FAQ
Questions about your beachfront event? We've got you covered.
We do not currently have partnerships with specific local hotels. However, many local hotels will offer block rates in advance, depending on the time of year. We're happy to recommend local accommodations for you and your guests.
A free trolley runs on Anna Maria until 10:00 pm. There is also the Monkey Bus, which offers free transportation on the island. That's right — free. Their motto is "Trips for Tips" and they work for tips only.
Our Island Paradise reception package does include a champagne toast. There is a $25 corkage fee for a 750ml bottle. To add a champagne toast to an existing package, please contact your venue's coordinator.
Yes, each of our venues has a Plan B for your ceremony and reception in the event of bad weather. The Beach House and Sandbar have pavilions where the ceremony can take place, while events at The Studio are already indoors. Mar Vista has a covered deck and inside dining room. Check with the event coordinator or wedding specialist for your venue to learn more.
Sorry, no. We do not allow outside alcohol to be brought onto our venue property. But, we do offer a wide array of beer, wine, spirits and cocktails for your wedding or event.
No, we do not allow outside caterers. Events include a catering menu featuring locally sourced menu items including fresh-catch seafood, produce from our very own farm, bread baked fresh in our ovens, and more.
Yes. We are happy to offer a different option to guests with dietary restrictions as long as we have advance notice.
You bet! We have a Kids' Menu, or kids can eat from the regular buffet table for half the price of an adult guest. See your coordinator for prices.
We offer plated meals for groups with less than 25 guests.
Yes. Check with your venue's coordinator for a full list of catering options.
All of our venues have disabled access. The Beach House is our most accessible venue for disabled party members. Please contact The Beach House's wedding and event specialist for more details.
Yes! The Sandbar has a bridal preparation room that is available for rent. This room is available to all Sandbar and Studio couples who have booked a ceremony and reception at the venue. The Beach House has a plush bridal suite for you and your bridal party to prepare for the big day. We are happy to provide you with champagne and snacks for your bridal party while you wait for the ceremony to begin.
Rental contracts typically cover a five-hour period for your event. Please check your contract or speak with your venue's event specialist to confirm.
Due to the noise ordinance on Anna Maria Island our events end at 10:00 pm. In addition, music must be kept at a reasonable volume or under 80 decibels.
Absolutely! You can hire a DJ and most of our venues have an area for dancing. Please check our Preferred Vendors page to see a list of DJs we work with. All non-preferred vendors must be approved by the venue coordinator.
Mar Vista, due to its location within a residential village, does not allow music.
Your guests will be able to use the restrooms inside the venue. At the Sandbar, you have the option to rent the corporate office so your guests may use the two private restrooms there for the evening.
Absolutely! You may bring and set up your own décor and centerpieces. We are unable to allow you to stand on ladders or chairs, and we cannot allow holes of any kind to be put in any buildings or structures.
We will set up any décor you have rented from us. Any additional décor that you are providing must be set up by you or a friend/family member.
You may come anytime after noon to set up your decorations.
You may bring a wedding cake or cupcakes, but they must come from a licensed baker and made in a commercial kitchen. We offer a cake-cutting service for an additional fee.
We offer complimentary valet parking for your guests.
We have a sound system and microphone available for rent.
A member of our events team will walk you through the rehearsal and the ceremony. We strongly recommend your officiant is present for the both. We will send you a rehearsal preparation sheet so everything goes smoothly, and a venue coordinator will assist with the rehearsal and ceremony.
The rental agreement is for a five hour period. Most weddings will start at 5pm and end at 10pm. The City of Anna Maria has a noise ordinance that mandates all music and outdoor events end by 10pm. We are happy to add an additional hour to your reception for a fee. This means the event would start an hour earlier, since all events must end by 10pm.
We can recommend a great company that rents beach wheelchairs. They will drop off and pick it up here at your venue.
The deposit is non-refundable. Cancellations forfeit deposit. Sandbar contracts have a transferable deposit, provided the date change is at least six months in advance. Please check your contract for the full terms of your venue rental agreement.
Yes.
Yes, the restaurants at The Sandbar, The Beach House, and Mar Vista remain open to the public during all events. Each of our venues have reserved, private or semi-private areas for your event, but you may get a few extra congratulations on your big day. Check with your venue's wedding and events specialist to learn more.
Each venue has a rental contract that will explain exactly what comes with the package you've selected. Here is an overview of what is included:
- Your ceremony site
- Complimentary valet parking
- Reception chairs
- 42" round tables (seat 4-6 guests)
- Sign-in tables, gift tables & welcome tables
- Lighted cake table & cake cutting service
- DJ table
- Standard lighting
- Beverage station set-up
- Complete buffet set-up
- Flatware, china, water glasses & plastic drinkware for all other beverages
- Standard linens and decor
What is not included in the rental contract also varies by location and package. Please check your rental contract or contact your event coordinator.
- Ceremony chairs
- Ceremony arbor
- Ceiling drapery
- Dance floor
- Additional lighting
- Upgrades to tables, linen, flatware & china
- Additional tables
- Additional decor
- Centerpiece rental (however you are welcome to bring your own!)
- Charger plates
- Glassware (other than water glasses)
- Sound system, microphone
- Private restrooms
- Bridal waiting area
We have a list of preferred vendors to make planning your beach wedding or event simple. If you have a vendor in mind, we're happy to accommodate your request after an approval process. All non-preferred vendors must be approved by the venue coordinator.