Our TOP 5 Most Photographed At Venues in St. Pete

As Florida wedding photographers, there are so many amazing venues that we photograph weddings and engagements at. Our clients book beautiful venues across the state of Florida, from Sarasota, Tampa, and St. Pete, to The Keys and Marco Island!

Maybe you’re in the process of looking for your dream beach wedding venue, or are looking for some downtown destination wedding inspiration… regardless of where you’re at in the process, we want to share the TOP 5 most popular wedding venues that our couples book in St. Pete and along the gorgeous white-sands of St. Pete Beach!

 

The Don CeSar | St. Pete Beach

If you’ve ever driven along St. Pete Beach, you’ve probably seen The Don CeSar… it’s hard to miss! With it’s vibrant pink, The Don CeSar is extremely notable and an award-winning luxury wedding venue in Tampa Bay / Central West area of Florida.

SOME VENUE HIGHLIGHTS:

🤍 Between Ceremony and Reception site spots, this venue offers 6 locations around the property.
🤍 Some sites around the venue can hold a capacity of 250 (meaning you can invite your whole family AND all of your friends!).
🤍 The Don CeSar offers customized menu options, shuttle services for you and your guests, special room rates when you book your wedding at their location, and more!

 

Nova 535 | Downtown St. Pete

Located in downtown St. Pete, Nova 535 is the perfect wedding venue for those seeking a true industrial, city-chic vibe.

SOME VENUE HIGHLIGHTS:

🤍 Nova 535 offers 4 gorgeous spaces for you and your guests, including indoor and outdoor options.
🤍 Their max capacity is 490 people seated for dinner inside + out and 775 standing for cocktails inside + out,
🤍 Always hosts only one event at a time (so your event is their sole focus!).

 

Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club | St. Pete

SOME VENUE HIGHLIGHTS:

🤍 Offers all-inclusive amenities.
🤍 Their Boca Ciega Grand Ballroom accommodating up to 250 guests with panoramic bay views.
🤍 Convenient location near St. Pete Beach with access to quality accommodations for guests.

 

Sirata Beach Resort | St. Pete Beach

SOME VENUE HIGHLIGHTS:

🤍 Their packages include Day of Wedding Coordinator + a complimentary suite for the bride and groom on their wedding night.
🤍 Offers 5 different spaces for your event.
🤍 Offers preferred vendor recommendations to help you create the best vendor team!

 

St. Pete Yacht Club | Downtown St. Pete

SOME VENUE HIGHLIGHTS:

🤍 12,000+ sq ft of banquet space.
🤍 Convenient downtown St. Pete location, offering a mix of water and city views.
🤍 Historic architecture and exceptional service.

 

Are you looking for a St. Pete wedding photography / videography / content creation team? Contact us today!

Article by Tara Zimmerman from Limelight Photography — passionate about capturing the unscripted, emotional moments that tell your love story in the most genuine and heartfelt way.

Torrie + Joe Step Into The Limelight | Hunter's Green Country Club | Tampa, FL

A Love Story Filled with Laughs, Pickleball, and FSU Spirit

They met the way some of the best love stories begin, casually, unexpectedly, and right in the middle of real life. It was 2019, during their undergrad years at Florida State University. No dramatic music or cinematic moment, just two people whose paths crossed between classes and campus life, and from that first connection, something just worked.

Over time, their bond grew stronger, built on shared values, deep vulnerability, and an incredible ability to make each other laugh. Whether they’re on the pickleball court, at the gym, cheering on their beloved Seminoles, or exploring new foodie spots during happy hour, they’ve always been perfectly in sync.

When he proposed with a romantic beach picnic, it felt like the most natural next chapter in their story, personal, heartfelt, and full of love.

Their wedding day was everything they envisioned: minimal, timeless, and elegant, with a beautiful body of water as the ceremony backdrop (because yes, it really does look amazing in the photos!). But what made it truly unforgettable was the way these two simply lit up around each other.

As their photographer, I got to witness the way they looked at one another, like there was no one else in the room. Their smiles seemed to meet and shine together, all day long. Even when I kindly asked them not to kiss too much (to help keep the bride’s lipstick intact!), their joy was impossible to contain.

One of my favorite memories? The bride, looking absolutely stunning in heels, kept laughing and playfully crouching just a bit so she wouldn’t tower over the groom in photos. We all cracked up, it was the kind of laughter that fills the room and makes everyone feel at ease.

And then came Jerusalema and the moment I couldn’t resist. But instead of hitting the dance floor, I found myself dancing in the corner with the groom’s mother, both of us smiling from ear to ear. It was such a simple, joyful moment one of many that made the day feel so full of life and connection.

Beyond the beauty, the elegant details, and the violinist serenading the reception, what made this wedding so special was how true it was to them. A celebration of two people, two cultures, and one incredible love story.

To the newlyweds: I wish you nothing but the most amazing things in life. May the laughter be eternal, and may the kisses never end even if that lipstick needs a little retouching along the way.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for letting me be a part of your big day.

Lead Photographer | Natalia Fontes
Associate Photographer | Josiah Bonilla

Caterer |  Hunter’s Green Country Club
Ceremony Site | Hunter’s Green Country Club
Reception Venue | Hunter’s Green Country Club

Allison + Garret Step Into The Limelight | Sirata Beach Resort | St. Pete Beach, FL

Allison and Garret’s wedding day was the perfect fusion of timeless tradition and carefree coastal celebration. From a classic church ceremony to a golden hour beach wedding reception, every moment was effortlessly elegant and full of personality—an unforgettable St. Pete wedding photography experience from beginning to end.

