Spotlight on Tampa Florida's Best Wedding Venues

Spotlight on Tampa’s Best Wedding Venues: The Perfect Locations for Your Dream Day

Tampa, Florida, is brimming with stunning wedding venues that cater to a variety of tastes, from elegant ballrooms to rustic gardens and breathtaking beachfront spots. As a wedding photographer based in Tampa, I’ve had the pleasure of working at some of the area’s most beautiful venues, and I’m excited to share a few of my top recommendations with you. Whether you're planning a lavish celebration or an intimate gathering, these venues offer everything you need to create the wedding of your dreams.

Let’s dive into some of the best wedding venues in Tampa, each offering unique opportunities for stunning wedding photos and unforgettable memories.

1. The Tampa Garden Club: A Hidden Oasis in the Heart of the City

Location: 2629 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33629

For couples seeking a serene garden setting that’s still close to downtown Tampa, The Tampa Garden Club is an absolute gem. This lush venue offers an elegant outdoor garden and a charming indoor space for your reception. Surrounded by tropical trees and vibrant florals, the venue feels like a hidden oasis—perfect for couples who want a lush, natural backdrop for their wedding photos.

Why It’s Perfect for Your Wedding

• Beautiful outdoor gardens: The well-maintained gardens make for stunning photos, especially during the golden hour when the sun sets over the greenery.

• Indoor/outdoor flexibility: Whether you choose to exchange vows outside or in the indoor ballroom, there are plenty of options for capturing every special moment.

Photography Tip:

If you’re getting married at The Tampa Garden Club, I recommend planning your group photos in the lush gardens. The rich greenery and vibrant flowers offer an ideal setting for romantic, candid shots.

2. The Tampa Yacht & Country Club: Classic Elegance by the Water

Location: 5320 Interbay Blvd, Tampa, FL

For couples who dream of a waterfront wedding, the Tampa Yacht & Country Club is the epitome of sophistication. With its stunning views of Tampa Bay and lush grounds, this venue combines classic elegance with a relaxed, coastal vibe. It’s the perfect place for a chic outdoor ceremony followed by an elegant reception in the ballroom.

Why It’s Perfect for Your Wedding

• Waterfront views: The club’s location along the bay offers stunning photo opportunities, whether you're tying the knot on the waterfront lawn or taking photos along the marina.

• Traditional elegance: The venue's grand ballroom is the ideal setting for an elegant reception, with large windows that overlook the water and let in lots of natural light.

Photography Tip:

The best time for photos here is right before sunset during golden hour. You can capture your wedding portraits with the bay as a backdrop, and the soft golden light makes for magical, romantic photos.

3. The Columbia Restaurant: A Taste of Tampa’s History

Location: 2117 E. 7th Ave, Tampa, FL (Ybor City)

If you’re looking for a venue with history, character, and amazing food, The Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City is the perfect choice. Established in 1905, this iconic restaurant is not only a Tampa landmark but also a stunning venue for a wedding celebration. With its Spanish-Cuban architecture, vibrant tilework, and festive atmosphere, it offers a one-of-a-kind setting for a memorable wedding day.

Why It’s Perfect for Your Wedding

• Historic charm: The venue’s intricate design and cultural charm make for unique, colorful wedding photos.

• Customizable spaces: With several rooms to choose from, you can have an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration while enjoying delicious Spanish cuisine.

Photography Tip:

The vibrant colors and historic architecture of The Columbia make it an excellent location for fun and bold wedding shots. Be sure to capture some of the iconic elements of the venue, like the ornate railing on the second floor.

4. Armature Works: Industrial Elegance with a Modern Twist

Location: 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL

If you're drawn to modern industrial venues with a touch of rustic charm, Armature Works is one of Tampa’s trendiest spots for weddings. Situated along the Hillsborough River, this former warehouse has been transformed into a chic event space with exposed brick, steel beams, and sweeping views of downtown Tampa. It’s perfect for couples who want a unique, urban feel for their big day.

Why It’s Perfect for Your Wedding

• Industrial charm meets modern luxury: The venue blends the beauty of industrial design with elegant touches, creating the perfect balance between chic and cozy.

• Riverfront views: You can exchange vows outside with the river as your backdrop, or host an indoor reception that offers sweeping views of the city skyline.

Photography Tip:

The large windows and natural light at Armature Works are perfect for indoor wedding portraits. Also, don’t miss the chance to capture the venue’s stunning outdoor river views during the golden hour for a dramatic effect.

