If you’re planning a wedding at The Colonial at Sunset and love the idea of huge Florida oak trees, vintage details, and a little western influence, you’re going to want this venue on your list. The Colonial at Sunset in San Antonio, Florida feels completely different from the typical Florida wedding venue and after photographing here, I immediately understood the appeal.

As a Florida wedding photographer and videographer, I get to experience a lot of venues throughout the state, and this one has so much character without needing a ton added to it. Between the mature oak trees, open property, vintage touches, and elevated western feel, there are so many different backdrops throughout the day while everything still feels cohesive.

In this guide, I’m sharing what you need to know about getting married at The Colonial at Sunset, what makes the venue unique, and what stood out to me from a photography and video perspective. So if you’re considering this venue for your own wedding or you’re just looking for a Florida wedding venue that feels a little less traditional and a lot more you keep reading.

About The Colonial At Sunset

Before we get into all of the pretty details, let’s cover the basics. The Colonial at Sunset is a private, family-owned wedding and event venue located in San Antonio, Florida, about 30 miles north of Tampa. It gives you that quiet, tucked-away feeling without actually being hours away from the city, which is especially nice if you have guests traveling in for your wedding.

The venue is located at 31122 Pasco Road in San Antonio, putting it within reach of both the Tampa area and Central Florida. For couples planning a Florida destination wedding, that gives you the best of both worlds: your wedding can feel secluded and surrounded by Florida countryside while your guests still have access to airports, hotels, restaurants, and everything else around Tampa.

The Colonial at Sunset is also more than just a property that was built to host weddings. The estate was originally a family home on Sunset Ranch, built more than 60 years ago, and has stayed within the family for generations. That history is a huge part of why the property feels so established and full of character instead of like a brand-new venue designed to look old. Today, it has been transformed into a wedding venue while keeping so much of that original charm.

Weddings here can range from intimate micro-weddings to larger celebrations, with both indoor and outdoor spaces available throughout the property. They also offer all-inclusive wedding options, which can make planning especially helpful for couples coming from outside the Tampa area or planning their Florida wedding from another state.

Basically, you get the feeling of getting married on a private Florida estate without being completely removed from everything your guests need which is a pretty solid combination for a destination wedding.

That location makes The Colonial at Sunset such a cool option if you want an elevated western or vintage-inspired Florida wedding without feeling like you’re getting married in the middle of a city. You’re close enough to Tampa and Orlando to make traveling manageable, but once you’re on the property, it feels like you’ve gotten away from all of that.

How to Get to The Colonial At Sunset

If you’re planning a destination wedding at The Colonial at Sunset or have guests flying in from out of state, getting here is pretty straightforward. The venue is located at 31122 Pasco Road in San Antonio, Florida, just north of the Tampa area, with two airports nearby for guests to choose from.

Why Have Your Wedding at The Colonial At Sunset?

The Colonial at Sunset is one of those Florida wedding venues that doesn’t really fit into one box. It has the charm of a private estate, the openness and natural beauty you’d want from an outdoor venue, and enough character that you don’t have to completely transform the space to make it feel special.

One of the biggest reasons I’d consider The Colonial at Sunset is that it feels secluded without actually being that far from Tampa. Once you’re on the property, you’re surrounded by manicured grounds and Florida countryside rather than the typical busy Florida backdrop, but your guests still have easy access to a major city and airport. The venue itself describes the property as a private estate about 30 miles north of Tampa.

It’s also a really good fit for couples who want something elevated without wanting their wedding to feel overly formal. The estate has been in the same family for generations, and the original home was built on Sunset Ranch more than 60 years ago. That history gives the property a lot of the vintage character that newer wedding venues try to recreate, while still giving you the flexibility to make the wedding feel like your own.

From a documentary wedding photographer perspective, I also love venues where the entire day can actually happen in one place. There are different settings throughout the property for getting ready, the ceremony, cocktail hour, portraits, and the reception, so your wedding can naturally move from one part of the day to the next without constantly packing up and driving somewhere else. It also means there’s a ton of variety for photo and video without taking you away from your guests for hours.

And if you’re planning from out of town, The Colonial at Sunset offers all-inclusive weddings and works with a network of vendors, which can take a lot of the moving pieces out of planning a Florida destination wedding. They also offer micro-weddings for celebrations of 50 guests or fewer, while their all-inclusive wedding packages can accommodate larger guest counts.