The day began with heartfelt vows at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, a stunning backdrop for their sacred ceremony. With sunlight filtering through the stained glass and emotions running high, it was a moment that beautifully grounded their day in tradition.

After the ceremony, the celebration shifted to the Sirata Beach Resort—a beloved gem for beach weddings in St. Pete. Just steps from the shoreline, this beachfront venue offered breathtaking views of the Gulf and an ideal setting for sunset portraits.

As the sun dipped low, we captured a golden hour session that radiated pure magic. With gentle sea breezes, pastel skies, and Allison’s veil catching the light just right, every photo told the story of their love with candid elegance. These golden hour portraits were a true highlight, showcasing why St. Pete wedding photography is so renowned for its natural beauty.

The reception at Sirata was a joyful blend of tropical fun and personal touches, brought to life by Driftwood Weddings and Events and a dream team of vendors. From the neutral florals by Wonderland Floral Art, to the a smooth and sweet first dance thanks to Grant Hemond & Associates’ Jason Talley, the night flowed with laughter, celebration, and love.

Lead Photographer | Jackie Pizio
Associate Photographer | Natalia Fontes 

Bridesmaid Dresses | David’s Bridal
Cake | Publix
Caterer | Sirata Beach Resort
Ceremony Site | Cathedral of St. Jude Apostle 
DJ | Grant Hemond & Associates | Jason Talley
Event Planner | Driftwood Weddings and Events | Cherish Coddington
Florist | Wonderland Floral Art
Hair Stylist | Camposecco Artistry
Invitations | Zazzle
Make-up Artist | Camposecco Artistry
Reception Venue | Sirata Beach Resort
Wedding Gown | David’s Bridal

Sunset Wedding Photos and "When Is Golden Hour?"

As Florida wedding photographers and Florida wedding videographers, we’re constantly asked one of our favorite questions:
“When is the best time for photos?”
Our answer is almost always the same: golden hour.

There’s something really really magical that happens when the sun dips low in the sky. It’s warm, romantic, and gives every photo a softness unlike your typical afternoon sunlight. Whether you're tying the knot in a chic downtown Tampa venue, a St.Pete beachfront resort, or planning a destination wedding in the Caribbean, golden hour is the secret ingredient that takes your portraits from beautiful to breathtaking.

So… “What Is Golden Hour?”

This is a term that gets thrown around a lot, but not everyone knows what it means! Golden hour is that perfect slice of time just after sunrise or just before sunset. The sun is lower on the horizon, casting light that’s softer, warmer, and more flattering than the midday sun. For sunset portraits, golden hour typically begins 60 to 90 minutes before sunset, with the most ethereal glow in the final 30 minutes before the sun dips below the horizon.

This window of time changes slightly depending on the time of year and your location, which is why we always help our couples plan for it when building out their wedding day photography timeline.

Planning Your Golden Hour Photo Session

Here are a few tips to make the most of your golden hour photo session:

  • Talk to your photographer early. We’ll help determine the exact sunset time for your date and location.

  • Work it into your timeline. Even just 15–20 minutes is enough to capture memorable images — oftentimes wedding planners are already aware that their couples may want to go out for sunset portraits, but it’s good to communicate this desire with your wedding planner/coordinator directly, in addition to your photographer!

  • Be flexible. Sometimes stepping away from dinner or sneaking out between reception happenings is the best way to catch that prime light.

  • Trust the process. Let us guide you. No stiff posing, just the two of you being yourselves.

At Limelight Photography, we’ve had the joy of capturing golden hour moments for couples all across Florida and the Caribbean. Whether you're looking for sunset portraits that feel editorial and elegant, or something candid and carefree, we tailor each session to reflect who you are as a couple.

Let us help you plan the perfect time to chase the light—and create something truly timeless. Reach out today!

By the time golden hour arrives, most couples are relaxed, happy, and fully in the moment. Whether it's a quiet walk along the water or a joyful twirl in an open field, this time allows you to connect with each other while we document it with candid, documentary-style beauty.

📍 We are based in Florida, but available for destination weddings anywhere! ✈️
✨ Our team is composed of Florida wedding photographers, videographers, and content creators specializing in golden hour magic.

Article by Tara Zimmerman from Limelight Photography — passionate about capturing the unscripted, emotional moments that tell your love story in the most genuine and heartfelt way.

Meghan + Zachary Step Into The Limelight | Zota Beach Resort | Longboat Key, FL

Meghan and Zach’s story began with a swipe in the right direction.

As people sought connection during the quiet moments of lockdown, Meghan and Zach found each other.

A couple of years after meeting, during a trip to Savannah, Georgia, Zach asked Meghan to spend forever with him. She said yes, and the countdown to their dream wedding began.

That dream came to life at the breathtaking Zota Beach Resort in Sarasota, Florida—a perfect setting for their classy, tropical beach wedding. With elegant touches of green and lush natural décor woven throughout the celebration, the entire day reflected the fresh, vibrant feel of spring.

They exchanged vows with their feet in the sand, the ocean breeze dancing through the air, and the rhythmic sound of waves offering the most peaceful atmosphere. It was a day filled with warmth, beauty, and undeniable joy—a true celebration of a love that was meant to be.

We’re honored to be a preferred Longboat Key wedding photographer of Zota Beach Resort, and we absolutely love capturing destination weddings like Meghan + Zach’s. If you're planning your dream beach wedding, we'd be thrilled to tell your story through timeless, elegant imagery. Contact us today!

Lead Photographer | Jackie Pizio
Associate Photographer | Jeff Mitchell

Ceremony + Reception Venue | Zota Beach Resort