5. The Florida Aquarium: Under the Sea Meets Under the Stars

Location: 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL

For couples seeking something truly unique, The Florida Aquarium offers a one-of-a-kind venue with stunning underwater and outdoor event spaces. Whether you want to exchange vows in front of the massive aquarium tanks or host your reception with a view of the beautiful Tampa skyline, this venue has it all. With its exotic fish tanks and open-air terrace, you’ll have a wedding that’s as memorable as it is beautiful.

Why It’s Perfect for Your Wedding

• Aquarium charm: Imagine exchanging vows in front of a massive aquarium filled with colorful fish and sea creatures—your guests will be in awe, and your photos will be unlike any other.

• Versatile event spaces: From the tranquil indoor aquarium space to the rooftop terrace, you can choose the perfect location for your ceremony and reception.

Photography Tip:

Take advantage of the aquarium’s unique backdrops for creative wedding shots. If you're having your ceremony in front of the tanks, we can get some amazing shots of you and your guests framed by colorful fish and aquatic life. For your reception, the outdoor terrace offers a beautiful view of the Tampa skyline. How fun is that!?!

Whereever you choose to hold your wedding day we would love to be considered for both photo and video services. We are a husband and wife team and we find so much joy in capturing your unique love story. Let’s start the converstaion about capturing your special day 814-566-6282 helloartreasures@gmail.com

How to Choose Your Perfect Elopement Location

Choosing to elope opens up a world of possibilities, transforming your wedding into an adventure where the setting becomes as meaningful as the vows you exchange. With no rigid traditions holding you back, finding the perfect location becomes the centerpiece of your journey—and one of the most thrilling parts of planning.

Start by thinking about your shared vibe as a couple. Are you adventurous and drawn to nature, or do you find romance in the pulse of city streets? Perhaps you prefer something minimalist and intimate. Whether it's a windswept cliff, a golden desert, a historic rooftop, or a tropical beach, your personalities should guide the choice. It’s not just about picking somewhere beautiful—it’s about selecting a place that resonates with who you are together.

Photography plays a huge role, too. If you’re imagining golden hour portraits bathed in soft light at the beach, seek locations with open western horizons like desert plains or clifftops. Moody and misty shots come alive in coastal forests, black sand beaches and mountainous regions. Bright and airy aesthetics might draw you to white sand beaches, Mediterranean villages or sun-drenched meadows. The setting should complement your visual storytelling and enhance the memory-making.

Next, consider the seasons and how they affect both the experience and the atmosphere. Fall brings vibrant foliage and cozy charm, while winter offers serene snowy backdrops and fewer tourists. Spring bursts with life and color, and summer provides warmth and accessibility—but often with larger crowds. Weather can shape not only the look of your photos but the comfort of your day.

Logistics, while less romantic, are equally important. Some locations require permits, especially in national parks or protected areas. Accessibility matters, particularly if you want loved ones to join you. On the other hand maybe a hike actually would add to the romance of the day for you. Legal requirements also vary—some destinations might have residency rules or waiting periods to legally marry—so research is key to avoid surprises.

Sometimes, couples discover their ideal elopement spot unexpectedly: during a hike, a trip, or a late-night scroll through inspiring images online. Trust your instincts and stay open to surprise. You can also lean on your photographer’s experience—we’ve witnessed countless magical places and often have insight into hidden gems that match your vision.

Ultimately, the location you choose is more than a backdrop. It becomes a co-star in your love story—a place forever intertwined with the beginning of your marriage.

We absolutely love when couples make their wedding day personal to them and surly that includes location. Let us know if we can help you come up with the perfect elopement destination, or if you would like to know more about having your day captured by us through photo video and content creation.

Why Destination Weddings Hit Different

Let’s be real—there’s something so special about destination weddings.

It’s not just the dreamy beaches or epic views (though yes, we’re 100% here for those). What we really love is the vibe: everyone’s away from home, soaking up the moment, fully present, and making memories together. It’s not just a wedding—it’s an experience.

As photographers and videographers, destination weddings are some of our favorite stories to tell. Why? Because they bring together everything we love: travel, connection, emotion, and some of the most beautiful settings nature has to offer.

