The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota is the crown jewel of the Sarasota luxury hotel market — a sophisticated full-service property steps from Sarasota Bay and the city's world-class arts institutions, with a partnership Beach Club on Lido Key providing direct Gulf beach access. The hotel's elegant ballrooms, outdoor ceremony terrace with bay and marina views, Beach Club access for oceanside ceremonies, and the legendary Ritz-Carlton service standard create the finest wedding experience available in the Sarasota-Bradenton market. Sarasota's thriving arts scene, exceptional dining, natural coastal beauty, and genuine cultural sophistication provide a destination wedding backdrop that rewards guests who take the time to explore.
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, 4.5 miles away.
Amenities & Inclusions
Catering
In-house Ritz-Carlton catering
Bar / Alcohol
Full bar; sommelier service
Music Curfew
12:00 AM
Rental Hours
6 hrs included
Vendors
Preferred vendor list; outside vendors by approval
Rain Backup Plan
Multiple indoor ballrooms
Hurricane Season Note
June–November; bayfront with Beach Club access; comprehensive Ritz-Carlton storm protocols
Verify Before You Book
Confirm current minimum event spend and Beach Club ceremony logistics
Rob Craven
Lead Photographer
Sunset Direction
West-facing Sarasota Bay and Lido Key Beach Club Gulf sunset
Shade Coverage
Indoor ballrooms and covered terrace
Best Shots & Hidden Gems
Sarasota Bay marina views from terrace, Lido Key Beach Club Gulf ceremonies, grand ballroom chandeliers, downtown Sarasota arts district, golden Gulf sunset from Beach Club
1111 Ritz-Carlton Dr
Sarasota, FL
Parking
Valet and on-site garage
Nearest Airport
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) · 6 mi
Guest Hotels
On-site; The Francis Sarasota, Hotel Indigo Sarasota nearby
