Your Ultimate Guide to Eloping on Anna Maria Island: Tips, Venues, and Vendors
Why Elope on Anna Maria Island?
Ever Wish You Could Get Married on a Small Island? No big crowds, only you and your closest loved ones? The beach at your back and palm trees swaying in the breeze as you say your nuptials? Well, have I got the spot for you!
Why People Choose Anna Maria Island for Their Destination Elopement
Anna Maria Island is one hour south of Tampa, Florida, on the Gulf Coast of Mexico. It’s known for its seven miles of beach, small-town vibes, and quaint, idyllic attractions. Over the last 15 years, it has transformed from a sleepy island to a metropolis of visitors and businesses. While developers have also discovered AMI, this island still maintains a "small island charm" you can immerse yourself in.
But wait, wasn't Anna Maria Island in the line of Helene & Milton's path? Yes, sadly, it was. However, as I post this on November 28th, the water has turned back into its beautiful light aqua. Businesses and rentals alike are opening back up every week! While cleanup on the Island is ongoing, Anna Maria has already opened its roads and beaches for the public.
Now, Let's discuss the charms that Anna Maria Island offers prospective Wedding/Eloping couples!
Reasons to Elope on Anna Maria Island
A Small Guest List Makes Eloping Easier
Eloping on a small Island means a small guest list (if any). Having a destination elopement is a great way to let your friends and family down easy about not being invited to your elopement. Family politics can be challenging, but what's easy is escaping to a small island to relax and enjoy the whole experience with the people you choose.
Anna Maria Island has Rentals Options
Since you're keeping your elopement small, your rental choices on the Island are wide open! A small business such as Lizzie Lu's Island Retreat offers homes that accommodate anywhere from 1 to 5 bedrooms (most are pet-friendly)! One fun option is renting bigger homes close together, such as The Sand Castle and Southern Bell Duo. The Sand Castle is a historic house built in the 1920s and was repaired to its former glory in 2015. It's a beautiful photo-op. Southern Bell, the Sand Castle's modern beach house neighbor, holds upwards of 8 people. Both offer spacious rooms and private heated pools. These homes are two doors away from local beach access.
You Can Have a Beach Ceremony on AMI
With the Island just a rock's skip away, why not have a unique wedding ceremony right by the ocean! But what about seating? As long as your guests are able-bodied, you can have them stand. Want your guests to feel cozy and upscale? Picnic rentals such as Sandy Toes, Posh Picnic Co., and Sunshine Concierge Partners offer picnic rentals that are equipped to accommodate each guest. You could also make it casual by having your guests bring beach chairs/towels.
Easy Transportation Around Anna Maria Island
One unglamorous thing AMI deals with is traffic, but have no fear! The Island has options to get around. Especially if you elope before March, the Island is still technically in its "off-season" (this is a good thing regarding island traffic). Once the busy season hits (March-July), it's best to rent an e-bike or go-cart/Gem car. Want to get really acquainted with Island time? Take the local free trolley that runs through the island morning, noon, and night. Want to party it up and get a lil' wild? The Monkey Bus is a taxi service that allows drinking on board while providing music and karaoke! (I can personally attest this is a highlight of the Island!).
How Eloping on Anna Maria Island Supports Local Recovery
Eloping on AMI means you're giving local businesses and employees a chance to recover after a dismal experience. While you enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime trip, you will do so while supporting hurricane victims, thus helping the Island get back on its sandy, shoeless feet. Now THAT'S a good use of your money.
Best Food and Wedding Vendors on Anna Maria Island
Top Vendors for Eloping on Anna Maria Island
AMI has highly recommended local wedding vendors that provide beautiful/modern options to its islanders. Salon Salon does hair and nail services in a Chic salon atmosphere right on the Island! Local Bradenton, FL, florist Kinspoke provides romantic and earthy floral designs. Cheesecake Cutie desserts have vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options, all while maintaining delicious quality. Want food to be catered at your wedding? Los Chiludos serves mouth-watering Mexican cuisine. Are you looking to have a private dinner out? The Beach House Waterfront Restaurant and Sandbar Restaurant offer spaces for you to host your party while offering fresh local dishes with a sunset view.
Where to Eat on Anna Maria Island During Your Elopement
If you choose to go out for most meals, you are going to eat well! Spots like Skinnys, Ginny and Jane E’s, The Donut Experiment, and Gelato Go are classic food visits for a day out on the town. Are you looking for a night out? Stop by The Doctors Office for cocktails and The Shore for an upscale yet relaxed restaurant experience. Want something novel and laidback? The Daiquiri Deck is a frozen drink heaven with frozen cocktaails like "Banana Slider" and "Electric Lemonade."
The Natural Beauty of Anna Maria Island for Eloping
There is also beauty in the broken, imperfect parts of the Island. As a photographer who considers herself non-traditional, I find the changed landscape compelling for unique and thought-provoking imagery. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and this unique Island deserves appreciation for its valiant attempt to restore it and its inhabitants so far. Life is messy, love is messy, and natural disasters are messy. What's truly beautiful about life is celebrating love no matter the circumstances. The Island is still a unique place; it just needs visitors who love it as is.
Hire a Local Photographer for Your Anna Maria Island Elopement!
If you were to hire me (for the love of Florida, do this!), you would have a local guide who has ties to this lovely Island. I can also direct you to neighboring cities like Sarasota & St Petersburg that offer excellent day trip and night-out options.
Reach out here to contact Phoebe C. Photography for your custom wedding photography package, and look here for starting prices for your wedding/elopement day. I look forward to hearing from you and hopefully seeing you enjoy Anna Maria Island life! Long live AMI. 🌺
