Hosting a Destination Wedding in Tampa

As Tampa wedding photographers, we’ve had the privilege of capturing beautiful wedding days across our sunshine-filled city. There’s something truly magical about Tampa as a destination wedding location—the perfect blend of tropical paradise, urban sophistication, and Southern charm that creates an unforgettable backdrop for your special day.

Whether you’re considering Tampa for your destination wedding or just beginning to explore the idea, we’re thrilled to share our insider knowledge and expertise with you. After photographing countless weddings here, we’ve gathered insights that might just convince you that Tampa is the perfect place to say “I do.”

Why Choose Tampa for Your Destination Wedding?

When couples first reach out to us about destination weddings in Tampa, they often ask what makes our city stand out from other Florida destinations. The answer is simple: versatility. Unlike some Florida locations that offer only beaches or only city settings, Tampa provides both—and so much more.

Year-Round Sunshine (Well, Almost!)

Tampa enjoys an average of 246 sunny days per year, making it an ideal location for couples dreaming of outdoor ceremonies. While our summers can be warm and humid (with occasional afternoon showers), our fall, winter, and spring seasons offer some of the most perfect wedding weather you could ask for.

As photographers who’ve captured weddings in January with temperatures in the 70s, we can attest that our “winter” months (November through April) are particularly magical for weddings. The light during these months creates a golden glow that makes every photograph look like it’s been touched by magic.

Diverse Venue Options

One of Tampa’s greatest strengths is its variety of wedding venues. In a single day’s drive, you can visit:

• Pristine Gulf Coast beaches
• Historic 1920s Mediterranean revival buildings
• Modern downtown hotels with skyline views
• Spanish-inspired courtyards
• Lush botanical gardens
• Charming historic neighborhoods
• Elegant waterfront estates

This diversity means you can truly find a setting that matches your vision, whether that’s barefoot on the sand or in a grand ballroom with crystal chandeliers.

Accessibility

Unlike some remote destination wedding locations, Tampa is incredibly accessible. Tampa International Airport is consistently ranked among the best in the country, with direct flights from most major cities. Once your guests arrive, they’ll find a city that’s easy to navigate, with options ranging from rideshares to a charming downtown streetcar.

Planning Your Tampa Destination Wedding

As both photographers and Tampa locals who’ve witnessed countless wedding journeys, we’ve noticed that the most stress-free destination weddings follow a similar planning timeline. Here’s what we recommend:

12-18 Months Before

This is when you’ll want to lock in your most important vendors and decisions:

Choose your venue: Tampa’s most sought-after wedding venues often book 12-18 months in advance, especially for prime dates between November and April.

Book your photographers: As wedding photographers ourselves, we can’t stress enough how important it is to secure your photography team early. The best photographers in Tampa book quickly, particularly during our peak seasons.

Secure accommodations for guests: Look into hotel blocks in areas convenient to your venue. Many Tampa hotels offer special rates for wedding parties.

Consider a wedding planner: For destination weddings especially, a local planner with vendor connections can be invaluable. They’ll know which vendors consistently deliver excellence and can help navigate any Tampa-specific logistics.

6-9 Months Before

Now’s the time to flesh out the details of your Tampa destination wedding:

Plan welcome events: Consider a sunset cruise on Tampa Bay or a welcome dinner at one of our waterfront restaurants.

Research local activities: Provide guests with ideas for exploring while they’re in town, from Busch Gardens to the Tampa Riverwalk.

Schedule vendor meetings: If possible, plan a trip to Tampa to meet with your vendors in person, taste your menu, and do a hair and makeup trial.

Send save-the-dates: Make sure to include travel information and your wedding website with local recommendations.

3-4 Months Before

Send formal invitations: Include information about transportation, accommodations, and any group activities.

Finalize your photography shot list: As your photographers, we’ll want to know all the special moments and family groupings you want captured.

Weather contingency plans: While Tampa weather is generally beautiful, it’s always good to have a backup plan, especially during our rainy season (summer).

Top Tampa Venues for Destination Weddings

After photographing weddings at virtually every venue in Tampa Bay, we have some favorites that consistently create magical experiences for destination wedding couples:

Mision Lago Estate

For couples who want natural luxury and variety, Mision Lago Estate is a photographer’s dream. This stunning property offers both lakefront and garden settings with Spanish-inspired architecture. What we love most as photographers is the range of backdrops available in a single location—from grand oak trees draped in Spanish moss to manicured gardens and lakeside sunset views. The estate’s flexibility allows couples to create multiple distinct experiences for their ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.

Del Favero Oasis

Botanical lovers seeking intimate garden romance will fall head over heels for Del Favero Oasis. This hidden gem features meticulously maintained gardens with rare tropical plants that create a lush, colorful backdrop for photographs. The natural canopy of trees provides gorgeous dappled light throughout the day, and the intimate setting makes guests feel as though they’ve discovered a secret paradise. We’ve captured some of our most emotional first-look photos amid the winding garden paths here.

Cross Creek Ranch

For those desiring rustic flexibility and charm, Cross Creek Ranch offers a quintessential Florida countryside experience. The oak-lined entrance creates an immediate wow factor, while the property offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony locations. What makes Cross Creek special for destination weddings is their attention to weather contingencies—critical for Florida celebrations! Their all-inclusive packages also simplify planning for out-of-town couples, and the sprawling property provides endless photography opportunities from golden fields to intimate wooden bridges.

NOVA 535

When couples want urban sophistication with historical character, we often recommend NOVA 535. This converted 1920s building in downtown St. Petersburg features exposed brick walls, iron staircases, and a stunning courtyard with vertical gardens. The combination of industrial elements with lush greenery creates a striking visual contrast in photographs. For destination couples, its central location means guests can easily explore downtown restaurants and attractions before and after the wedding festivities.

Whitehurst Gallery

For architectural elegance on a more intimate scale, Whitehurst Gallery delivers a sophisticated setting that photographs beautifully in any weather. The gallery’s clean lines, modern aesthetic, and museum-quality lighting create an upscale backdrop without overwhelming your design elements. We particularly love capturing cocktail hour here, as the space transforms magically from daylight to evening illumination. For destination weddings with 75-100 guests, this venue provides an elevated experience that feels both exclusive and approachable.

For Beach Lovers

Clearwater Beach

Just a short drive from Tampa, Clearwater offers some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world. The Sandpearl Resort and Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach both offer stunning beachfront ceremony options.

Don CeSar

The “Pink Palace” on St. Pete Beach is iconic for good reason. Its cotton candy exterior and old-world glamour create a truly distinctive setting.

For History Buffs

Oxford Exchange

This restored 1891 building features a stunning atrium, bookstore, and restaurant with incredible architectural details that photograph beautifully.

Tampa Theatre

For couples who want something truly unique, this 1926 movie palace offers one of the most dramatic ceremony backdrops imaginable.

Local Touches

As photographers who’ve captured hundreds of Tampa weddings, we’ve seen countless creative ways couples incorporate local flavor into their destination celebrations:

Citrus-Inspired Details

Florida’s citrus heritage provides beautiful inspiration—from orange blossom bouquets to grapefruit signature cocktails. We once photographed a wedding where each guest received a small box of local oranges with the couple’s monogram.

Cuban Influences

Tampa’s historic Ybor City neighborhood was once known as the “Cigar Capital of the World.” Many couples honor this heritage with cigar rollers at their reception or Cuban sandwich late-night snacks.

Local Flavors

Consider serving Gulf Coast seafood, key lime pie, or partnering with a local brewery like Cigar City for custom beer selections.

Photography Tips for Your Tampa Wedding

As Tampa wedding photographers who specialize in destination weddings, we’ve learned a few tricks for ensuring your photos truly capture the essence of your Florida celebration:

Embrace the Golden Hour

Tampa sunsets are spectacular—plan for at least 30 minutes of couple portraits during the hour before sunset for that magical golden glow.

Consider a First Look

With Tampa’s unpredictable afternoon summer showers, a first look can ensure you get all your important photos done early while still capturing that emotional first moment together.

Hydration and Comfort

For outdoor photos in warmer months, we always bring extra water and cooling towels for our couples. Nobody looks their best when overheated, so taking care of comfort translates to better photos.

Rain Can Be Beautiful

Some of our most stunning images have come from rainy wedding days. Tampa’s afternoon storms often clear quickly, leaving gorgeous, dramatic skies in their wake.

The Tampa Difference

What truly sets Tampa apart as a destination wedding location is its balance. It offers the beauty and relaxation of a tropical getaway with the conveniences and attractions of a vibrant city. Your guests can enjoy world-class beaches one day and explore museums, theme parks, or professional sports events the next.

After photographing weddings in locations across Florida and beyond, we can confidently say that Tampa offers something special. There’s a warmth to our city that goes beyond the climate—it’s in the friendliness of the people, the rich cultural fabric, and the natural beauty that surrounds us.

Whether you’re envisioning saying your vows with your toes in the sand or dancing the night away in a historic ballroom, Tampa can bring your destination wedding dreams to life. And as photographers who’ve had the privilege of capturing these moments for countless couples, we can tell you that the memories you create here will be treasured for a lifetime.

If you’re considering Tampa for your destination wedding and have questions about photography, venues, or local recommendations, we’d love to hear from you. At Love and Artistry, we’re passionate about helping couples not just document their Tampa wedding day, but truly experience it.