Top Five Luxury Wedding Venues in Tampa
As a Tampa-based wedding videographer, I've had the incredible privilege of filming countless love stories across some of the most stunning venues in our beautiful city. After years of capturing magical moments, I'm excited to share my insider's guide to the top five wedding venues that will transform your special day into an unforgettable experience.
Mision Lago Estate
Choosing the right wedding venue is more than just picking a location – it's about finding a backdrop that tells your unique love story. Each venue has its own personality, its own charm, and its own way of making your wedding day absolutely magical. As someone who has filmed weddings across Tampa Bay, I can tell you that the right venue can elevate your entire wedding experience.
Mision Lago Estate stands as a premier wedding venue that redefines luxury and natural beauty in the Tampa Bay area. Spanning an impressive 20 acres, this extraordinary location offers couples a truly unique and breathtaking setting for their most special day.
Location and Landscape
Nestled on the enchanting Lake Thonotosassa, the estate provides a picturesque backdrop that seamlessly blends rustic ranch elegance with sophisticated charm. The property is meticulously designed to offer multiple stunning environments for weddings and events.
Key Landscape Features
Lakefront Setting: Located on Lake Thonotosassa, the largest natural lake in the county
Diverse Natural Environments:
Sprawling vineyard
Orchid nursery
Enchanted forest
Manicured greenery
Palm trees, Live Oaks, and Olive Trees
Venue Spaces
The Barn
The centerpiece of Mision Lago Estate is its remarkable barn, a versatile and elegant space that combines rustic charm with modern amenities:
Size: 50 x 60 feet
Seating Capacity
25 round tables (5 feet in diameter)
220 cross-back wooden chairs
5 hand-carved farm tables (4 x 8 feet)
6 banquet tables (8 feet long)
6 banquet tables (6 feet long)
25 high-top cocktail tables
Unique Features
Fully air-conditioned and heated
Antler chandeliers for rustic charm
State-of-the-art facilities
The Courtyard
Adjacent to the barn, the courtyard offers an additional stunning event space:
Size: 60 x 60 feet
Features
Artificial turf
Sycamore trees
Bistro lights
Koi pond with tumbling waterfall
The Lake View
The lakefront area provides a breathtaking natural backdrop:
Scenery
Palm trees
Live Oaks
Olive Trees
Panoramic views of Lake Thonotosassa
The Forest
Dubbed "The Enchanted Forest," this area offers
Abundant shade
Live Oak trees
A magical, natural setting for photos and ceremonies
The Vineyard
A unique feature of the estate:
Size: 2.7 acres
Vineyard Details
10 rows of vines
6 different grape varieties
Mision Lago Estate Gate Tower reminiscent of Northern Italy
Perfect for
Cocktail hours
VIP events
Unique photo opportunities
Hospitality and Amenities
Celebrity chef kitchen
Fully customizable event spaces
Completely private acreage
Unparalleled level of hospitality
Del Favero Oasis
Del Favero Oasis is not just a wedding venue – it's a living, breathing sanctuary of natural beauty that offers couples a truly unique and intimate celebration space. Renowned for its stunning botanical landscape and orchid-focused environment, this venue provides a one-of-a-kind setting for weddings and special events.
Venue Overview
At its core, Del Favero Oasis is a lush, carefully cultivated property that celebrates the beauty of nature, with a particular passion for orchids. The venue offers a harmonious blend of natural landscapes, carefully designed event spaces, and a commitment to creating magical, unforgettable experiences.
Venue Spaces and Features
The Landscape
Natural Setting surrounded by magnificent oak trees
Botanical Highlights
Sprawling passion vines
Hundreds of flowering orchids
Diverse and colorful flora
Dream-like landscape perfect for romantic celebrations
Event Spaces
Partially-Enclosed Pavilion
Dedicated reception area
Protected from elements while maintaining an outdoor feel
Provides flexibility for various wedding styles
Open Lawn
Perfect for
Cocktail hour
Lawn games
Additional guest mingling space
Allows guests to enjoy the natural surroundings
Ceremony Area
Scenic location for wedding ceremonies
Natural backdrop of orchids and trees
Handcrafted ceremony seating available
Amenities and Inclusions
Venue Rental Includes
Partially-enclosed pavilion
Dance floor
Handcrafted ceremony seating
Tables
Bridal dressing suite
Restrooms
Parking
Open lawn space
Unique Orchid Offerings
Couples invited to view rare orchid collection
Option to use venue's orchid centerpieces
Opportunity to purchase orchids
Centerpiece options include 10 potted phalaenopsis orchids
Wedding Capacity and Packages
Full Wedding Package (46-120 guests)
Pricing
Friday: $7,500
Saturday: $8,500
Sunday: $7,000
Package Highlights
6-hour event use (must end by 10 PM)
3-hour setup time for vendors
5-hour access to bridal dressing suite
Intimate Wedding Package (45 guests or less)
Pricing
Friday: $5,500
Saturday: $6,500
Sunday: $5,000
Cross Creek Ranch
With two distinct venue options, Cross Creek Ranch offers flexibility and charm for different wedding styles. Whether you're dreaming of a rustic barn wedding or a more intimate industrial-chic celebration, they've got you covered.
Venue Options
Rustic elegant venue for 100-150 guests
Modern industrial barn perfect for 50-65 guests
Multiple Ceremony Locations
Including a greenhouse, oak tree setting, and an open-air chapel
The variety of spaces at Cross Creek Ranch means you can truly customize your wedding experience. From my perspective behind the camera, each location offers unique storytelling opportunities.
NOVA 535
For couples seeking a modern, urban wedding experience, NOVA 535 in downtown St. Pete is unparalleled. This historic 1920s venue combines vintage charm with contemporary elegance.
Unique Features
Exclusive Booking
Only one event at a time
Versatile Spaces
Multiple areas including a courtyard, upstairs lounge, and private suites
Impressive Capacity
Can accommodate up to 490 seated guests or 775 standing
The architectural details and multiple spaces at NOVA 535 provide incredible variety for wedding photography and videography.
Whitehurst Gallery
Tucked away in Tarpon Springs, the Whitehurst Gallery offers a truly unique wedding experience. Inspired by the Jefferson Memorial, this venue is perfect for couples seeking something truly extraordinary.
What to Expect
Intimate Setting
Capacity for up to 75 guests
Architectural Marvel
Featuring bold columns and a domed roof
Flexible Packages
From full-day rentals to ceremony-only options
The neoclassical architecture provides a timeless backdrop that will make your wedding film look like a classic movie.
Choosing a wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your big day. Each of these Tampa venues offers something unique – from natural beauty to historic charm, from rustic elegance to urban sophistication.
As a wedding videographer, I've seen how the right venue can transform a wedding from a simple celebration to an unforgettable experience. My advice? Visit these venues, feel their energy, and choose the one that speaks to your heart.
Remember, your wedding day is about capturing love – and these venues provide the most incredible canvases for that love story.
