Three photos highlight a beautiful waterfront wedding venue: guests seated outdoors, a couple walking down the aisle at an altar by the water, and a nighttime reception aglow with string lights as the bride walks toward the best Fort Myers wedding venue.

A Fort Myers Love Story: 

The History of the Heitman House

Presently owned and operated by Jeremy Zielinski and his wife, Kelly Zielinski, the Heitman House was built in 1908 as an engagement gift by Gilmer Heitman for his beloved bride.  Today the Heitman House is still used in the context of love and marriage and it is still  Southwest Florida’s most beautiful and romantic waterfront wedding venue.

Our beautiful grounds, wrap-around porch, amazing water and sunset views combined with our outstanding food and impeccable service, provides for the most amazing venue for your wedding or other special event.

Three wedding photos: guests seated outdoors at Heitman House, a couple at a waterfront wedding venue altar, and the bride and groom smiling as they walk together, with one timeless black and white shot.

1908

The Romantic Origins

Prominent local businessman Gilmer M. Heitman commissioned the 14-room riverfront mansion as a lavish engagement gift for Englishwoman Nina Travers, beginning construction before she had even accepted his proposal.

Early 1900s

Famous Friends

The estate became a social hub for the wealthy elite of Fort Myers. Famous winter residents like Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Harvey Firestone frequently spent afternoons talking business on the home’s expansive wraparound veranda.

1991

New Ownership

After remaining a private residence for decades, the estate was purchased by Carla D. Anderson.

1992

Historic Renovation

The home underwent a massive, historically accurate renovation to stabilize the structure while carefully preserving its original Gilded Age Queen Anne and Colonial Revival charm.

1996

National Register

Thanks to its immaculately preserved architecture and local historical significance, the Heitman House was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places.

2016

New Ownership

Jeremy and Kelly Zillinski, acquired the venue after getting married there themselves.

Present Day

A Modern Venue

Still privately owned by Jeremy and Kelly Zielinski, the historic estate operates as a premier waterfront wedding and event venue, celebrated for its vintage elegance and lush tropical gardens.

Our Mission

To ensure that your wedding or event will be the ultimate experience and that you will remember it forever!

Our Vision

To be the premier event venue in Southwest Florida, providing our clients with an experience they will talk about for years to come.

Our Process

Consult. Listen. Plan. The biggest part of our process is listening and understanding your vision. Then we will passionately pursue a plan that will make your dream a reality!

Valet parking is provided for all of our weddings, parties or other large events!Valet parking is provided for all of our weddings, parties or other large events!

White text on a black background spells out GLITCH in a pixelated, distorted font style, reminiscent of a digital glitch effect—much like a unique invitation to the best Fort Myers wedding venue, Heitman House.

We LOVE Our Clients

We LOVE Our Clients