Weddings

Where every "I do" contributes to a sustainable future for the bay

EVENTS

Nestled in the heart of Tampa Bay’s beautiful estuary, Tampa Bay Watch is more than a venue; it’s a commitment to preserving and enriching our natural world. Our work in protecting and restoring the bay is fueled by science and education, and we extend this ethos to every event we host.

We encourage everyone – our staff, volunteers, members, and guests – to embrace eco-conscious choices, making a positive impact on the environment. Your wedding day is not just a celebration of love but also a step towards a healthier, more sustainable planet.

Thank you for allowing Tampa Bay Watch to be part of your special day. By choosing us, your celebration becomes a meaningful contribution to the world we cherish.

Natural Waterfront Setting

Large Deck with Sunset Views

Expansive Lawn

Neutral Palette for your Decor

Proximity to Beach Resorts and Airport

Unparalleled Views of Tampa Bay

White Wash Wood-Look Floor

Large Dock and Water Access

Private, Secure Location

Benefits a Nonprofit Organization

Included with your rental:

Use of designated areas of the facility for ceremony & reception
Indoor & outdoor options
1,900 sq ft veranda deck overlooking the bay
Prep room available for wedding party

Onsite parking
Tables and chairs (contact us for a current inventory of what is available)

Additional Information:

Ceremony site is only available when reception is also on property.
One wedding event per day.
Renter is responsible for setup and tear down of all furniture including tables, chairs etc.
Renter must provide their own wedding arch, decorations, and small tables for altar. Tear down of these items is renter’s responsibility.

Use of our Education Center for use by the wedding party is available at no extra charge.
Rehearsal time may be available at no extra charge. Rehearsal dates and times are subject to availability. We cannot guarantee the facility will be available for a rehearsal.
Tampa Bay Watch provides electricity at no extra charge.
Tampa Bay Watch does not provide AV equipment for ceremony site.

Pricing & Insurance

PRICING DETAILS

Pricing is determined based on the event, date, and other factors. To discuss pricing and availability for your wedding, please contact us with the link at the bottom of this page.

Pricing and insurance

Deposit and payment

$1,000 non-refundable deposit due at signing of contract
Final balance due 90 days prior to event
Credit card number required as security deposit for excessive cleaning/damages
Payment methods: Check, Visa, Master Card, AmEx, Discover
Proceeds go toward habitat restoration and environmental education

Cancellations and refunds

90 days or more prior to event: Any monies paid over the initial $1000.00 non-refundable deposit will be refunded
Less than 90 days: No refunds

Cleaning/damage fees

The Cleaning/Damages Release Form must be submitted at least 30 days prior to event. A credit card number will be required on the form as a security deposit to pay for excessive costs associated with cleanup and/or damages. No charges will be placed against the credit card if the following stipulations are met:

Building interiors and grounds are cleared and returned to their previous state. All trash should be taken to the dumpster located next to the caretaker cottage.
Facilities and onsite equipment are clean, undamaged and left as they were prior to the event.
Cleanup fee: Excessive cleanup of the rooms and/or site may warrant a charge at a rate of $50 an hour.

Insurance

If the event is of a large-scale nature where alcohol is served, insurance must be provided with limits of $1,000,000 bodily injury/property damage and listing Tampa Bay Watch Inc. as an additional insured for events.

Visit wedsafe.com for a reasonably-priced policy option. A copy of the policy must be provided 30 days prior to the event. If no insurance exists as specified, Tampa Bay Watch Inc. will expedite a special event policy and charge it in addition to the agreed facility fee.

Email Jon Ziegler with questions about weddings at Tampa Bay Watch:

jziegler@tampabaywatch.org

FAQs

How do we handle parking?

There are 35 parking spaces in our lot. Overflow parking is across the street. For parties of 80 or more guests, Tampa Bay Watch may provide valet parking if you qualify. Also, please note: No vehicles (Including vendor vehicles) can be left in the parking lot overnight.

Where can our caterers set up and cook?

Caterers may use the kitchen area and outside ground level for food preparation. Food preparation or cooking (electric or gas burner) is NOT allowed on the veranda deck, in the community room or underneath the buildings.

Can we use candles?

Candles are permitted but must be in containers (glass votive holders, vases, bowls, etc) and protected from dripping.

Can we bring our own tables and chairs?

