Sanibel Island + Captiva Island Beach Wedding Locations
The best beaches for your Sanibel wedding.
Sanibel and Captiva Islands offer some of Florida’s most naturally beautiful beach wedding settings. Known for shell-lined shorelines, preserved landscapes, and glowing Gulf Coast sunsets, Sanibel & Captiva beach wedding locations are ideal for couples seeking a serene, romantic ceremony surrounded by nature.
Why Choose Sanibel or Captiva Island for your beach wedding?
Sanibel & Captiva Islands Florida are the perfect choice for your vacation whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a sunset wedding, family trip or a nature vacation. Sanibel is one of the unique barrier islands of the world, having an east-west orientation when most islands are north-south. Hence, the island is gifted with great sandy beaches and an abundance of shells, winning awards for being the best shelling beach and one of the best beaches in Florida.
Their islands provide for the perfect romantic getaway for your Sanibel Florida Beach wedding. Enjoy 15 miles of unspoiled beaches, 22 miles of bike paths, 50 types of fish, 230 types of birds, 250 types of shells and 0 stop lights. Indulge in the island lifestyle as you enjoy the island before and after your Captiva Beach Wedding. We have an assortment of all inclusive beach wedding packages that are perfect for the beaches of Sanibel or Captiva.
Sanibel does require a permit application to be filed to hold your ceremony on the beach however we can obtain or help you obtain your Sanibel Island beach wedding permit.
There are many private vacation rentals on the island that we have performed services at so if you choose to rent a beach house and host your private beach wedding there we can help!
****Due to beach standards, some of our packages and décor options need to be modified to comply with Sanibel permitting and beach standards.
Popular Sanibel Island + Captiva Wedding Locations
Alison Hagerup Beach
14790 Captiva Drive, Captiva Island FL
Places to stay on Sanibel/Captiva
Places to dine and host small reception dinners
DIRECTIONS: Captiva Drive all the way to the North end of the Island.
Alison Hagerup is what dreams are made of, it's the perfect backdrop for your Captiva Beach Wedding package. Most days' at dusk you will see a family of dolphins playing in the water right by the shoreline! There are no permanent restroom facilities here and parking is very limited so advise your guests to arrive early.
On your Wedding day at Alison Hager up park and proceed to the only walkway to the beach sand. Your wedding staff will meet you there to give instructions if you have coordination in your package. We will set up your wedding decorations to the left or to the right of the entrance depending on congestions and placement of beach goers when we arrive.
No permit required but reservations are needed.
Turner Beach/ Blind Pass
17140 Captiva Drive, Captiva FL
This location is good for small to medium beach weddings. Located on both the Sanibel and Captiva side of the Blind Pass Bridge, this beach is popular with shellers and fishermen. Signs warn against swimming because of the swift currents. Located on Sanibel-Captiva Rd. at Blind Pass Bridge. No restrooms on the Sanibel side. Parking on both sides of Blind Pass bridge NO restrooms on Sanibel side Restrooms and outdoor shower on Captiva side Free handicap parking – 1 space on Captiva and 1 space on Sanibel
Tarpon Bay Beach Access
Tarpon Bay Rd & West Gulf Dr, Sanibel
Platinum's favorite beach on Sanibel Island for our beach wedding packages because it offers adequate parking, facilities and a gorgeous entrance to the beach! There is a permit required to use this beach and all beaches in Sanibel Island, which we will gladly obtain for you.
On your wedding day, we will meet you at the boardwalk to stage you if you have coordination included in your beach wedding package.
Bowmans' Beach
1700 Bowmans' Beach Rd, Sanibel FL
Directions: Watch for the signs along Sanibel-Captiva Road at mile 4.8 (based on the mile markers along the road). You'll cross San-Cap and follow Bowman's Beach Road for 1/10 mile to the parking lot.
This location is good for small to large beach weddings as there is a large parking lot, restrooms and more. Parking is hourly and can be paid at machines in the parking lot. Bowman's Beach offers some of the Sanibel's best shelling, and some of the island's most remote beach space. There is a quarter mile or so walk from the parking lot to the beach, in which you'll cross a wooden bridge over freshwater.
Permit is required here and needs to be applied for atleast 30 days prior to your wedding day. If you plan to stay in Ft Myers and travel to Bowman's Beach for your ceremony be sure to give yourself 45 minutes or more for travel time.
On your wedding day guests should park and head to the beach site. Bridal party should stage on the boardwalk just before the entrance to the beach. It is about a quarter mile walk to the beach entrance.
Local Tips and Notes
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Permits may or may not be required for most organized ceremonies. Rules and fees vary by beach and jurisdiction. Modifications to florals and other decor may be required.
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Sunset ceremonies are most popular, offering cooler temperatures and less busy beaches. Not all beaches on Sanibel offer the sun setting over the horizon. Ask us which one is the best fit for your vision.
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Guest count affects location choice —
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Parking varies by beach. Parking fees apply to all San/Cap beaches.
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Weekday weddings are often easier to schedule, especially during peak season.
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Seasonal crowds matter — winter and spring are busiest; early or weekday ceremonies feel quieter.
How to choose the right Sanibel Captiva beach for your wedding:
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Guest count: Larger groups do best at beaches with parking and facilities.
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Accessibility: Some beaches offer restrooms, paved paths, and parking nearby — important for guests with mobility needs.
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Privacy level: Securing a private home rental or hotel that allows your ceremony on their beach will be most private.
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Timing: Sunset ceremonies are beautiful but busier; weekday or earlier ceremonies can offer a calmer experience. Not all San/Cap beaches offer the sun setting over the water.
Sanibel Vs Other Southwest Florida beaches
Why Couples Choose Sanibel for a Beach Wedding
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Naturally preserved coastal scenery
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Shell-lined beaches and gentle Gulf waves
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Golden sunset skies for romantic photography
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Minimal décor needed due to natural beauty
Planning Your Captiva Wedding
Depending on your vision, you may want to explore:
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Sanibel Wedding Packages – for full beach ceremonies with guests
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Captiva Beach Elopements – for intimate, simplified ceremonies
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Florida Marriage License Guide – legal requirements for Florida weddings