Oxford Exchange
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Oxford Exchange
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A Guide to Getting Married at Oxford Exchange
Oxford Exchange is a European-inspired Tampa wedding venue featuring a restaurant, bookstore, coffeehouse, and shop. Known for its stunning architecture and elegant ambiance, the event space boasts a blend of historic charm and modern elegance for up to 150 guests, creating a captivating backdrop for ceremonies and receptions.
“Our favorite aspect of Oxford Exchange is its classic look and timeless architecture. The blend of historic charm and contemporary elegance provides a perfect backdrop for creating stunning wedding photographs that will stand the test of time. It offers not only a beautiful setting but also a rich backdrop that enhances the beauty of your photographs and videos. It’s a venue where every corner tells a story, We’ve seen weddings here where couples have personalized the experience beautifully, such as allowing guests to select books from the library as wedding favors, each stamped with the couple’s names by Oxford Exchange—a memory to cherish forever.” -Buffy Feldman, Lifelong Photography
“I knew we were hosting my daughter’s wedding there the first week they opened, and she wasn’t even engaged. There are so many things I love! The aesthetics are number one! It’s right up my alley with the dark wood tones and timeless beauty. It’s a mixture of modern and European vibe with great architectural details. It also has a unique layout that provides an intimate guest experience different than a large open space. The food is always fantastic whether you are there for brunch or a wedding, and they create a beautiful tasting experience for our clients. The OE team is amazingly service-oriented and works magic in a short setup time. The bridal suite is not only beautiful for photos but large and comfortable with a ton of natural light.” -Karen Cerboni, EventFull Weddings
“This venue is a wow and honestly so stunning, but my favorite thing about this venue is that I married the love of my life here in 2020 when we eloped. We picked this location as we wanted an indoor space since it was August. My favorite part of this venue is also the photo opportunities in the space. There are endless opportunities, and each one is unique. I also love that on the couple’s anniversary, they can always visit the venue and enjoy a special meal together. If you are getting married here, make sure you get one of the ornaments for your tree.” -Katy Martin, Coastal Coordinating
“What we love about Oxford Exchange is how naturally beautiful it is. Every corner has a beautiful photo spot and there is so much history to the building. You don’t need a ton to dress up the space because it already is so interesting as is.” -Delaney Driver, Wilder Mind Events
“I absolutely love everything about this venue! The black and white tile, the fountain in the dinner space, the built-in bar, the coffee and tea bar, the lighting and all windowed ceiling, and the grand staircase. I am obsessed with it all.” -Kelci Zicconi, Kelci Leigh Events
How Far Out Should I Book My Wedding?
“Oxford Exchange is super popular and very sought after. I highly suggest reaching out to them as soon as possible once you are engaged and ready to book a date. Most of our clients book at least one year out. If you can be flexible, it is better so that you have a better chance of getting your date. I also suggest checking out the date and what is happening city-wide in the area.” -Katy Martin, Coastal Coordinating
“Oxford Exchange is a hot spot for weddings and should be booked as soon as possible. They only have one event per evening which is another reason they book up fast. It’s not unusual for the venue to be booked more than 12 months out.” -Karen Cerboni, EventFull Weddings
“Couples should know that the Oxford Exchange is an incredibly popular wedding venue in Tampa, and for good reason! Its unique blend of historic charm and modern elegance makes it a sought-after location for many couples. Because of this high demand, it’s essential to book as soon as possible to secure your desired date. Availability can be limited, especially during peak wedding seasons, so planning ahead is crucial to ensure you get to celebrate your special day in this beautiful venue.” -Arron McNeile, McNeile Photography
How Much Does it Cost to Get Married at Oxford Exchange?
