The Don Cesar Wedding Reviews

Romantic Blue and White St. Pete Beach Wedding

“A place that held so many of our great memories and reflected our personalities. We both love the beach, and The Don CeSar was one of our favorite places to spend time relaxing by the water.

The Don CeSar came with a reputation of amazing customer service based on all of the online reviews. We were specifically contacted by Beth Clark, Senior Catering Sales Manager, to help make our dream wedding come to life. The service at The Don was honestly better than we could have imagined. The whole process was smooth and the customer service absolutely spectacular. Beth was such a huge part of piecing our wedding together and she was so helpful in coordinating the whole process. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to get married there and would specifically recommend Beth, who was absolutely fantastic from start to finish!” – Hillary and John

Multi-Cultural Gold and Emerald St. Pete Beach Wedding

“Since we lived in Washington D.C., we had to tour 10 venues over the span of a weekend, which was definitely overwhelming. We loved the idea of being near the beach but didn’t want to actually have the wedding on the beach. We also wanted catering to be included because we knew it would be hard for us to make another trip down. We really wanted our guests to be able to enjoy the winter weather in Florida so finding a location that embodied that was important.

We didn’t get to visit The Don CeSar in person before we booked our wedding, however, I had visited many years before as a child. It wasn’t until we saw some of their weddings featured on Marry Me Tampa Bay, that we started actually considering the space. Michael’s aunt had previously planned many corporate events there and she absolutely raved about it. The staff at the Don and the senior catering sales manager, Beth, go above and beyond for their couples. There wasn’t a single email or call that went unanswered, and the team worked efficiently to make sure everything we wanted, we got. Many of the venues we toured told us we wouldn’t be able to include my grandmother’s Brazilian brigadeiros as apart of the dessert table since she’d be making them, but Beth knew how important it was for my family and made it happen.” – Bruna and Michael

Elegant Burgundy and Blush St. Pete Beach Wedding

“We really wanted to nail our beach vision and making sure there were views of the beach from the reception area was something we knew we wanted from the start. The Don CeSar was amazing and accommodating throughout the whole process and Heidi, the catering sales manager, was a big reason we chose The Don! She was great!” – Lea and Brandon

Luxurious Beige and Pink Indian Fusion St. Pete Beach Wedding

“For the ease of planning, we wanted a venue that provided us with an excellent vendor list. We also liked the idea of having the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception all in the same building. We knew having everything in the same location would take the stress and cost out of planning for transportation. The Don CeSar was on the top of our list from the very beginning. My parents celebrated their honeymoon there when they were both 21-years-old. As a couple, we had also planned many staycations at The Don CeSar with some of our closest friends and family. I knew I did not want a beach wedding in the sand, and the garden ceremony location at the Don was the perfect alternative. Also, after seeing the beautiful two-tier ballroom, I was sold!” -Kellie and Rohit

Modern Tropical St. Pete Beach Destination Wedding

“We selected The Don because it was where Paul and I stayed on our first trip together. Paul flew down to meet me, and we absolutely fell in love with the hotel and area. Our relationship got serious after that trip, and since then we have made multiple trips back to the Don! It became our special place, so it made sense to get married there. Beth Clark at The Don provided excellent service throughout the entire planning process. We truly cannot say enough great things about her. She made the whole planning process so enjoyable and assisted happily with the million requests we had. From all the details of the wedding itself to the room block and everything in between, Beth responded to every single request promptly, and always with a ‘Yes!'” -Roseann and Paul

Elegant Rooftop St. Pete Beach Wedding

“So many things about The Don made it extra special: the location, the history, the views, everything was absolutely perfect. From start to finish, the service was 5-stars. The staff at The Don really outdid themselves and were always more than professional and punctual!” – Carolynn and KJ

Romantic Garden Inspired Destination St. Pete Beach Wedding

“The Don certainly earned its title, as The Pink Palace. The hotel is absolutely stunning, full of history, and has one of the most beautiful beaches we've ever seen. After looking at a few venues in the St. Pete area, choosing the Don CeSar was a no-brainer.” – Gina and Steve

Modern, Romantic, Latin Inspired St. Pete Beach Wedding

“We searched for a large space to dance and a great location with plenty of activities to fill a weekend. The Don looks like a palace and is such a beautiful hotel. Everyone was very accommodating; they were open to all my unique and sometimes crazy ideas!” – Frances and Markham

