Here's How to Have a Non-Beach Wedding in the Tampa Area
Yes, it's totally possible to have a non-beach wedding in Florida! Check out these wedding venues in the Tampa Bay area to see how it's done.
Whether you’re looking at Sarasota wedding venues, St. Pete wedding venues or something in between, beaches are an obvious choice for wedding venues in the Tampa Bay area. But just because you’re in Florida doesn’t mean you have to get married on the beach—and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! If a beach wedding isn’t for you, there are plenty of other great venues in the Tampa Bay area to choose from, including museums, ballrooms, elegant estates, and even barns.
See some of our favorite non-beach wedding venues in the Tampa Bay area below.
If your style is rustic:
Shabby Chic Barn and Saxon Manor
This Brooksville wedding venue has two uniquely gorgeous spaces to choose from. The Shabby Chic Barn will blow you away with its tall ceilings, chandeliers, and white drapery accented with twinkle lights. A sprawling oak tree just outside the barn makes for the perfect ceremony backdrop.
Learn more about Shabby Chic Barn and Saxon Manor »
The Venue by the Lake
If you like the idea of a waterfront wedding but don’t particularly want to get married at the beach, you’ll definitely want to check out The Venue by the Lake. Located about 20 minutes from Tampa, this rustic venue offers gorgeous waterfront views of Lake Thonotosassa. The air-conditioned barn provides comfort and shelter from the humid Florida temps, and has a maximum capacity of 200 people for your wedding reception.
Learn more about The Venue by the Lake »
The Lange Farm
For a true Southern setting, consider The Lange Farm in Dade City. Just 30 minutes from downtown Tampa, The Lange Farm feels like it’s a world away. The property’s 80 acres are filled with Spanish moss-covered trees, an antique barn, horse pastures, and classic architecture that make it stand out among other wedding venues in the Tampa Bay area.
Learn more about The Lange Farm »
If your style is traditional:
Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel
This elegant hotel in the heart of downtown Tampa is a great spot for couples who want a classic indoor venue. Choose from the Riverview Room, a circular ballroom overlooking the Hillsborough River and the University of Tampa, or the Bayshore Ballroom, a larger space with chandeliers and traditional finishes. The venue’s wedding packages make planning a breeze, since nearly everything you’ll need can be provided in-house.
Learn more about Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel »
Casa Bella Estate
With architecture inspired by the Biltmore Estate and Versailles, there’s no shortage of grandeur at this north Tampa mansion. Casa Bella Estate is a stunning, seven-acre property with a private lake, travertine marble details, overnight accommodations, and Tuscan-style furnishings. A swimming pool in the estate’s backyard would make a perfect setting for cocktail hour or an informal reception—you can even cover the pool with an acrylic dance floor!
Learn more about Casa Bella Estate »
The Italian Club of Tampa
Whether you have Italian heritage or not, we’re adding this upscale venue to your list of must-see wedding venues in the Tampa Bay area. For starters, you can’t beat the location: The Italian Club is located on East 7th Avenue in historic Ybor City, just steps from all of the best downtown spots. The three-story building has several different spaces available, ranging from a grand ballroom to an informal, cafe-style cantina.
Learn more about The Italian Club of Tampa »
If your style is modern:
Armature Works Tampa
Industrial venues are a major wedding trend right now, and Armature Works gets our vote as one of the coolest spots in the Tampa Bay area. This former streetcar warehouse has been modernized into a multi-use property, with entertainment, retail and residential spaces. Armature Works’ waterfront location in the heart of downtown Tampa provides picturesque views of the Hillsborough River, whether you choose to utilize the venue’s lawn, rooftop bar or other unique spaces for your event.
Learn more about Armature Works Tampa »
Epicurean Hotel
If you’re looking for a venue with all the perks of a hotel and the added flair of an unexpected space, you’ll definitely want to check out the Epicurean in downtown Tampa. Choose from four different ceremony/reception spaces (there are indoor and outdoor options), and relax as the hotel’s in-house team takes care of the catering, planning and event set-up for you. Unwind before the big day at the Epicurean’s pool, theater or spa.
Learn more about the Epicurean Hotel »
Oxford Exchange
Stately and refined, the Oxford Exchange is an ideal venue for any couple looking to pair old with new. We’re adding the Oxford Exchange to our list of top Tampa wedding venues because of its impeccable design and details that serve as a gorgeous backdrop for any wedding: think hand-painted checkerboard tile floors and a stunning indoor courtyard (featuring skylights, a stone fountain and salvaged brick walls). It’s a space you have to see for yourself!
Learn more about Oxford Exchange »
If you want an unexpected venue:
Safari Wilderness
As far as unique Tampa wedding venues go, you can’t get more unexpected than Safari Wilderness in Lakeland, about an hour outside of Tampa and less than two hours from Sarasota. Picture yourself exchanging your vows in an elevated “tree house” with 360-degree views of the venue’s landscape and herds of freely roaming wildlife—zebras, waterbucks and warthogs, just to name a few! If an indoor location is more your speed, the venue’s 13,000 square-foot lodge offers air conditioning, large picture windows and access to a walk-through aviary.
Learn more about Safari Wilderness »
The Florida Aquarium
If you’ve ever dreamed about taking your picture with a penguin, having your wedding at The Florida Aquarium is your perfect opportunity! The aquarium is one of the most unforgettable wedding venues in the Tampa Bay area. The Coral Reef Room, which is one of the venue’s most popular event spaces, has floor-to-ceiling views of the aquarium’s largest exhibit. Catering and bartending are both provided in-house.
