LGBTQ Wedding at the Sarasota Art Museum

There’s something undeniably magical about celebrating love in a space dedicated to artistic expression. When Jesse and Cory chose the Sarasota Art Museum for their wedding day, they created a masterpiece of their own—a celebration as unique and beautiful as their journey together. As their photographer, I had the privilege of capturing every emotional moment against the backdrop of one of Sarasota’s most distinctive venues.

A Love Story in an Artistic Setting

The Sarasota Art Museum isn’t just a venue—it’s a statement. Housed in the historic Sarasota High School building, this contemporary art museum offers a perfect blend of architectural history and modern artistic vision. For Jesse and Cory, this juxtaposition of old and new, tradition and innovation, perfectly mirrored their relationship and the beautiful future they were building together.

The Ceremony

Jesse and Cory’s ceremony took place in one of the second-floor galleries, surrounded by contemporary art. Guests were seated in a semi-circle, creating an intimate atmosphere.

The gallery’s minimalist design allowed their love to be the true centerpiece. Soft natural light streamed through the carefully positioned windows, creating the perfect lighting conditions for capturing genuine emotions and subtle details.

Cocktail Hour

Following the ceremony, guests moved to the museum’s stunning lobby for cocktail hour. With the architectural features of the space providing a natural flow. The high ceilings and open concept of the lobby created an atmosphere of celebration and possibility.

Servers circulated with carefully crafted hors d’oeuvres while guests admired the museum’s permanent installations. The conversation flowed as freely as the champagne, with laughter echoing off the walls. Jesse and Cory took a few moments during this time for some intimate portraits throughout the museum’s diverse spaces.

The celebration continued in the museum’s bistro at Thomas McGuire Hall, which had been transformed into a reception space that perfectly balanced elegance with artistic flair. Long tables adorned with simple yet striking floral arrangements created an atmosphere of communal celebration.

The bistro’s large windows offered views of the museum grounds as the evening light shifted, creating a constantly evolving backdrop for the festivities. As toasts were made and glasses clinked, I moved discreetly through the space, documenting the raw emotions and genuine moments that make each wedding unique.

Sarasota Art Museum Weddings

The museum offers versatile spaces that can be customized to reflect each couple’s unique vision. The gallery spaces, lobby, and bistro each provide distinct atmospheres while maintaining a cohesive experience for guests. This flexibility allows couples to create a wedding that truly reflects their relationship and values.

Additionally, the museum’s location in downtown Sarasota makes it accessible to numerous accommodation options nearby. The surrounding area offers plenty of activities for a wedding weekend, making it an ideal choice for couples whose guests are traveling to celebrate with them.

Capturing Authentic Moments in an Artistic Space

Photographing a wedding at the Sarasota Art Museum presents unique opportunities and considerations. The venue’s clean lines and thoughtful design create natural frames for compositions, while the rotating art installations provide ever-changing backdrops that make each wedding there unique.

For Jesse and Cory’s celebration, I focused on capturing the interplay between the architectural elements, the art, and the human connections unfolding throughout the day. The museum’s abundant natural light complemented my documentary approach, allowing me to capture authentic moments.

As an inclusive photographer who specializes in LGBTQ weddings, I understand the importance of approaching each couple’s story with sensitivity and authenticity. My goal is always to create images that reflect the genuine emotions and unique dynamics of each relationship—photographs that feel true to the couple’s experience rather than forcing them into traditional poses or narratives that don’t fit their story.

Planning Your Sarasota Art Museum Wedding

If you’re considering the Sarasota Art Museum for your own celebration, here are some insights from my experience photographing Jesse and Cory’s wedding:

• The museum’s different spaces offer natural progression throughout your event—consider how you want guests to experience each area.
• The rotating exhibitions mean your wedding backdrop may change—embrace this uniqueness rather than trying to plan around specific artworks.
• Natural light is abundant but changes throughout the day—schedule your ceremony and portraits with this in mind.
• The museum’s clean aesthetic means you can either keep decorations minimal or create dramatic contrast with bold design choices.

Working with vendors who are familiar with the venue can make planning much smoother. The museum has relationships with several local vendors who understand the space’s unique requirements and possibilities.

Celebrating All Love Stories

In a space dedicated to artistic expression and challenging perspectives, their love story found a fitting home—celebrated openly, joyfully, and without constraint. In all my work as a photographer, I strive to create a safe, affirming space where couples can express their love authentically and capture those expressions that will tell their story for generations to come. Every couple deserves to see themselves reflected beautifully in their wedding photographs, to have their love story documented with care and artistic vision.

If you’re planning your wedding at the Sarasota Art Museum or another venue that speaks to your unique story, I’d be honored to discuss how we might work together to capture your celebration. As an LGBTQ-friendly photographer in Sarasota, I believe that all relationships deserve to be celebrated authentically and joyfully.

My approach focuses on creating a comfortable, affirming experience where you can be fully yourselves, resulting in images that truly reflect your relationship. Whether you’re drawn to the artistic atmosphere of the Sarasota Art Museum or another venue that speaks to your story, I’m always excited to collaborate with couples who value authentic documentation of their special day.

Learn more about the Sarasota Art Museum as a wedding venue

Connect with Equality Florida’s Sarasota chapter

Ceremony & Reception at Sarasota Art Museum | Planned & Coordinated by CoraMarie Events | Catering by Constellation Culinary | Ceremony Music by Jade Strings | Reception Music by TLS Entertainment | Flowers by Styled In Blooms | Cake by Cakes By Ron | Transportation by Siesta Trolley

Photography by Juliana Montane Photography