It’s Not Just a Day—It’s a Whole Experience

One of the best parts about a destination wedding is that it turns into a multi-day celebration. Think: tacos and margaritas at the welcome dinner, beachside yoga with your besties, wandering cobblestone streets with your family, late-night dancing under the stars... It’s not just about “I do”—it’s about the journey to get there.

Everyone’s relaxed, phones are down, and people are actually present. You get quality time with your favorite humans instead of trying to squeeze quick hugs in between speeches and dances. And that? That’s magic.

We Love Travel—Especially When It’s Shared

Travel has always been a big part of our lives, and being able to share that with the couples we work with is such a gift. Whether it’s the turquoise water of the Bahamas or the colorful charm of San Miguel de Allende, there’s something so meaningful about saying your vows somewhere that inspires you—and inviting your people to be part of that.

And bonus: your guests get a mini vacation while celebrating your love. Win-win.

Every Destination Tells a Story

We don’t just show up and snap photos—we’re here to capture the full story. The early morning coffee with your parents, the laughter echoing through narrow streets, the breeze during your ceremony, and those spontaneous dance parties after dinner. Every destination adds its own color to your love story, and we’re all about documenting it in a way that feels real and true to you.

Why It Means So Much to Us

We genuinely love what we do, and destination weddings feel like the perfect blend of everything we care about: storytelling, connection, travel, and celebration. Being able to witness and capture these moments in beautiful, faraway places? It's an honor we don’t take lightly.

Planning a destination wedding in Mexico (or anywhere else)? We’re in.

If you’re dreaming of an intimate elopement or a full-blown wedding weekend somewhere amazing, we’d love to help you capture it all. Let’s pack our bags and make some memories together.

Why We Love Elopements (And Why You Might Too)

Why We Love Elopements (And Why You Might Too)
By AR Treasures Photography Husband & Wife Photo + Video Team, Andy and Rachel Shapiro

There’s something undeniably magical about elopements.

It’s not about the flowers, the seating charts, or the perfect playlist (though we love those, too). It’s about the two of you. Side by side. Promising forever in a setting that feels like you.

As a husband and wife team who lives for travel, love stories, and ocean air, elopements hold a special place in our hearts. We’ve captured weddings of all kinds, but there’s a raw, unfiltered emotion in elopements that’s hard to describe—quiet moments that speak volumes, spontaneous laughter, windswept kisses, and that look in your eyes when there’s no one else around but the waves and your person.

Why We’re Drawn to Elopements

Elopements strip away the extras and bring the focus back to what matters most: your connection. They give couples the freedom to be completely themselves—to write their own script, choose their own backdrop, and say their vows in a way that feels honest and true.

We’ve followed couples to remote beaches, cliffside coves, sailboats, and secret forests. Whether it’s just the two of you (and us!) or a small gathering of loved ones, we’re there to quietly document the magic as it unfolds.

Ocean Lovers at Heart

Literally anywhere there is love to capture we are thrilled to be there and capture the moment. If we had to pick one place that feels like home though, it would be the ocean. The shifting light, the endless horizon, the sense of peace and adventure all at once—it’s no wonder so many couples choose coastal elopements.

From sunrises over the Atlantic to sunsets on the Pacific, we’ve captured love stories on the sand, the rocks, and even on the water. If you're dreaming of salty air and windswept hair on your elopement day, we're already packing our bags.

Our Approach

As a couple ourselves, we know how important it is to feel seen and supported on your wedding day. We work as a team to tell your story through both photo and video—quiet observers when needed, joyful cheerleaders when it’s time to celebrate.

We’re here to capture not just how it looked, but how it felt—the way your hands find each other, the way your laughter fills the air, the little moments that might otherwise slip away.

Thinking of Eloping?

We’d love to hear from you. Whether you have a date and destination in mind, or just know that you want something intimate and true to you, let’s talk. We'll help you plan, dream, and document the day you begin your greatest adventure.

Love,
Andy and Rachel
AR Treasures Photography
📍Based wherever love takes us | 🎥📷 Photo + Video | 🌊 Ocean lovers always

Creative Ways To Honor Loved Ones at Weddings

I hate to be in the crowd of someone that lost a loved one too early, but here I am and I know there are many of us. What I would do to have my mom around to have had the chance for her to meet my husband! I totally get how it can be hard for so many couples to miss someone close to them during each stage of their wedding planning. I would like to offer some ideas here to honor those loved ones who have passed on at your wedding day celebrations in hope that it may feel like they are closer, if at least for a moment (Scroll to the bottom to watch the YouTube video instead.).

