Charles ringling estate weddings

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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. 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.

    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. The soft pinks, the architecture, the light—it’s everything I love in a wedding venue. New College of Florida+1Eventective+1

    Capturing the intimate glances between Téa and Jake during the ceremony was a photographer’s dream.

    Each rental includes security, museum access, a rehearsal, and more.

    Can I take wedding photos around the museum?

    Yes! College Hall can be blended seamlessly into the outdoors and is available to rent on weekends based on availability. For pricing and other inquiries please contact us! 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

    Where is The Ringling located?

    The Ringling Museum is located in Sarasota, Florida on the Gulf Coast.

    The couple’s first dance, set against the mansion’s vintage charm, was particularly memorable—a blend of grace and emotion that translated beautifully into photographs.

Historic Ringling Mansion | College Hall, New College of Florida

351 College Drive, Sarasota, FL

130 Capacity

$2,500 to $10,000 / Wedding

Our beautiful bayfront, with its natural foliage and historic mansions facing Sarasota Bay, is a popular location for weddings and celebrations.

The pink marble, architecture, gardens, and waterfront views are a dream for timeless, editorial portraits.

Do I need a wedding planner?

Yes. Ca’ d’Zan rentals begin around $8,500.

Read more

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Located at 351 College Drive, Sarasota, FL 34243. The elegant, early 20th-century College Hall is the former home of circus magnate Charles Ringling and his wife Edith.

Spaces can accommodate up to 130 guests.

charles ringling estate weddings

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.

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. 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!

Téa & Jake’s Sarasota Wedding: A Joyful Celebration at the Charles Ringling Mansion

On March 8, 2025, Téa and Jake celebrated their wedding at the historic Charles Ringling Mansion—also known as College Hall—nestled along Sarasota Bay.

This early 20th-century estate, once home to circus magnate Charles Ringling and his wife Edith, provided a timeless and elegant backdrop for their special day. 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.

Your rental includes a photo permit for the grounds.