Venue

Best Downtown St. Pete Wedding Venues

Tampa Bay Best Local Wedding Venue 2021

NOVA 535

Located in the heart of downtown St. Pete, NOVA 535 is a historic venue dating back to 1920 that offers both indoor and outdoor options for your ceremony and reception. Beyond the clay brick walls lies a private courtyard surrounded by lush, 30-foot tall bamboo, transporting guests to a zen-like garden in the middle of the city. The soft canopy lighting and secluded atmosphere is perfect for a ceremony for up to 250 guests or an al fresco dinner reception for groups as large as 150.

The interior loft-style space boasts unique character. With texture from the brick walls and hardwood floors and state-of-the-art uplighting, plus 16 foot ceilings with original hand-cut rafters. The downstairs gallery comfortably
seats up to 220 guests for dinner with a dance floor or up to 260 guests without. The upstairs lounge and courtyard balcony can accommodate another 80 guests, and the on-site SUPERNOVA bridal suite is perfect for bridal parties.

NOVA 535 offers versatile, no-stress planning with world-class service, and wedding packages include a venue coordinator, tables, chairs, bar services, DJ, and uplighting. The venue was named “Top 10 Best Restrooms in the USA”, Best Place for a Wedding, Best Holiday Party Venue, and Couples Choice Award.


Red Mesa Events

The Red Mesa Events venue, originally the home of downtown St. Pete’s first fire station, was fully restored in 2017 while still preserving the
original features of the historic building. The three-story wedding venue offers multiple areas, including an open-air courtyard restaurant, Red Mesa Cantina, perfect for rehearsal dinners or bridal showers, and three event spaces: a renovated ballroom, open-air bar & lounge, and a rooftop deck featuring stunning views of downtown St. Pete.

Red Mesa Events is ideal for couples seeking historic charm with a modern twist. With original exposed brick, brilliant chandeliers, a white marble bar, herringbone wood floors, and panoramic views, The La Florida Ballroom is an exquisite event space for up to 120 guests. The ballroom is decked out with state-of-the-art A/V and uplighting and features its own cutting-edge banquet kitchen so that your chef is dedicated to your wedding menu.

The DeSanto Rooftop is a chic third-story lounge overlooking the heart of downtown St. Pete. With a rich Brazilian Walnut deck, a 30-foot bar specializing in craft cocktails, and a stunning view of the sunset, you’ll love the ambiance of this event space for your ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception for up to 175 guests.

With Mexican cuisine at its heart, Red Mesa Events blends Latin and Caribbean kitchen traditions to create a menu of bold, fresh flavors. The event spaces are catered by the famous restaurant and feature their incredible chef-created dishes and hand-crafted cocktails utilizing their collection of the most extensive selection of tequilas and mezcals in
the South!


The Birchwood

Located in the heart of downtown St. Pete, The Birchwood is a boutique hotel 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. Petersburg Pier, Straub Park, and Tampa Bay.

Inspired by the 1920’s glam era, The Grand Ballroom at The Birchwood is the perfect location for your wedding ceremony, reception, and rehearsal dinner or post-wedding brunch. The interior Ballroom space was renovated in 2015 with elegant details, modern chandeliers, and terrace balconies with breathtaking views of Tampa Bay and the amazing Downtown St. Petersburg Skyline. With space for up to 200 guests, The Birchwood is set to impress.

This trendy hotel is home to 18 rooms with oversized bathrooms that feature their iconic porcelain, clawfoot tubs. The vintage-inspired decor is
an ode to the historic charm and makes for stunning wedding day photos. The Birchwood caters to couples in search of a luxurious wedding celebration paired with an innovative culinary experience, with custom menu options available to suit any event or palette, including gourmet vegan options.


Poynter Institute

The Poynter Institute, one of St. Pete's best-kept secrets, is a modern architectural gem featuring rich mahogany, granite, and keystone details along the waterfront in downtown St. Pete. The unique venue evokes a sophisticated ambiance while providing a balance between nature, class, and intrigue.

The Frank Lloyd Wright style architecture in the main event space features mahogany beams and woodwork throughout, imported Italian marble floors, and gorgeous natural light through the expansive windows. The adjoining outdoor patio features benches along a reflecting pool, perfect for post-ceremony cocktails and views of the marina. And the secluded outdoor atrium boasts towering palm trees, a lush landscape, and canopy lighting strung overhead, creating a beautiful backdrop for a garden ceremony or cocktail hour. Though it's in the middle of the city, the property provides privacy for an intimate feel and features colorful landscapes and flora, is within walking distance from the bay harbor, and offers numerous backdrops for photos.

The Poynter Institute seats up to 150 guests and allows couples to bring in their own caterers (who will love the access to the catering kitchen). The on-site covered parking is free for guests, which is a huge plus in the city.


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