We Planned Your Beach Destination Wedding (So You Don't Have To!)

The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel Island Weddings – Bridal Musings 5

Photo via The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

Is there anything more scenic, romantic, and luxurious than a beach wedding? Here at Bridal Musings, we are no strangers to gushing over sunset lighting, barefoot brides, or all the magic that surrounds planning a destination wedding ceremony in the sand. After all, our very own editor planned, organized, and danced the night away at her own beach wedding bash!

So, since we’re well versed in planning from afar, we took it upon ourselves to help you get started. If you’re looking for an inclusive destination wedding without any fuss, then here is your answer: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. Located on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida, this destination is known for pristine white-sand beaches scattered with shells, scenic boardwalks, outdoor activities for you and your guests, and is an ideal destination for couples looking to get away.

It’s the perfect place if you’re looking for a lesser-traveled, under-the-radar Florida destination with miles of natural beaches with few others in sight!

For The Moment Photography – Casa Ybel Resort – We Planned Three Perfect Destination Beach Weddings Just For You – The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel Island – Bridal Musings 4

Photo by For The Moment Photography via Casa Ybel Beach Resort

From wedding ceremony to reception celebration, there’s a resort or hotel on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel that’s perfect for the type of wedding you are hosting and in your wedding budget. Choose your dream location from their extensive list of wedding venues and let their team of wedding experts handle the rest of the details.

And if planning a destination wedding feels a bit intimidating, let us assure you we’ve made it easy. We’ve chosen four different incredible venues to create the perfect beach wedding plans – with mood boards to match! Inspiration is the best way to get all the gears turning and transport yourself from planning to celebrating and relaxing.

Casa Ybel beach wedding on Sanibel Island / photo by cptphotography.com

Photo via Casa Ybel Beach Resort

Gasparilla Inn Instagram – Fort Myers and Sanibel Island Beach Weddings – Bridal Musings 3

Photo via Gasparilla Inn & Club

Gasparilla Inn Instagram – Fort Myers and Sanibel Island Beach Weddings – Bridal Musings 12

Photo via Gasparilla Inn & Club

Wedding #1: A Lavish, Floral-filled Affair

Venue: The Gasparilla Inn & Club

With sunshine soaking every room, the Gasparilla Inn & Club is a breathtaking island destination with elegant, Old Floridian vibes. Glamorous enough for an Instagram photo-op in every space, and accessible enough to relax.

Brides, grab a soft pastel bouquet of orchids and roses, don an extravagant gown, and enjoy this modern-meets-historic vibe. Line your aisle in a pastel haze of happy florals and let the centerpieces drip from the tabletop down to the manicured lawns.

We think it’s necessary you make this your own personalized upscale garden party. Hang poolside privately with all your loved ones in the days leading up to your big celebration, and enjoy the day of your wedding in this idyllic setting.

Gasparilla Inn and Club Floral Inspired Wedding – Bridal Musings – Fort Myers and Sanibel Island 2

Image Credits Row 1: Kaity Brawley, The Gasparilla Inn & Club, Sanaz Riggio. Row 2: Will Reid, Claire Pettibone, Abby Jiu Photography. Row 3: Claire Pettibone, Dear Lovers Photo, Bella Belle Shoes photographed by Daria Lorman.

Kaity Brawley – Anna Lucia Events – Gasparilla Inn – We Planned Three Perfect Destination Beach Weddings Just For You – The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel Island – Bridal Musings 7

Photo by Kaity Brawley at Gasparilla Inn & Club

Pink Shell Beach Resort – We Planned Three Perfect Destination Beach Weddings Just For You – The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel Island – Bridal Musings 6

Photo via Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina

Wedding #2: Mid-Century Modern Styling Meets Florida Tropicale

Venue: Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina

The stunning White Sands private beach at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach is all you’ll need for an unforgettable ceremony and reception under the stars. We’re imagining a vivid affair for the modern bride.

Think: a beach ceremony with an elaborate arch covered in large palm leaves, florals with vivid pinks and oranges, and an elevated “cool bride” dress in billowing silks with a “barely there” attitude.

It’s a youthful and tropical party with spunk. Jerk shrimp, crab cakes, and a festive specialty cocktail. Shoes are optional, and don’t be afraid to play with bold accessories or specialty neon signage.

