Event Rentals and Weddings

Downtown St. Petersburg's Hidden Gem

Situated in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, The Poynter Institute is a unique wedding venue that blends natural beauty with stunning architecture.

Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, the building boasts warm mahogany beams, exquisite Italian marble floors and an abundance of natural light, creating a welcoming atmosphere where your wedding can truly shine. The spacious atrium-style lobby and outdoor patio provide lovely views of the reflecting pool and marina, offering a gorgeous backdrop for your ceremony and celebrations.

Why Choose Poynter?

  • Prime Location: Steps away from downtown and across the water, offering picturesque views.
  • Affordable Luxury: Significantly lower than the average cost, without compromising on quality.
  • Customizable Space: A flexible floor plan tailored to your vision, providing ample space for setup.
  • Beautiful Setting: Indoor and outdoor options with a gorgeous yard, perfect for your ceremony.
  • Versatile Amenities: Access to a spacious servery room and a catering kitchen for your vendors.
  • FREE Parking: Abundant space in our private lot, ensuring convenience for you and your guests.

What Couples Love About Us:

“I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect venue with the view of the marina, the lovely garden, and the high ceilings.” – Lauren R.
“Our guests told us over and over again how they loved the space and had never been to a wedding venue like ours.” – Jessica G
“The Poynter Institute was so architecturally interesting with all the wood beams and natural light. Plus, the courtyard area was perfect for cocktail hour!” – Olivia and Michael
“We needed a reception venue that allowed us to choose our vendors. Poynter checked all our boxes!” – Midori and Andrew
“The Poynter has been such a wonderful and stress-free experience! Our caterer also mentioned how fantastic it has been to work with you.” – Rachel
“Best venue ever! Thank you for the lasting memories.” – Annsley Van Buskirk
My husband and I started planning our wedding in 2024 and had no idea where to start. We knew we wanted to stay local, as we both had grown up here, and still stay within budget — almost impossible, we thought, until our wedding planner (Rae with Coastal Coordinating) recommended The Poynter Institute.We toured the venue with Nicole and I fell in love immediately! The wood, the high ceilings, the waterfront view, and the outside garden — all incredible!

On the day of the wedding, the staff of the Poynter were so accommodating, letting us arrive very early in the morning and working with us until late hours of the night.

The facilities were stunning and we feel we found a little piece of history here in St. Pete by choosing the Poynter for our special day.

A big thank you to Nicole and all the staff for making our wedding venue dreams come true! I would highly recommend to anyone looking to host an event of any kind.

– Stacy

“The Poynter Institute was absolutely perfect for our wedding day! So much is included for such a fantastic price! The space is so incredibly beautiful, we did not feel the need to do much in the way of decor. Additionally, its location in downtown St. Pete and proximity to hotels, restaurants, bars, and more was absolutely perfect for our guests, since the majority were from out of town. Everyone was so friendly, helpful, and incredibly responsive! It was great to support a local nonprofit organization that also does a lot for our local community. I cannot recommend The Poynter Institute enough!”– Rachel D

Rental of our facility will include:

  • Up to 8 hours of exclusive use of our facility
  • Flexibility to choose any licensed and insured vendor
  • Free setup and teardown for a stress-free experience
  • Round tables and chairs for sit-down dinners
  • A one-of-a-kind venue that makes decor optional

For inquiries:

  • Email: events@poynter.org
  • Call: (727)-821-9494
  • Facebook: facebook.com/PoynterEventSpace
  • Address: 801 3rd St S, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701

Explore the venue: