Advice

25 Pet-Friendly Wedding Venues in Tampa Bay

You want to have your closest friends and family at your wedding, and if you can't imagine saying “I do” without your best furry-friend, Tampa Bay is home to several pet-friendly wedding venues.

Including your pet in your wedding may seem like a challenging experience, but it doesn't have to be! Choosing the right venue (and hiring the right help) can make all the difference.

Whether they're going to be the ring bearer, the flower girl, or simply pose for portraits, your pet needs to be happy and comfortable and have a designated handler on the day of your wedding.

We've enlisted the expertise of wedding pet planners Fairytail Pet Care to share their favorite pet-friendly wedding venues to make sure your pet enjoys your day as much as you do!


NOVA 535

Located in downtown St. Pete, NOVA 535 features an outdoor bamboo-filled courtyard and historic two-story exposed brick loft-style space. The venue 100% pet friendly, inside and outside.


The Vault

This unique, historic Tampa venue, located in the heart of downtown, features a bank vault that makes for a unique bar or cake table room, and the Riverwalk just minutes away. An adjacent private park is available for intimate private ceremonies or cocktail hour, providing pet-friendly space both indoors and out. As long as our furry friends are on a leash with a handler, The Vault accommodate pets for ceremony and cocktail-hour.


The Don CeSar

To say that this hotel is pet-friendly is an understatement. If you’re looking to not only include your pet in your wedding and also pamper them, this venue is the paw-fect choice! The iconic ‘Pink Palace' Don CeSar allows pets in the designated pet-friendly hotel rooms on the first floor so that you can get ready together, and they can join you for portraits and ocean-front “I Do's”!

This property truly adores its furry guests, even offering dog massages by a professional canine massage therapist and a special pet room service menu that includes essentials like a food bowl, a “pet in room” door hanger, a black bandana with the Don CeSar logo, and a travel pouch with a roll leash bags for dog walks.


Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach

From the white sand beaches to the rooftop patio views, your pet will love posing for portraits at this beachfront hotel. This venue welcomes your pup to be a part of your ceremony and photos.

The Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach features multiple outdoor balcony ceremony sites overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and two renovated ballrooms.

What sets this luxury property apart from its neighboring beach properties is its signature Sky Terrace, an outdoor balcony with 360-degree views of Clearwater Beach and the Intracoastal waterways that can seat up to 200 for a ceremony.


Isla Del Sol Yacht and Country Club

This private yacht club is ideal for couples seeking the pristine Florida waterfront setting with the intimacy not available at a public beach. Enjoy photos with your pet alongside the venue's private beach and palm trees or inside the panoramic-view ballroom anytime before food is served.


Harborside Chapel

Harborside Chapel is one of the few wedding chapels that welcomes pets to be a part of the ceremony. It boasts
breathtaking natural lighting and a neutral color palette, making it a modern-day wedding venue that offers a classic yet chic ambiance. The location in Safety Harbor is convenient to many reception venues and accommodation options, so your pet can head back for some rest following the ceremony.


Red Mesa Events

This historic three-story wedding venue offers multiple areas perfect for belly rubs or big smiles alongside your pet, including an open-air courtyard restaurant, a renovated ballroom, an open-air bar and lounge, and a rooftop deck featuring stunning views of downtown St. Pete.

With original exposed brick, two brilliant chandeliers, and herringbone wood floor, the ballroom seats 110, while the trendy second-story balcony lounge overlooking the courtyard and bubbling fountain is perfect for cocktail hour.

Red Mesa Events allows couples to include their pet whenever Fairytail Pet Care is hired as the contracted wedding day pet care vendor.

@fairytail_petcare She literally held him like this for the majority of their wedding ???????? #bestfriendscheck #dog #dogsoftiktok #petsoftiktok #wedding #weddingday ♬ The Good Ones – Gabby Barrett

The Birchwood

The Birchwood is a boutique hotel that is ideal for couples looking for a modern and timeless venue setting. The five-story Spanish Mission-style building sits at a prime location on Beach Drive, overlooking the picturesque St. Pete Pier,
Straub Park, and Tampa Bay and offers many nearby outdoor backdrops ideal for posing with your pup.

