5 Luxury Wedding Venues in St. Pete & Clearwater
Planning your wedding in Tampa? If you're dreaming of an unforgettable luxury wedding experience, don't sleep on these two prime wedding locations in Tampa: St Pete and Clearwater. Known for their sugar-sand beaches, glamorous venues, and picture-perfect sunsets, this stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast brings the kind of magic that makes your wedding day feel like a fairytale.
Why Beach Weddings in Tampa Are IT
Tampa Bay is more than just a beach town, it’s a destination with serious style. From luxury resorts to waterfront estates, the area offers the kind of variety that fits every version of luxury: think black-tie ballroom elegance, chic coastal charm, or modern art-meets-architecture. Beach weddings in Tampa bring all the glam without the chaos of more crowded destinations.
Another reason it’s a vibe? Accessibility. You’ve got major airports, hotel options at every price point, and endless ways to entertain guests pre and post-wedding. Whether you're planning a multi-day wedding weekend or a dreamy elopement on the water, Tampa delivers the experience.
And let’s talk about that golden hour light. Between the pastel sunsets and waterfront views, your wedding photos are going to be giving editorial realness. So, let’s get into our five faves!
Don Cesar Hotel in St Pete is a pink palace dream for your beach wedding in Tampa, Florida.
If you’ve been manifesting a luxury beach wedding, the Don Cesar Hotel in Florida is what Pinterest boards are made of. With its iconic pink façade, Spanish-style architecture, and Gulf-front views, this place is dripping in Old Hollywood glamour.
Built in 1928, the Don is a true Florida icon. It offers a mix of indoor and outdoor ceremony options, from toes-in-the-sand vows to elegant ballrooms with chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling windows. This is a venue where your vision, be it vintage glam or coastal luxe, can come to life.
Plus, it's all-inclusive if you want it to be. Catering? Custom cakes? They handle it all, making it one of the best wedding venues in Tampa for couples who want the royal treatment. Pro tip: schedule golden hour portraits on the private beach for pure magic.
Why it's a vibe: The pink palace aesthetic, historic architecture, and beachfront views create a timeless, dreamy atmosphere.
Bonus: Private beach access, full-service wedding packages, and luxury on-site accommodations.
Style: Vintage Glam, Coastal Chic, Classic Elegance
Location: St Pete Beach, Florida
Ceremony Rain Day Options: Indoor ballrooms with full coastal views
Max Guest Count: Up to 250
Pricing: Premium pricing with custom packages available
Wedding Decor Trends to Consider: Romantic florals, blush and gold accents, vintage-inspired decor, candlelight romance
2. Carlouel Yacht Club is a beach wedding venue in Clearwater that is both gorgeous and versatile.
Looking for a beach wedding venue in Clearwater that’s both exclusive and versatile? Carlouel Yacht Club checks every box. This private waterfront club sits at the north end of Clearwater Beach and gives total "coastal wedding chic", but with a dose of upscale polish.
Carlouel is that rare gem that can transform to match your exact vibe. Black tie affair under a canopy of string lights? Done. Modern coastal elegance with tropical florals and champagne walls? Also done. The indoor-outdoor flow makes it easy to host your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception all in one seamless, scenic location.
And the views? Front-row sunsets over the Gulf. Chef’s kiss.
Why it's a vibe: Secluded beach access, timeless architecture, and effortless transitions between indoor and outdoor settings.
Bonus: Private club feel, full catering services, and flexibility to truly customize the event from start to finish.
Style: Coastal Elegance, Modern Romantic, Black Tie Beach
Location: Clearwater Beach, Florida
Ceremony Rain Day Options: Covered patio and indoor event spaces
Max Guest Count: Up to 200
Pricing: Custom pricing; membership not required for weddings
Wedding Decor Trends to Consider: Lush greenery, crisp whites, coastal blues, and modern lounge setups
3. Ringling Museum in Sarasota FL (right below Clearwater), that will make your 'art museum aesthetic' wedding venue dreams come true.
Technically, this venue is not in Tampa, but If you’re planning a luxury wedding in Clearwater or St Pete, The Ringling in Sarasota is absolutely worth the short drive. This venue is unreal. Think Italian Renaissance-style architecture, sweeping lawns, waterfront views, and the Ca’ d’Zan mansion that looks like it was lifted out of a European dream.
If you're going for an art museum aesthetic or Bridgerton-core vibe, this is the place. The Ringling offers multiple spaces for ceremonies and receptions, including marble courtyards, lush gardens, and elegant ballrooms. It’s both dramatic and refined, perfect for couples who want something truly memorable.
Why it's a vibe: Grand staircases, marble columns, and jaw-dropping water views with an art-forward backdrop.
Bonus: Endless photo ops, unique guest experience, and several venue layout options.
Style: Art-Deco Romance, European Luxe, Editorial
Location: Sarasota, Florida (just south of Clearwater)
Ceremony Rain Day Options: Covered loggias and indoor galleries
Max Guest Count: Varies by location; up to 400 for outdoor receptions
Pricing: Premium pricing with flexible venue space packages
Wedding Decor Trends to Consider: Sculptural florals, European garden inspiration, dramatic draping and statement lighting
4.The Mahaffey Theater, St Pete's wedding venue for a black tie wedding.
For couples who love the drama (in a good way), The Mahaffey Theater is an unforgettable wedding venue in the heart of downtown St Pete. With its sweeping staircases, dramatic architecture, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bay, it’s the ultimate setting for a formal, black-tie affair.
Bonus? It’s located right next to the Dali Museum and waterfront parks, making for stunning photo ops and post-wedding strolls. Whether you're booking the theater’s grand ballroom or hosting a cocktail hour on the terrace, you’re giving your guests a night at the opera-level elegance with modern vibes.
