Nova 535, Rusty Pelican, or Safety Harbor

M1ssJ

Anyone use either of the 3, I'm trying to decide between them and for Nova I'd have to use an outside caterer. If you don't mind sharing can you tell me which you picked, why and your budget?

mitchsbride

I've been to a wedding at Nova and the place is interesting, but I thought it was in a funky area of town, meaning that nothing was open around there, it was kinda dark, and a bum was walking by the venue as we walked in.  When we were there, we had to park at a city parking lot across the street and walk down the side alley to get in.  I don't know why that was the case since there was a front door, but I would have been very uncomfortable if my FI hadn't been with me, so something to consider for any single wormen you're inviting.

I've never been to a wedding at Safety Harbor, so I can't comment on that venue.

I have been to several functions at the Rusty Pelican and I would feel confident that everything would be taken care of there.  Don runs a tight ship and if you're not a good vendor, you just don't do business there.  The food is good and the sunset is breathtaking.  There are a couple of hotels in the immediate area that guests can either walk to or there are free bus shuttles provided by the hotels (the Westin, for instance).

Another venue to check is the Doubletree on the same side of Rocky Point as the Westin.  It's beautiful inside and I've heard they offer great deals.  They're right on the water.

g8rbride2010

It seems like you may be counting the outside caterer as a negative...I was SO afraid of having to use one in the beginning because I thought it would be a ton of work on my part.  It turned out to be so much more affordable than most places that require in-house catering (especially their bar services), and they took care of EVERYTHING-set up and all!  Everything was included with their package...linens, china, glasses, etc. 

Sorry I don't know much about the venues...I have heard the bad part of town thing with NOVA too.

gnatters

Nova is not in a *bad* area of St Pete per se (I used to live right around there) but it is near St Anthony's Hospital as well as a homeless shelter is a couple of blocks away.

When I was looking at venues I saw that Nova had a 15k minimum for a Saturday wedding for just the venue itself, but I have to believe I read that wrong.

I didn't tour Rusty Pelican, but I wasn't too keen on having multiple events occuring at the same time as my reception.

Vince and I are strongly looking to have our reception at the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa.  We have been working with Maria there and she is an absolute doll.  When we went there for a tour, we spent two hours touring the entire resort and the banquet/event areas are absolutely beautiful. 

The customer service at Safety Harbor Resort and Spa was also top notch.  We were only there for a tour, and we were offered refreshments on mulitple occasions.  They even made Vince comfortable enough to pay attention to the tour!

 

jc04100657

I considered Nova it looked so beautiful and unique. I received a quote for just the room and it was out of my budget. I am currently going to have my wedding at Rusty Pelican and they have been wonderful. The view from the room is amazing and getting married along the water is exactly what I wanted. I highly recommend Rusty Pelican.

sweetie1184

I looked into Nova as well and it was too expensive for me.

The only other thing I can say, if my sister worked at Safety Harbor and business was so slow they had to lay off half their staff. Shortly after that, they filed for bankruptcy. I personally would be leery of planning my wedding that far in advance with a company that filed for bankruptcy.

bananafanafofashley

Yeah, you're talking about major price differences here. NOVA is quite pricey. I'm not sure about SH spa but I'm assuming it's a little bit up there. Rusty Pelican has a totally different feel than both of them. I think the most important thing to consider is the type of event you plan on having. If you are having a formal event expect things to get a little pricey, and not just the venue. Catering gets pricey as well. Rusty Pelican IMHO isn't the most formal setting, so if you are on a budget this could work well for you. Safety Harbur spa seems a bit more formal, and NOVA is probably on par with the spa.

M1ssJ

Thanks Ladies.

This is what I'm discovering so far. BTW I'm having a formal brunch reception:

Nova is really pricey. Good thing is that although the area is in a weird locale they include valet parking in their price and i'll be there in the daytime

Rusty- I cannot stand the multiple events thing! Since I'm getting married during the day the view is a bit less enchanting and a bit more dirty water , sigh, they are offering the lowest price and are close to clearwater beach

Saftey Harbor- the bridal show and tour I went to there were awesome. The bankruptcy thing scares me though!

CAMatt87

I highly recommend the Rusty Pelican.  You can't beat their pricing!!  Just can't!  I am having my ceremony & reception there because they blew me away at my friend's wedding there.  Don is the best!!  He doesn't mess around & makes sure everything is absolutely perfect!  He has only the best recommendations on vendors too.  I went with everyone he suggested & they are all wonderful people who all love to work together at the Rusty Pelican.  It was so comforting to know my special day was being taken care of by all these wonderful people mentioned.