Downtown Tampa is home to an abundance of unique wedding venues and hotels, with stunning water views, historic buildings, and hotel ballrooms that can host over 1,000 wedding guests. Whether you want a modern, city vibe or a classic traditional space, here are our seven favorite downtown Tampa wedding venues.
The Vault
Chock-full of original art deco details revealing its former life as The Exchange National Bank of 1923, The Vault offers a unique event space with luxurious finishes and historic charm in the heart of downtown Tampa. The first bank to be built in Tampa, many of the neoclassical elements remain, including the floor-to-ceiling windows, intricate medallion details, and of course the bank vault of its namesake (often used as a cozy bar space or unique dessert room for events).
This sophisticated wedding venue is perfect for couples who seek timeless and classic design, a vibrant, bustling city feel, and all-inclusive convenience for their celebration. The fully-restored interior boasts 6,000 square feet of event space with 35-foot ceilings and a second-floor mezzanine level overlooking the reception and is ideal for groups of up to 300 guests. Included in the rental fees are a bridal suite, tables, white Chiavari chairs, security personnel, restroom attendant, and a parking attendant. An adjacent private park is available to rent for intimate private ceremonies or cocktail hours. The Vault is within walking distance of several public parks and churches, including Sacred Heart Catholic church.
The venue offers full-service in-house catering with vibrant selections courtesy of veteran Chef Lola Sierra. Menus can be customized to the couple, with specialty drinks uniquely created for each event, and include a private tasting to experience the first-class cuisine while working hand-in-hand with The Vault's special events team.
The Tampa Club
Located at the highest accessible point in the heart of downtown Tampa, The Tampa Club offers panoramic birds-eye views of the city from the 42nd floor of the iconic Bank of America Plaza. Featuring multiple indoor ballrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, couples will be impressed with the sweeping views and elegant atmosphere, from the two-story grand staircase and blown glass chandelier to the private wine room and cozy lounge.
The Rotunda ceremony space can accommodate groups of 60 or fewer, while the Ballroom can house up to 120 guests. Ceremonies include banquet chairs and a hospitality station for the couple and their guests.
Receptions in the newly renovated Canopy Ballroom can accommodate groups of up to 140 seating or up to 250 for a cocktail reception. Wedding packages include hors d'oeuvres and a three-course plated meal with an open bar and champagne toast. The Tampa Club provides floor-length table linens, napkins, charger plates, Chiavari chairs, a dance floor, and even a dedicated wedding coordinator to ensure the day runs smoothly. Intimate wedding packages are also available.
Yacht StarShip
The Yacht StarShip brings a whole new meaning to cruising the Florida water with breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline, freshly prepared cuisine, and great entertainment making it the epitome of a Tampa Bay waterfront wedding venue.
With four luxury yachts available, an on-site event coordinator, in-house catering, DJ, and an officiant, the Yacht StarShip offers an affordable all-inclusive wedding experience. With two locations, Clearwater Beach and downtown Tampa, this floating waterfront wedding venue provide your guests with the perfect Florida atmosphere. Ceremonies take place on the rooftop deck, with 360-degree water views, and can be officiated by the ship's captain. During cocktail hour and the reception, guests can cruise around the Tampa Bay waterways making for amazing sunset wedding photos. Couples can rent a private room or charter the entire yacht for guest counts of 25-300 seated. (There is a food and beverage minimum for a private yacht charter). The reception tables are surrounded by windows allowing guests to catch every minute of our stunning Florida sunsets and evening cityscape as the day transitions into night.
Being an all-inclusive venue makes planning easy. From fine dining options crafted by the Executive Chef to the largest Promenade Deck in Florida, hosting your wedding on the yacht is truly an unforgettable experience.
Hilton Tampa Downtown
Situated in the heart of downtown, the Hilton Tampa Downtown hotel features two separate ballrooms with amazing chandeliers to host 50 to 1,100 guests and an outdoor brick courtyard with a waterfall for outdoor ceremonies and cocktail hour. Wedding packages include champagne toasts for all guests, a dance floor, votive candles, and no cake-cutting fee. The executive chef and on-site catering team offer custom menus from cocktail-style reception, plated dinners, or buffets.
J.C. Newman Cigar Co.
Just outside of downtown Tampa in Ybor City is one of the newest industrial-style wedding venues in the area. The J.C. Newman's El Reloj Cigar Factory dates back to 1910 and boasts original architectural features updated with modern amenities. As the oldest family-owned premium cigar maker, this historic venue pays homage to Tampa's reputation as the “Cigar City.”
The newly renovated 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.
Rentals are affordably priced between $3,000-$4,000 depending on the event day and time and include banquet tables, cocktail tables, and black modern chairs, as well as audiovisual equipment and on-site parking with security.
Couples can enhance their event experience with cigar rollers or access to the 1st-floor museum and factory store or 3rd-floor lounge and hand-rolling factory for only $500 additional each.
Marry Me Tampa Bay readers receive a free box of custom imprinted cigars.
Florida Aquarium
Located in the heart of the bustling Water Street is one of the most unique wedding venues in Tampa Bay. The Florida Aquarium offers couples the chance to exchange vows in front of a giant tank filled with fish, creating an unforgettable ceremony backdrop! Guests can enjoy self-guided tours of the exhibits during an immersive cocktail hour experience, before dining in one of the many reception spaces which include a coral reef room surrounded by fish, the expansive lobby, the rooftop terrace, or the new ballroom overlooking Channelside inlet. In-house catering offers a range of meal options from buffets to chef-attended stations to plated meals.
Floridan Palace
Say your “I Do’s” in the historic grandeur of the Floridan Palace Hotel, downtown Tampa's oldest original hotel that dates back to the glitz and glamour of the 1920s. Character and charm adorn the various event spaces, from the sparkling chandeliers in the aptly named Crystal dining room to the natural-light-filled Mezzanine terrace to the elegant décor of the enormous ballroom with space for up to 750 guests. Guests appreciate the well-appointed guest rooms on property, and couples love the convenient on-site catering and flexible wedding packages with décor options.
Hotel Haya
This new boutique hotel is located just minutes from Downtown Tampa in the soulful, historic world of Ybor City. Paying homage to the Cigar industry roots of the area, the space has been artfully renovated to combine the charm and character of the past with the modern touches of today.
The Valencia Ballroom’s architecture, featuring soaring two-story room heights and maximum natural light, is further enhanced by impeccable details that include whitewashed brick walls, herringbone wood floors, and custom-blown glass chandeliers. The Valencia Foyer includes lounge furniture, local artwork on the walls, exposed brick, and floor-to-ceiling windows, ideal for social cocktail hours. The Courtyard, located pool side, is designed with natural Florida plants and market lights! It’s the perfect spot for your intimate ceremony of 65 guests or less or combined with the Foyer for an indoor/outdoor combination space for cocktails.
Indulge in coastal cuisines of Latin America, the Mediterranean, and our very own Gulf Coast, where you’ll find the heat of a live-fire grill and an ever-evolving rotation of ceviches courtesy of the executive chef at on-site restaurant Flor Fina. The catering team offers seasonal menus to suit any dietary needs.
The spacious Floridian Suite, with expansive space for makeup, dress prep, and pre-vow champagne toasts with your friends, is also a grand place to return to after your celebration. Guests will enjoy the convenient well-appointed rooms on property.
