I am doing a round up of the Tampa area venues. These venues make my design heart happy and inspire me creatively. There are so many great venues in our area but I tend to lean toward those that have a historic elements full of character and stories behind them. I am a sucker for exposed brick, simple floors like concrete or hardwood! I also love an outdoor wedding with old oak trees and Spanish moss and a big field to use as a blank canvas. Here are a few of my favorites that fit within this aesthetic.
1. Armature Works
Armature Works offers several beautifully renovated event spaces to entertain your guests. These unique spaces have originality dating back to 1910 when it was first built, including restored windows and exposed brick walls. The renovation even went to the extent of taking the wood planks from the original ceiling and using them to create the beautiful hard wood floors you will see throughout 40% of the building. The views to the Hillsborough River and the downtown Tampa skyline are stunning.
This room makes me want to squeal because it's so beautiful but it isn't even completely restored yet.
This will be restored but I already just love this building!
I imagine a ceremony on the lawn next to the Hillsborough River, a cocktail hour in their courtyard and a reception in the old theatre with stunning reclaimed hardwood floors, exposed brick and all the windows. I couldn't pick my jaw up from the ground when I toured it and it wasn't even finished yet! I can't wait for Kristen & Greg's wedding there in May with Emily Katharine Photography!
2. Rialto Theatre
Photo via Tufted Vintage Rentals by Monika Gauthier
Rialto Theatre is a theatre in Tampa dating back to 1925. It was restored in 2013 and serves as a gallery for artists to display art and other collaborative art events. I love the concept behind it and it is seriously stunning inside! It has concrete floors, very high ceilings, white walls and my favorite, the arch where the theatre stage was. It is a beautiful piece of character and the background is all brick!
Photo by: Best Photography via Every Last Detail
Design and florals: Ashton Events Linens: Kate Ryan Linens
3. Le Meridien Hotel
Le Meridien Hotel was transformed from a courthouse into a swanky and beautifully designed hotel. One of the court rooms is now a ballroom with beautiful character. The staff is very accommodating and they have a delicious restaurant, Bizou Brasserie. It is right next door to the stunning Sacred Heart Catholic Church too!
Design by Flaire Weddings, Florals by Shea Hopely, Rentals by Set Event Rentals
4. GREEN BENCH
Green Bench is a brewery in St. Pete, FL and it is awesome! I love the big outdoor space and the greenery climbing up the white brick. you could cater your reception here or my favorite, bring in a food truck since it is right of the street! This space isn't for the most traditional couple but it has a beautiful and fun vibe.
5. FORTY-TWO TEN
Located in South Tampa, Forty-Two Ten is a beautifully designed smaller scale venue. I love the outdoor courtyard area because you could put seating for dinner out their under their bistro lights, you could have an awesome cocktail hour or you could have your ceremony. Sandy, the owner is amazing to work with and I love the neutral elements she chose so you can truly make the space your own. It is also the perfect option for a rehearsal dinner or shower!
Photos by Migrant Collective Weddings Design by Amber Veatch Designs
You can see more photos of Forty-Two Ten from our pop-up dinner party here.
I hope this introduced you to some amazing venues. I think we have so many great options in our area and it was hard to narrow it down! If you are planning to have your wedding at any of these venues just know that I would be honored to help you design your wedding because these places are so inspiring for me.