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Your Guide to Event Venues in Pensacola: Meetings, Weddings & More

Pensacola is more than just a beautiful beach town; it’s a destination that combines history, beauty, and good times, making it the perfect place to host any event. Whether you’re a local planning a celebration or an out-of-town couple dreaming of a destination wedding, Pensacola offers a wide range of unique venues for every occasion.

As a Pensacola native and small business owner in the special events industry, I’ve had the privilege of working in many of these spaces. I’m thrilled to share some of my top venue picks that showcase the best of what our city has to offer!

Weddings: Say “I Do” with a Waterfront View


Whether you’re looking to have a beach ceremony or a poolside one, Portofino Island Resort is a great option. Situated right across from the Gulf on Pensacola Beach, their lower pool deck will make for a beautiful backdrop for your special day. Portofino Island Resort provides a full suite of services to ensure a seamless experience – amenities, accommodations, event planning, and more.

At Pier Suite, you’re immediately greeted with stunning Gulf views and an elegant feel. The large windows give you the perfect light and airy feel along with the neutral color scheme. It’s truly picture perfect, and an ideal place for your wedding on the coast in Pensacola Beach. Pier Suite has both indoor and outdoor seating and can hold up to 150 guests.

The Pensacola Beach Resort is a stunning option for a wedding and reception. With it being located directly along the Gulf, you’ll get beautiful views as well as the luxury of having accommodations onsite. You can book up to a year out from the date of your event. The Lagoon East and West rooms comfortably accommodate 80 guests or less, with a maximum of 100 guests.

If waterfront views are a must, Sanders Beach is a dream venue. Its spacious interior paired with an expansive deck overlooking Pensacola Bay makes it ideal for sunset ceremonies or large receptions. The seating capacity is up to 350, varying with your setup of course.

For those dreaming of a beach wedding or large corporate meeting, the Hilton offers stunning Gulf-front views and full-service event packages. It’s a convenient choice for out-of-town guests who want to enjoy the sand and surf while celebrating your special day. There are several meeting rooms and a larger room space as well. The Royal Palm Ballroom is the largest space on the property and has a capacity of 500 guests for a banquet or 800 people for a reception.

Corporate Meetings & Conferences: Spaces That Inspire

When there’s not a performance taking the stage, this historic theater is the ideal venue for corporate events with a creative twist. Recent upgrades and renovations have modernized the Pensacola Little Theatre, with even more enhancements—like a rooftop bar—now open. Whether you’re hosting workshops, corporate retreats, or large meetings, the Pensacola Little Theatre brings a unique and inspiring setting to the table. The theatre capacity itself is 461 guests but don’t forget about the other rooms too!

For a more academic setting, UWF’s conference center offers top-notch facilities surrounded by a peaceful campus setting. It’s a great fit for educational workshops or nonprofit meetings. The UWF Conference Center’s capacity is 500 guests for standing room, 450 guests for a lecture setup, and 265 guests for a banquet setup.

Convenience is key, and this venue delivers with its location right next to the airport. Perfect for business meetings or corporate retreats, the Hyatt offers modern meeting spaces and seamless amenities. With a room of 1010 square feet, 98 guests can fit comfortably in a theater capacity.

Located in the heart of East Pensacola, the Bayview Community Center makes for the perfect location for your meeting. It’s bright and airy in the multipurpose room and the location is convenient to both Downtown and the airport. Max capacity for the multipurpose room is 250 guests.

Outdoor Gatherings: Natural Beauty Meets Coastal Charm

Nestled near the waterfront in Downtown Pensacola, this historic property boasts lush gardens and a large lawn overlooking the water. It’s perfect for outdoor weddings, cocktail parties, or relaxed networking events. The Barkley House can accommodate 50-200 people, depending on how you use the space. The interior space can accommodate up to 50 guests for a standing cocktail reception or 30 for a seated function. The exterior space can easily accommodate 200 or more guests. Tables and chairs are available for up to 175 guests.

For something fun and flexible, Museum Plaza in Downtown Pensacola offers an outdoor space in the heart of the historic district. It’s ideal for community gatherings, casual celebrations, or creative events. With over 13,000 feet of event space, the plaza offers endless possibilities. Set the stage for your next significant event at this multi-use green space. Museum Plaza can easily accommodate 400 attendees.

Historic + Unique Spaces

5eleven is a gorgeous venue located in the heart of Downtown Pensacola, this space is as versatile as it is stylish. Its mix of exposed brick and elegant touches offers the perfect blend of industrial chic for an intimate wedding or reception. There is an indoor space as well as an outdoor space. It can accommodate up to 200 guests with a combined space of 10,000 feet. This venue is definitely “instagrammable”!

