The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar is a slice of paradise on world-famous Anna Maria Island, Florida. This beachfront venue is an idyllic spot for a waterside wedding, complete with Gulf of Mexico views and the sugar sands for which Florida’s west coast is famous. The open-air, canopied space can hold 180 guests comfortably, allowing you to invite all the friends and family on your list while maintaining an intimate atmosphere.
Facilities and Capacity
The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar offers a variety of luxe locations, giving couples flexibility in their planning. Prior to the ceremony, the bridal party can relax in a plush getting-ready area in The Sandbar Restaurant. A beach ceremony on Florida’s sugar sands can be held in front of the restaurant, complete with an aisle, an arbor and chairs. Host your reception in the open-air pavilion’s covered event space. With room for 180 guests, this restaurant-adjacent space is a perfect way to enjoy the elements while also staying protected from them. Should inclement weather arise, The Sandbar offers a rain plan that maintains the beauty of a beach wedding, including weather screens to shield your guests while allowing them to remain beachside.
Services Offered
The team at The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar is dedicated to making each wedding a memorable one. Onsite planners offer a complimentary consultation to get you started on your journey to the aisle. This team of professionals will be by your side from start to finish, coordinating every detail for your big day. The venue also offers a signature gift: a sand ceremony with a glass heart filled with some of the same white sand on which you’ve just said your vows. Beach ceremonies also include an hour of photography, as well as an officiant and day-of coordinator. Chairs for up to 20 guests will be provided, with more available upon request. The space is also available for birthday parties, corporate events, family reunions, holiday parties and other special events.
Cuisine
The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar offers fresh ingredients and second-to-none service. From farm-to-fork produces to freshly-caught seafood, The Sandbar is committed to serving the highest quality foods in stellar presentations. During cocktail hour, there are four varieties of hors d’oeuvres to set the stage for an extensive buffet selection that couples can personalize to their own tastes. The Sandbar’s friendly bar staff will keep the cocktails flowing for up to four hours, and a celebratory champagne or non-alcoholic toast will capture the festivity of the evening.
The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar is the quintessential “beachy” wedding venue, nestled on Anna Maria Island on Florida’s West Coast. White sand beaches, world-famous sunsets, and multiple event spaces make this venue ideal for couples looking to tie the knot in their own private piece of paradise.
The venue’s easy, breezy vibe makes it a serene spot in which to host a wedding. It’s easy to plan a fantasy wedding in such a picturesque locale. Sandbar Restaurant offers free wedding consultations to make sure clients are able to take advantage of all this spectacular setting has to offer. From a grand affair to a private elopement, Sandbar Restaurant offers a postcard perfect place to host any type of wedding celebration.
The Grand Pavilion at The SandbarMilitary couple wedding Couple at the beach Reception area at nightPink hues in decorWhite chairs for guestsFresh reception layoutColorful chair decor Buffet station at the readyBefore the wedding Buffet station preparationDecor with swirlLights on the tableTempting chocolate fountainPassed hors d'oeuvresPale blue decorA Pavilion reception Ready for the aisleBalloons overlooking receptionPink hued chairsIndoor reception siteThe Grand Pavilion at The SandbarMilitary couple wedding
Six months ago, we toured the venue at the Sandbar on Anna Maria and booked it that day for our beach wedding on 3/20/21. Everyone was amazing from Amanda to Shawn to Jess! They were all so helpful and answered every question without hesitation! Our wedding day went smoothly and was stress-free due to this awesome team! They even brought hors d'oeuvres down to the beach so the wedding party could enjoy them between pictures! The food was also amazing! I definitely recommend the Sandbar for your beach wedding!
Sent on 03/28/2021
Michelle P.
· Married on 01/11/2021
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Amazing and Impressive Venue
From the start, The Sandbar at AMI was professional, helpful, flexible, reassuring, and took care of our special event with the upmost care. They were great at answering every question, sending information and pictures to help us prepare, and assisting us in making decisions that best met our personalities and safety during a pandemic. Even after a hurricane, they had everything put together without any evidence of the aftermath of the storm. Their staff were very helpful and attentive to our needs and our guests. Their efforts and attention to detail made our special day the most wonderful start of our marriage shared with those we love.
Sent on 12/30/2020
Allie
· Married on 08/15/2020
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Truly the BEST!
I cannot say enough good things about The Sandbar and Shawn! Their flexibility through the chaos of COVID was incredible. Shawn was attentive and kind through the entire process and we above and beyond to ensure our day went as smoothly as possible. I have not even mentioned that venue itself, the Sandbar is incredible and beautiful. An evening wedding allows you and your guests to see the STUNNING Anna Maria sunsets. I was so worried that we would feel "on display" with the bustling restaurant being so close. However, this could not have been further from the truth. You wouldn't have even noticed it was there unless you were searching for it. If I had it all to do over again, I would chose the Sandbar EVERY time.
Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?
Yes
What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?
$ 500.00
What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?
$ 500.00
Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?
Yes
What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?
$ 500.00
What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?
$ 500.00
Which of the following are included in starting site fee?
Chairs
China
Clean Up
Event Planning
Flatware
Linens
Parking
Set Up
Tables
Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?
Cake Cutting
Server(s)
Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?
Bartender(s)
Champagne Toast
House Liquor
House Wine
Limited Bar
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?
2
Describe your venue:
Beach
Restaurant
What kind of settings are available?
Indoor
Covered Outdoor
Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?
Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Rehearsal Dinner
What event services do you offer?