Why it's a vibe: Statement architecture, panoramic waterfront views, and show-stopping grandeur.
Bonus: Versatile event spaces, professional theater staff for A/V and lighting, and prime location for downtown photo spots.
Style: Black Tie, Theatrical Glam, Elegant Modern
Location: Downtown St Pete, Florida
Ceremony Rain Day Options: Grand lobby and interior ballroom spaces
Max Guest Count: Up to 250+
Pricing: Custom proposals based on selected spaces
Wedding Decor Trends to Consider: Dramatic uplighting, jewel tones, sculpted florals, and statement chandeliers
5. The Vinoy is St Pete's iconic waterfront wedding venue that will make you gasp!
There’s luxury, and then there’s The Vinoy. This historic resort is one of the most iconic Tampa wedding venues on the water. From its Mediterranean Revival architecture to the waterfront lawn and elegant ballrooms, The Vinoy is a dream wedding location from start to finish.
It's newly renovated and gives off that modern classic vibe, timeless but fresh. Whether you're planning an intimate wedding or a 300-guest extravaganza, The Vinoy can flex to fit your vision. Oh, and the food? Next level. Couples rave about the in-house catering.
If you want luxury, convenience, and unforgettable views in one package, this is your venue.
Why it's a vibe: Historic charm meets modern luxury with sweeping views and dreamy design.
Bonus: Spa, golf, and waterfront accommodations make it a full wedding weekend destination.
Style: Classic Elegance, Waterfront Glam, Modern Traditional
Location: St Pete Waterfront, Florida
Ceremony Rain Day Options: Indoor ballroom spaces and covered terraces
Max Guest Count: Up to 300+
Pricing: Premium pricing with customizable wedding packages
Wedding Decor Trends to Consider: Romantic neutrals, soft metallics, timeless floral installations
BONUS: Where to Look for Your Dream Wedding Dress in Tampa
Luxury wedding venues aren’t the only thing you’ll find in the area. Let’s talk about your luxurious look for your dream Tampa wedding, because style is everything around here. Whether you’re feeling modern and chic, classic and timeless, or fashion-forward and editorial, Tampa has bridal boutiques to match your vision.
The White Closet Bridal – Known for romantic silhouettes and modern elegance.
Truly Forever Bridal – The largest bridal boutique in Florida with a wide range of styles and sizes.
Isabel O’Neil Bridal Collection – Curated designer gowns that are high-end and unforgettable.
Magnolia Laine Bridal – Perfect for brides looking to make a bold statement.
Need a little inspo? Peek our NYC Bridal Dress Fashion Week Wedding Dress gallery to see what’s trending in bridal fashion right now.
Things to Do in the Tampa Bay Area
Oh but there’s more! If you’re making a weekend out of your wedding, Tampa Bay has no shortage of unforgettable date-day activities and guest experiences. Whether you’re hosting a destination wedding or you’re a local showing off your city, here are some ideas to round out your celebration:
Take a sunset sailboat cruise through Tampa Bay – Nothing says romance like golden hour on the water.
Get pampered at a luxury spa like Safety Harbor Resort or Spa Evangeline at the Epicurean Hotel – Perfect for pre-wedding relaxation or post-wedding bliss.
Rent bikes and cruise the Tampa Riverwalk – It’s a scenic and easy way to explore downtown, with tons of places to stop for drinks or photos.
Visit the Dali Museum or the Tampa Museum of Art – A dose of creativity and culture that’ll impress your guests and look great on your stories.
Enjoy rooftop cocktails and live music in Hyde Park, Armature Works, or Sparkman Wharf – These trendy spots offer elevated vibes and delicious bites.
Plan a beach day at Clearwater or St Pete Beach – Treat your guests to sunshine, white sand, and maybe even a dolphin sighting.
Whether you’re planning a fun itinerary for your guests or squeezing in a little romance between events, Tampa Bay makes it easy to mix luxury with laid-back fun.
Wedding Planning FAQs
That was a lot of information to dump on you! We totally get that wedding planning can be a lot, especially when you’re planning a destination celebration or juggling timelines, vendors, and guest lists. So we wanted to give you a little bit more to help to plan your dream wedding. Here are a few of the most common questions couples ask when planning a Tampa Bay wedding. These quick answers will help you get started, and if you want to dive deeper, be sure to check out our full wedding planning guide linked below.
When should I start wedding planning in Tampa?
Aim to book major vendors (venue, photographer, planner) at least 12–18 months in advance, especially for spring and fall weddings.Do Tampa wedding venues on the water require special permits?
Some public beaches do, but venues like Carlouel Yacht Club or Don Cesar Hotel in Florida handle all the logistics for you.What’s the weather like for a Tampa wedding?
Peak wedding season is March–May and October–November for the best mix of sunshine and cooler temps.Do I need a planner for a Tampa wedding?
Not required, but highly recommended if you want to stress less and enjoy more.
Want more tips? Check out our full Wedding Planning Checklist for a guide of everything you need to know.
Want to check out other dream destinations for your wedding? Take this fun quiz to see which location is right for you.
Iconic resorts, intimate beachfront escapes, old Hollywood glam inspired estates - wedding locations in Tampamix luxury, ease, and unforgettable vibes. Whether you're drawn to the Don Cesar Hotel in Florida, dreaming of a waterfront celebration at the Carlouel Yacht Club, or scouting the best wedding venues in Tampa for that once-in-a-lifetime moment, your perfect day is waiting.
Now’s the time to dive in. Start planning, stay inspired, and let your Tampa wedding be the one everyone talks about for years to come.
