Florida’s Romantic Wedding Backdrop

Beach weddings are becoming more and more popular in recent years. Anna Maria Island has quickly become Florida’s #1 destination for weddings. Located at the southern mouth of Tampa Bay, this seven mile long island makes it the perfect location for a wedding of any size.

The privacy the island offers is the most sought after feature for those looking for a peaceful and romantic beach wedding. Most hotels and beach resorts are small and owner operated. This gives tourist a diverse range of styles and services to choose from. Anna Maria Island’s population of 1500 was established by George Bean being the first actual resident 1892. Today the island functions primarily as a vacation getaway.

Convertible car rentals make a great way to travel around Anna Maria Island and view all of the many possible locations for a beach wedding. Exploring the island by car or trolley is a great way to spend a day before deciding which is place is best for you. On the north end of Anna Maria Island there is a wonderful restaurant, called The Sandbar Restaurant. The Sandbar Restaurant is famous amongst visitors and locals because of their fresh seafood. Accompanied with live music by local artists to set the mood, the location offers the ideal place to enjoy dinner and watch a beautiful sunset.

The Sandbar Restaurant was recognized in 2009 by The Knot magazine (popular wedding magazine) as a coastal location for “Best of Weddings.” It is the third year the Sandbar Restaurant has received this honor.

Every one wants their wedding to be original, and Anna Maria Island ensures this through the several different beaches it offers. Coquina Beach is on the south end of the island and one of the largest beaches. This is great for those with big wedding parties. Other beaches that offer a lot of space are the Cortez Beach, which is north of Coquina Beach, stretching along the Gulf of Mexico. Bradenton Beach is also a popular wedding location. It is on the southernmost side of the island. The great views and tropical palm trees make for perfect wedding photo opportunities.

For a smaller, more personable, wedding explore Holmes Beach, which is located in the residential area. There are no facilities here, but it still makes for a peaceful wedding site. Holmes Beach offers some of the best sunsets on the entire island. It is said to be “unspoiled,” giving you a laid-back and natural feel.

Manatee Beach is the most populated beach on the island. Because of this, we wouldn’t recommend it for your wedding. However, we would recommend exploring it on a different day. Driving along the beach in a convertible rental, you are able to soak in the Florida sun, feeling the wind in your hair, while smelling the sea side aroma. This trip makes for an enjoyable, relaxing afternoon. The ample free parking along the beach is an added benefit, but get there early is you want a good spot along the shore line.

Whether you are flying-in a large wedding party, your close family members, or just driving you and your future spouse to Anna Maria Island, this island offers everything to make your wedding memorable. When planning a romantic wedding don’t forget about Florida and its beautiful beaches. Remember to reserve your car rental, van rental, or SUV rental in advance to ensure your vacation travels go as planned. Contact ABC Car Rental to reserve a rental today!