Located in Downtown Pensacola, Old Christ Church is one of the oldest surviving church buildings in Florida. It makes for a charming venue for couples looking for a blend of Pensacola history and charm. It is a popular stop on guided historical tours and continues to serve the public as a museum, special events venue and meeting hall as well as hosting weddings. The church will accommodate up to 150 guests.

This picturesque venue offers elegant indoor and outdoor spaces, making it perfect for couples looking for timeless beauty. The Sanctuary is a historic building with several different rooms. There is a main room, an elegant speakeasy with a custom bar, an outdoor courtyard, and two getting ready rooms. In The Sanctuary, there’s capability to seat 300 guests within columns with a dance floor. The Sanctuary’s serene setting and modern amenities provide an unforgettable backdrop for your big day.

At the Palafox House in Downtown Pensacola, this historic 1912 building waits for you, offering a blend of early 20th-century architecture with a modern feel. The venue spans 2,478 square feet and can seat 125 guests for a wedding style seated event.

Add a touch of Pensacola’s unique history to your celebration by hosting it at this special venue. Filled with an impressive collection of military memorabilia and more, the Trader Jon’s Exhibit space offers a one-of-a-kind backdrop for birthdays, anniversaries, retirement parties, and more. Plus, it’s a great budget-friendly option for those seeking a memorable yet affordable event space. The Trader Jon's Exhibit can accommodate 50-75 guests for receptions only.

Supposey is located in Downtown Pensacola and is a popular option for weddings and events. For seated ceremonies and receptions, you can seat up to 200 guests comfortably. There is a modern yet elegant feel inside, making it a great option for groups of all sizes.

Special Celebrations: Party-Ready Spaces

Scenic Hills Country Club is a versatile venue in Pensacola offering both indoor and outdoor spaces that accommodate up to 300 guests, with picturesque views of the golf course and elegant amenities like a ballroom, pavilion, and full-service catering.

Located on Nine Mile Road, A Sweet Party is a brand-new event space designed for showers, children’s parties, group meetings, and more. Its bright, modern aesthetic is perfect for creating picture-perfect memories. At 1425 square feet it has a capacity of 64 guests.

Small Gatherings & Rehearsal Dinners: Cozy & Charming

Blending rustic and modern aesthetics, The Loft at The Mercantile offers a warm, inviting atmosphere for intimate gatherings of up to 75 guests. Bonus: It’s also a two-bedroom Airbnb with balcony views that are hands-down the best spot for Pensacola’s famous parades. Whether you’re hosting a rehearsal dinner or just want a front-row seat to Mardi Gras magic, this spot checks all the boxes.

Located in Downtown Pensacola, this sophisticated venue offers flexible indoor spaces perfect for everything from elegant receptions to corporate dinners. Culinary Productions delivers not only venue style but also catering expertise. This venue allows for a classroom capacity of 300 guests or a reception capacity of 250 guests.

Long Hollow Creatives is a versatile space in Downtown Pensacola is perfect for small workshops, creative meetups, and celebrations. The artistic vibe and open layout provides a unique setting for your next gathering.

For a truly unique experience, host your event aboard the Pensacola Bay City Ferry. Whether it’s a sunset cruise for a rehearsal dinner or a small corporate gathering, the ferry is such a fun option to take your group on the water! With two rooms, you’re looking at a reception capacity of 149 guests or a banquet capacity of 100 guests.

Check out these venues

that have food and beverage onsite to host your meeting, rehearsal dinner, or special event!

Pensacola has something for everyone, from historic landmarks and chic Downtown spaces to breathtaking coastal views. It’s the perfect destination for creating unforgettable experiences, whether you’re planning a wedding, a corporate event, or a family gathering.

As someone who has worked with many of these venues firsthand, I can confidently say Pensacola’s event spaces are as versatile as they are beautiful. Whether you’re toasting on a ferry, hosting under historic rafters, or catching parade beads from a private balcony, there’s no place like Pensacola for your next event.

For even more venue inspiration, check out this Event Space Guide.

Dannon Byrd

Author

Dannon Byrd

Owner, Tap the Coast

Dannon Byrd is a proud Pensacola native, a devoted mom, and a community volunteer - with a self-admitted coffee obsession and a heart for connecting people. She’s the founder of a thriving mobile bar and beverage service called Tap the Coast that allows her to combine her passion for hospitality, creative design, and celebration. Through her work, Dannon brings unforgettable experiences to life across Northwest Florida, all while staying rooted in the Pensacola community that shaped her.

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