3575 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde, FL 33715 *This address takes you to the Ranger Station
Coordinates: 27.618488, -82.736468 (Snack Bar Wedding Site Location – Exact Location Determined by Permitting)
All of our Wedding Packages are great for this location.
Permit: Yes, $200 (Flat Rate).
*Saturday / Sunday – the Payment booth can create a long wait to enter the park. This location closes at dusk and requires a start time at least 1-hour prior to scheduled Sunset.
*There is no alcohol permitted on Ft. DeSoto Beach, however we do offer a ‘Non-Alcoholic’ Champagne option at this location.
Ft De Soto Park – Tierra Verde
Ft. DeSoto Park is one of the most spectacular places on earth – let alone for a beach wedding ceremony. This is the southernmost tip of Pinellas County, located at the end of Tierra Verde. Ft. DeSoto Park is a county-run park that consists of no commercial buildings whatsoever. In 2005, Dr. Beach named Ft. DeSoto the nation’s #1 Beach and, again in 2009, TripAdvisor named Ft. DeSoto America’s Top Beach! There are also many regional triathlons and races held each year at this jaw-dropping location.
This is a very remote beach location, boasting over 7 miles of waterfront property and a 2,200 foot barrier-free nature trail. Situated conveniently 20-25 minutes away from downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach, it is the ultimate getaway for any size romantic beach ceremony to large formal gatherings. Consisting of 15 pavilions spread over 1,136 pristine acres, interconnected by five key islands, Ft. DeSoto Park is the ultimate playground for kayaking, canoeing, running, boating, camping, fishing, cycling, and manatees. This is also the most private beach wedding location we offer in Pinellas County.
There are three preferred wedding sites at Ft. DeSoto Park:
- North Beach – The most remote and beautiful location in Pinellas County (it is a smaller location due to beach erosion, but still conducive for sunset ceremonies)
- Snack Bar Location – Just north of Ft. DeSoto facing Egmont Key
- Pavilion #14 (east beach preferred) – Faces southwest with views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and Anna Maria Island
There is currently a $200 permit fee and $5/car entry fee required at this
wedding location. Healthy ecosystems and remote beach locations are at the core of Florida Gulf Beach Weddings and Ft. DeSoto Park. Nearby locations include: Pass-a-Grille Beach (4 miles north, 10 miles by car), and Anna Maria Island (6 miles south, 41 miles by car).
Airport: Tampa International Airport (Airport Code TPA) ranks high in convenience and ease of travel and is located just 33 miles from Ft. DeSoto Park. You can also fly into St Petersburg / Clearwater Airport, only 25 miles from Ft. DeSoto Park.
All of our excellent Wedding Packages are a great fit for Ft. DeSoto Park. Parking at Ft. DeSoto park is free with park admission.
Park Office- 727-893-9185 / 727-893-9185
Located at the end of Pinellas Bay S on Tierra Verdi Island.
Permit Fee $200
Once the permit has been approved we will email you link to make the payment.
Ft Desoto Pavilion Rental – Park Pavilion Diagram
Fort De Soto Campground Reservations – Fort De Soto Campground map
Fort De Soto Park Brochure – Fort De Soto Historic Guide
Two fishing piers–one on Tampa Bay (500 feet long) and the other on the Gulf (1,000 feet long). Each pier has a food and bait concession.
Fourteen picnic shelters with functional design features.
*Reservations are taken seven (7) months in advance
Call (727) 582-2267 or (727) 552-1862.
