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Florida-West Coast
WiscDoll322
member
Sanibel Island or Clearwater Beach destination wedding?
My fiance and I are from Wisconsin and planning a destination wedding on either Clearwater Beach or Sanibel Island for November 2013. Since we're are not from that area (but traveling there this weekend to check out the venues we've been researching since getting engaged in January!), is one area better to hold a destination wedding on than the other? I realize it is a matter of opinion, but I'm curious what local brides think.
Based on research we've done in the last month, we lean towards Clearwater Beach, because of the venues and because it's a smidge easier for our guests to travel to (close to two airports, they can purchase Super Shuttle passes instead of renting cars, plenty of hotels for them to choose from if they opt to not reserve where we reserve a block of rooms, etc.). Seems like there a ton of things for our guests to do as well. Neither of us have been there, but something seems to be drawing us to it - at least on paper! However, we like the shelling and unique aspect of Sanibel. I visited the island years ago, and remember how beautiful and scenic the area was and how laid back it was, too. My fiance and I are both pretty laid back, so it seems like Sanibel may fit our personalities better.
Hopefully seeing the venues we've researched this weekend will help us decide, but if anyone has some good insight for us on either location, it would be appreciated.
Based on research we've done in the last month, we lean towards Clearwater Beach, because of the venues and because it's a smidge easier for our guests to travel to (close to two airports, they can purchase Super Shuttle passes instead of renting cars, plenty of hotels for them to choose from if they opt to not reserve where we reserve a block of rooms, etc.). Seems like there a ton of things for our guests to do as well. Neither of us have been there, but something seems to be drawing us to it - at least on paper! However, we like the shelling and unique aspect of Sanibel. I visited the island years ago, and remember how beautiful and scenic the area was and how laid back it was, too. My fiance and I are both pretty laid back, so it seems like Sanibel may fit our personalities better.
Hopefully seeing the venues we've researched this weekend will help us decide, but if anyone has some good insight for us on either location, it would be appreciated.
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Sanibel Island or Clearwater Beach destination wedding?
Sanibel is very nice but it's not as much of a "city." It's absolutely beautiful though. The beach is nice, also busy usually though, beautiful sunsets (Depending on the time of year, right now the sun is kind of setting like more north so some venues on Sanibel aren't getting that sunset, they can see it but it's off to the side). Sanibel is very laid back and it is very "island like." You rent a bike all week and just ride around enjoying the shops, beach, and restaurants! It is also much more expensive in my opinion too.
It just depends what you are looking for and how many guests you will have. I love Sanibel weddings (Casa Ybel is adorable and NO I Do not work there, lol) and usually they seem smaller and guests hang out at the resort for an extended weekend. But, I'm from Clearwater and just love all the activities, bars, restaurants there. Much more my speed but I'm more into going out.
Captiva Island is even MORE remote and also nice. What venues are you looking at? Tween Waters is pretty cute. Colorful cottages and a private beach out front.
Feel free to PM me! Good luck and enjoy Florida!
Now I'm looking out my window at snow. Spring is right around the corner.
Thanks again!