For me, though, what makes The Colonial at Sunset stand out is the mix of everything. It can lean western, vintage, romantic, editorial, garden-inspired, or completely personal to you without feeling like you’re forcing a theme onto the venue. You get the private-estate setting and old Florida character while still having a space designed to actually host a wedding and that combination is hard to beat.

FAQ’s About The Colonial At Sunset Weddings

Top Venue Features

The Colonial at Sunset has a lot more going for it than just being pretty. The entire property is designed so couples can spend their wedding day and potentially more of the wedding weekend in one place, with plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces to work with.

Some of the biggest features include:

• Separate getting-ready spaces so both partners can get ready on the property before the ceremony
• Multiple outdoor ceremony locations, including the front of the historic home, East Lawn, oak tree settings, and pond area
• Indoor ceremony options for a Florida weather backup plan
• The Gathering Space for larger indoor receptions with room for dinner and dancing
• The Poppy House + poolside area for micro-weddings, rehearsal dinners, welcome events, and more intimate celebrations
• Outdoor reception possibilities for couples who want to take advantage of the grounds throughout the evening
• Huge mature Florida oak trees that make some of the prettiest ceremony and portrait backdrops on the property
• Historic estate architecture + vintage character from a property that has been in the family for generations
• On-site overnight accommodations for up to 16 guests, making it possible to turn the wedding into more of a weekend experience
• All-inclusive wedding packages with access to a network of vetted vendors
• Micro-wedding options for 50 guests or fewer for couples planning something smaller
• Plenty of portrait locations on the property, so you don’t have to leave your wedding for an entirely separate photo session
• Easy access to Tampa while still feeling secluded, especially helpful for destination weddings and guests flying into Florida

One of my favorite things about The Colonial at Sunset is that all of these spaces still feel like they belong together. You can get ready inside the estate, have your ceremony beneath the oak trees, sneak away for a few portraits around the property, and head into your reception without your wedding day feeling like a series of different locations.

And for couples drawn to an elevated western or vintage wedding, you already have so much character to build from. You don’t need to completely transform the venue to give the day personality the oak trees, historic home, open grounds, and old-Florida feel are already there.

Ceremony + Reception Site Options at The Colonial At Sunset

One of the best things about getting married at The Colonial at Sunset is how many different ways you can use the property. You’re not choosing between one ceremony lawn and one reception room the estate has multiple indoor and outdoor spaces that can be used depending on your guest count, wedding style, and the kind of atmosphere you want to create.

Ceremony Site Options

Front of The Colonial Home

For a ceremony that really shows off the character of the venue, you can get married in front of the historic Colonial home. The brick exterior, front steps, and surrounding grounds give you a backdrop that already feels finished without needing to build an entire ceremony design around it.

One of the venue’s past couples specifically chose the front steps for their ceremony, so this is an established ceremony option rather than just a pretty portrait location.

Size: The venue accommodates weddings of up to 215 guests through its current all-inclusive packages, although individual event-space listings show outdoor setups of up to approximately 225 guests.

Rental Cost: Ceremony locations are incorporated into the venue’s wedding offerings rather than priced individually online. Current all-inclusive packages begin at $22,500 for 50 guests and increase with guest count.

Special Features: Historic brick home backdrop, front steps, established landscaping, easy transition to other areas of the estate, and a more classic or vintage feel.

East Lawn + Oak Tree Ceremonies

This is where The Colonial at Sunset really starts to feel different from a lot of Florida wedding venues. The property has several outdoor ceremony possibilities, including the East Lawn and spaces beneath the huge oak trees.

For couples wanting an elevated western, garden, or old-Florida feel, the oaks give you SO much to work with before adding a single floral arrangement. They also make the landscape itself feel like part of the wedding instead of simply being somewhere you set up chairs.

Size: Outdoor event spaces are listed for celebrations of approximately 225 guests, depending on the setup.

Rental Cost: Included within the selected wedding/event package; individual ceremony-site rates aren’t currently published.

Special Features: Mature Florida oak trees, open lawn, natural scenery, multiple setup possibilities, and plenty of surrounding space for photos and video.

