Are you planning a micro wedding or intimate in Tampa, Florida? If so, you’re in the right place! Today I’m sharing my favorite small wedding venues in Tampa from the perspective of a wedding photographer.
Last updated:
Intimate Weddings & Elopements are in
Elopements and Intimate weddings have become so much more popular because of how things went in 2020. If you are narrowing down the guest count due to budget, social distancing, or you just honestly want less stress there’s nothing wrong with planning a wedding that isn’t packed with people. However, you don’t have to miss out on booking an iconic Tampa wedding venue just because you’re having a smaller celebration. From restaurants to hotels to outdoor spaces, there are incredible venue options for everyone!
bold, meaningful photos. The kind that feel like memories. The ones you obsess over.
Top Tampa Small Wedding Venues
Not sure how to narrow down your venue search? Here’s my guide (in no particular order) to the top small wedding venues in Tampa.
Nova 535
Home
Nova 535 has a two-story event space with 16-foot ceilings, exposed rafters, clay brick walls, hardwood floors, and a double wrought iron staircase. While it’s not technically made only for small weddings this industrial-style venue can hold up to 250 people at a time. Nova 535 has an enclosed outdoor courtyard with a 30-foot tall bamboo garden for privacy while providing an intimate feeling with lots of fresh air. Inside you can fit up to 250 for dinner with more than enough room for distancing if need be.
Sunken Gardens
Weddings & Events
Sunken Gardens is a 100-year-old botanical garden that feels like a secret jungle—complete with waterfalls, koi ponds, and walkways wrapped in palms and bougainvillea. You’ve got a few options here depending on your guest count: the Garden Room fits up to 175, the Oak Pavilion holds about 70, and there’s also a lawn space that can handle 200 with a tent. It’s a chill, natural setting with a ton of greenery, which means you don’t have to do much to make it feel special.
Red Door No. 5
For more info: https://www.reddoorno5.com/
A former fire station turned bold, industrial-style venue—Red Door No. 5 is one of the most unique venues in Tampa. The moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by vintage fireman poles, moody lighting, eclectic art, and that rare mix of character and polish. It’s got enough space for up to 150 guests seated or 200 standing, plus a rooftop terrace and even a hidden zen garden (yes, really). Every detail feels intentional—if you’re looking for a space that doesn’t blend in, this one stands out.
The Oxford Exchange
The Oxford Exchange is a combination of a bookstore, a restaurant, and a wedding venue. It is an interesting mix of aesthetics being part industrial and part art deco. I would be lying if I didn’t say this was probably the most unique venue on this list. From the checkered floor pattern to the giant windows, this place would look amazing even with an iPhone 4e and your eyes closed, it’s that pretty. *That is not a suggestion not to have a bomb wedding photographer there, that would truly be a shame.
Minimum guest count: 50 max 200
Hyde House
https://hydehousepublicstudio.com/
Created by Station House exclusively for Hyde Park Village, Hyde House is a curated, gallery-style event and workspace. Located in the heart of the village in the newly constructed H Building, Hyde House has a modern & sophisticated style. Hyde House has amenities including a terrace overlooking the village, a large auditorium, and a kitchen. The lobby is a beautiful, intimate space with modern decor and casual seating sets. The front desk can be utilized as a satellite bar, welcome cocktail station, or favor table.
The Reception area can host a full-service bar or sitting area off the Veranda and Social Space.
- Maximum Capacity: 150-200 depending on rooms rented
- Hours: 6:30 p.m.- 1 a.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. – 1 a.m. Saturday and Sunday
Wedding Package:
Veranda, Lobby, Social Space, 360 bar and all existing furniture, 4 Hour Reception, and 4 Hour Top Shelf Bar for $95 per person.
Hotel Haya
1412 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL | hotelhaya.com
Hotel Haya blends modern design with Ybor City’s historic charm. The Valencia Ballroom offers 4,000 sq ft of space, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, whitewashed brick walls, and herringbone wood floors, accommodating up to 200 guests. Additional spaces include the Mariposa Meeting Room and Francisco Boardroom for more intimate gatherings. The in-house restaurant, Flor Fina, provides catering with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. With 178 guest rooms, on-site amenities, and a location in the heart of Ybor City, Hotel Haya offers a comprehensive setting for weddings and events.
Ps – I have a guide for Hotel Haya
Armature Works
Armature Works is a fully restored mixed-use building that’s located in the historic Tampa Heights neighborhood. With its unobstructed view of the Hillsborough River, the historic structure has been reinvented as a premier community destination with innovative eateries, Heights Public Market, and reimagined event spaces. Armature Works is definitely big enough to hold massive weddings but now offers those wanting small weddings some options. Smaller weddings are held on the rooftop or in the recently remodeled social hall. Prices for smaller weddings begin at $750 and go up from there depending on what you’d like included.
View my full guide on Armature Works Wedding Venue
Hotel Alba Tampa
This one is my guilty pleasure to be completely honest. I am personally obsessed with the design and feel of this hotel, and it’s great for out-of-town guests since it’s only a few moments from the airport. They have a ballroom or an outdoor space available for weddings. The hotel was fully renovated and comes with a complimentary honeymoon suite in their standard packages.
The West Events
https://www.thewesteventspace.com
Clean lines, concrete floors, exposed brick—The West Events is a modern space that doesn’t need a ton of fluff to look good. It’s across the street from the beach and built for events with some edge. The main room fits 150 seated or 200 standing, and you’ve got other options like the bar, courtyard, or side room if you’re going smaller. You can rent just the space or go with one of their all-inclusive packages to keep things simple.
Red Mesa Events
Housed in St. Pete’s original fire station, Red Mesa Events features three distinct spaces:
- La Florida Ballroom: A 1,200-square-foot space with exposed brick, herringbone wood floors, and chandeliers. Accommodates up to 100 seated guests or 175 for cocktail-style events.
- DeSanto Rooftop: A third-story lounge with a Brazilian walnut deck and a 30-foot bar, offering panoramic downtown views. Ideal for ceremonies or receptions, it holds up to 175 guests.
- Cantinita Terrace: An open-air balcony overlooking the courtyard, suitable for intimate gatherings of up to 65 guests.
The venue provides in-house catering with a menu that blends Latin and Caribbean flavors, along with a selection of handcrafted cocktails.
Option 11: Make your own venue
One thing that really does make intimate weddings, micro weddings and elopements unique is that because you don’t need a ton of space – more doors are open to you. You could do your portraits in your favorite coffee shop, rent out your favorite local restaraunt which Tampa or St Pete have nio shortage of and just about all of them will be able to become your small wedding venue in Tampa with ease. You can have a genuine one of a kind experience and make it more as unique as you are.
You deserve the absolute best.
That’s why I want to make sure I am the right choice for you.
I do not take every wedding I’m approached to photograph. It’s important that I work with couples who share in my brand values.
I’d love to hear more about you and your story. Fill out the contact form and I’ll be in touch basically as soon as humanly possible.
info@royserafin.com
