A Destination Wedding Story: From Paris to Longboat Key
What do you do when you’re so madly in love that you just can’t wait? For Stephen and Jennifer, the answer was simple: elope in France, then celebrate with family in paradise. After their spontaneous European elopement, they brought their loved ones together for an intimate, unforgettable wedding at the stunning Zota Beach Resort on Longboat Key, Florida.
Zota Beach Resort: The Ultimate Longboat Key Wedding Venue
Nestled on the white sand beaches of Longboat Key, Zota Beach Resort (4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228) is a contemporary, artistic resort specializing in romantic Gulf Coast weddings for 20 to 150 guests15. Whether you dream of a barefoot ceremony on a private beach, a sunset dinner on the open-air terrace, or dancing the night away in the elegant Zara Zota Ballroom, Zota offers flexible indoor and outdoor spaces to bring your vision to life135.
Venue Highlights
- Private Beach Ceremonies: Walk down a sun-bleached wooden boardwalk to say your vows with the Gulf of Mexico as your backdrop. The South Beach Ceremony area accommodates up to 150 guests25.
- Sunset Terrace: Overlooking the infinity-edge pool and turquoise Gulf waters, this open-air venue is perfect for intimate dinners and cocktail hours5.
- Zara Zota Ballroom: A chic, beachside ballroom with 13-foot ceilings, contemporary chandeliers, and flexible space for up to 130 guests235.
- Gulf-Side Event Lawn: Celebrate under the stars with a tented reception or picnic, just steps from the water15.
- Luxury Accommodations: 187 spacious guest rooms and suites, most with balconies and Gulf views, plus a pool, spa, and acclaimed dining at Viento Kitchen + Bar123.
- Expert Wedding Specialists: Zota’s team personalizes every detail, from custom menus to room blocks, ensuring a seamless experience for you and your guests125.
A Magical Day-Storms, Love, and Unforgettable Moments
Stephen and Jennifer’s wedding day arrived with Hurricane Harvey just off the coast, bringing dramatic skies, rain showers, and a sense of adventure. As a Longboat Key Florida Wedding Photographer, I know that stormy weather can create some of the most breathtaking, cinematic images-and this day was no exception.
Instead of stress, the couple embraced the moody skies and shifting light, creating a relaxed and romantic atmosphere. They opted to get ready together in their suite, reliving their Paris elopement and savoring the anticipation. The ceremony took place on Zota’s private beach, with waves crashing and the Gulf breeze adding to the magic. The celebration moved indoors to the Zara Zota Ballroom, where friends and family toasted the newlyweds as the storm rolled by outside.
Why Zota Beach Resort Is a Top Choice for Longboat Key Weddings
- Secluded, Intimate Setting: Escape to a 12-mile barrier island with powdery white sand and endless Gulf views135.
- Flexible Event Spaces: Indoor and outdoor venues for ceremonies, receptions, and cocktail hours, all customizable for your guest count and style125.
- All-Inclusive Packages: Custom menus, wedding cake, open bar, and premium amenities included in every package2.
- Gourmet Dining: Enjoy “Floribbean” cuisine at Viento Kitchen + Bar, with Caribbean and Mediterranean influences1.
- Convenient Location: Close to Sarasota and Tampa airports, plus upscale shopping and dining at St. Armands Circle2.
- Personalized Service: Zota’s wedding specialists handle every detail, from vendor coordination to guest activities and spa pampering25.
Planning Tips for Your Longboat Key Florida Wedding
- Book Early: Zota Beach Resort is in high demand, especially during peak season and hurricane season (June–November).
- Embrace the Weather: Stormy skies can lead to epic, moody wedding photos-work with a photographer who’s experienced in all conditions.
- Consider a Weekend Experience: Arrive early to enjoy poolside cabanas, beachfront walks, and a welcome dinner at Viento Kitchen + Bar1.
- Customize Your Day: From barefoot beach ceremonies to elegant ballroom receptions, Zota’s flexible spaces let you create a celebration that’s uniquely you.
- Trust Your Team: Let Zota’s wedding specialists and your photographer handle logistics so you can focus on making memories.
Why Choose Stills by Hernan as Your Longboat Key Florida Wedding Photographer?
As a Longboat Key Florida Wedding Photographer, I specialize in capturing the romance, emotion, and beauty of destination weddings on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration at Zota Beach Resort or an intimate elopement on the sand, I’ll tell your story with editorial artistry and documentary heart.
More Longboat Key & Zota Beach Resort Wedding Inspiration
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the guest capacity at Zota Beach Resort?
A: Zota can host weddings from 20 to 150 guests, with both indoor and outdoor spaces available1235.
Q: Can we have a beach ceremony and an indoor reception?
A: Absolutely! Many couples choose a beachfront ceremony followed by a ballroom or terrace reception15.
Q: What’s included in Zota’s wedding packages?
A: Packages include ceremony and reception spaces, custom menus, wedding cake, open bar, accommodations, and expert planning services2.
Q: Is Zota Beach Resort accessible for out-of-town guests?
A: Yes, the resort is close to major airports and offers room blocks, shuttle, and valet services2.
Ready to Plan Your Longboat Key Wedding at Zota Beach Resort?
If you’re searching for a Longboat Key Florida Wedding Photographer, Zota Beach Resort wedding photographer, or want to create unforgettable memories on Florida’s Gulf Coast, contact Stills by Hernan | Stills the Studio today.
Let’s capture your love story-rain or shine-at one of Florida’s most breathtaking beach wedding venues.
“Let me make this very simple for you. If you are lucky enough to have Hernan available for your wedding date, book him immediately!! He is absolutely amazing…truly world class. What can you expect from Hernan? First and foremost, the most beautiful photos of your wedding. And I’m talking about classy, artistic, fashion magazine-caliber pictures. My (now) wife and I are from NYC and have many artistic, photographer friends. Hernan is the best of the bunch. Second, you can expect amazing service. Hernan always made a point to respond on the same day of ANY inquiry or call. This level of responsiveness is impressive considering how busy he is and how important it is for you to coordinate all the moving parts of your special day. Third, you can expect a caring person who understands how important this decision and day is to you….and who reciprocates with equal care to make sure your day is perfect. As evidence, I think it’s appropriate to describe just how much Hernan cares. My wife and I had a specific photo scene we wanted midway through the wedding. Unfortunately, mother nature had other plans the evening of our wedding. Hernan gladly traveled multiple hours the following day just to make sure we were able to capture this one specific photo!! How caring and amazing is that? I know you have many choices for photographers and it can be quite stressful. But if you are lucky enough to book Hernan, it will be a decision you will be grateful to have made forever!!”
— Stephen Groom
Okay, so me being a photographer, I shoot weddings in all sorts of places but hands down. The hospitality of Zota and their staff towards me is the most amazing experience I have ever had with a venue/hotel. They treated me like a guest and they know how to prove some serious service!