The Rusty Pelican is a Tampa-based tropical wedding venue that offers a classic atmosphere and elegant banquet hall. Because it sits along Tampa Bay, the space has breathtaking scenic views and picture-perfect backdrops for coastal celebrations. Your guests will be enchanted by the sophisticated design, local marine life and the soothing sound of crashing waves.
Facilities and Capacity
Couples can enjoy multiple event spaces at The Rusty Pelican. The Grand Ballroom, which accommodates up to 250 guests, is the largest banquet room. With floor-to-ceiling windows, family and friends can take in the spectacular view of the water. Both the Pelican Room and Coral Room can comfortably fit up to 100 people, complete with front row seats to a beautiful tropical sunset. For more intimate weddings, the Bay Room offers a stunning fireplace and stained-glass windows for 50 guests. The Tampa Room can also host up to 50 guests and has its own private entrance. Outside, the Wedding Gazebo has a private garden setting for sweet outdoor ceremonies with up to 250 guests.
Services Offered
To help the day run smoothly, The Rusty Pelican has various wedding-related services. These offerings include:
Cuisine
The venue has various menus to please your palate. Their extraordinary dining experience is casual yet elegant, ensuring that your day is memorable. Meals can be served as buffet, hors d’oeuvres, plated and stations. Additional catering and bartending services include:
Other Services
The Rusty Pelican will gladly host your wedding-related festivities. These occasions include:
History
In 1978, the coastal wedding venue was founded. It has a reputation for being a popular landmark and exotic escape for both locals and tourists.
Location
Based in the Rocky Point District of Tampa, The Rusty Pelican is just eight minutes from Tampa International Airport. It is about 20 minutes from multiple tourist attractions, including Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Adventure Island and Museum of Science and Industry.
Recommended by 92% of couples
7 User photos
Asia · Married on 11/03/2018
On top of amazing location, stellar service!
My husband found the Rusty Pelican while looking for wedding sites and boy are we grateful! Don made the entire planning process so seamless and he provided an outline of every step along the way. They take on a majority of the tasks and we literally did not have to lift a finger on our wedding day. From the time I stepped out of the limo to walk down the aisle to the gazebo, to when my husband and I made our exit, Don and Carlos and their crew catered to any and everything we as well as our guests needed. All of the guests raved about the service as well as the food and were extremely impressed with the layout of the ceremony and the reception. They made our day truly unforgettable!
Sent on 11/08/2018
The Rusty Pelican's reply:
Kyle · Married on 11/04/2018
Amazing, amazing, amazing!
This venue was absolutely amazing. Not only are the views stunning, but Don handled everything from the timing to the placement and guided us through the process. With everything from the linens to the alcohol included, it took so much of the pressure off of us when it came to planning, which was a huge help as neither of us had planned a wedding or an event of this size before! Everyone said how amazing it was and I have absolutely no regrets.
Sent on 11/16/2018
The Rusty Pelican's reply:
Brittany · Married on 10/26/2018
Don is amazing!
From being to the end the Rusty Pelican and Don my coordinator was amazing! Don was easy to work with and made sure my wedding was perfect! Everyone raves about the food and open bar along with how smooth everything ran. I can’t thank him and the staff ( bartenders, the captain of the room and all the waitstaff) enough for a perfect day! My husband and I even had a caption of the room to make sure we had fun and everything we needed! I don’t think we could of asked for a better venue.
Sent on 11/09/2018
The Rusty Pelican's reply:
The Rusty Pelican Price Rates
15 Endorsements
Alessi Bakery has been celebrating making beautiful wedding cakes for Rusty Pelican couples for over 5 years. The Rusty Pelican provides couples the perfect romantic setting on the water. Mixed with a great location, experience and attention to detail they excel in making your event fabulous!
One of the best waterfront venues for your wedding and reception--Don and Jill are both great people to work with for all your needs and wishes. I heartily endorse them Joe Braccio Spcollege
The Rusty Pelican is such a gorgeous facility for any type of event in the Tampa area. The view is spectacular, the people are wonderful, and the food is delicious. We love working with the Rusty Pelican and love the location!
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