TRC Frequently Asked Questions

Touring, Holding, and Reserving TRC

Yes! You can book a tour online or we would be happy to schedule you a tour and answer any questions. We are available by appointment Monday-Thursday, 10:30am - 5pm.

We do not require Day of Insurance; however, we do require that all vendors who are operating (paid or donated) in the Tampa River Center must provide their proof of insurance with the City of Tampa listed as additional insured.

Yes, we require half of the room rental rate as a Rental Deposit to secure your date. Due to the demand, we cannot hold dates.

We book first come, first serve, 18 months out.

In the event you need to cancel 25% of rental deposit is refundable. From 90 days prior to event: NO RENTAL PAYMENT WILL BE REFUNDED. If you must move your event date, we can easily accommodate that if your new desired date is available. 100% of your funds will transfer over if we can accommodate the change.

Venue Details

Yes, however, all candles must be contained in votives, and the flame must be 2” below the top of the container. Open flames are not allowed anywhere in the building.

Yes, pets are allowed to be part of the ceremony and for photos however, they must remain leashed and cleaned up after. We do not allow pets during the reception.

Yes, the following tables and chairs are included in your rental fee. Any additional items not listed below will have to be rented. Please note, that if a table or chair has been damaged it may be unavailable until the replacement is delivered.

Chairs

300- silver Chiavari chairs with white cushions

Tables

25- 66-inch round tables

20- 30-inch adjustable cocktail tables

8- 8ft King rectangle

15- 6ft rectangle

Yes, we do not allow attached decorations on the walls or windows, this includes tape, staples, 3M, pushpins, tacks, nails, screws, or penetrating items shall not be used in our building.

We do not.

We do not.

We do not.

Smoking and vaping are not permitted on TRC property in compliance with the Florida Clean Indoor Act.

Yes. Our Venue, Patio, and restrooms are all wheelchair accessible.

We have beautiful natural lighting during the day and dimmable overhead lighting throughout the Event Room and deck.

Parking is limited; we strongly encourage guests to use taxi services (water taxi or ride share) for large events. We do allow for valet, with a permit.

We can seat up to 150 guests indoors with a DJ and/or band and dance floor. If a DJ/band and dance floor are not needed, we can seat up to 200 guests. If you do not need seating for each person, we can hold 400+ depending on the flow of the event.

We have fully updated Men’s and Women’s facilities with an extra-large restroom for changing purposes.

We have a couple of options for your guest to enter. These details will be discussed when you meet with your Event Lead.

You can get this through one of the preferred caterers or a vendor of your choosing. We do not have these items on site.

Deposits and Fees

We have fees for room rental, event attendant, security, extra hours, ceremony space and ceremony chairs.

We do not.

Taxes are charged based on state/federal rates. We do not charge gratuity.

It depends on the day of the week. See our pricing brochure Here.

Yes, a Damage Deposit of $750 made by major credit card or check is required and due ten (10) days prior to the event. However, if any cleaning or repairs deemed necessary beyond normal use (i.e. paint damage, floor damage) will be charged and deducted from the damage deposit. If the building or any part of the premises or its contents, including furniture and artwork, is damaged during the event, the Applicant is solely responsible for such damage. These costs shall include the personnel hours, materials, equipment required to clean up and/or complete necessary repairs. All repairs will be conducted by City of Tampa. If the event exceeds the event time permitted, the additional cost for personnel (attendant and security) and building fees will be deducted from the damage deposit.

We accept check and all major credit cards.

Pre, During, and Post Event

Rehearsal space for ceremonies is daily from 12:00pm-3:00pm and does not include access to the Tampa River Center.

It is unlikely, but you can discuss this with your Event Lead closer to the event date. Since we have limited storage, you will not be able to store items at the venue. However, if there is not an event booked the day prior to your event, we may be able to accommodate you. Tampa River Center is not responsible for items left unattended.

Yes, all events must conclude by midnight, with the breakdown from 12:00am-1:00am.

We have a room rental minimum of 6 hours, and our longest rental period is 19 hours. How long you have access to the venue is based on how many hours you decide to rent the space for.

We have a green room that has a private restroom.

The Event Attendant will work directly with you and your planner to make sure your vision is executed flawlessly the day/night of your event. They are responsible for all things venue related as well as managing all our staff. The Lead Event Attendant will be present during your event to make sure everything is running smoothly, and you enjoy your night!

Your setup time starts at the time of your contracted rental time.

All rentals, personal items, and anything else brought in for your event must be removed from the space at the end of your contracted rental time. If you exceed the contracted rental time, a minimum of $350 per hour fee will be charged from the Damage Deposit.

My Event

Yes. We have six 20-amp dedicated outlets for bands on our band stage.

Absolutely! Ceremony Space is an ADDITIONAL fee and is not included in the Tampa River Center rental rate. Ceremonies may be performed on the Event Lawn, upstairs deck, or the dock in front of the Boathouse. Dock ceremonies are ONLY available Saturday and Sunday after 12:00pm April-November, they are not available at all December- March.

Yes! We prefer the use of an event/wedding planner/coordinator as it will allow for a more successful event because they are experienced and well-equipped for most situations.

No, we will never book two events on the same day. You have exclusive rights to the venue during your event.

Yes, based on availability and a permit.

Yes, overnight parking is ok. Safety is our top priority, and we would much rather have someone park overnight than feel unsafe! Please arrange to retrieve the vehicle the next day.

A Security Officer will be required at any event where alcohol is being served, event is after 6:00pm, or where there will be more than fifty (50) people in attendance.

Food/Catering and Alcohol

Since all food and beverage must go through one of our preferred caterers you would need to work with them to do this.

All alcohol must be purchased through one of our 8 preferred caterers.

All food and beverage must be purchased through one of our 8 preferred caterers. You are not permitted to bring in your own caterer or bartending service.

Only the 8 Preferred Caterers.

No, we cannot allow any outside food or beverages to be brought in, especially not alcohol. But your caterer will be able to serve you and your bridal party drinks once you arrive!

We can make this work! Your preferred caterer is allowed to subcontract the services of other food/beverage companies (e.g. a gourmet coffee cart) and/or they may be able to purchase this food/beverage (e.g. halal meat) and bring it in on your behalf. We require that all the food/beverage is purchased through or subcontracted through your preferred caterer.


Updated: 08/25/2024