10 Unique Engagement Photo Locations in Orlando and Central FL

Orlando has unique engagement photo locations that will honestly blow your mind, places you’ve probably never even heard of. When people think of engagement photos in Florida, they usually picture Mickey Mouse or the beach. But it goes way beyond that.

I’ve included beautiful photography locations not only in Orlando, but also throughout Central Florida that aren’t too far away. These locations are ideal for couples who want a relaxed engagement session experience, like gardens, small hikes, lakes, or anything that Mother Nature is in the picture.

If you’re still looking for an engagement photographer in Orlando or Central Florida, you can check out my work Portfolio HERE. And if it feels like the right fit, let’s talk.

Kraft Azalea Garden is one of my favorite spots and is very underrated in Winter Park. This location is just 15 minutes from Orlando, and it makes for an absolutely magical photoshoot, with beautiful, super-tall cypress trees. In spring, you’ll also see the azalea flowers blooming; it’s just unreal. You can even have a date night after the session in Winter Park downtown.

If you are planning your engagement session here, this Guide will help you HOW TO PLAN YOUR KRAFT AZALEA GARDENS ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

Quick rundown of Kraft Azalea Garden:

  • Cost: General admission is Free
  • Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m
  • Address: 1365 Alabama Dr, Winter Park, FL 32789
  • Website: Kraft Azalea Garden

Mead Botanical Garden is a perfect place to take pictures of the colors and flowers in Orlando. The garden section has different kinds of flowers depending on the season, making it great for a beautiful picnic-style session, and there’s even a lake perfect for your engagement photoshoot. Last time, we even spotted an owl, so let’s check it out if you’re interested!

Here is my favorite Engagement session at the Gardens.

Quick rundown of Mead Botanical Garden:

      • Cost: General admission is Free
      • Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m
      • Address: 1300 S Denning Dr, Winter Park, FL 32789
      • Website: Mead Botanical Gardens

    Couple under oak trees Harry P. Leu Gardens Engagement photos

    Leu Gardens is a stunning botanical garden in Orlando with 50 acres of beautiful landscapes, unique trees, and vibrant flowers, perfect for plant lovers. It’s a gorgeous spot for your engagement photo, and the location is right in Orlando, and the photo permit is included with your regular entrance fee. 

    Fun fact: I actually got married here back in 2012, so this place holds a very special place in my heart.

    All about having your Engagement session in Leu Gardens

    Quick rundown of Leu Gardens:

    • Cost: General admission is $15
    • Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (depending on the season)
    • Address: 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
    • Website: www.leugardens.or

    The Pinery Events

    pinery events engagement photo

    The Pinery Events is a wedding venue located in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida. It’s only about 40 minutes from Orlando. Just note that this location is typically accessible only if you book your wedding there, and then you’ll have access to the property for your engagement session as well.

    I still wanted to mention it because it’s absolutely beautiful. If you’re dreaming of a venue that feels kind of like the West Coast but in Florida, with tall pines and that peaceful, nature-filled vibe, this is the place for you. And yes, you can also do your engagement session here.

    Here is the full guide on this location The Pinery Events Engagement Session

    Quick rundown of The Pinery Events:

        • Cost: You have to book their wedding venue to have access to the engagement session.
        • Address: 10042 E Dewey Robbins Rd, Howey-In-The-Hills, FL 34737
        • Website: The Pinery Events

      Bok Tower Gardens captured by an orlando wedding photographer
      bok tower wedding-Outdoor Wedding Venues in Florida

      It’s worth knowing that Bok Tower Gardens is about one hour from Orlando, but hands down, it’s one of the best places to take engagement photos in Florida. Truly. This place is stunning in a way you probably wouldn’t expect in Florida.

      It’s my favorite engagement photo location in all of Central Florida. Every corner of the gardens offers a breathtaking landscape. There’s an area near the Singing Tower that is honestly one of the most beautiful spots in the entire state

      The experience here is grounding and relaxing. You could even take a few quiet moments to meditate before your engagement session; it truly feels like no other place. If you’re willing to make the one-hour drive from Orlando, you won’t regret it.

