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299 Reviews
4.6/5.0
25-250
Guest Capacity
Indoor/Outdoor
Venue Setting

About The Rusty Pelican

Book your next event at Tampa Bay’s premier venue location.

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:

  • All-inclusive packages
  • Setup
  • Cleanup
  • Cake
  • Event planning
  • Event rentals
  • In-house bar
  • In-house catering
  • Lighting and sound
  • Wireless internet


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:

  • Cocktail reception
  • Dessert
  • Outside cake
  • Servers
  • Tastings
  • Bartenders
  • Cash bar
  • Open bar
  • Champagne toast
  • Liquor license
  • Signature drink


Other Services
The Rusty Pelican will gladly host your wedding-related festivities. These occasions include:

  • Bridal shower
  • Engagement party
  • Rehearsal dinner
  • Ceremony
  • Reception


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.
 

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Categories: Wedding Venue

Regions serviced: Tampa

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299 Reviews for The Rusty Pelican

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4.6
out of 5.0
Rating Breakdown
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Dance Floor (34)
Tables (34)
Chairs (33)
Linens (33)
Glassware (32)
Barware (31)
Parking (30)
Flatware (29)
Uncovered Outdoor (24)
China (23)
Event Planning (21)
Valet (21)
Wheelchair Access (20)
Indoor (17)
Cocktail Reception (15)
Hors d'Oeuvres (14)
Server(s) (14)
Bartender(s) (14)
Champagne Toast (14)
Cake (13)
Event Rentals (13)
Tastings (13)
Open Bar (13)
In-House Bar (11)
Set Up (10)
Buffet (10)
Plated (10)
All Inclusive Packages (9)
In-House Catering (9)
House Wine (9)
House Liquor (9)
Altar/Arches (9)
House Beer (8)
Outside Cake (7)
Liquor License (7)
Premium Liquor (7)
Chair Covers (7)
Dessert (6)
Cash Bar (6)
Specialty Beer (6)
Specialty Wine (5)
Decor (5)
Stations (4)
Signature Drink (4)
Drapery (3)
Lighting/Sound (2)
Lighting (2)
Wireless Internet (1)
Audio Equipment (1)
296 The Rusty Pelican Reviews
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FEATURED
5.0

I absolutely loved my reception at The Rusty Pelican! We had our reception in the Grand Ballroom and the room and view of the bay are absolutely gorgeous and worth the money! Our guests loved the food at The Rusty Pelican, and the best part was that everyone had fun at the reception, even our 90 year-old-guests were out on the dance floor!! Well fed guests are definitely happy guests! I also can not say enough good words about our coordinator Katherine Turner!! Katherine was a delight to work with from the beginning of the wedding planning all the way to the day of the wedding. Katherine, you are a gem and excellent at what you do!

My husband and I got married on January 27, 2018 and for Valentines Day this year my first choice was going back to the Rusty Pelican because of all of the good memories from the wedding! Definitely check out The Rusty Pelican if you're looking for an amazing venue. :)

Photo of The Rusty Pelican in Tampa, FL
Profile Picture Karin, 8/29/18, 1 Review
Category: Ceremony & Reception Venue
5.0

The Rusty Pelican is an amazing venue. I had an amazing wedding and couldn't have been happier. The food was amazing and all my guests enjoyed it. They have great vendors to work with. I worked with Edward and he was a life saver.

Profile Picture Alissa, 7/13/18, 6 Reviews
Category: Ceremony & Reception Venue
Services Used: Cocktail Reception, Hors d'Oeuvres, Plated, Server(s), Barware, China, Flatware, Glassware, Linens, Parking, Wheelchair Access, Uncovered Outdoor, Bartender(s), Champagne Toast, House Beer, House Wine, Liquor License, Open Bar, Premium Liquor, Signature Drink, Specialty Beer, All Inclusive Packages, Event Planning, Event Rentals, In-House Bar, Set Up, Altar/Arches, Chairs, Dance Floor, Drapery, Tables
5.0

I got married at the Rusty Pelican over Memorial Day weekend and it was the most beautiful wedding I could ever have asked for. I knew from the moment I stepped foot on the property that it was my wedding venue. We worked with Edward Reynoso who was the most amazing coordinator. He was very patient and worked with us every step of the way. I honestly felt like he was family by the time the wedding came around. The cocktail hour was amazing, the food was a huge hit and everything was set up and decorated so beautifully. Tropical Storm Alberto came through Tampa on the day of my wedding and Edward allowed us to make the decision about an hour or so before the wedding about whether we should move inside or not and that was amazing because you never know what is going on with Florida weather. Alberto ended up clearing out and we had a beautiful, sunny wedding outside by the bay. At the reception, as my husband and I greeted and thanked all of our guests, everyone could not stop talking about how beautiful the venue and how delicious the food was. One of my coworkers got married at the Don Cesar Hotel in St. Pete Beach and he said he wished he had known about the Rusty Pelican before because he would have selected it as his wedding venue instead! The biggest of thank you's to Edward and Carlos and all of the staff. It was amazing that they whisked my husband and I into a private room during cocktail hour and gave us a private 10 minutes together. We were able to eat the appetizers which were served at cocktail hour and have a drink. It was a beautiful moment we shared together, away from all of our guests and the wedding party, just before the reception. I didn't think I would need that moment with my husband but with the hustle and bustle of the wedding day, it is so special that they give the newlywed couple such a private moment. I would highly recommend the Rusty Pelican to any couples looking for a wedding venue. You cannot beat the views, the food and the staff.