Rented tables and chairs can be used with prior approval

Please note: Tables and chairs located in the Community Room are for use inside the room, or on the veranda. Furniture in the Community Room cannot be used on the lawn. Ceremony chairs are located in a separate building, and can be used on the lawn.

How can we coordinate issues we have onsite?

A representative from Tampa Bay Watch will be onsite during your entire event. The renter must designate and have a contact person onsite during the rental time period (this includes the setup time and cleanup time) to whom the vendors and staff can coordinate for instructions and other questions.

Can we use the boat dock?

The boat dock is off limits unless otherwise arranged with Tampa Bay Watch.

What kinds of party favors and decorations can we use?

Hanging items on the walls or ceiling of the community room or veranda deck is not allowed. Also, renters are required to adhere to the following rules:
• No balloons
• No tape used on floors
• No confetti/glitter or rice
• No fireworks/firearms
• No dry ice

What is the policy on smoking?

There is no smoking inside buildings, on deck, on verandas or stairways. Smoking is permitted on the ground level in marked, designated areas.

Can we use any catering vendor of our choice, or does it have to be one on your vendor list?

Tampa Bay Watch is a venue that allows you to choose any licensed or insured caterer; our vendor list is just a guide. We do not charge a surcharge or percentage for your caterer to use our facility.

Eco-Friendly Ideas

Our environment is a fragile entity not to be taken for granted. At Tampa Bay Watch, our mission is dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Tampa Bay estuary through scientific and educational programs. We encourage our staff, volunteers, members, and guests to take strides to lessen the impact on the environment and to leave the earth a better place. Thank you for allowing us the highest honor of being part of your special day.

There are many ways to have your dream wedding in an eco-friendly way. By adopting a few of these ideas, or creating your own, every effort you make to reduce environmental impact goes a long way to making the planet a better place. We’re honored to offer a few suggestions of ways to make your wedding eco-friendly.

Eco-friendly tips

Consider the three R’S:

Reduce: Decrease the amount of waste from food, paper, flowers, and decorations.

Reuse: Opt for multiple-use items, or find previously-used wedding items. Remember, this will be the first time your guests will see any of your decorations!

Recycle: Choose items that can be recycled and provide a proper, well-marked location for recycling. (Be sure to find a venue that has a recycling program!)

Venue

Choose a single location for both ceremony and reception. Reducing travel between venues cuts down on fossil fuel consumption and emissions.
Choose a venue with a purpose and a naturally beautiful setting. A marine center, a botanical garden, or an art museum, for example.
Choose a location central to most guests; this cuts down on travel and adds convenience to your big day.

Invitations

Use recycled or seeded paper printed with soy-based inks.
Instead of inserts, consider an RSVP post card. (No envelope needed, and it saves on postage, as well!)
List your map and directions on a website page or send via electronic media, rather than printing it.

Flowers and decorations

Use in-season, native flowers for your geographic area.
Reuse ceremony flowers in the reception hall.
Have bouquets and centerpieces re-purposed into new arrangements, and donate them to an assisted living facility, hospital, or hospice center.
Use your personal collections to decorate the reception hall. This makes it your special day, and very personal to you!
Use tablecloths and napkins made from sustainable materials like silk, hemp, and cotton.
Keep the lighting dim (or even off) and use candles as a light source for added ambience.

Photographers

Go digital. Ask your photographer to create a disk of your event.
Some photographers have photos available on their website so all guests can see them and order their own prints.
Check to see if your photographer prints on recycled paper.

Food and beverage

Use reuseable serviceware. If using disposable items, opt for biodegradable or items made from sustainable materials like bamboo.
Serve small food items in edible vessels (e.g.; hollowed-out fruits, vegetables, or breads).
Serve local, in-season foods.
Check to see if leftovers can be donated to a homeless shelter or to your local fire/ police department.
Go online to verify beverage quantites, or ask an experienced bartender.
Find beverages local to your area. (Microbrews are increasing in popularity.)

Transportation

Encourage guests to carpool or take a beach shuttle.
If it’s a destination wedding for several of your guests, provide a mass-transit “party bus.” This is also a good way to prevent drinking and driving.

Favors

Give your guests edible favors instead of trinkets they might throw away (e.g.; honey or jam from a local farmer’s market). Buying local supports small businesses and promotes a strong local economy.
Give guests potted plants or seed packets to plant in their yard. (More plants native to your area are a great boost to the environment.)
Instead of giving party favors, make a donation on behalf of your guests to Tampa Bay Watch, a favorite charity, or another nonprofit organization.