Romantic Blush Pink and Champagne St. Pete Beach Wedding

“I knew the Don CeSar had that classic, romantic and vintage feel that I wanted for our wedding, plus we knew the food there was amazing, so it was honestly an easy choice. After seeing the Grand Ballroom for the first time I knew I had found the perfect place for our wedding reception. From day one everyone made the process so easy for us, from helping us with the menu options, the room block, even providing us with an outstanding on-site wedding coordinator, and even dealing with my 1,000,000 emails a week. The service was EXTRAORDINARY! I cannot express enough how amazing everyone at the hotel was. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a one-stop wedding venue with fantastic staff, gorgeous reception rooms and without a doubt the most delicious food any guest will ever eat at a wedding. Our guests are still raving about how amazing the food at our wedding was and how helpful the staff was, and we owe it all to the Don CeSar and their staff.” – Carla and Matthew

Contemporary Blush Pink and Burgundy St. Pete Beach Wedding

“The Don is known for its high level of service and product. It gave me peace of mind and made wedding planning and the actual wedding weekend more enjoyable to know that everyone would be wonderful thanks to the Don CeSar team. Having worked at the Don CeSar for 10 years with most of that time as a Catering Manager, we were heavily involved in creating our own dinner stations menu. The Don Cesar’s food and service were top notch. All of their staff were genuinely happy and excited for us. We had a great feeling through the whole weekend from all staff. Our guests loved our food, especially the mac and cheese in the parmesan wheel with short ribs and truffle. People are still talking about it months later. We celebrated all weekend long there with the rehearsal dinner on Saturday, followed by the welcome reception then the wedding and reception on Sunday. The weather was perfect and everyone had a blast enjoying the beach and the amenities.” – Lauren and Joe

Winter White and Silver Black Tie Ballroom Wedding

“The Don is a beautiful and historic building, and I was honored to be able to be married there. The service was great, and the food was spectacular!” – Mykal and Tyler

Romantic Navy Blue and Pink St. Pete Beach Wedding

“We decided on The Don CeSar because I grew up telling my dad that I was going to get married there. I wanted to be a princess with a big dress and pink shoes. Luckily I was able to live out those childhood dreams with my prince! The Don CeSar is a beautiful, classy, and historic building. It's the closest thing to a castle that we have in St. Petersburg; it was my dream. I thought their service and staff people did an amazing job. They were incredibly helpful and always willing to answer all our questions!” – Emily and Steve

Glamorous Champagne and Burgundy St. Pete Beach Wedding

The Don CeSar had everything I was looking for in a venue. It has the iconic old world glamour I wanted, matched with being on the beach that made it the perfect fit for both of us. We couldn't have been happier with their service. The entire staff went above and beyond to make our guests stays and our wedding wonderful.” – Chaya and Michael

Romantic Blush Pink, Gold & Ivory St. Pete Beach Wedding

The Don CeSar is such a historic location, and it's our view from Brett's parent's place along the intercoastal. The Don was perfect because the gorgeous courtyard was the happy medium to provide us with that outdoor, beach-y feel without being on the actual beach. I also fell in love with the terrace on the fifth floor which was where we had cocktail hour, as well as the two levels of the Grand Ballroom where we had our reception. The service was exceptional from the moment we checked in through the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, cocktail, reception and through checking out.” – Deviney and Brett

1920's Inspired Glamorous St. Pete Beach Wedding

“We wanted something that would accommodate all of our guests especially the ones traveling from out-of-town. We also wanted it to be a vacation getaway for them, not just to go to a wedding for the night. The Don was the first place we looked at outside of Sarasota and as soon as I saw it I just knew it was the place. It has beach access, is beautiful, close to the airport, is resort style with no need to rent a car and is an amazing New Year's Eve party for those who stayed the weekend! It was perfect!” – Tiffany and Thomas

Great Gatsby, 1920's Inspired Blush Pink, Mint & Gold St. Pete Beach Wedding

“We chose The Don CeSar because it reminded us of our art deco theme, and it's just a gorgeous building. I wanted a space that was glamorous on its own and didn't need too many decorations to be beautiful. The Don has so many different rooms where we could host the rehearsal dinner, wedding and brunch. The events manager was a dream to work with. She was so sweet and very easy to get a hold of. She did everything she could to make our day special.” – Allessandra and Bryan

Blush Pink and White St. Pete Beach Wedding

“The second we pulled up to the Don CeSar, my heart melted, and I knew. There is no better venue in St. Pete. The service was amazing; they pay attention to every detail. The views were incredible. Just thinking about it now, brings a smile to my face!” – Kelly and Jeremy

Traditional Champagne, Purple and Cream St. Pete Beach Wedding

“The Don CeSar is a Tampa Bay icon, as well as being beautiful and timeless both inside and out. We loved the Grand Ballroom. Their Beach House Suites made it easy for families to stay together, but also close by. The service at the Don CeSar was exceptional. Everyone was so helpful, efficient and professional. Lauren Jones (our venue coordinator) was also another huge reason we felt at ease. She was always available via email or phone and was so helpful with different ideas.” – Laura and Justin

Bride and Groom Beach Wedding Portrait | St Pete Beach Photographer Lifelong Photography | Planner Special Moments Event Planning | Venue Don Cesar

Romantic Tropical St. Pete Beach Wedding | The Don CeSar

We are happiest near the water, and the Don CeSar is a special place near where I grew up in Treasure Island. Jason and I have shared so many happy memories here.