      Everything you need to know about Bok Tower Engagements and Weddings in this guide

      Quick rundown of Bok Tower Gardens:

          • Cost: General admission is $20
          • Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m
          • Address: 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853
          • Website: boktowergardens.org

        Holly’s Garden is a botanical garden located within Lake Mirror Park in Lakeland. It features over 10,000 stunning flowers, offering a variety of beautiful backdrops for photos. The garden also includes artistic elements and a gorgeous ornamental fountain.

        Quick rundown of Hollis Garden:

        • Cost: General admission is free
        • Hours: Monday Closed, Tuesday 10 AM–6 P, Wednesday 10 AM–6 PM, Thursday 10 AM–6 PM, Friday 10 AM–4 PM, Saturday 10 AM–4 PM, Sunday 10 AM–6 PM
        • Address: 702 E Orange St, Lakeland, FL 33801
        • Website: Hollis Garden

        Bonnet Springs Park

        beautiful tree backdrop

        Bonnet Springs is a super massive outdoor park completely free! It’s a lot of walking, although you can take a little ferry that goes around the park, if you don’t want to walk. It has a beautiful butterfly garden and strange-looking trees that make it super cool for photos.

        Have your Engagement session in Bonnet Springs full guide.

        Quick rundown of Bonnet Springs Park:

        • Cost: General admission is Free
        • Hours: Open daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m
        • Address: 400 Bonnet Spgs Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815
        • Website: bonnetspringspark.com

        Lake Eola

        Lake Eola is a perfect engagement photo location if you are looking for places located right in downtown Orlando. It can get a little busy on the weekends, but it offers wonderful spots surrounded by nature. The variety of backdrops makes it a great place for photos.

        Quick rundown of Lake Eola:

        • Cost: General admission is Free
        • Hours: Open 7 days a week
        • Address: 512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801
        • Website: Lake Eola

        West Coast of Florida

        Philippe Park

        Couple Kissing at Philippe park in Tampa photoshoot

        Philippe Park is a beautiful spot full of history and nature. You absolutely can’t miss the stone staircase; it’s one of my favorite features there. Add in a golden sunset, and it’s just chef’s kiss.

        Now, I have to admit, it is quite far from Orlando, about 2.5hours. But if you’re living in Central Florida or already heading in that direction (since it’s closer to Tampa), I definitely suggest taking the opportunity. It’s so worth it.

        That’s why it’s lower on my list, not because it isn’t incredible, but because of the distance. Even so, it’s a unique location to take your engagement photos, and it was definitely worth mentioning.

        Full guide about Philippe Park engagement session.

        Quick rundown of Philippe Park:

        • Cost: General admission is Free
        • Hours: Open 7 days a week, 7 a.m. to sunset
        • Address: 2525 Philippe Pkwy, Safety Harbor, FL 34695
        • Website: Philippe Park

        Fort de soto

        fort de soto engagement photos

        If you want more of a beach vibe, there’s this beautiful spot called Fort De Soto Park in St. Petersburg. It is a bit of a drive, but I promise you, it’s incredibly beautiful. The views are absolutely stunning. I completely fell in love with it.

        What I love about this location is that you get different scenarios in one place. There are about three main areas you can use for your session — the bridge side, the fort area, and the open beach with those dreamy coastal views. It gives you so much variety without having to go far once you’re there.

        I recommend checking out their website to see more photos of the park itself.

        And if you want a full breakdown, I have a complete blog linked here: Engagement Session in Fort De Soto Park

        Quick rundown of Fort De Soto:

        • Cost: Parking fee $6
        • Hours: Open 7 days a week, 7 a.m. to sunset
        • Address: Anderson Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33715
        • Website: Fort De Soto

        If you’re still looking for a photographer for your engagement session, someone who knows outdoor locations and understands natural light, I’d love to connect.

        I specialize in outdoor sessions like weddings and engagements, capturing nature in the most artistic way. If you love bold colors, an artistic style, and want someone who truly understands how to photograph in natural settings, check out my Portfolio here.

        But you’ve loved the images throughout this blog, and you would love to know if open space for your session, just fill out the form below. I’d be so excited to work with you!

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