Pond Ceremony

There is also a pond ceremony location for couples who want the ceremony to feel more tucked into the property. This gives you another completely different backdrop without having to leave the estate.

Size: Final capacity depends on the ceremony layout and should be confirmed with the venue.

Rental Cost: Package dependent.

Special Features: Waterfront backdrop, outdoor setting, surrounding greenery, and a more secluded feel than getting married directly in front of the house.

And because Florida weather does whatever it wants, indoor ceremony setups are also possible. I’d confirm your specific rain plan and guest capacity with the venue while planning so you know exactly what happens if an outdoor ceremony has to move inside.

Reception Site Options

The Gathering Space

For a larger wedding, The Gathering Space is the venue’s primary indoor reception option. It can accommodate approximately 225 seated guests, giving you enough space for dinner, dancing, and a full reception while still keeping everything on the estate.

Size: Approximately 225 seated guests.

Rental Cost: Pricing depends on the wedding package rather than a separate published room rental. The venue’s current all-inclusive weddings begin at $22,500 for 50 guests and increase based on guest count.

Special Features: Large indoor event space, room for dinner and dancing, weather protection, and easy access to the outdoor areas of the estate.

The Poppy House

For something smaller, The Poppy House gives you a much more intimate reception option. It sits near the pool and can be used for smaller weddings as well as other parts of the wedding weekend, like a rehearsal dinner.

Size: Approximately 40–50 seated guests depending on the setup.

Rental Cost: Varies based on the event and package selected.

Special Features: Poolside location, intimate atmosphere, private-estate feel, and flexibility for micro-weddings, rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, or smaller receptions.

Outdoor Receptions

Outdoor receptions are also possible, and this could be such a fun direction if the property itself is a huge part of why you chose The Colonial at Sunset. The venue lists both indoor and outdoor reception options, with tented setups available for celebrations that need additional space.

With the oak trees, lawns, historic house, and Florida sunset around you, an outdoor reception can lean garden party, elevated western, vintage, or completely somewhere in between.

No matter which combination you choose, having your ceremony and reception on the same property makes the wedding day so much easier. You can go from getting ready to the ceremony, cocktail hour, sunset portraits, and reception without spending part of your wedding day driving between locations which also leaves a lot more room for the day to actually unfold naturally.

The Best Time of Year to Get Married at The Colonial At Sunset

One of the perks of getting married in Florida is that outdoor wedding season is basically the opposite of what it is in most of the country. At The Colonial at Sunset, I’d personally look at late October through April if having an outdoor ceremony, portraits under the oak trees, and comfortable weather for your guests are high on your list.

Fall Weddings: October–November

Late fall is easily one of my favorite times for a Florida wedding. By mid-to-late October, the summer heat and humidity are starting to calm down, and November is historically one of the driest months of the year in San Antonio.

This would be such a good time for an outdoor ceremony beneath the oak trees or a wedding that really leans into the elevated western and vintage feel of the property. You still get warm Florida weather without asking everyone to sit outside in peak July humidity.

October does fall within the tail end of West Central Florida’s rainy season, though, so I’d still have a solid rain plan especially for an earlier October date.

Winter Weddings: December–February

Winter is another great option, especially if you’re planning a destination wedding and trying to escape actual winter somewhere else. Average daytime highs around San Antonio stay around the low 70s during the coolest part of the year, while nights can get much cooler.

For an outdoor ceremony, I’d think about the ceremony time and sunset when building your timeline. A 70-degree afternoon can turn into a pretty chilly evening once the sun goes down, so an earlier ceremony can give you more daylight and warmer temperatures.

Winter is also part of the drier season, which is a huge perk when so much of The Colonial at Sunset’s charm comes from being able to actually use the grounds.

Spring Weddings: March–April

If I had to pick a sweet spot, March and April would be way up there. You get warmer temperatures and longer days without being fully into Florida’s summer heat and rainy season yet.

April also tends to bring clearer skies around San Antonio, making spring such a good fit if golden hour, outdoor portraits, and an outdoor ceremony are priorities.

Spring gives you that warm, colorful Florida wedding feeling while still being early enough in the year that your guests hopefully aren’t melting through cocktail hour.

Summer Weddings: May–September

Summer weddings are absolutely possible here, but this is when I’d be the most intentional about your timeline and backup plans.

