How to land the perfect wedding venue in Tampa Bay
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I proposed to my fiancée Maya in October, and once news of our engagement spread, congratulations came pouring in, along with one big question: When's the wedding?
- Fair! But I couldn't answer it until last week.
Why it matters: Finding the perfect venue in Tampa Bay is a race against time — and your competition. As I learned, plan on booking 12 to 18 months in advance.
The case for Tampa: Maya and I began our venue search at our region's best downtown. We saw rooftop hotels, historic buildings and a community center with panoramic views of the Hillsborough River.
- The vibes range from Old Hollywood to Industrial. Most everything is either all- or semi-inclusive. There's a hotel for every type of out-of-town guest, and you can show up at your venue via Pirate Taxi.
- We broadened the scope, too. Venues tend to lean rustic in much of Hillsborough County. Think barnyard receptions.
The caveat: Most Tampa venues command serious cash. One hotel with an in-house caterer quoted us a minimum $58,500 for food and drinks alone.
- And if you're into beaches, well, you're on the wrong side of the bridge.
The case for St Pete: The Sunshine City has its historic (and pink) hotels, botanical gardens and beaches galore. There are industrial venues with exposed brick, like Red Mesa and Nova 650, too.
- The vibes go from Old Money to Nautical. And if you're feelin' bookish, the Poynter Institute (which owns the Tampa Bay Times) moonlights as an event venue. As downtown weddings go, it's affordable.
The shade: St. Pete loyalist Kathryn would never let me live that down.
- Downtown St. Pete weddings also come with Downtown St. Pete problems: construction, sparse parking and, sometimes, an abandoned storefront next door.
Pro tips: True to the region, most venues here occupy spaces with a past life, and what these sites once were often reveals how practical they are now.
The reveal: Maya and I wound up with a venue in Winter Haven that once housed … a newspaper!
- Given its past, the venue has more than enough parking. We love the exposed brick, the chandeliers, and the garden for the ceremony. We're free to choose our caterers and vendors. And it's an easier drive for Editor Jeff.