A decorated outdoor wedding table with “Mr. & Mrs.” signs, floral arrangements, and champagne glasses sits under a large tree with a crystal chandelier and string lights at Heitman House, the best Fort Myers waterfront wedding venue.

Kick Off Your Wedding Weekend

Kick Off Your Wedding Weekend

Unforgettable Welcome Parties & Rehearsal Dinners

Unforgettable Welcome Parties & Rehearsal Dinners

Set the perfect tone for your wedding weekend by hosting a spectacular Welcome Party at the historic Heitman House. Gathering your family, bridal party, and out-of-town guests along the scenic Caloosahatchee River is the ultimate way to kick off your celebration in true Southwest Florida style.

Whether you are planning an intimate rehearsal dinner or a lively sunset cocktail hour to greet all your arriving guests, our all-inclusive venue and acclaimed in-house catering team will ensure your weekend begins flawlessly.

Aerial view of a large house by the water, the perfect waterfront wedding venue. Guests gather on the patio for an outdoor event, surrounded by lush greenery, with a white dock stretching into the river below.
An outdoor event setup at Heitman House features round tables with white tablecloths, orange napkins, and vibrant florals on a patio in front of a large white house—making it the best Fort Myers wedding venue with string lights and palm trees overhead.

A Warm Fort Myers Welcome

A Welcome Party is the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your guests before the whirlwind of the wedding day begins. Imagine your closest friends and family mingling under the towering palms, sipping craft cocktails, and enjoying the gentle river breeze on our iconic 1908 wraparound porch.

Instead of a traditional, formal sit-down dinner, many couples love utilizing our expansive waterfront lawn for a relaxed, interactive evening. It’s an incredible way to introduce your out-of-town loved ones to the historic charm and natural beauty of the River District while setting a joyful, celebratory mood for the days ahead.

A dark wooden table holds rows of mini champagne bottles with tags, a picture frame, and a white orchid—just one elegant detail at Heitman House, the best Fort Myers wedding venue. Behind, three ornate gold-framed mirrors hang on a cream wall.

Custom Menus & Signature Cocktails

Delight your arriving guests with a culinary experience designed specifically for mingling and celebrating. Our talented in-house chefs love crafting custom Welcome Party menus, from heavy hors d’oeuvres and interactive food stations to casual yet elegant buffet spreads featuring our famous Heitman House Bruschetta.

Pair your custom menu with a personalized bar package managed entirely by our licensed in-house bartenders. Serve up a signature “His and Hers” cocktail, pour premium liquors, or offer a curated selection of beer and wine as your loved ones toast to the start of your new chapter together.

A platter of cooked crab legs is displayed with metal tongs, garnished lemon slices, dipping sauces, and a tray of smoked salmon topped with herbs—perfect for any wedding venue or special event at Heitman House.
An outdoor event setup at Heitman House features round tables with white tablecloths, orange napkins, and vibrant florals on a patio in front of a large white house—making it the best Fort Myers wedding venue with string lights and palm trees overhead.

Spectacular Sunsets & Stress-Free Planning

Planning a destination wedding weekend can be overwhelming, which is why we make hosting your Welcome Party completely effortless. As an all-inclusive venue, we provide the tables, seating, linens, and a dedicated staff to handle the setup and service, so you can focus entirely on greeting your guests.

The absolute highlight of an evening at the Heitman House is the golden hour. Invite your guests to  experience a breathtaking Southwest Florida sunset over the water. It is a stunning, unforgettable backdrop that will leave everyone eagerly anticipating the main event.

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