San Antonio’s hot season generally runs from May into early October, with August averaging highs around 90°F. Summer is also humid and wet, and West Central Florida’s rainy season typically runs from late May through early October.

That doesn’t mean it rains all day every day. Florida summer weather is just unpredictable, and afternoon thunderstorms are a very normal part of the season. If your heart is set on an outdoor ceremony, I’d make sure you genuinely like your indoor rain-plan option too not just tolerate it as a last resort.

Heat is another consideration. Shade, water, indoor breaks, and not scheduling every portrait during the hottest part of the afternoon can make a HUGE difference for you and your guests.

Where to Stay Near The Colonial At Sunset

If you’re planning a destination wedding at The Colonial at Sunset, there are a few different directions you can go with accommodations. San Antonio itself is pretty small, so you won’t find rows of hotels right outside the venue, but Dade City, Zephyrhills, and Wesley Chapel all give you options within the surrounding area.

Stay at The Colonial At Sunset

Before looking anywhere else, ask the venue about their on-site overnight accommodations. The property offers accommodations for up to 16 people, which could be perfect for the couple, wedding party, or immediate family who want to stay right where the wedding is happening.

For a destination wedding, I LOVE this option because your wedding doesn’t have to feel like everyone shows up for eight hours and leaves. You can actually settle into the property, spend time together before the wedding, and make the weekend part of the experience.

Airbnbs + VRBOs

For larger groups, I’d also look at vacation rentals in San Antonio, Dade City, Zephyrhills, and Wesley Chapel. A house can make a lot more sense for a wedding party or family traveling together, especially if you want a kitchen, multiple bedrooms, and somewhere everyone can hang out outside of the wedding itself.

Dade City is especially worth looking at if you want to keep that quieter, old-Florida feel instead of staying closer to Tampa. There are everything from condos and homes to smaller countryside stays in the area.Vacation rental availability and pricing can change pretty quickly, so I’d search using your actual wedding dates and double-check the drive to The Colonial at Sunset before booking.

Hotels, Inns + Resorts

For guests who would rather stay at a traditional hotel, Wesley Chapel will give you one of the biggest selections nearby.

Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa-Wesley Chapel is right off I-75 and offers free breakfast, free parking, and an outdoor pool. There are also plenty of restaurants nearby, making it an easy option for guests who want everything they need close to their hotel.

Hilton Garden Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel is another option with free parking, an outdoor pool, fitness center, restaurant, and connecting rooms. This could be a good choice if you’re looking into reserving a hotel block for guests.

Residence Inn Tampa Wesley Chapel is especially useful for longer wedding-weekend stays. Their studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites include full kitchens and more living space, which can be really nice for families or guests staying for several days.

For something with more personality, you can also look toward Dade City, where smaller inns and vacation properties give you more of that quiet Florida countryside experience.

Campgrounds + RV Options

And if you have guests traveling by RV—or you’re fully leaning into the outdoorsy wedding weekend—there are campground options around San Antonio and Dade City too.

Hillsborough River State Park is around the greater area and offers camping surrounded by Florida wilderness, with trails and access to the Hillsborough River. This would make more sense for guests who actually want camping to be part of their trip rather than simply needing somewhere to sleep after the reception.

There are also private RV resorts and campgrounds throughout the Dade City, Zephyrhills, and surrounding areas, so guests traveling with an RV have quite a few options.

Where Would I Recommend Staying?

For the couple and closest family or friends, I’d check the on-site accommodations at The Colonial at Sunset first. For a larger guest block, I’d look toward Wesley Chapel because there are more hotels, restaurants, and things to do nearby. And for smaller groups who want something a little quieter and more personal, I’d search vacation rentals around San Antonio and Dade City.

Especially for a destination wedding, I’d also consider where everyone will be spending the rest of the weekend not just which hotel is technically closest to the venue. Staying somewhere with restaurants, coffee, shopping, or a cute downtown nearby gives your guests something to do between wedding events and makes the whole trip feel more like a weekend away.

The Colonial At Sunset Wedding Package(s) / Wedding Cost

One of the biggest things that sets The Colonial at Sunset apart from a traditional venue rental is that they specialize in all-inclusive weddings. Instead of booking the property and then figuring out every vendor and detail completely on your own, their team works with a network of trusted vendors to help bring the entire wedding together.

