Source: Peerspace
A Tampa Bay wedding means choosing between palm-framed waterfront venues, historic downtown spaces, rooftop views, and sandy Gulf Coast backdrops. With that many options, you’re in good company; the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater metro saw over 20k weddings in 2024.
That many celebrations can make the area feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. A skilled planner steps in as your guide, helping you navigate hurricane season, vendor availability, guest travel, and timelines so you can truly relish in your engagement.
We’re spotlighting 5 wedding planners in Tampa who demonstrate exceptional talent across the board. They understand the local venues, weather patterns, vendor community, and more. Most importantly, they care about building a day that feels relaxed, joyful, and true to you.
How we chose these planners
Tampa has a thriving wedding scene, so we focused on planners who consistently show up with strong work, happy clients, and clear expertise in the region. We looked for industry leaders who know what it takes to pull off everything from intimate elopements to multi-day waterfront celebrations.
Here’s what we considered when building this list:
- Client reviews across multiple platforms
- Industry awards and recognition
- Strong, varied portfolios
- Professional certifications and affiliations
- A reliable track record
Every planner here meets a high bar for professionalism and care, even though their aesthetics and specialties differ. That gives you room to choose someone whose approach matches your personality and the type of celebration you want to host.
Featured wedding planners in Tampa
Ready to dig in? Below, you’ll find Tampa industry leaders who bring local knowledge, creative ideas, and steady event-day leadership to the table. Browse their portfolios and reach out for consultations. Your planner should make the process feel easier, clearer, and a lot more fun.
1. Popped Event Planning
Company name and founder/lead planner: Popped Event Planning / Sydney Goldberg
Specialty/niche: Full-service wedding and event planning with options that range from comprehensive planning and coordination to consulting and day-of support, plus creative pop-up and elopement-style celebrations.
Notable projects or signature style: Known for “uniquely nontraditional” weddings, Popped leans into bold color, playful details, and deeply personal touches, with a portfolio that spans Tampa Bay, St. Pete, Sarasota, and even New York.
Pricing: Packages start at $1650. “Pop-up weddings” (those with under 25 guests) start at $2,000. Other packages include: “Surprise weddings”, which grant full decision-making to the Popped team, wedding consulting and day-of coordination, and full-service planning.
Why we love them: Popped is a great fit for couples who want a celebration that feels vibrant, original, and a little unexpected while still being tightly organized behind the scenes. Reviews mention that Sydney and her team anticipate needs before anyone asks, keeping vendor communication and timelines under control so couples can relax. You get the sense that they’re just as invested in your guest experience as you are, which shows up in thoughtful layouts, interactive moments, and parties that embody your personality.
Learn more about Popped Event Planning on their website and Instagram.
2. Chantilly Chic Celebrations
Company name and founder/lead planner: Chantilly Chic Celebrations / Melanie Barker
Specialty/niche: Full-service planning and design for upscale elopements, proposals, and large weddings throughout Tampa Bay, with tailored packages for elopements and traditional full-scale events.
Notable projects or signature style: A portfolio of romantic, polished celebrations across popular Tampa venues and Florida elopement spots, with an emphasis on cohesive styling and smooth, guest-friendly flow. Chantilly Chic is also known locally as a go-to for curated elopement packages that bundle venue, vendors, and design.
Pricing: Event management starts at $2,500, partial planning at $6,000, and full-service planning at $8,000. Reach out for a custom proposal.
Why we love them: Couples who want planning to feel calm and guided tend to click with Melanie’s team right away. Reviews consistently highlight how organized and responsive they are, which makes decisions feel easier and keeps stress at bay as the date gets closer. Their elopement and micro-wedding expertise is another huge plus for Tampa Bay, where many couples crave something intimate that still feels intentional and beautifully put together.
Learn more about Chantilly Chic Celebrations on their website and Instagram.
3. Pea to Tree Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Pea to Tree Events / Georgette Casimir
Specialty/niche: Luxury full-service wedding planning and event design with a strong focus on multicultural and South Asian celebrations, destination weddings, and multi-day events in Tampa, throughout Florida, and worldwide.
Notable projects or signature style: Pea to Tree is widely recognized for immersive, detail-rich events that transform spaces—think large guest counts, layered decor, and complex cultural programming. They’re featured on Carats & Cake, Marry Me Tampa Bay, South Asian Bride, and other editorial platforms that spotlight elevated multicultural weddings.
