most transformative figures in American history.
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 | 5:56 PM | 3:56 PM | 2.4″ |
| February | 6:19 PM | 4:19 PM | 1.8″ |
| March | 7:35 PM | 5:35 PM | 2.1″ |
| April | 7:50 PM | 5:50 PM | 2.4″ |
| May | 8:07 PM | 6:07 PM | 3.5″ |
| June | 8:22 PM | 6:22 PM | 9.7″ |
| July | 8:22 PM | 6:22 PM | 9.4″ |
| August | 8:04 PM | 6:04 PM | 10.4″ |
| September | 7:32 PM | 5:32 PM | 9.0″ |
| October | 6:59 PM | 4:59 PM | 3.1″ |
| November | 5:37 PM | 3:37 PM | 1.8″ |
| December | 5:37 PM | 3:37 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, 3.8 miles away.
Amenities & Inclusions
Catering
Approved caterers list
Bar / Alcohol
Licensed bartenders required
Music Curfew
10:00 PM
Rental Hours
5 hrs included
Vendors
Approved vendor list; museum regulations apply
Rain Backup Plan
Limited indoor museum spaces; tent rental recommended
Hurricane Season Note
June–November; outdoor venue with historic structures; confirm storm protocols with museum
Verify Before You Book
Non-profit museum — confirm rental process, approved vendor list, and current pricing
Rob Craven
Lead Photographer
Sunset Direction
West-facing over Caloosahatchee River
Shade Coverage
Extensive banyan tree canopy on main lawn
Best Shots & Hidden Gems
Edison's giant banyan trees, historic laboratory building, botanical garden, Caloosahatchee River views, Edison and Ford cottage facades, evening museum grounds
2350 McGregor Blvd
Fort Myers, FL
Parking
On-site lot
Nearest Airport
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) · 17 mi
Guest Hotels
Luminary Hotel, Marriott Fort Myers Waterside, Hilton Garden Inn Fort Myers
