Michael’s On East proudly serves as the exclusive culinary partner at Selby Gardens, proudly operating the Selby House Café and catering all special events and private functions on the Gardens’ grounds as well as the waterfront ballroom Michael’s on the Bay.
Beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces can accommodate a full range of events, from intimate gatherings, breakfast meetings, luncheons to corporate retreats. Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens is Sarasota’s premier waterfront indoor event facility featuring:
• 4,800 sq/ft contemporary indoor venue enhanced by
5,000 sq/ft outdoor pre-function space
• Indoor seating up to 300 guests or 450 guests for
standing receptions
• Panoramic Sunset & Bay Views
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The Garden is divided into two rental sides, which include ceremony, cocktail hour and reception areas. The North side of the garden features the Christy Payne Mansion Lawn, Michael’s on the Bay Ballroom, and the Bay Lawn with unparalleled waterfront views. The South side of the garden features the Schimmel Wedding Lawn and Pavilion, Children’s Rain Forest, and unique Banyan Reception Area.
North Side: Mansion Lawn Ceremony
The Christy Payne Mansion provides an exquisite historic backdrop for your wedding day. Although the indoor of the Mansion is not available to rent for weddings and special events, the Mansion Lawn is a popular ceremony location on the North side of the Garden. This area showcases a magnificent Oak Tree, which has blooming epiphytes and luscious orchids which create a romantic scene to exchange wedding vows. A nearby butterfly garden and lily pond complete this enchanting garden setting.
North Side: Michael’s on the Bay Reception
Michael’s on the Bay
Sarasota’s premiere indoor event facility which was remodeled in the summer of 2016. The 4,800 square-foot venue has 80 feet of glass windows that provide unobstructed bay and sunset views. This comfortable space has a contemporary feel with organic, neutral tones to enhance the garden’s natural beauty. This venue features an outdoor balcony, theatrical lighting and modern interior design features, with the contemporary indoor space complimented by 5,000 sq/ft outdoor pre-function space on the bayfront.
(Capacity – 300 Seated / 400 Theater / 500 Cocktail Reception)
North Side: Bay Lawn
The newly landscaped Bay Lawn is the perfect tranquil location for your cocktail party. Located in front of Michael’s on the Bay, this setting highlights the pristine landscaping of the gardens and boasts a view of the John Ringling Bridge and much of Sarasota Bay. During the cocktail party and reception, your guests may stroll through the gardens and enjoy the property, just as guests at Selby have done for the past 40 years!
South Lawn: Schimmel Pavilion Ceremony
The Schimmel Wedding Pavilion is an incredible bayfront location for ceremonies. It extends out into the Great Lawn, which holds a seating capacity of up to 1,000 guests. Sunsets viewed from the Schimmel Pavilion are magnificent, making it the most featured nuptial site.
South Lawn: Banyan Tree Reception
The roots of this mighty tree are extremely enchanting. Old Florida meets Southern Charm under this canopy provided by the century old branches. Clients have the option to use one of the exclusive lighting companies to enhance the space with a variety of string lighting installed all-throughout the tree canopy. The existing patio provides a unique dance floor accompanied by a nearby balcony that sets the stage for your entertainment.
South Lawn: Rainforest Garden
A premiere horticulture feature to Selby Gardens, this elevated outdoor garden simulates a tropical rainforest. A spacious deck area protected by majestic, century-old banyans and flanked by a 12-foot waterfall, the Children’s Rainforest is an ideal venue for after-hours twilight events, rehearsal dinners and cocktail receptions.
Corina & Bob / Selby Gardens Sarasota from Baby Blue Film
Photography Credit - http://chasersofthelight.com/weddings/ Tyler Knott
Photography Credit - https://lanaponomarenko.com - Lana Ponomarenko