If you’re planning a Florida destination wedding from out of state—or you just don’t want wedding planning to become your second full-time job—that can be a HUGE perk.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Married at The Colonial At Sunset?

At the time of writing, The Colonial at Sunset’s all-inclusive wedding packages begin at $22,500 for 50 guests and increase in 25-guest increments, reaching approximately $37,000 for 215 guests.

Because these are all-inclusive packages rather than simply a venue rental fee, keep that in mind when comparing The Colonial to venues that advertise a much lower starting price but require you to separately book vendors, rentals, planning, and other pieces of the wedding.

Pricing can change, so I’d always reach out to The Colonial directly for a custom quote based on your wedding date, guest count, and vision.

What’s Included in Your Colonial At Sunset Wedding Package?

The whole idea behind The Colonial’s all-inclusive experience is to take a lot of the guesswork out of planning. Their team works with a vetted network of wedding vendors including professionals across areas like planning, florals, catering, photography, and entertainment to create an event around each couple rather than offering one identical wedding design.

That means your package and exact vendor team can depend on the wedding you’re creating, but the overall experience is designed around having the venue team help coordinate the moving pieces instead of handing you the keys to the property and leaving you to figure out the rest.

This is also where I’d ask about exactly what your proposal includes when you inquire, including:

• Catering and bar service
• Planning and day-of coordination
• Florals and décor
• Tables, chairs, linens, and rentals
• DJ or entertainment
• Cake or desserts
• Ceremony and reception setup
• Getting-ready spaces
• Use of the historic home and Poppy House
• Overnight accommodations
• Rehearsal dinner or welcome party options
• Parking and guest transportation
• Additional wedding-weekend events

Some of these may depend on the package, guest count, or wedding design, so make sure you know exactly what is included in your proposal before comparing the price to another venue.

Micro-Wedding Packages

The Colonial at Sunset also offers curated micro-weddings for 50 guests or fewer. These are designed for couples who want a smaller wedding without having to plan every little detail themselves.

For their micro-weddings, couples choose their design along with one of the venue’s predetermined dates and times, and The Colonial team handles the rest. If you love the property but don’t need a 100+ person wedding, this is definitely an option worth asking about.

Retainer, Payment Schedule + Add-Ons

The Colonial at Sunset does not currently publish its exact retainer amount, payment schedule, or complete list of available upgrades online, so these are details I’d ask about directly when you inquire.

I’d specifically ask how much is required to reserve your date, when each payment is due, what is included in the all-inclusive price, what can be upgraded or customized, and whether there are any additional fees based on your date, guest count, bar selections, rentals, accommodations, or additional events.

And remember: “all-inclusive” doesn’t mean your wedding has to look like everyone else’s. The Colonial describes its approach as co-creating each event around the couple’s style and preferences, so you still have room to make the day feel completely like you while having a team helping pull everything together.

The Colonial At Sunset Wedding Vendors

Once you’ve found your venue, the next step is building the team that’s actually going to bring everything together. If you’re planning a wedding at The Colonial at Sunset, here are a few Florida wedding vendors to check out as you start putting together your vendor team.

Planners/Coordinators

• Southern Touch Weddings and Events | Click Here To View
• The Olive Tree Weddings | Click Here To View

Rental Companies

• Southern Touch Weddings and Events | Click Here To View

Hair/Makeup

• May Paullina | Click Here To View
• Amber Jennas Makeup | Click Here To View
• Dlux Beauty Spot | Click Here To View

Florists

• Southern Touch Weddings and Events | Click Here To View
• Isn’t She Lovely Florals | Click Here To View
• Patch Work Floral | Click Here To View

DJ’s

• DJ Malike | Click Here To View
• Curate Entertainment | Click Here To View

Caterers

• Puff N Stuff | Click Here To View
• Good Food Tampa | Click Here To View
• Table Top Catering | Click Here To View

Videographers

• Through Her Lens Photography | Click Here To View

The Colonial At Sunset Wedding Inspiration / More Colonial At Sunset Wedding Planning Resources

If The Colonial at Sunset is already on your venue list, I completely understand why. Between the huge Florida oak trees, historic estate, vintage character, and the amount of freedom you have to make the property feel like your own, it’s such a good option for couples who want something a little different from the typical Florida wedding.