“$75,000 is what we suggest. Most of our couples spend $75,000-$100,000 depending on the other vendors they add on and their total number of guests.” -Katy Martin, Coastal Coordinating
“I would suggest budgeting at a minimum of $75,000. This gives you a budget to work with their catering menu, bar packages, and preferred florist.” -Delaney Driver, Wilder Mind Events
Photos: Iyrus Weddings and Sabrina Autumn Photography
Can I Bring In My Own Vendors?
“Oxford Exchange does not allow outside catering and liquor but does allow you to bring in your own cake. You will have to choose from a preferred vendor list for florals, but for most everything else you will have the freedom to choose your own vendors.” -Karen Cerboni, EventFull Weddings
“The catering is all done in-house and is fabulous. They can customize and create special menus as well, and they do this often. Food here is amazing!” -Katy Martin, Coastal Coordinating
“Oxford Exchange has a preferred vendor list due to their timing, setup, delivery, and all of their moving parts. There is always a method to the madness when it comes to venues and their partnerships! Trust them and the list when booking!!” -Kelci Zicconi, Kelci Leigh Events
What Should Couples Know about Photography/Videography at this Venue?
“When it comes to photography and videography at the Oxford Exchange, there are a few key points to keep in mind. I absolutely love the vibe and atmosphere at Oxford. The standout feature, without a doubt, is the grand staircase adorned with antique paintings and frames. It’s straight-up picturesque and just screams elegance and charm, making it the perfect backdrop for breathtaking wedding photos. The overall vibe of the venue is another aspect I adore; it feels like stepping into a cozy London coffee house or library, which adds such a unique and intimate atmosphere to any wedding. Plus, its proximity to the Henry B. Plant Museum and the University of Tampa is a fantastic bonus! These locations are ideal for a first look or general wedding photos, offering a picturesque setting that complements the beauty of the Oxford Exchange perfectly. However, lighting can be somewhat tricky, especially during shorter days when the sun sets earlier. Oxford Exchange does not allow access to the venue until it closes to the public, which can limit the available natural light for your photos and videos. To work around this, consider having a first look or some of your portraits taken off-site, perhaps at a nearby location with good natural light. This way, you can capture those stunning moments without being constrained by the venue’s lighting limitations.” -Arron McNeile, McNeile Photography
“Oxford Exchange is such a cool and unique venue photography-wise! It is important to know that because the coffee/shop restaurant there closes at 5:30 p.m.; you are generally limited to after that time for photos in the space, so it’s super important to talk with your planner/photographer about your timeline for the ceremony and reception so that you have the time to get photos on that gorgeous stairwell and all the cool spots. My favorite thing is how unique the decor and style is there. I love the black and white checkered floors, the dark wood stairwell, and all the exposed brick in the conference rooms, as well as the white brick and lanterns outside. The University of Tampa is directly across the street, so it’s awesome to have both the look and feel of Oxford Exchange but also the iconic setting of UT close by.” -Carrie Wildes, Carrie Wildes Photography
“We have had the pleasure of capturing many weddings at Oxford Exchange. This venue is open to the public, which means it’s crucial for your photographer to coordinate timing. Your photographer needs to know when various areas will be available to ensure smooth and uninterrupted coverage of your day. This ensures you capture all the moments and settings that are important to you. Specifically, we recommend capturing photos in key areas like the atrium with the fountain before dinner service begins to preserve the pristine look of the space. Similarly, shots at the coffee bar and stairs should be taken before dinner, ideally before the lights are dimmed. Efficiency is key to capturing all the gorgeous backdrops Oxford Exchange offers, from the stunning staircase to the elegant elevator.” -Buffy Feldman, Lifelong Photography
“Oxford Exchange is a dream for wedding photography, blending classic elegance with modern sophistication. The grand staircase and natural light in the atrium create stunning backdrops, but be mindful of lighting as the day progresses. I recommend scheduling portraits or a first look off-site, like at the nearby University of Tampa, to capture the best light. The venue’s interconnected spaces, like the atrium, conservatory, library, and even the prep rooms upstairs, allow for a variety of settings that promote close-knit conversations and moments, which in turn lead to authentic candids. The checkerboard floor is such a simple aesthetic, but it’s *immediately* recognizable and arguably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Oxford Exchange.” -Eddy Almaguer, Eddy Almaguer Photography