We wanted to have an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception. We were overall very happy with the service and aesthetic.

-Alyssa and Jason
St. Petersburg The Pink Palace | Tampa Bay Wedding Venue The Don CeSar | Florida Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studio

Intimate At-Home COVID-19 Wedding

Initially, we wanted something on the water with a lovely ambiance, but unfortunately, we had to cancel our reception.

We hired The Don CeSar due to their known luxury in the area, especially since our wedding day was rearranged due to COVID.

-Jessica and Tyrone
Florida Bride Holding Vibrant Pink Floral Bouquet Outside Historic Pink Palace St. Pete Wedding Venue The Don Cesar | Tampa Bay Wedding Florist Bruce Wayne Florals | Parties A'La Carte

Vibrant Pink and Gold Fairytale Wedding | The Don CeSar

We knew from the start that we wanted a venue that could become a future vacation destination for us as a couple and for our family. We love the idea of taking our future kids on a trip to The Don CeSar to show them exactly where their parents got married and make visits a tradition. When we first drove over the bridge and saw The Don in the distance with the Gulf as a backdrop, we were instantly in love and knew this was it.

Being at The Don feels like an escape from reality, which fits well with the concept of a fairytale wedding. Given that and its sheer beauty, selecting it as our venue was a no-brainer. Service went above and beyond. Our guests raved about how incredible The Don CeSar staff is and how wonderful their wedding weekend experience was as a result.

-Ashli and Greg
Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait | St Pete Beach Photographer Lifelong Photography | Venue The Don CeSar

Classic Blue and White St. Pete Beach Wedding | The Don CeSar

We wanted to be near the beach. We also decided to go with a resort so that we and our guests could stay on-site for the weekend.

When we toured venues, The Don CeSar blew us away. I didn't think we could find a prettier venue, and it had all the aspects that we were looking for. It is such an iconic place in the area with the beach, the elegance, and the timeless class providing the ultimate location. Wendy, our venue coordinator, was just amazing! She was always so willing to help and so sweet that she made sure we felt special during our tasting and our wedding weekend. There were also some extra touches like signature Don CeSar champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries waiting for us in our room after the wedding reception.

-Allison and Tyler
Sunset Classic Bride and Groom on Beach of St. Pete Historic Wedding Venue The Don CeSar, The Pink Palace | Wedding Photographer Carrie Wildes Photography

Classic Pink St. Pete Beach Winter Wedding | The Don Cesar

EJ and I would enjoy the newly remodeled bar and restaurants at The Don CeSar after our beach walks, and one day we looked at each other and realized that the Don would be the perfect place for our wedding. We loved its style and history, and the location was perfect for accommodating our mostly local guests. We felt it was fate

The indoor/outdoor space we had for our reception overlooking the gulf was perfect. Our guests loved spending time on the terrace mingling, eating, drinking, and enjoying the spectacular sunset! Nicole, her assistant Wendy, and the catering and hotel staff were amazing to work with, patiently answering our questions and making us feel at ease throughout the planning process.

-Christina and EJ
Lesbian Bride Exchanging Wedding Ceremony Vows, Elegant Blush Pink Same Sex Wedding, Modern Acrylic Arch with Lush Floral Arrangement, Hanging Greenery, White Hydrangeas, Blush Pink and Ivory Roses | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amanda Zabrocki Photography | Clearwater Wedding Planner Elegant Affairs by Design | Wedding Florist Save the Date Florida | Rooftop Beach Waterfront St. Pete Wedding Venue The Don CeSar

Elegant Pink and Ivory St. Pete Beach Rooftop Wedding | The Don CeSar

The venue was representative of our new life and our new home in St. Pete. Our first date was at the Don CeSar at the Beach House Suites, then we went back for the weekend at the main hotel, fell in love, and decided to have our marriage ceremony at the hotel.

Due to COVID and the popularity of the Tampa/St. Pete area for wedding venues, the hotel was booked out until 2023 at least for weddings. We got creative and decided to book both penthouse suites located at the top of the hotel so we could have the ceremony and reception within these connected rooms; incidentally, this was the first time this was done at the hotel.

We received outstanding service on every level. They took care of every detail from check-in to food services. The staff was wonderful and accommodating. The event director ensured we had the most beautiful wedding we could have ever imagined!

