Downtown Tampa Elopement | Tami + Mason

Tami & Mason’s Downtown Tampa Elopement: A Beautiful Adventure in the Heart of the City

When it comes to elopements, there’s nothing quite like the mix of excitement and spontaneity that makes each one so unique. Tami and Mason’s downtown Tampa elopement embodied this spirit completely. But just as they were gearing up to elope on Florida’s west coast, nature threw a curveball: two devastating hurricanes back to back that forced beach closures, shifting our plans entirely.

But if Tami and Mason’s love for each other is anything, it’s resilient and adaptable. Instead of letting the storms derail their day, they embraced the unexpected and opted for a fresh plan in the heart of Tampa with only a few days to plan. And what an incredible day it turned out to be!

Whether you’re looking to elope in Tampa, create a perfect downtown day, or just dreaming up ideas for a truly customized elopement, Tami and Mason’s adventure might be the perfect inspiration. Here’s how we made magic happen, hurricane or not.

Getting Ready for an Intimate First Look

I met up with Tami and Mason at a cozy Airbnb in Tampa, where Tami was getting ready with her mom and nieces. Their laughter filled the space as Tami finished getting ready, creating a warm and laid-back vibe before the first look. A small first look in front of their Airbnb set the tone for the day—intimate yet laid back.

While Tami got ready for their first look, her family peered excitedly through the windows to catch a glimpse of her and Mason. Once the time was right, Tami walked out to meet Mason, both of them glowing as they saw each other for the first time that day. These are the kinds of moments that make being a Tampa elopement photographer such an amazing job: you get to capture raw, beautiful emotions in a way that feels totally authentic and just right for each couple.

Vows With a Rooftop View

From there, we headed to Rooftop 220, a gorgeous rooftop venue perfect for couples who want a touch of Tampa’s skyline and an open, airy space to say their vows. The day couldn’t have been more ideal—the sun was shining, the sky was almost completely clear, and the excitement was palpable.

With the entire rooftop to themselves, Tami and Mason exchanged vows with only the people closest to them present, surrounded by the beauty of the city they love. The simplicity of their ceremony was a beautiful reminder that when it comes to elopements, it’s all about the love and the promises being made.

Adventuring Through Armature Works

After the ceremony, we kicked off the celebration with what felt like an exclusive, behind-the-scenes photo tour of Armature Works. The events manager met us personally and led us through some of the most popular (and even closed-off) areas within the venue, giving us a chance to capture some epic (people-free) photos. With access to top-tier restaurants and iconic spots, Tami and Mason had the chance to toast with cocktails and soak up the excitement of being newly married.

Iconic Downtown Tampa Spots & Pizza at Le Meridien

Next, we made our way downtown for some iconic Tampa stops! First up was Tampa Theatre, a historic building that feels timeless and grand—ideal for a little post-ceremony glamour. From there, we moved over to Le Meridien, where Tami and Mason decided to grab a couple of giant pizza slices from Eddy & Sam’s. They sat down together on the steps outside, sharing bites and laughs. This moment was so quintessentially “them”—laid-back, fun, and a little unexpected. These kinds of stops remind us that elopements don’t have to follow any script. Instead, they’re all about what feels right to you as a couple.

Cupcakes in Hyde Park

After exploring downtown, we headed to Hyde Park, where Tami and Mason opted for cupcakes instead of a traditional cake. And not just any cupcakes—the famous cupcake ATM by Sprinkles! They picked out a couple of delicious cupcakes and enjoyed them by a fountain, with an old-school phone booth nearby. For couples eloping in Tampa, Hyde Park’s charm is hard to beat, offering that blend of quaint and lively that just feels right for a celebratory day.

Swanky Cocktails to Celebrate

The evening called for some fancy cocktails, so we hit up Boulon Brasserie and then made our way to the Beacon Rooftop Bar. As the sun dipped and the lights of the city flickered on, Tami and Mason toasted to the beginning of their new adventure with incredible views of the Tampa skyline behind them.

From classic cocktails to unique creations, we were able to capture some amazing shots that showed off the sleek, urban feel of Tampa. A rooftop bar is perfect for couples who want to add a chic, modern touch to their day, and Tami and Mason looked totally at home celebrating at each stop.

Ending the Day With a Splash

As a final hoorah for their elopement day, Tami and Mason did something totally unexpected and wonderfully adventurous—they jumped into the pool back at their Airbnb! There’s something about ending the day with a splash that feels so fitting for a couple who rolled with all the changes and embraced the unknown. Watching them dive in, fully dressed, was the ultimate celebration of their love and the perfect close to an incredible day.

Moments like this are why I love working with couples who are open to the unexpected. As their Tampa elopement photographer, I get to witness—and capture—their most authentic, unscripted selves. And it doesn’t get much better than that.

Ready to Plan Your Dream Elopement in Tampa?

If you’re dreaming of an elopement day that’s uniquely yours, no matter what changes come your way, I’m here to make that vision a reality. Tami and Mason’s downtown Tampa elopement was unforgettable—not because everything went according to plan, but because they were ready to embrace the day as it came.

As your Tampa elopement photographer, my goal is to create a day that reflects your story and takes all the stress out of planning so you can focus on what matters most. From finding exclusive spots around the city to curating a timeline that feels relaxed and fun, I’m here to help you bring your perfect day to life. If that sounds like a dream, then learn more about the elopement experience from Anna Holden Photo!

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