Anna Maria Island Information On Beach Weddings, and Venues

Anna Maria Island is know as the wedding beach capital of Florida. So, I thought it would be helpful to make a list of all the venues and their contact information for Anna Maria Island beach weddings. And to tell you a little bit about the Island and the beaches there.

The entire island is for the most part residential, there are however plenty of beach houses for rent.The water is clean and shallow for swimming. It is a quiet island and pretty much stays that way.

Anna Maria Island is a Gulf Coast island that includes the towns of Anna Maria, FL, Holmes Beach, FL, and Bradenton Beach, FL. One town runs right into the next. It is about an hour’s drive from Tampa International Airport (TPA), or about 35 minutes from Sarasota Bradenton International (SRQ).

Anna Maria Island has plenty of great beaches, including Anna Maria Beach, Bayfront Park, Palma Sola Causeway, Manatee County Public Beach, Holmes Beach, Cortez Beach, Coquina Beach, and Leffis Key.

If Anna Maria Island is your spot and you have decided to have your ceremony on the beach, click here for some information and paperwork you may need. You should call and as before filling out the paperwork just in case it is not necessary.

There is also free trolley service!
Free Island Trolley various stops
Anna Maria Island, FL 34217
941-749-7116
Free trolley available. Daily, 6 am-11 pm.
Free trolley stops every 4-5 blocks at designated benches.

Below is information that I have gathered about all the beaches on Anna Maria Island and a few photos to show off the beaches. Hopefully if you haven't picked you spot yet then this will help.

Anna Maria Beach

Anna Maria Beach has no facilities but is a great place to get a feel of what Florida was like many years ago. It's not crowded but parking can be difficult. Keep that in mind if you will have a large group attending your wedding.

Bayfront Park
This is a beach front park. It is located on the northern side of Anna Maria. You will have views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, the "City Pier", and the "Rod and Reel Pier". This park is very family friendly, there is lots of tall trees and picnic tables. It is also a very popular area for boaters.

Manatee County Public Beach

Manatee Beach, located at the end of Manatee Ave. is a large public beach with free parking, concessions, lifeguards, restrooms, picnic tables and showers. This is a favorite beach of many, so you should consider that when deciding on your wedding time. The beach will always be less crowed latter in the day. Sunset weddings are beautiful, and the weather is better too!

Holmes Beach

Holmes Beach is located in a residential area with vacation rentals all around. There are no facilities but the beach is quiet. Parking is limited on the side streets leading to the beach. This beach very “old Florida”!

Cortez Beach

Cortez Beach is off Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach just north of Coquina Beach. It has free parking, lifeguards on duty, restrooms and picnic tables. This is one of the nicest beaches on Anna Maria Island stretching for miles along the Gulf of Mexico.

Coquina Beach
This beach is located at the southern end of Anna Maria Island. There is a playground, picnic tables, restrooms, lots of FREE parking and plenty of room to have a wedding.

Here is a list of all the venues I could find for Anna Maria Island

Bradenton, FL

Rosedale Golf and Country Club click here
Mixon Fruit Farms click here
Bayside Banquet Hall click here
Mattison's Riverside click here
The Sun House click here
The Beach House click here
Palma Sola Botanical Park and Gardens click here
Tropical Isle Inn click here


Anna Maria, FL

The Sandbar Restaurant
Rated "Best Reception Site" in Florida
Knot Magazine - "Best of Weddings" 2007 issue
Click here

Holmes Beach, FL

Harrington House Beachfront Bed & Breakfast Inn click here