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Weddings on the bay
The perfect day, bayside...

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.

Enjoy our waterfront amenities for your special day

Natural waterfront setting

Large deck with sunset views

image: wedding setup on lawn at TBW

Expansive grounds

Neutral palette for your decor

Proximity to beach resorts and airport

Gorgeous views of Tampa Bay

Whitewash wood-look floor

Large dock and water access

Private, secure location

image staff member jordan findley

Benefits a nonprofit organization

“Tampa Bay Watch and Jon are literally amazing. I seriously believe this is the best wedding venue in St. Pete (even better than the resort hotels!).
The venue is completely private and on the water, so there’s no distractions during the ceremony or reception. It has an ENORMOUS 2nd-story deck, which has a beautiful view of the sunset. Jon was right, “During sunset, everyone will be out on the deck watching it.” The best part is that this organization is a key player in the community by holding field trips for local schools and actively cleaning up the bay area. Your venue payment goes to restoring and preserving the waterways, which is far more desirable than boosting a hotel’s profits.

Jon is THE reason we enjoyed booking this venue so much. He is so welcoming and flexible and “has seen it all.” He will go the distance to make your day special while clearly communicating the boundaries to protect the venue and the outdoor space.

I would definitely book a few extra hours to decorate, because you’ll want as much time as possible with your guests to actually enjoy the space. I would give them 6 stars if I could!”

– Guest rated Tampa Bay Watch with a 5-star rating on The Knot

Community Center

At 2,500 sq ft, the community room seats 130 comfortably for weddings and receptions. Additional seating is available on the 1,900 sq ft veranda deck for up to the maximum occupancy/event size of 150 total.

Prep Room

Our 1,875 sq ft education center and 650 sq ft deck provide plenty of prep room for the bridal party.

Onsite Parking

Our facility will support 50 cars, including overflow parking across the street.

Additional site information

CEREMONY SITE IS ONLY AVAILABLE WHEN RECEPTION IS ALSO HELD ON PROPERTY

  • Only one ceremony per day
  • Renter is responsible for setup of ceremony chairs.
  • Renter must provide their own wedding arch, decorations, and small tables for altar. 

Tear-down of these items is renter’s responsibility.

  • The rehearsal for the ceremony and changing room for the bride are at no extra charge. (Ceremony rehearsal subject to availability.)
  • Tampa Bay Watch provides electricity at no extra charge.
  • Tampa Bay Watch does not provide AV equipment for ceremony site.

Awards and recognition

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

jziegler@tampabaywatch.org

Cover image credit: Joy Marie Photographers