This resort also includes daily activities for guests to enjoy, like dolphin tours, kayaking, and yoga classes on the beach. With their selection of wedding packages, they make it effortless to plan any size party you can dream and at any price point.

Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina Inspired Wedding – Bridal Musings – Fort Myers and Sanibel Island 2

Image Credits Row 1: Erica Melissa via Bridal Musings, The LAW Bridal via Dress Hunt, Mary Claire Roman via Bridal Musings. Row 2: Melissa Ergo Photography via Bridal Musings, Bright Bird Photography via Bridal Musings, Melissa Ergo Photography via Bridal Musings. Row 3: Etcetera Photo via Bridal Musings, Melissa Ergo Photography via Bridal Musings, Mary Claire Roman via Bridal Musings.

Island Inn Sanibel Island – We Planned Three Perfect Destination Beach Weddings Just For You – The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel Island – Bridal Musings 4

Photo via Island Inn Beach Resort

Wedding #3: Carefree Beach Party

Venue: Island Inn Beach Resort

The perfect place to make your “something blue” the warm Gulf waters is Island Inn on Sanibel Island. Let’s turn this historic beachfront resort into a romantic, no-fuss party infused with a subtle beach twist.

We’re thinking of a soft & flowy gown that makes dancing effortless, a floating veil to catch the breeze, and a beach wave hairstyle. This is the perfect time to gently embrace ocean-inspired decor, decorate your cake with notes of blue, and relax.

The beachfront hotel boasts multiple private cottages so you and your guests can have your own intimate experiences. Celebrate with a bit of Southwest Florida charm in one of the most enviable locations on the island.

Island Inn Sanibel Casual Beach Wedding – Bridal Musings – Fort Myers and Sanibel Island

Image Credits Row 1: Donny Zavala Photography, Alon Livne photographed by Idan Hasson, Valley Rose Studio. Row 2: Marni Pictures, Something Bleu photographed by Klaire Dixius, Chard Photo. Row 3: Pinnel Photography, Cake Me Pretty, Leslie D Photography.

Photo via Island Inn Beach Resort

Casa Ybel Resort – We Planned Three Perfect Destination Beach Weddings Just For You – The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel Island – Bridal Musings 7

Photo via Casa Ybel Beach Resort

Wedding #4: New England Chic on Sun-soaked Sands

Venue: Casa Ybel Beach Resort

Yes, you can plan an elegant, upscale wedding on the sands of Florida! Evidence of that are the many gorgeous weddings planned at the lavish Casa Ybel Beach Resort on Sanibel Island. Whether you want to honor your New England roots or just love a scaled-up party, we’ve imagined a prim & proper event with nautical vibes.

We’re thinking a classic low bun, light & airy a-line Monaco gown by Loulette Bride, with nautical striping that twirls through the night. Feast on lobster rolls, stone crab paired with gin & tonics and a very tall, classic white wedding cake.

No need to worry about rain, either. Retreat in the night under a gorgeous sailcloth tent (aka the most luxurious wedding marquee) as you dance the night away.

Casa Ybel Resort Elegant New England Style Beach Wedding – Bridal Musings – Fort Myers and Sanibel Island

Image Credits Row 1: True Grace Photo, Abby Jiu, Shona Joy. Row 2: via KWH Bridal, The Petal Workshop, Loulette Bride. Row 3: Carlie Statsky, Harriett Gordon, Casa Ybel Resort.

Casa Ybel Resort – We Planned Three Perfect Destination Beach Weddings Just For You – The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel Island – Bridal Musings 2

Photo via Casa Ybel Beach Resort

Photo by For The Moment Photography via Casa Ybel Beach Resort

Imagination running wild? Find many more beautiful wedding venues fit for any wedding style on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel‘s website.

Photo via The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

Photo by Impressions Photography via The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

Essential Info

Visit The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel website to start planning your beach destination vacation and wedding getaway. Set against the backdrop of beaches and islands this array of open-air venues, outdoor natural spaces, and world-class services are ready for you.

Request more info from their team of specialized wedding professionals and begin the process of planning the dreamiest celebration.

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This post was made in partnership with The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel.