If soft pink walls, European architecture, and oceanfront sunsets sound like your kind of wedding dream, then The Ringling Museum in Sarasota, Florida might be the perfect wedding venue for you. This isn’t just a museum—it’s a total experience. A place where history, art, and Mediterranean elegance come together to create one of the most stunning wedding venues in the United States.
Whether you’re still exploring wedding venues in Florida or already planning your wedding day at The Ringling, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from ceremony spaces to cost, guest accommodations, and exactly why this venue inspires me as a wedding photographer.
Table of Contents:
- About The Ringling Museum
- Why Get Married at The Ringling?
- FAQs About Ringling Museum Weddings
- Planning Your Ringling Wedding
- Ringling Museum Wedding Packages + Pricing
- Hiring Your Ringling Museum Wedding Photographer
About The Ringling Museum
Where is The Ringling located?
The Ringling Museum is located in Sarasota, Florida on the Gulf Coast. It sits on a 66-acre estate with sprawling bayfront views, lush gardens, and historic architecture.
Closest major cities:
- Tampa, FL – 1 hour drive
- St. Petersburg, FL – 50 minutes
- Fort Myers, FL – 1.5 hours
How to Get To The Ringling Museum
Closest airports:
- Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) – 10 minutes
- Tampa International Airport (TPA) – 1 hour
Why Get Married at The Ringling Museum?
This venue is pure romance. With architecture inspired by Venetian Gothic design, The Ringling is a one-of-a-kind venue that makes every guest feel transported into another world. And if you’re dreaming of a colorful, stylish celebration, you’ll love the dreamy pink tones of the Ca’ d’Zan mansion and the golden hour light that floods the property.
Top reasons couples choose The Ringling:
- Mediterranean-style architecture with iconic pink walls
- Variety of ceremony + reception options, indoors and out
- Waterfront views of Sarasota Bay
- Capacity for both intimate and large weddings (25 to 400 guests)
- Historic, artistic setting with photo opportunities everywhere
FAQs About The Ringling Museum Weddings
How much does a wedding at The Ringling Museum cost?
Venue rental fees range from $4,000 to $12,000+ depending on the space and day of the week. Ca’ d’Zan rentals begin around $8,500. Each rental includes security, museum access, a rehearsal, and more.
Can I take wedding photos around the museum?
Yes! Your rental includes a photo permit for the grounds. The pink marble, architecture, gardens, and waterfront views are a dream for timeless, editorial portraits.
Do I need a wedding planner?
Yes. The Ringling requires you to hire a professional wedding planner for events with 100+ guests.
Can guests explore the museum?
Yes! Rentals include access to select galleries during your wedding.
Planning Your Ringling Museum Wedding
Top Venue Features
- Bayfront location
- Historic Venetian-style mansion (Ca’ d’Zan)
- Formal rose gardens and banyan groves
- Sculpture courtyard surrounded by classical replicas
- Sunset ceremonies overlooking the water
- On-site security and event coordination
- Two-hour engagement or bridal session included
Ceremony Site Options
Ca’ d’Zan Terrace
- Capacity: Up to 175
- Features: Waterfront views, iconic pink architecture
- Best for: Sunset ceremonies, old-world glam vibes
Museum of Art Courtyard
- Capacity: Up to 400
- Features: Surrounded by sculpture replicas and museum arches
- Best for: Grand celebrations with elegant flair
Rose Garden
- Capacity: Up to 25
- Features: Mable Ringling’s curated rose beds
- Best for: Elopements or intimate gatherings
Reception Site Options
All ceremony locations can be transformed for receptions or paired with separate reception spaces on-site, including tented courtyards, the Museum Loggia, or the Campiello.
Best Time of Year to Get Married at The Ringling Museum
Florida’s Gulf Coast offers year-round weddings, but the most popular seasons are:
- Spring (March–May): Blooming gardens, low humidity
- Fall (October–November): Mild temps, sunset ceremonies
- Winter (December–February): Ideal for avoiding heat, popular for elegant black-tie events
Summer months (June–August) are beautiful but come with higher humidity and afternoon showers, so plan accordingly.
Where to Stay Near The Ringling
Hotels:
- The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota – Luxury + downtown views
- Hotel Indigo Sarasota – Stylish and central
- Art Ovation Hotel – Boutique vibes near galleries
Vacation Rentals:
- Bayfront Airbnbs within 10 mins
- VRBO homes in Longboat Key + Lido Beach
- Charming downtown bungalows
The Ringling Museum Wedding Packages & Pricing
Wedding rentals at The Ringling typically include:
- Use of venue from 5:30–11:00 PM
- One-hour rehearsal + museum event coordinator
- Security staffing
- One-year membership to The Ringling
- Two-hour photo session on-site
Pricing ranges by space:
- Ca’ d’Zan: Starting at ~$8,500+
- Museum Courtyard: Starting at ~$10,000+
- Rose Garden: ~$4,000+ (intimate events)
Note: Catering, bar service, tenting, rentals, and planner are additional.
Hiring Your Sarasota Wedding Photographer for The Ringling
While I haven’t had the opportunity to photograph a wedding at The Ringling Museum yet, it’s been on my dream list for as long as I can remember. The soft pinks, the architecture, the light—it’s everything I love in a wedding venue. My photography style blends a documentary approach with stylish, editorial portraits, and I shoot both digital and 35mm film for images that feel as true as the moment you lived them.
If you’re getting married at The Ringling wedding venue and want someone by your side who’s already in love with the space (and ready to bring your vision to life), I’d be honored to be your wedding photographer. Once you’ve reserved your date at The Ringling, you can read about my wedding photography packages and inquire with me to see if I am available for your celebration!