I believe memories that pop up of those people you are missing during your planning process can give you inspiration. Say you get teary-eyed wishing your Grandma could bake cookies to help ease your nerves, there ya go, share Grandma’s cookies (with her special recipe and the copies of it to share) with your wedding guests. Say you are missing the way your Dad cracked you up adding root beer to his drinks, then make a specialty drink “Joe’s Brew” with a sign dedicating his drink at the bar. Maybe you loved playing cards with your best friend who is no longer here, set up a table with some cards on it and a sign at the table encouraging guests to play some cards in memory of “so and so”. Even if no one ends up playing cards you can look over and know they were included in the day. Though of course, there are more examples than these, here are some examples I have seen, heard of, or thought up:

-A monogram over the groom’s chest in honor of his loved one. Wow! Talk about taking close to the heart literally! What a beautiful gesture!

-A photo of the deceased loved one on a folding chair at the front of the cathedral and during the ceremony.

-Placing a bouquet, corsage, or boutonniere in front of a photo during or before the ceremony.

-Add a favorite food of theirs to your day whether for dinner, dessert, or a snack to share with your guests.

-Make them an honorary part of the wedding party: ask someone else in the bridal party to partner up with the honorary wedding party member carrying their photo down the aisle, placing it up front, and taking the photo back down the aisle afterward.

-As part of the wedding ceremony processional, carry a photo and/or items with significant meaning to where that person would be sitting. An example would be a clothing item like a sweater or flannel or something they collected.

-Wear her wedding dress. If your mom, aunt, or grandma has passed, then wearing her gown is a very special way to pay her honor.

-Incorporate their favorite songs whether more formal at the ceremony (which could be noted in the wedding program) or a favorite dance song that the DJ could announce at the reception.

-Doing shots at the reception in remembrance, with either the DJ making an announcement for all who want to gather or a toast with a few words shared either by the bride/groom or a pre-appointed loved one.

-Select a wedding venue that was close to that loved one’s heart. From Grandma’s farmhouse to your sister’s favorite beach it could be very special to feel closer to that passed-on person throughout the day.

-For the bride who lost her Dad, attach a charm with a photo of your dad to your shoe so he can “walk you down the aisle”. Hard not to cry just typing that one!

As far as honoring our loved ones we miss, I say if nothing creative comes to mind it doesn’t hurt to follow some traditional ways of showing them remembrance. Often I see charms on the bride’s bouquet so she can hold those who have passed away close by. The other typical way to honor loved ones at a wedding is by placing photos around the ceremony and reception for all to remember. All beautiful ways to give honor! Another very common gesture is to light candles, as they are incredibly ceremonial and add to the beauty of your event.

This is a tricky part of weddings and I encourage you to reach out to me on our contact page if you would like to pick my brain for a creative way to honor your loved one at your wedding. It would be my privilege to get to help. As much as it hurts and as much as you wish that person/people could be there on your big day, they would want you to be happy! Planning a wedding that you desire would be what your loved ones wanted. Following your heart (even with some tears), we truly believe weddings can be fun! After all, we know better than anyone how precious life truly is!

Cheers,

Rachel

Check out our YouTube video on this blog to see more photos of these ideas: https://youtu.be/ByUuONS15lg

To First Look or Not

To First look or not: It’s a tricky decision! Sometimes it releases nerves so that the rest of your day can be more relaxed, and sometimes it can make the timeline more stressful, which clearly doesn’t help anything including the romance.

When there’s plenty of extra time in the day, the first look with your love before all eyes are on you can help both the bride and groom relax. So many times at the first look we see the bride and groom so excited and then you see this sigh of relief on their face! After seeing each other for the first time, the bride and the groom have their security blanket with them to navigate this unusual (and very exciting) day. How strong your support system is without your fiancé is also a good thing to consider. If the people getting ready with you actually stress you out, a first look may be helpful! As a photographer/videographer I must also say that the first look gives us much more time and better angles to get shots of you two alone. If your day is already on a tight timeline or you have an early wedding it could possibly add stress to do one more wedding event.

Another option is the anti-look. So you want to wait until the ceremony to see each other but you’d love to have a moment to connect ahead of time. In your case, you can stand back to back with a door between you holding hands. It’s a great photo opportunity and you get that calm before the storm holding hands. You could simply chat for a bit or read letters to each other. I actually find this option quite romantic! If you decide to go with the anti-look make sure to tell your photographer ahead of time because a door that would photograph well can be tricky to find, but well worth the hunt.