Profile Picture Amanda, 5/27/18, 4 Reviews
Category: Ceremony & Reception Venue
Services Used: Barware, China, Flatware, Glassware, Linens, Uncovered Outdoor, Buffet, Cocktail Reception, Dessert, Hors d'Oeuvres, Outside Cake, Plated, Server(s), Stations, Tastings, Bartender(s), Cash Bar, Champagne Toast, House Beer, House Liquor, House Wine, Liquor License, Open Bar, Premium Liquor, Signature Drink, Specialty Beer, Specialty Wine, Altar/Arches, Chair Covers, Chairs, Dance Floor, Tables, Parking, Wheelchair Access, Event Rentals, In-House Bar, In-House Catering, Set Up, Wireless Internet
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The Rusty Pelican Pricing

The Rusty Pelican Price Rates

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Reception Site Fee
Site Fees Include:
Chairs
China
Clean Up
Event Planning
Flatware
Glassware
Lighting/Sound
Linens
Parking
Set Up
Tables
Wedding Catering Avg. Price Per Person
Catering Prices Include:
Cake Cutting
Server(s)
Bar Service Price Includes:
Bartender(s)
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Limited Bar
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine

The Rusty Pelican FAQ

Venue Highlights
Maximum Capacity
250
Guest Minimum
25
Event Spaces
5
Type
Banquet Hall, Restaurant
Style
Classic, Tropical
Setting
Indoor, Uncovered Outdoor
Bridal Shower
Ceremony
Engagement Party
Reception
Rehearsal Dinner
Elopements
All Inclusive Packages
Cake
Event Planning
Event Rentals
In-House Bar
In-House Catering
Lighting/Sound
Set Up
Wireless Internet
Accommodations
Bridal Suite
Clean Up
Liability Insurance
Outside Vendors
Pet Friendly
Preferred Vendors Only
Buffet
Cocktail Reception
Dessert
Hors d'Oeuvres
Outside Cake
Plated
Server(s)
Stations
Tastings
Family Style
French Service
Bartender(s)
Cash Bar
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Liquor License
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine
Limited Bar
Outside Alcohol
Altar/Arches
Audio Equipment
Chair Covers
Chairs
Dance Floor
Decor
Drapery
Lighting
Photobooth
Tables
Aisle Markers
Aisle Runners
Centerpieces
Furniture
Tent Accessories
Tents
Barware
China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens
Chocolate Fountain
Parking
Valet
Wheelchair Access
Shuttle
6 AWARDS

Photos & Videos

124 Photos

Picturesque

30 Photos
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Waterfront Gazebo Ceremonies

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1 VIDEO

1 Wedding Deal & Discount

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Our Gift To You!

Print Deal
$100.00 Value | Redeem In-Store
Book Your Holiday Party by November 20, 2015 and receive a $100.00 Gift Card. Available for eventsw that take place Sunday trhrough Thursday between November 2-February 1, 2016. Please join us for a Grand Event!
#WW3528059b1337b711

Professional Network & Endorsements

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!

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Alessi Bakery
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

48x48 sq 1455564609 6be70ad6e28be776 1357389113615 jkbsteel
Joe Braccio
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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Avalon West Carriage Service
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!

48x48 sq 1470075915 e31f380de1767060 1371936872073 cayelynn4
Avalon West Carriage Service
Have you been to this venue? It's gorgeous! Waterfront views in every room! The rustic charm adds a touch of elegance to suite any style. Don and Sarah are so great. They are knowledgeable, professional and on top of their games. You have no worries about your event going off without a hitch if you follow their lead! The ceremony gazebo is stunning, the vendors they refer are top notch and you ae sure to have a beautiful and memorable day!

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Promises Events
36 PROS I KNOW

Map

2425 North Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607   See On Map
813-281-1943 (phone)
The Rusty Pelican is a wedding Venue from Tampa, Florida. We service weddings throughout the local area, including All of Central Florida, Clearwater, and St. Pete. The Rusty Pelican is a professional wedding Coordinator that has been part of the Tampa wedding industry for 30+ years. We specialize in creating your Dream Wedding..