The Grand Ballroom features a 1920s vintage glam with modern chandeliers, large light-filled windows, and a 4,000-square-foot terrace.

Although this hotel does not allow pets, couples can include their pet in their wedding ceremony whenever Fairytail Pet Care is hired as the contracted wedding day pet care vendor.


The Resort at Longboat Key Club

The Resort at Longboat Key Club is an AAA Four-Diamond all-inclusive wedding destination that spans 410 acres of lush lawns and a pristine beachfront. It offers seven unique and beautiful ceremony sites and three indoor event spaces. The outdoor areas feature lawn, beach, marina, and courtyard settings.

Pets can be included in the wedding ceremony and/or photographs with Fairytail Pet Care as the contracted wedding day pet care vendor.


Hilton Clearwater Beach

The recently renovated Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa features 10 acres of private beach, two pools, and a variety of recently renovated indoor and outdoor event locations, showcasing the best of what Florida has to offer. This hotel welcomes on-leash furry friends at outdoor ceremonies and for photos. The Hilton Clearwater Beach offers all-inclusive wedding packages, with fresh air ceremony location options on and off the sand.

@fairytail_petcare Her sign said “Here Comes My Mommy” ???????? #dog #dogsoftiktok #wedding #weddingday #petsoftiktok #bestfriendscheck #fyp #foryou #couplegoals ♬ La Vie En Rose – Emily Watts

Hilton Tampa Downtown

Located in the heart of downtown Tampa, the Hilton Tampa Downtown hotel features two separate ballrooms to host up to 1,100 guests with over 20 different event spaces. The hotel allows pets in all outdoor areas for ceremonies and photos, and select indoor spaces, including overnight stays.


JC Newman Cigar Co.

J.C. Newman's El Reloj Cigar Factory dates back to 1910 and is the oldest family-owned premium cigar maker. This newly-renovated-yet-historic venue offers three separate floors of event space, each with a distinct style to create a stunning backdrop for any special event, including wood floors, brick walls, and lots of natural light. The venue allows pets to join their humans for ceremonies and photographs on the property with a designated handler.


Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

The Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach is one of the newest AAA 4-Diamond resorts lining the scenic gulf beaches. Your pet can be a part of the outdoor poolside Palm Lawn ceremony or strike a post for photos in the open foyer during cocktail hour. Once your pet has retired for the evening, you and your guests can enjoy a reception in one of the indoor ballroom spaces and partake in convenient on-site accommodations for a one-stop, all-inclusive experience.

The Dunes Ballroom offers 18-foot high ceilings, modern touches, integrated color-changing lighting, and chandeliers and accommodates up to 500 guests.

For couples looking for a more intimate setting, The Pelican Ballroom seats up to 100 and features a private outdoor
terrace with spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico.


HAUS 820

Haus 820 is a historic warehouse in the heart of Lakeland’s emerging urban arts district. The versatile pet-friendly space offers both indoors and outdoors and loves when couples include their furbabies in their celebrations. The interior features strong industrial bones with wall-to-wall white brick, oversized warehouse windows, open wood rafters, and black steel beams. The property also offers an outdoor courtyard with market lights and greenery for cocktail hours and ceremonies, as well as a large bridal suite with artfully designed bathrooms for getting ready.


The West Events

The West Events, located in Madeira Beach, wants the entire family to be present during the big day, and that includes all fur babies. Offering a pet-friendly indoor and outdoor event space, The private event space is the perfect beach venue for couples looking for a modern/industrial vibe, with the versatility to have your ceremony on the sand or inside the climate-controlled venue. The West Events features a beautifully landscaped courtyard, perfect for cocktail hour, with pet-friendly/microbial artificial turf, a dog's dream.

@fairytail_petcare When they picked her up at the end ???? #fyp #foryou #dog #dogsoftiktok #petsoftiktok #boxer #beach #couplegoals ♬ original sound – The Knot

Hotel Haya

Hotel Haya is one of the newest boutique hotels minutes from downtown Tampa in a soulful Old Ybor City. The Valencia Ballroom boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, elegant whitewashed brick, a signature herringbone floor, and custom-blown glass chandeliers and seats up to 200 guests.

