Wedding Venues in Tampa Bay
First in a series
After planning 100 weddings every year for seven years, we have truly gotten acquainted with the Tampa Bay Area’s Wedding Venues. From the Powell Crosley Estate and the Big Preserve at Osprey in Sarasota County to the Bella Collina in Clermont (Orlando), we have planned every type of wedding for 10 guests to 300, from a private tented beach reception to an elaborate soiree for 200 at some of the most prestigious resorts in the area.
I am going to attempt to list a few of my favorites but I have to say that is going to be hard to narrow it down because we have so many fabulous places to get married and host your dream wedding reception.
Beach Wedding Ceremonies and Receptions
The West Coast of Florida is home to so many beautiful beaches it’s hard to choose a favorite. However, some are more private than others. We have a handful of venues in St. Pete Beach, Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, Indian Rocks and Redington Beach that are small “Mom and Pop” boutique hotels which will allow you to host your beach ceremony and reception. Most require a minimum of rooms for the weekend, if not the entire hotel, and a small event fee.
The positives to hosting your wedding at a venue such as a boutique hotel are that for one it is private. You won’t have 3 other brides getting married at your venue on the same day. You also will be able to have your family and bridal party stay at the hotel with you, creating loving memories for the entire weekend or week. You can bring in your own caterer and bar service. This will save you a small fortune which would make up for any additional money spent on the venue. This will also allow you to serve a nicer menu and premium liquor if you choose.
Some negatives include not having a backup location in case of inclement weather. If planning a wedding in May, June, July, August or September you can almost always count on inclement weather. Options include securing a back up location or renting a tent and sidewalls (at an additional cost of course). You may also need to hire a valet service depending on the location and their parking availability. The costs aren’t extensive but remember not only will your guests need to park, but your vendors as well. Other costs include tables, chairs, linen, lighting, etc. And if you are planning a wedding at a DIY venue you will certainly need a wedding planner. Unless you want your family and friends to work on your wedding day.
For the destination couple wanting a tropical wedding, nothing beats a private beach affair.