And you definitely don’t have to lean into one specific style here. Go full elevated western. Bring in vintage details and Super 8. Keep everything simple and let the oak trees do the work. Throw a huge party with everyone you love. Plan something intimate with 30 people. The property already has so much character that your wedding can feel intentional without feeling overly designed.

As a Florida wedding photographer and videographer, that’s exactly the kind of wedding I love documenting—the ones where the photos are important, but actually experiencing the day is even more important.

If you’re still planning your Florida wedding, here are a few more resources you might love:

How Far in Advance Should You Book Your Florida Wedding Photographer & Videographer?
Everything you need to know about when to start reaching out, especially if you’re planning a destination wedding or getting married during peak Florida wedding season.

Best Super 8 Wedding Videographers in Florida
Thinking about adding Super 8 to your wedding? Start here for more about what Super 8 wedding films look and feel like and whether it makes sense for your day.

Florida State Park Elopement Guide
For couples considering something smaller, outdoorsy, and a little less traditional, this guide covers what to know about planning an elopement in one of Florida’s state parks.

How to Elope in Florida
If the big traditional wedding thing isn’t really your thing, this is a good place to start planning a Florida elopement that actually feels like you.

And if this elevated western wedding at The Colonial at Sunset feels like the direction you’ve been looking for, I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up.

Fun Activities to Plan for Your Colonial At Sunset Wedding

If you have friends and family traveling in for your wedding at The Colonial at Sunset, you might as well make a whole weekend out of it. San Antonio is close to Dade City, Wesley Chapel, and Tampa, so your guests can keep things slow and local or turn the trip into a mini Florida vacation.

On-Site Activities

One of the perks of The Colonial at Sunset is that the property can be more than just where you show up for the ceremony. Couples have used the estate for the entire wedding weekend, including staying in the home and hosting a rehearsal dinner at The Poppy House.

You could plan a welcome dinner or rehearsal dinner the night before, spend the morning getting ready on the property, and potentially host a relaxed breakfast or brunch with your closest people before everyone heads home. I love this for destination weddings because you actually get time with the people who traveled to celebrate you instead of trying to fit every conversation into the reception.

Ask The Colonial about what additional events can be incorporated into your specific wedding package and how the estate can be used throughout your weekend.

Off-Site Activities

If you want to give guests a few things to do while they’re in town, nearby Dade City is a great place to start.

Spend a morning exploring historic Downtown Dade City, grabbing coffee, wandering through local shops and antique stores, and finding somewhere for lunch. It has that small-town Florida feel that fits really well with a wedding weekend at The Colonial.

For something completely different, plan a safari at Giraffe Ranch in Dade City. It’s a working ranch and wildlife preserve offering guided safari experiences with giraffes, zebras, camels, and other animals. Honestly, a group of your friends going on a giraffe safari the day before your wedding sounds way more fun than everyone sitting around their hotel rooms.

If your group is a little more adventurous, TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure Park has ropes courses and ziplining through an Old Florida forest, with 10 courses and more than 100 elements. This could be such a fun bachelor/bachelorette or wedding-party activity before the wedding.

For something slower, check out the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, explore Dade City’s historic downtown, or just plan a casual afternoon of shopping, eating, and hanging out together.

And if you’re willing to drive a little farther, you can always spend a day in Tampa. That gives your guests plenty of options for restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and things to do before heading north for the wedding.

You definitely don’t need to schedule every second of your guests’ trip, either. Pick one or two optional activities, share your favorite recommendations on your wedding website, and let everyone build the weekend they want around your wedding.

Similar Venues You Might Enjoy

If you love The Colonial at Sunset but you’re still searching for the venue, there are a few other Florida properties I’d add to your list. They don’t all look like The Colonial—and that’s kind of the point. Each one has that same feeling of getting married somewhere with an actual sense of place rather than a blank wedding venue.

Lavender on the Lake

Lavender on the Lake is a working flower farm and lakeside wedding venue in St. Cloud, Florida. The property sits on Lake Tohopekaliga and grows fresh-cut flowers on site, giving it a completely different feel from a traditional Central Florida ballroom.