Pets are allowed with a designated pet handler and can stay overnight on property.


Simpson Lakes

Just north of Tampa, Simpson Lakes offers your choice of the Oakside, which features cobblestone tiles and glowing light posts, all under the canopy of sprawling oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and the Lakeside, which is located between two lakes and features an organically shaped island, outfitted with beautiful railing, cobblestone pavers, and lush landscaping.

The Grand Room boasts extra large windows with panoramic views of the property, a neutral color palette, and clean-slate look, and includes hand-crafted farm tables and cross-back chairs.

Pets are allowed in outdoor areas with a pre-approved pet handler.


The Whitehurst Gallery is nestled on a 5-acre plot in a residential area of Tarpon Springs, FL. The grand front staircase and backdrop of the stunning Neoclassical architecture provide a stunning setting for a ceremony. The nearby pool deck makes for a dramatic cocktail hour, a perfect space to lounge by the water or even take a walk up the stairs where you can enjoy a 360 panoramic view of the property, the beautiful tree line, and the sunset.

Dine in style in the “Great Room,” which features a library spanning the entire interior wall of the second-floor balcony (visible from the ground floor). As you look up, the domed ceiling features the same detail as you would see in the capitol building in Washington, DC. Marble statues, antique victrolas, and turn-of-the-century artwork are featured in the front foyer, creating an elevated experience and area to stretch your legs during the reception.

Pets are allowed in outdoor areas with a pre-approved pet handler.


Mill Pond Estate

Located minutes from Tampa, Mill Pond Estate features beautiful outdoor spaces. Enjoy your big day under a canopy of ancient oaks nestled among gorgeous blooms or buoyed on a rustic dock overlooking a lily pond. There are three options for ceremony spaces. The broken Oak & Lilly pond can hold a capacity of 150. Smaller ceremonies can be held in the flower garden, which is also ideal for a beautiful cocktail hour space.

Known for their dazzling tented receptions, the sailcloth tents are perfect for an outdoor wedding. Not only will the tented reception keep you and your guests safe from the elements, but it’s the perfect setting to showcase your unique style. This all-inclusive venue is ideal for weddings with 150 guests or less who are looking for a picturesque setting.

Pets are allowed in outdoor areas with a pre-approved pet handler.


Legacy Lane Weddings

Legacy Lane Weddings is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Brooksville on 120 acres of beautiful agritourism land with stunning views of spacious lawns, hayfields, grandfather oaks, and lush woods. The property offers several venue spaces, including the Ceremony Tree, Legacy Pavilion, and The Legacy Barn, as well as overnight accommodations, including the Bridal Estate, the Groom’s bunkhouse, the Farmhouse, and Lodge. 

Choose from three different outdoor ceremony locations, including the towering moss-clad Ceremony Tree, the open-air Legacy Pavilion (which also makes for a lovely cocktail hour setting), or in front of the Bridal Estate Home. The Legacy Barn, a once-six-stable horse barn, now transformed into 3,200 square feet of air-conditioned reception and event space, comfortably seats 140 for dinner. Equipped with a catering prep room, stage, windmill fans, romantic string lighting, wall-to-wall windows for beautiful views, and natural lighting for the perfect atmosphere of rustic elegance.

Situated on 120 acres, Legacy Lane Weddings has four fully furnished houses with overnight accommodations for up to 30 guests. The property’s amenities include two heated pools, a Jacuzzi, a basketball court, a chipping net, swings, a treehouse, a fire pit, and several golf carts.

Pets are allowed in outdoor areas with a pre-approved pet handler.


Fairytail Planning Owners Illana and Kelly

Ilana Karcinski and Kelly Nova have been best friends since they were thirteen. They met in middle school and instantly bonded over their love for animals.

They founded FairyTail Pet Care, after graduating from Florida State University and starting their careers with Hilton Hotels. It was during their time there that they realized this need for couples getting married that really spoke to them.

Couples wanted to include their pets in their special day, but it was just too stressful! Caring for animals is second nature to Ilana and Kelly, so combining this with their hospitality background made for the perfect business concept!

Fairytail Pet Care takes care of every last detail so that your best friend doesn't miss out on your special day!


Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.

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