Bar Services
Cake
Catering Services
Clean Up
Event Planner
Event Rentals
Get Ready Rooms
Liability Insurance
Lighting / Sound
Set Up
Wifi
What catering services do you offer?
Buffet
Cocktail Reception
Dessert
Hors d'oeuvres
Server(s)
Stations
Tastings
What bar services do you provide?
Bartender(s)
Cash Bar
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Limited Bar
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Wine
What event items are available?
Aisle Markers
Aisle Runners
Altar/Arch
Audio Equipment
Centerpieces
Chairs
Chair Covers
Dance Floor
Decor
Drapery
Lighting
Photo booth
Tables
Tents
Tent Accessories
What food and beverage items are available?
Barware
China
Chocolate Fountain
Flatware
Glassware
Linens
What transportation and access is available?
Parking
Shuttle
Valet
Wheelchair Access
What months are included in your peak season?
February
March
April
May
June
October
November
What months are included in your off-peak season?
July
August
September
December
Team of The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar
Molly Powers
Event Sales Manager
Molly has been a part of The Chiles Group and Anna Maria Island Venues since 1995. She has worked in every arena from busser, hostess, and prep cook to server, expediter, bartender, and manager. She officially began her Event Coordinating duties in 2017 and has been a part of over 3,500 events.
As a graduate of the University of South Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Molly is a great addition to the team. She is creative, positive, organized, and a hopeless romantic.
Molly and her husband Justin met at the Beach House 24 years ago where she worked as a server, they later married at the Sandbar in 2005 and currently live in Parrish with their two kids and neurotic bull-mastiff named Clyde.
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Shawn Rhoton
Catering Sales Manager
Shawn has been with The Chiles Group since 2006. She became an assistant event coordinator in 2007 and Event Sales Manager in 2008 and has a long history of satisfying couples and groups that come to Anna Maria Island Venues. She is a highly motivated, detail orientated professional who thoroughly enjoys all aspects of event creation, planning, and execution. With more than 3,500 events from Weddings to Corporate events under her belt, you could say she’s got this down. In fact, Shawn and her husband James were married at one of our very own venues, The Beach House, back in 2006.
In her spare time Shawn enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and fur babies.
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Amanda Ruuska
Event Sales Coordinator
Amanda Ruska is a graduate of Bowling Green State University in Ohio where she worked as the Catering Sales Manager while studying to receive her Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Leisure Event Planning with a minor in Marketing. Amanda has worked for the Marriott Hotel Group and The Ritz-Carlton learning the hottest and newest tools for event planning. She recently brought her skills to The Chiles Group in April of 2019. Amanda is organized, punctual, upbeat, reliable, creative, open-minded, and goal-oriented and understands how important the planning process is to running a successful event.
Amanda is married to her husband Robby, loves her Yorkshire Terrior, Annie, and even carved out a section of her master closet for her fur baby!
Anna Marie Island is one of the most popular places in Florida for a beach wedding - thanks to the Sandbar!! A great staff and wonderful view makes it the perfect choice..
If you are searching for a beautiful venue, with a beautiful beach, on a beautiful island, then look no further. The Sandbar Restaurant on Anna Maria Island has it all. From a photographer's standpoint, it doesn't get any better. The Sandbar is located directly on the beach on the north end of Anna Maria Island. That part of our beach, with it's curving line to the north, lends itself to some truly spectacular sunsets. The food is amazing, and the staff is first class. Having your wedding here is more than an event, it's an experience that you will treasure for a llifetime.
The Sandbar is part of The Chiles Group known for their commitment to Customer Service. Excellent location for large weddings or small family weddings. Regardless if you have 5 guests or 120 guests, Patti will make sure you get special treatment. Patti has worked for The Sandbar for over 10 yrs and will make sure to see every detail of your wedding goes perfect. Patti McKee and her staff are excellent at customer service with a great personality and will go out of her way to help you with all your needs.
Alek & Sally
Shooting Star Photography
The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar frequently asked questions
What items and services are included in the starting site fee at The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar?
The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
Chairs
China
Clean Up
Event Planning
Flatware
Linens
Parking
Set Up
Tables
At The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar, what items and services related to wedding catering are included in the cost?
The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
Cake Cutting
Server(s)
At The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar, what does the bar service starting price include?
The bar service starting price at The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar includes:
Bartender(s)
Champagne Toast
House Liquor
House Wine
Limited Bar
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
What are the most important characteristics of The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar in terms of venue type, style and location?
The space offered by The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar for wedding events is known for:
Beach
Restaurant
What kind of indoor/outdoor options are available at The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar for wedding events?
The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
Indoor
Covered Outdoor
What kind of wedding events does The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar offer?
The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar offers the following types of wedding events:
Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Rehearsal Dinner
What services does The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar offer for wedding events?
The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar offers the following services for wedding events:
Bar Services
Cake
Catering Services
Clean Up
Event Planner
Event Rentals
Get Ready Rooms
Liability Insurance
Lighting / Sound
Set Up
Wifi
What furniture and decorations does The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar have available for wedding events?
The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
Aisle Markers
Aisle Runners
Altar/Arch
Audio Equipment
Centerpieces
Chairs
Chair Covers
Dance Floor
Decor
Drapery
Lighting
Photo booth
Tables
Tents
Tent Accessories
What percentage of users recommend The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar and which are the most valued aspects of their wedding services?
The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar is recommended by 95% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.9 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.9 in flexibility, 4.9 in value, 4.8 in quality of service, 4.8 in average response time and 4.8 in professionalism.