Pricing: Packages start at $2,500. Get in touch for a custom quote based on your level of planning support.
Why we love them: Pea to Tree is a smart choice when your wedding involves multiple events, intricate cultural traditions, or an ambitious design vision. Reviews mention how Georgette and her team keep everything organized so couples can enjoy the experience instead of managing logistics. There’s also a strong emphasis on storytelling that weaves in elements that reflect family history, culture, and personality in a way that feels thoughtful and intentional.
Learn more about Pea to Tree Events on their website and Instagram.
4. InStyle Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: InStyle Events / Neethu Philip
Specialty/niche: Full-service wedding and event planning with a strong specialization in South Asian weddings across the Tampa Bay and Orlando areas, including multi-day celebrations and destination-style weekends.
Notable projects or signature style: InStyle’s portfolio showcases elaborate baraats, sangeets, and reception designs that blend tradition with modern style, frequently highlighted across regional directories and South Asian wedding platforms. They’re known for comprehensive planning support—venue, logistics, design, and coordination all under one roof.
Pricing: InStyle offers three distinct wedding packages: Full Elegance, Custom Designer, and Glamour. Inquire directly for a custom quote.
Why we love them: Neethu and her team bring deep experience with South Asian and fusion weddings, which shows in their comfort with complex timelines, rituals, and guest counts. Reviews emphasize how clearly they communicate each step of the process, which can be a huge relief for couples juggling multiple ceremonies and out-of-town guests. They also have a reputation for running the day with calm, confident leadership so families can fully participate in the celebrations instead of coordinating them from the sidelines.
Learn more about InStyle Events on their website and Instagram.
5. Anna Lucia Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Anna Lucia Events / Anna Lucia Richardson
Specialty/niche: Boutique full-service planning and event design for clients seeking highly tailored, luxury weddings in Tampa, Naples, and destinations throughout the U.S. and abroad.
Notable projects or signature style: Anna Lucia Events produces elevated, design-driven weddings featured on platforms like Carats & Cake and PartySlate, with a portfolio full of waterfront estates, private residences, and classic Florida resort settings. Their work leans into layered textures, refined color palettes, and immersive guest experiences.
Pricing: Services are fully customized for each event; submit an inquiry to discuss your vision and receive a custom proposal.
Why we love them: Anna Lucia Events is ideal for couples who care as much about environment and mood as they do about logistics. Their team approaches planning like a creative collaboration, shaping everything from floor plans to floral concepts so the day feels cohesive and sensory rather than pieced together. Clients praise their professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail, which makes it easier to host large-scale, high-touch events without feeling overwhelmed by decisions.
Learn more about Anna Lucia Events on their website and Instagram.
Choosing the right planner in Tampa
Ask about experience with Tampa’s waterfront and downtown venues
Tampa weddings happen in ballrooms, historic clubs, garden spaces, beach resorts, and rooftop spots with views of the bay. When you talk with planners, ask where they’ve worked recently and how often they handle events at venues like hotels along the Riverwalk, Davis Islands locations, or Clearwater and St. Pete properties.
Check how they handle permits and city rules
If your plans include a ceremony in a park, a tented reception on city property, or anything that touches streets or sidewalks, Tampa treats that as a special event. The city requires a Special Event or Facility Use Permit for outdoor activities on city property with 25 or more people. Ask planners how they’ve worked with those permits before, who submits applications, and how far in advance they like to start.
Read reviews with an eye on communication and follow-through
Photos tell you if you like a planner’s style. Reviews tell you how they show up for couples over many months. Check feedback on more than one site and look for patterns in how people describe responsiveness, budget conversations, and how the team handled last-minute curveballs. When you see couples mention clear expectations, regular updates, and steady leadership on the wedding day, that’s a good sign you’ll feel supported too.
Look for a fit with your priorities, not just your budget
Tampa Bay draws local couples, destination guests, and lots of out-of-towners who want a Florida feel. Think about what you care about most: cultural traditions, guest experience, intricate décor, a tight budget, or a weekend of events. Then ask planners to walk you through examples where they’ve focused on those same things. The right planner gets what matters to you and can explain how they’ll protect those priorities when decisions stack up.
Make sure their planning systems work for your life
Some teams run everything through online planning platforms; others rely on email, spreadsheets, and scheduled calls. If you’re planning from another state or balancing packed schedules, talk about how often you’ll meet, what they expect from you between calls, and how they share timelines and to-do lists.
Tampa Bay wedding planning tips
Choose a season that matches your heat and storm tolerance
Tampa stays warm and humid for much of the year, with summer bringing the highest heat and a greater chance of afternoon storms and tropical activity. Late fall, winter, and early spring offer more comfortable outdoor conditions and fewer daily downpours. Talk with your planner about when you’d like to be outside, how you feel about humidity, and whether you’d rather bet on cooler air or longer daylight.
Factor in permits for parks, streets, and public spaces
Any outdoor activity on city property with 25 or more guests generally requires a Special Event or Facility Use Permit through the City of Tampa. The Office of Special Events guides planners through this process, especially for larger festivals, block-style parties, and events that could impact traffic or city services. Build permit timelines into your planning from the start.
Check major events before you pick a date
Tampa Bay’s calendar fills up with festivals, Gasparilla season events, sports, concerts, and big holiday weekends. Visit Tampa Bay and other event calendars make it easy to see what else is happening around your preferred date. Share your short list of weekends with your planner so you can talk through hotel demand, traffic near your venue, and whether you want to lean into that busy energy or avoid it.
Plan transportation and parking around real travel times
Guests may stay in downtown Tampa, Ybor City, St. Pete, or along the beaches, which can mean bridges, toll roads, and event traffic between ceremony and reception. Work with your planner to map realistic drive times at the actual hour of your events and to decide whether you’ll offer shuttles, valet, or detailed parking instructions. Clear guidance on your website and invitations reduces stress for guests and cuts down on late arrivals.
Understand marriage license basics for Hillsborough County
Most couples marrying in Tampa get their marriage license through the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court, which acts as the state’s agent for issuing licenses. Florida law generally includes a three-day waiting period for Florida residents, and licenses are valid for a limited window (often 60 days), so timing matters. Put your license appointment in your planning timeline early so you can enjoy wedding week without paperwork stress.
FAQs: Tampa Bay wedding prep
When is peak wedding season in Tampa Bay?
Many Tampa Bay couples opt for late fall, winter, and early spring to avoid the heaviest heat and storm patterns. Local planners and vendors often point to roughly November through April as popular months, with shoulder dates in October and early May still in the mix. Summer and early fall weddings can be beautiful—especially near the water—but you’ll want solid backup plans for heat, rain, and potential tropical weather.
Do we need a permit to marry in a Tampa park or on city property?
If your ceremony or reception takes place on city property and involves 25 or more people, the City of Tampa typically requires a Special Event or Facility Use Permit. The Office of Special Events coordinates bookings for events on public property and outlines what you’ll need in terms of applications, insurance, and timelines.
How does the marriage license process work in Tampa?
For most Tampa weddings, you’ll get your marriage license through the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court. The Clerk’s office issues licenses as an agent of the State of Florida and provides details on ID requirements, fees, and ceremony options at its Tampa, Brandon, and Plant City locations. Florida law sets the waiting period and validity window, so confirm the timing with your planner and officiant and schedule your appointment accordingly.
How far in advance should we book a Tampa planner and venue?
For popular Tampa wedding venues and peak-season Saturdays, planning 12–18 months ahead gives you the best shot at your preferred combination of venue and planner. If you’re flexible on season, day of the week, or exact location (Tampa vs. St. Pete vs. the beaches), you may find strong options within 9–12 months.
Are there noise rules we should know about for outdoor music?
Yes. Tampa enforces noise and special event regulations that can affect amplified music outdoors, particularly on public property or in residential areas. Some events need a special event permit and must comply with local noise ordinances, and certain situations may require additional approval for extended hours or higher volume.
Tampa wedding planners, join our list!
Are you a wedding planning company serving couples in Tampa Bay? Peerspace highlights local industry leader talent and loves showcasing planners who create well-run and visually compelling celebrations. If you’d like to be considered, complete our nomination form and share more about your services and style.
Find a Tampa Bay venue that fits your vision
Tampa Bay offers so many stunning backdrops for a wedding day: leafy gardens, historic properties, waterfront clubs, modern museums, ballrooms, and beachside spots with sunset views. When you match the right setting with a planner who knows the area and understands your priorities, the whole day feels more intentional and less hectic.
Still searching for a place that feels like “you”? Explore unique, bookable-by-the-hour wedding venues in Tampa on Peerspace and start picturing how your planner and vendors will bring your celebration to life along the Gulf.