Compared to The Colonial: I’d look at Lavender on the Lake if you love the outdoor, nature-forward side of The Colonial but want something that leans more garden, floral, and lakeside than vintage western estate.

The Howey Mansion

The Howey Mansion in Howey-in-the-Hills is a restored, nearly 100-year-old Mediterranean Revival mansion surrounded by more than four acres of grounds. Weddings can use the mansion, ballroom, Fountain Courtyard, and Front Lawn, and the venue generally accommodates up to 150 guests for its standard wedding experience.

Compared to The Colonial: This is probably one of my favorite comparisons. Both give you historic Florida estate character, but The Colonial can lean western, old Florida, and relaxed, while The Howey Mansion feels more 1920s, Mediterranean, vintage, and old-world.

The Club at Bella Collina

Bella Collina in Montverde is for the couple who wants Florida to feel… not like Florida. The private club is known for Tuscan-inspired architecture, stonework, rolling hills, lake views, and several indoor and outdoor wedding spaces. It also has on-property accommodations, dining, golf, and a spa, so it can work especially well for a destination wedding weekend.

Compared to The Colonial: Bella Collina is much more elevated European destination wedding, while The Colonial feels more historic Florida estate meets elevated western. If you love beautiful architecture and outdoor spaces but aren’t sure which direction you want stylistically, I’d tour both.

The Alderman House

For couples searching farther south, The Alderman House is a historic 1924 Mediterranean Revival estate in downtown Fort Myers. It has Spanish-style arches, royal palms, a Juliet balcony, separate getting-ready suites, an atrium, and outdoor event spaces, while the mansion itself is primarily used for getting ready and portraits for larger weddings.

Compared to The Colonial: The Alderman House gives you historic architecture + Mediterranean South Florida + downtown access, while The Colonial gives you historic estate + countryside + sprawling oak trees. Both are great options for couples who want character and vintage influence without going anywhere near the traditional ballroom look.

So Which One Fits Your Wedding?

If you want oak trees + elevated western + private estate, The Colonial at Sunset is hard to beat. For flowers + lake + garden, look at Lavender on the Lake. For historic 1920s glamour, tour The Howey Mansion. For Tuscan destination wedding, Bella Collina. And for historic Mediterranean architecture in Southwest Florida, The Alderman House.

You don’t necessarily need a venue that fits a specific wedding “theme.” Find the place that makes you excited to imagine all of your people there, then build the wedding around it.

Hiring Your Colonial At Sunset Wedding Photographer & Videographer

If you’re looking for a Colonial at Sunset wedding photographer and videographer, hi, I’m Kaylee—the photographer and filmmaker behind Through Her Lens Photography. I’ve photographed The Colonial at Sunset before, and it’s one of those venues that works so well with the way I document weddings: real moments, beautiful light, a little editorial direction when you need it, and plenty of room to actually enjoy your day instead of spending half of it posing for photos.

My approach is documentary at its core. I want the laughing-with-your-friends-while-you’re-getting-ready moments, the reactions during your ceremony, your grandparents on the dance floor, and all of the little things happening around you that you probably won’t even notice until you get your gallery back. But I also know you want really freaking good portraits. I’ll step in and direct when it makes sense, then let you get back to your wedding.

And The Colonial at Sunset gives us SO much to work with. The huge Florida oaks, historic estate, open grounds, vintage details, and sunset light can all give you completely different images without leaving the property. It’s especially good for couples drawn to an elevated western or vintage feel while still wanting their wedding to feel like a wedding—not a styled shoot.

Through Her Lens offers photography, digital video, Super 8 film, and 35mm film, so your wedding can be documented in whatever combination feels most like you. I especially love Super 8 at a venue like this because the vintage, imperfect feel of film fits the property so naturally. Pair that with digital photo and video, and you get the polished pieces alongside the shaky, nostalgic little moments that feel like somebody pulled them out of an old home movie.

My wedding coverage is built around the day as a whole rather than trying to squeeze everything into a checklist. I help with timeline planning before the wedding, give you direction when you need it, and leave space for things to happen naturally when you don’t. Because your wedding photos and films should be incredible, but you should also remember actually being there for them.

If you’re planning a wedding at The Colonial at Sunset and want your day documented in a way that feels elevated, emotional, a little western, and still completely like you, I’d love to hear what you’re planning.