-Angela and Kris

Bride and Groom Outdoor Portrait at St. Pete Beach Wedding Venue The Don CeSar Pink Palace

Modern Old Florida St. Pete Beach Wedding | Don CeSar

I’m fairly certain we looked at about 85% of the venues available in the Tampa/St. Pete/Sarasota area. Our biggest struggle was that we had our hearts set on an outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour/reception, but many venues in the area did not offer the type of backup space we had envisioned in case of inclement weather. We honestly saved The Don CeSar for last, trying to give all other venues a chance, because we knew that the minute we stepped foot in the historic hotel, we’d fall in love. And we did! We knew immediately that we had to get married at the one-of-a-kind Don.

We absolutely fell head-over-heels in love with The Don, from the minute we first walked in. Nicole and Charles made us feel like total royalty, and the elegance, classic feel, history, romantic nature, and beachfront views of a lifetime just added up to be the total package. The staff was beyond anything we could’ve ever imagined and made us feel like family.

The food was just amazing. Our entire menu was brunch-themed, and custom-created by Kasey and myself and the incredible chef at The Don. Cocktail hour hors d’oeuvres included: brie and peach puff pastries, mini quiches, mini grilled cheese, and tomato shooters, and mini chicken and waffles. Our brunch buffet was complete with mahi-mahi ceviche, custom omelets, prime rib carving station, full-on chicken and waffles station, and much, much more. Our guests couldn’t stop raving about all the food throughout the weekend!

After the reception ended, Kasey and I soaked up the beauty of the day once more, privately enjoying champagne on the South Terrace Veranda on the 5th floor and then joined our friends and family at the Beacon pool bar until sunset, when we watched the sun sink down into the ocean on the beach, all together. It was truly magical.

-Maude and Kasey
Pink and Greenery St. Petersburg Florida Wedding Ceremony at the Don Cesar | St. Pete Wedding Planner Coastal Coordinating

Entertainment-Filled St. Pete Beach Wedding | The Don CeSar

We chose the Don CeSar because of its visual impact, style, class, willingness to allow our fireworks turned laser show, amazing food, and a great destination for our families. The Don was absolutely the most amazing place to marry. It felt like we were being married in a castle.

They were close, attentive to our many demands, had a great backdrop for our pictures and video, had fantastic food, and perfect spaces for our ceremony, reception, dinner, and dancing. Our families felt like royalty staying there.

-Gordon and Rodger

Luxurious Blush and Purple St. Pete Beach Ballroom Wedding | The Don CeSar

I needed it to stand out to me. How can you miss the big pink building?!

I chose The Don Cesar because I felt like it was the most royal venue. We choose this location because we loved the ballroom with the open windows looking out to the beach, and we loved that it's a historic building. The catering manager was absolutely amazing, as well as the chef. I can't say enough great things about them! They really went above and beyond, and everything was literally perfect. They really made my vision come to life and suggested having cocktail hour by the beach pavilion because I wanted my out-of-town guests to be able to be by the beach.

-Joanne and Kyle
Bride and Groom Exchange Vows Wedding Portrait | Outdoor Beach Hotel Wedding Ceremony | Tampa Wedding Venue the Don Cesar

Romantic Blush Pink St. Pete Beach Wedding | Don CeSar

Beauty and elegance. My parents got married at the Don CeSar, and it has always been my dream to get married there too! We loved the service so much; it was the perfect place for us! The dinner was so yummy.

-Hannah and Kyle
Elegant Navy Wedding, Bride and Groom First Look Portrait on Balcony of St. Pete Wedding Historic Venue The Don CeSar

Gold and Garnet St. Pete Beach Wedding | The Don CeSar

We wanted a beachy, laid-back, but slightly fancy atmosphere. We chose The Don CeSar because we have a second home nearby. We have also been there multiple times and loved the service and atmosphere.

-Amie and Ryan
Vibrant Boho Wedding, Bride and Groom Kissing Outside St. Petersburg Historic Pink Palace The Don CeSar

Vibrant Boho St. Pete Beach Destination Wedding | The Don CeSar

I always knew that if I ever did get married one day, that I would get married at The Don CeSar. It is so special to my family and I, and has always held such a special place in my heart; it truly is my happy place and my favorite place on earth!

It is the resort my family and I have been going to every summer, even sometimes other times throughout the year, and my favorite place to go to. I have been taking my own daughter there since she was 6 months old. It is definitely a huge part of our family and I couldn't think of any other place I would have ever wanted to get married at. Charles, our main wedding contact at The Don CeSar, was phenomenal and made our day extra special with his genuine care for our wedding to be exactly how we dreamed it to be! I couldn't say enough good things about him!

-Jordan and Tyson