One of the biggest decision you will make concerning your wedding day is where it will be held and I know that can make finding the perfect venue feel daunting. With so many options available, I have created this guide for you to help narrow down the choices and help you envision what your wedding day could look like without the worry if you chose the right venue.
Tampa has a variety of unique wedding venues that each offer an experience both you and your guests will be talking about and reminiscing on for the years to come. As a wedding photographer based in Tampa, Florida I get to celebrate with couples all over the Gulf Coast, but the venues listed below are some of my favorites for not only the photo opportunities they provide but for the flexibility they offer couples when it comes to designing their wedding day.
No matter if you are eloping, planning a small wedding or celebrating with a lavish party – you can’t go wrong with this list. These wedding venues will give you an experience to remember as you begin this next chapter of your love story.
Wedding Venues Near Tampa, Florida
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens | Sarasota, Florida
Image by: Amanda Dawn Photography
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens was founded in the 1970s by Marie Selby, a philanthropist and orchid enthusiast. The gardens were originally located on the grounds of her home, but they were later moved to their current location on the banks of Sarasota Bay. Today, the gardens cover 15 acres and feature a variety of tropical plants, including orchids, bromeliads, and ferns.
Selby Gardens is a beautiful and unique venue for a wedding. The gardens offer a variety of ceremony and reception accommodations, and they can accommodate weddings of all sizes; and average costs for weddings range from about $5,000 to $25,000+ depending on the date, time, events happening, and size of the guest list. These costs do not include the cost of catering, photography, or other vendors. The gardens also have a number of additional fees, such as a rental fee, a catering fee, and a security fee.
Learn more by reading the full venue guide here.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature | Bradenton, Florida
Image by: Amanda Dawn Photography
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature was founded in 1947 by Dr. James W. Bishop. The museum was originally located in a small building on the grounds of the Manatee County Courthouse before it was moved to its current location on 10th Street West in Bradenton in 1960. The museum has since expanded several times and now features a variety of exhibits on natural history, Florida history, and the space program.
The Bishop Museum offers a variety of spaces for weddings and receptions. The Courtyard is a popular choice for outdoor weddings featuring an underwater view of the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat and has a capacity of up to 225 guests. Costs will depend on the space that is being rented as well as the date, but events held in The Courtyard start at $2,500 per day.
Learn more by reading the full venue guide here.
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art | Sarasota, Florida
Image by: Amanda Dawn Photography
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art was founded in 1927 by John Ringling, a circus magnate and art collector. Ringling and his wife, Mable, amassed a vast collection of European art, which they donated to the museum upon their deaths. The museum is located on the former estate of the Ringlings, which includes a mansion, gardens, and a theater.
The Ringling Museum offers a variety of ceremony and reception accommodations. The Museum of Art Courtyard is a popular choice for outdoor ceremonies as well as The Ringling Mansion that offers stunning views of Sarasota Bay. The cost of renting a venue at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art varies depending on the size of the event and the time of year. For example, the cost of renting the Museum of Art Courtyard for a Saturday evening wedding in the spring is $20,000. The cost of renting the Ringling Mansion for a Saturday evening wedding in the fall is $35,000. Those looking for a simpler option can also elopement at the Ringling with up to 10 guests and expect to invest between $1,000 and $2,000 depending on the location chosen.
Learn more by reading the full venue guide here.
The Powel Crosley Estate | Sarasota, Florida
Image by: Amanda Dawn Photography
The Powel Crosley Estate is a historic Mediterranean style mansion located in Sarasota, Florida. It was built in 1929 by Powel Crosley Jr., an industrialist and inventor who was the founder of Crosley Radio Corporation. The estate was originally named Seagate, and it was Crosley’s winter home.
Today, the estate is a popular wedding venue. It can accommodate up to 200 guests for a ceremony and reception with a variety of spaces to choose from. The main house has a large living room and ballroom. There is also a terrace that overlooks Sarasota Bay. The pricing varies depending on the date and time of the event, the number of guests, and the chosen spaces. The average cost of a wedding at the estate is $25,000.
Learn more by reading the full venue guide here.
