Waterfront Weddings, Events & Highland Cow Experiences
The Waterside Ranch
Located on the peaceful Alafia River, The Waterside Ranch is one of Tampa Bay’s most unique wedding venues and event venues, offering a rare combination of waterfront beauty, modern comfort, and authentic ranch charm. Couples and event planners searching for Tampa wedding venues, outdoor ceremony locations, waterfront event spaces, or flexible ranch venues will find that our property brings together everything they love in one scenic destination.
With multiple indoor and outdoor spaces—including a newly renovated reception hall, covered pavilion, open-air courtyards, party patio, hospitality house, and waterfront dock—the ranch provides endless possibilities for weddings, rehearsal dinners, birthday celebrations, corporate gatherings, showers, and community events.
Guests also enjoy the natural charm of our Highland cattle, majestic oak trees, panoramic river views, and wide-open green spaces, creating a backdrop that feels both elegant and relaxing.
Whether you’re planning a Tampa Bay wedding, hosting a private party, or attending one of our special ranch events, The Waterside Ranch delivers a picturesque, welcoming experience unlike any traditional event hall.
More Than a Ranch | A Special Event Venue Destination
While The Waterside Ranch is home to our beloved miniature Highland cattle, we also offer a wide range of services that make our property one of Tampa Bay’s most versatile destinations.
Couples choose us for waterfront weddings with stunning outdoor ceremony options, and families love our flexible event venue rentals for birthdays, showers, reunions, and celebrations of life. We also host unique special events throughout the year, including Mooo-mosa mornings, holiday photo sessions, senior picture days, mini farmers markets, and hands-on ranch experiences. Our goal is to create unforgettable moments for every guest who visits.
Here are some additional services we provide on our ranch!
Waterside Weddings
Waterside Weddings
Say “I do” beneath the trees or dance under the string lights with the river as your backdrop. Our wedding packages range from venue-only options to full-service, all-in-one experiences with décor, staffing, and coordination included.
Private Venue Rentals
Event Venue Rental
Planning a birthday party, shower, corporate gathering, or celebration of life? Rent one or more of our spaces by the hour—with simple pricing, included tables and chairs, and optional add-ons like dinnerware, glassware, and bartending.
Special Ranch Events
Special Ranch Events
Join us for events like our Mooo-mosa Time, Holiday Pictures with the Cows, Senior Picture Day and hands-on cow feeding and ranch training days. Perfect for families, animal lovers, and anyone who wants a different kind of day out.
Every corner of The Waterside Ranch offers something unforgettable — from romantic sunsets on the dock to whimsical photo ops with our Highland cattle pastures. It’s the perfect mix of rustic charm and refined sophistication. When you choose The Waterside Ranch, you’re not just booking a venue — you’re creating memories in one of Tampa Bay’s most event venue destinations.
Why People LOVE The Waterside Ranch
Whether you’re hosting an unforgettable wedding reception, capturing holiday photos with the cows, celebrating a birthday, or exploring our seasonal farmers market pop-ups, The Waterside Ranch provides endless opportunities to gather, celebrate, and create memories.
Our venue is a favorite in the Tampa Bay area for many reasons, including:
Waterfront Views – Overlooking the Alafia River with oak trees, palm trees, and sunset skies.
Flexible Spaces – Indoor hall, pavilion, hospitality house, party patio, dock, courtyards & pastures.
Real Ranch Setting – Authentic fencing, barns, cattle pastures and open green spaces.
Easy, Transparent Pricing – Clear wedding packages and hourly event rentals—no surprises.
Photo-Ready Everywhere – Swing under the “Cinderella Tree,” riverfront walkway, courtyards, barns, and cattle pastures.
Schedule a Tour of The Waterside Ranch
The best way to see if The Waterside Ranch is right for your wedding, event, or photo session is to experience it in person. Walk the grounds, explore the indoor and outdoor spaces, meet the cattle, and imagine your day here by the water.