Julian B Lane Riverfront Park offers this center with several indoor and outdoor spaces perfect for wedding ceremonies. Additionally, its beautiful views overlooking Hillsborough River provide additional advantages.
Tampa is no different; active waterfronts attract development. The success of Tampa’s downtown Riverwalk has spurred developers to extend it, including projects such as Pendry Hotel & Residences, One Tampa Tower, and Related Group’s west Riverwalk extension project.
Located in Julian B Lane Riverfront Park
At USF and across Hillsborough River from David A Straz Center for the Performing Arts lies this spectacular 25-acre park: an invaluable community resource featuring recreational and support facilities such as tennis and pickle ball courts, water playgrounds, splash pads, and rentable pavilions. It also offers plenty of tennis/pickleball courts.
The centerpiece of the park is the Tampa River Center. This four-level structure features floor-to-ceiling windows that open out onto a covered terrace overlooking both downtown Tampa and the Tampa River itself. On its upper level sits a multipurpose room, classrooms, public restrooms, and community services such as multipurpose room rental. On its lower level lies an expansive 13320 sq. foot boathouse providing storage for local rowing/dragon boat teams along with kayak and standup paddleboard rentals.
There are also historic walking trails that explore the area’s rich history and a community performance pavilion for special events. Furthermore, there is also a recreation court and field, a public art sculpture, and a picnic area complete with pavilions and grills – making the park genuinely multifunctional!
This park makes an excellent venue for weddings and has many facilities that will ensure an ideal day. Conveniently located near hotels and restaurants, its only drawback may be its lack of decor matching that of the park – though its hallways feature beautiful old marble that adds character, there’s little else there beyond.
2.6 Mile Walk Along the Hillsborough Riverwalk
Hillsborough River provides the backdrop for a walk that will lead you through downtown Tampa. Modern condominiums, historic buildings, and artistic sculptures add grandeur, and there are pockets of greenery, such as Curtis Hixon Park and Water Works Park, that provide welcome relief from city life.
The Riverwalk is not only an excellent outdoor spot but also a bustling hub of shopping, dining, and culture in Tampa. Here, you will find boutique stores selling souvenirs that capture the spirit of Tampa, while the Straz Center for Performing Arts provides performances ranging from Broadway hits to local productions.
As soon as the day ends, relax on one of Tampa’s piers or enjoy drinks with friends. Various local companies provide water taxi rides around Tampa; in addition, take advantage of the Convention Center boating docks, which host attractions like eBoats and Tampa Bay Water Bike Company for some water fun!
Downtown Tampa used to be an abandoned ghost town after work and on weekends, but city leaders have recently made great efforts to become more walkable. Now, there are numerous pedestrian-only paths, and bike-friendly stop lights have even been introduced in specific locations so as to prevent the perils associated with turning cars.
Several Indoor and Outdoor Spaces for Weddings and Other Events
The Tampa River Center boasts both indoor and outdoor spaces suitable for weddings and other events, including an event lawn, pavilion, waterfront promenade promenade promenade, as well as multiple multi-use buildings with unique features that overlook Hillsborough River.
Armature Works is an exciting and modern space built to house the maintenance of streetcars; today, it provides a large reception area and cozy spots where visitors can sip drinks and nibble snacks. Featuring large windows, visible ductwork, high ceilings, and plenty of cozy spots, this venue can host up to 500 guests for seated receptions.
Palmetto Riverside Bed and Breakfast offers another elegant event venue, boasting an outdoor setting amidst majestic oak trees. There is also a banquet hall available, as well as an outdoor living area that can serve as a reception space. Operated by a nonprofit dedicated to the sustainability of Tampa Bay, the Palmetto Riverside can also serve as an event location.
Tampa River Center provides several indoor wedding venues, such as the Current Hotel. This chic boutique hotel offers over 5,000 square feet of flexible space that can be transformed into ceremonies and receptions, creating the perfect setting for an elegant celebration. Plus, its breathtaking bay views make this venue truly spectacular!
Marissa and Jacob tied the knot at Tampa River Center with an outdoor ceremony followed by a stunning indoor-outdoor reception. Their special day included special moments, like serenades from both Jacob’s fraternity brothers as well as two dogs serving as ring bearers and a beer boy to serve drinks!
Great Views
An afternoon stroll or ride along Tampa’s Riverwalk is the ideal way to experience its scenic water views and unwind after work – there are multiple bars offering drinks such as Ulele or Anchor & Brine; there is truly something for everyone on this 2.4-mile path!
Ulele Restaurant, housed within the historic Tampa Heights Water Works building and named for a Florida Indian princess, features both indoor and outdoor tables for dining. Popular among both tourists and locals alike for its fresh seafood, craft beer offerings, and stunning view of Hillsborough River, Ulele is a top spot to stop after watching a Lightning game at Amalie Arena.
Early morning light provides Riverwalk joggers with just enough illumination to appreciate their surroundings thoroughly: water sparkles on one side while museums, shops, and restaurants bustle on the other. By nightfall, couples stroll hand-in-hand under an expansive canopy of stars.
Julian B Lane Riverfront Park will serve the western side of Hillsborough River much as Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park did for its eastern counterpart. It will connect Riverwalk with new developments like Strategic Property Partners’ Water Street Tampa project around Amalie Arena and Channel District, as well as Two Roads Development’s Armature Works development in downtown Tampa.