“The design and architecture of Oxford Exchange make it a stunning Tampa wedding venue. The property creates a very different setting than a beach hotel, so the style of your wedding should reflect that. It inspires class and elegance, and this goes for your wedding party wardrobe choices as well as event decor. This isn’t a garden wedding or beach setting, so evening gowns, black and white colors, classic hair, and makeup all shine here. The vibe carries on into the photos, allowing for editorial captures and stunning candid as well as jaw-dropping portraits. The rough brick inside and the stunning vines climbing the atrium trellises aren’t backdrops you’ll find elsewhere – making photos at Oxford Exchange both unique and recognizable.” -Kelly Morfopoulos, K&K Photography
“Oxford Exchange offers a timeless, European-style setting unique to the Tampa Bay area. The grand staircase and gallery wall are highly favored for portraits, closely followed by the white brick and greenery of the conservatory. The exterior of Oxford Exchange complements this aesthetic with modern, industrial touches, featuring white brick and black fixtures and windows. The entire venue, including the upstairs prep rooms, atrium, and conservatory, is interconnected, ensuring a smooth flow of the day without the need for additional transportation time. At Oxford Exchange, entrances, the first dance, and parent dances take place in the atrium, fostering a more intimate experience as guests gather around the couple, while dinner is an event of its own in the conservatory. Many couples opt to take a short walk across the street to the University of Tampa’s Plant Hall for additional portraits. This is great for a change in scenery, good for larger wedding parties, and some photos/video with movement as it is a more open space. Every wedding we’ve documented at Oxford Exchange has benefited from this convenience and thoughtful event flow, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.” -Jennifer Reed, J&S Media
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What Logistics Do I Need to Know About this Venue?
“A really important thing to note when booking Oxford Exchange for your venue is their required vendors and set up time. When booking this venue, you have to choose from their list of florists and cakes. There are options within that list, but it can restrict you if you have a specific company in mind before booking the venue. They also are a functioning restaurant, so there are specific ceremony times and setup times for their space. This is important to know because you need vendors familiar with the time frames and know that there isn’t a ton of flexibility with these timeframes.” -Delaney Driver, Wilder Mind Events
“Oxford Exchange does have some logistical issues for vendors because they don’t close their restaurant and store spaces until 5:30 p.m. With most weddings starting between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. it’s a short setup time for vendors. However, a well-selected experienced vendor team can make it happen.” -Karen Cerboni, EventFull Weddings
“Set up time is very quick, and not a lot of time is given, but it works at this venue. You must use a preferred florist from their list, and this ensures that the setup can be done in time. Also, the start time is much later than normal as you cannot start a ceremony or cocktail hour before 7 p.m. due to the hours of business that the space operates. The minimal time for setup can seem scary but trust me, they do a fabulous job, and it runs so smoothly. Parking is a little tough, but with valet, it makes it much easier. Make sure your vendors know about the setup time restrictions and load-in. I suggest working with vendors who have worked in this space in the past.” -Katy Martin, Coastal Coordinating” -Katy Martin, Coastal Coordinating
“Since Oxford Exchange operates as a public restaurant and store, weddings must be scheduled around its public hours. The venue closes at 5:30 pm, meaning that activities in the main areas, such as the atrium and conservatory, cannot commence until that time. This includes taking portraits of the wedding party, family photos, and holding the ceremony itself. Before the ceremony, couples have access to upstairs rooms for preparations. The bride typically uses the Smith Room, which features windows overlooking the University of Tampa campus and provides the room with some natural light. The room’s distinctive brick walls often serve as a great backdrop for bridal prep photos.” -Jennifer Reed, J&S Media
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Oxford Exchange
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