Steps away from the water facing Bayshore Boulevard, this Tampa mainstay continues to be a popular site for events from 100- 300 guests.
In a botanical setting, it offers endless possibilities for indoor and outdoor ceremonies.
The floor to high ceiling front windows looking out on Tampa Bay is a classic AND not to be missed. It offers round tables and the opportunity to bring in your alcohol.
A built-in stage offers a focal point for a sweetheart table or a live band. A neutral palette with floor to ceiling windows, the Garden Center can become a dream location for many different color schemes and themes.
Cost: $2500 Plus Security Deposit
Entitles you to use of entire facility for the day with four hour set-up, four hour event time, and one hour breakdown. Extra hours are available at a reasonable charge. All set-up and cleaning is included along with a security guard.
The facility staff is absolutely the best around. They bend over backwards to assure that each client's needs are taken care of.
All rules, regulations, access times are clearly defined. Things like submitting room layouts a week in advance and clearly described cleaning details for the caterer, assure clients that this is a professionally-run operation. Their event is in good hands.
Davis Islands Garden Club
A smaller, but well-maintained facility, the clubhouse is the only non-commercial waterfront location in Tampa. Facing the channel across from Harbour Island, it offers a gazebo for ceremonies and outdoor pavilion which extends the limited indoor event space. This place books up quicky despite its steep rental price. The ability to get the key from the rental manager and all day access makes it one of the most client-friendly facilities in Tampa Bay. Plan to take lots of pictures here, the grounds are stunning.
Cost: $2000 plus security deposit.
White resin folding chairs available for rent for $2 each for outdooor ceremonies.
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THIS VENUE:
Not suggested for any more than 120 guests. Summer events may want to restrict all activities to the indoors as opening and closing of the doors (even with air conditioning) creates humid conditions.
Despite it's 1960's interior, the clubhouse has small chandeliers with dimmers to create ambiance for your reception. Most color schemes work well.
The best times to rent the place are cooler months from October - April. Dates do fill up quickly especially for October and March.
Contact Michelle at (813) 835-3442.
For more information, call
(813) 251-5059
between 9 and 3 p.m. Monday-Friday. Appointments on Saturdays available.
Brady Center at
THE Academy
Another "hidden" South Tampa treasure is the hugely functional Brady Center at the Academy of Holy Names between MacDill and Bayshore, south of Bay to Bay.
The center can be divided in half length-wise with an air wall to accommodate less than 400 guests. The bonus is the total floor space that can accommodate up to 500 guests WITH A DANCE FLOOR.
An adjoining courtyard offers possibilites for a pre-reception area. Parking is no problem as there is a walk-way bridge across MacDill Avenue from a remote parking area.
The grounds are meticulously kept. It is only a shame the front of the property facing Bayshore is not directly connected to the Brady Center.
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THIS FACILTY:
Don't let the $4000 price tag for the entire hall scare you. The savings from being able to furnish your own alcohol with the proper liquor liability insurance for over 300 guests, makes this place an awesome alternative to larger hotels or resorts.
This savings can be put into decor including ceiling swags, lots of eye-level foliage, and cool upgrades.
