“TradeWinds Resort stands out to couples because of the fact that we are such a large resort with so many things to do,” says Hannah Poff, Catering Sales Manager. “Everyone traveling in can stay, play and celebrate all in one location.”
Ahead, more on what makes this resort a fantastic destination for beach weddings.
Gather Your Group for Pre-Wedding Beach Fun
Poff is noticing an emerging trend with more wedding parties opting to skip the formal rehearsal dinner and instead host a welcome party, bringing together everyone who was invited to their celebration to enjoy some quality time together in a beautiful destination.
“I personally love this option because I feel that it takes away some of the stress off the bride and groom from feeling like they don't have enough time on the wedding day to speak to all of their loved ones,” Poff says.
TradeWinds makes these types of pre-wedding celebrations a breeze, according to top-tier wedding planners who have explored the resort.
“I love the idea of having a mini golf tournament to kick off the weekend or an outside excursion with a boating partner to explore one of the amazing shelling beaches nearby,” says Tabitha Roberts, founder of Roberts & Co Events.
At the resort, the multiple pools, mini golf course, kayaking, paddleboarding, beach loungers and the iconic, three-tiered waterslide keeps guests of all ages engaged and makes for a more rounded experience outside of the wedding weekend events, Roberts says. She also loves that the resort provides anchored swim mats right off their beach access.
“Hosting your guests at the striped umbrellas with bar service and the floating mats means that everyone gets a little slice of Florida sun before saying ‘I Do,’” she says.
For those venturing off the resort, they can venture into St. Pete for a candle-making experience, boat tours, museums, and more, says Carmen Davila-Hernandez, founder of Events by Carmen.
“It’s really the perfect place for a full wedding weekend,” she says.
Wedding Venues: From Toes-in-the-Sand Beachfront Ceremonies to Glamorous Ballrooms
TradeWinds spans 40 lush Gulf Coast acres and 1,600 feet of shoreline, giving couples a wide range of venue options—from beachfront vows set on soft white sand to ceremonies in garden courtyards and elegant ballrooms.
“We can fit any vision, whether that be a toes-in-the-sand ceremony followed by dancing under the stars to a beach ceremony (without the sand) overlooking the beautiful Gulf at sunset and celebrating the evening in one of our ballrooms,” Poff says.
While beachfront ceremonies are popular, couples can also opt for a beach ceremony without the sand on the South Lawn or RumFish Lawn. For receptions, if the couple is looking for a more al fresco vibe, the RumFish Lawn is perfect for 75 to 175 guests. Indoors, the resort’s most popular reception space is the Pavilion, which can accommodate 125 to 350 guests.
“The beach ceremony options are stunning— talk about a natural cinematic backdrop,” Davila-Hernandez says. “The indoor spaces give you the flexibility to create completely different vibes.” She likes that the ballrooms are true blank canvases, allowing planners to design something soft and airy or go full on elegant depending on what couples are envisioning.”
As far as wedding photos go, Davila-Hernandez tips that golden hour on the beach is a must.
“The light is soft, the sky turns cotton-candy pink, and it gives couples the most romantic portraits,” she says.
TradeWinds’ Customizable Culinary Options for Weddings
Couples have a wonderful array of culinary options at TradeWinds, from carving stations featuring sea-salt–crusted prime rib to seated dinners with dishes like hoisin-glazed Florida mahi-mahi.
Wedding parties can choose from hors d’oeuvres on the beach, seated four-course meals, or buffets filled with delicious selections such as macadamia-nut local grouper, a vegetable-centric orecchiette pasta with mushroom béchamel, and braised beef short rib with a red wine demi-glace.
But the resort’s true secret sauce is its ability to customize wedding menus, which is something that consistently impresses wedding planners.
If you can dream it, the expert chefs at TradeWinds Resort will prepare it for your big day. Choose from traditional favorites, reinvented classics, or unexpected flavors that will give your guests something to rave about long after your celebration.
Wedding menus are meant to represent the couple and their culinary tastes, and TradeWinds embraces this philosophy to create one-of-a-kind options for guests, Roberts says.
“I also really enjoyed how they will pivot to meet the needs of each group for dietary or personal preferences,” Roberts says. “Want a more sober-curious bar? They can work with you to create more mocktails or source zero-proof spirits. Looking to be gluten-free? They have that covered with alternatives to traditional standbys—and keep it flavorful.”
The resort is also rolling out new wedding menus for 2026, featuring additions like a cannoli bar, grilled cheese bar, and churro bar, just to name a few, Poff says.
Final Thoughts: Should You Host a Wedding at TradeWinds Resort?
Tradewinds is one of those resorts where your guests will genuinely enjoy every moment of the wedding weekend, Davila-Hernandez says. It’s beautiful, it’s easy, and it lets couples focus on celebrating rather than logistics.
“What really stood out to me was how private the resort felt,” she says. “Nothing was missing—you have the beautiful beach, numerous pools, giant slide, great restaurants and amazing amenities. I also loved the multiple event spaces. The vibe is relaxed, chic coastal charm with some of the most amazing sunsets you’ll ever experience.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of couples will love a wedding at TradeWinds Resort?
TradeWinds is perfect for couples who want their guests to enjoy a full weekend of fun, beachfront activities, and elevated hospitality, Davila-Hernandez says. The property caters to guests of all ages and interests, making it an easy fit for multigenerational wedding groups.
How do you get to TradeWinds Resort?
TradeWinds Resort is conveniently located for out-of-town guests, with Tampa International Airport just 30 to 40 minutes away and St. Petersburg–Clearwater Airport only 15 to 20 minutes from the property.
The resort also offers on-site transportation services, with vehicles ranging from sedans to a shuttle bus for larger groups.
“With so many different food and beverage options and activities onsite, guests at TradeWinds don't even need a rental car because they don't have to leave the resort unless they truly want to,” Poff says.
What’s the best time of year to get married in St. Pete Beach?
Thanks to a wide selection of indoor and outdoor venues, weddings at TradeWinds Resort are a year-round affair. Couples dreaming of a beach ceremony will find the most ideal weather in spring (March through May) and fall (October and November). Winter can also be pleasant, though milder, with temperatures often in the low 70s.
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