If you are a very traditional bride who has dreamed of having your groom gaze into your eyes with a tear falling down his cheek as you walk down the aisle, you already know your answer. In your case, skipping the first look, I highly recommend you talk to your groom about how important this moment is to you. I hate to tell you ladies, but most guys have literally never even talked about this moment with their friends growing up! Can you imagine!?! Photographing weddings I have seen too many guys stand at the front like a deer in the headlights, not knowing where to look when and so afraid of “messing up” that they don’t always have a photo-ready look on their face or even look at the bride all the time! I have the opportunity at a first look to remind the groom how important this moment is for his bride and encourage him to try to relax and enjoy his bride and not try to hold back any emotions. It’s hard for many grooms to instinctively know this is not a wedding detail to check off a list but an important heartfelt moment. I can assure you many grooms have thanked me for this tip. As a bride who says no to the first look, I highly encourage you to have this conversation ahead of time!

There is one more option that even took me by surprise at a recent wedding. The bride and groom decided they wanted to do a “first look” after the wedding ceremony. They said “We will just pretend”, knowing they wanted photos of him taking her in but not enough time before the ceremony for one more thing. It truly was a beautiful moment! Who would have thought? I just love it when couples get creative! That reminds me of my theory on weddings: remember that it’s your big day so follow YOUR dreams (whatever they may be!) when it comes to planning! Following this advice, I have seen that weddings can be fun!

Cheers,

Rachel

Where to Start With Choosing Your Bridal Gown

You have finally started planning, the food, the venue, the color scheme; down to the last bit. The only thing left is the dress! Bridal shops provide so many options in bridal gowns, it can be overwhelming. Long sleeves, short, or none; A-line, ballgown, or silhouette? There are so many choices for every type of bride.

Yes, you love your mom, sister, sister-in-law, maid of honor, and six bridesmaids—but if you've ever tried to get a crowd to agree on where to go for dinner, you can only imagine how hard it will be to find consensus on a gown. Narrow the group down to the two or three people whose opinions matter most to you. A negative comment from a cousin or mother-in-law is another way to add more strife to the already incredibly stressful process of planning a wedding. It's easy, especially for people-pleasing brides, to bend at the moment to what gown your mom, sister, or maid of honor loves on you. But it's crucial that you go with what you love and what feels like your dream dress, regardless of other people's expectations. Before you go to a bridal shop, go crazy on Pinterest. Scroll through and create a board specifically for the style(s) of dresses you like; whether that be a long-sleeved lacy boho dream or a satin A-lined ballgown. If long skirts aren’t your style, go for a tea-length or a white minidress with a rocker-chic party vibe. Don’t want a dress at all? Try a chic pantsuit. Whatever the style, it’s yours. That reminds me of our theory on dresses, and weddings in general: remember that it’s your big day so follow YOUR dreams, whatever they may be! Following this advice, we have seen that weddings can be fun!

Cheers,

Talia

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Micro Weddings

Micro weddings… a new buzz word in the wedding field, but what does it mean? and why is it so popular all of the sudden? As the name suggests a micro wedding is simply a smaller version of a regular wedding. Each micro wedding looks different just like typical weddings vary. What unites all micro weddings is that everything is done on a smaller level. That means less guests so the counts on everything go down and tend to feel more intimate. Some couples choose to do destination micro weddings and sometimes call those elopements depending how small. Technically some say 10 and under is an elopement and between 11-50 would be a micro wedding but who really cares what we call it if it works for you?!?

How did these micro weddings get so popular? Well that whole COVID thing limited numbers of people gathering and also limited the venues that stayed open based both on laws and which venues survived. There was essentially a “traffic jam” of brides who postponed their weddings along with new couples who got engaged during 2020-2021. Out of this increased need for wedding venues birthed the popularity in micro weddings. Some couples choose micro weddings for these reasons and many are choosing the more intimate wedding type. I say it feels a little more “homey” and easy going when the groom and bride all have their very closest people supporting them, but of course only you know what type of wedding is the right one for you!

Until next time remember that it’s your big day so follow your dreams when it comes to planning! Following this advice I truly believe weddings can be fun!

Cheers,

Rachel

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