Wedding Venue Wednesday: The Opal Collection

Our Special Moments Event Planning Wedding Venue Wednesday is taking a slight turn from the norm this month. In past months we’ve focused on unique, “off the beaten path” hidden gems.

This month we are sharing some gems that are in plain sight! It just takes one look at some of our real weddings or social media feeds to see that we frequently work at several of the Opal Collection resorts on the Gulf Coast.

 

But, what IS the Opal Collection?

Opal Collection is a premier assortment of luxury hotels and resorts, located in the most sought after destinations on the East Coast from Bar Harbor, Maine to the southernmost tip of Key West Florida. Like the beautiful qualities of natural Opal gemstones, each destination shines with its own colorful and unique experiences, and each property reflects a genuine connection to the area, highlighted by artful designs, culinary offerings, and signature activities.

The Opal Collection represents incredible, luxurious, and unique resorts from the Adirondacks in New York to the New England Coast and Florida’s East Coast and Keys.

Along the Florida Gulf Coast, the collection has some of our favorite resorts. These include the Sandpearl Resort, Opal Sands Resort on Clearwater Beach, and the Belleview Inn in nearby Belleair.

 

Opal Sands Resort

This resort is an incredible option for weddings on Clearwater Beach. Their Event Lawn offers the Gulf of Mexico as the backdrop for wedding ceremonies. The lawn is expansive enough for your wedding guests to enjoy Cocktail Hour just steps away from your wedding ceremony.

The Opal Sands Sea Salons offer expansive windows to take in the sunset while enjoying fantastic food and dancing the night away. It’s perfect for weddings of up to 120 guests.

For larger weddings and events, the Opal Ballroom can accommodate up to 500 guests!

Whether you are hosting a destination wedding or have local family and friends who want to have a weekend of wedding festivities, the Opal Sands 230 guest rooms and suites are the ideal places to relax and unwind.

 

Sandpearl Resort

Located at the opposite end of Clearwater Beach, the Sandpearl Resort sits on 700 feet of beautiful Clearwater Beach.

This can offer you that feet in the sand wedding ceremony. Or, if you don’t want sandy toes, The Gulf Lawn is beachfront overlooking the surf and sand. Cocktails on the Pool Lawn, next to a glistening waterfall, just step away.

For wedding receptions, the Sandpearl offers multiple options to couples. For dinner under the stars, we love the Gulf Lawn. Indoors the Harbor Ballroom accommodates weddings of up to 150 guests. The Hunter Ballroom with 15-foot ceilings can accommodate up to 325 guests for dinner and dancing.

The Sandpearl offers guests 253 luxurious rooms and suites. And be sure to ask about the Gulf-Side Suite. Located next to the Gulf Lawn, it can be the ideal space for you and your wedding party to get ready or as a Honeymoon Suite.

 

The Belleview Inn

For intimate weddings with a different vibe, our Special Moments Event Planning team loves the Belleview Inn. Initially built in 1897, Henry Plant’s ‘White Queen” has been re-envisioned as a boutique hotel and restored to its incredible glory with modern amenities.

Just off the Intracoastal Waterway, the iconic property offers a unique setting. The 35 guest rooms blend modern amenities with historic detailing.

The Tiffany Ballroom, with its curved Tiffany Glass ceiling, can accommodate weddings up to 70 guests, with the Gran Lawn offering receptions of up to 150 guests.

 

More About The Opal Collection

Regardless of which of these Opal Collection properties you select for your special day, we know that you will fall in love with the quality and service our team has come to know.

The Opal Collection boasts additional Gulf Coast resorts perfect for Naples and Sarasota / Long Boat Key weddings. And, for a getaway with incredible views, their resort on Treasure Island makes a great escape.

 

*Featured cover image by Cara DeHart Lewis Photography