Over the years, Matlock and I have photographed engagement sessions at several locations throughout Florida and it never fails to amaze us just how beautiful this state is!
And this year, we’re highlighting the top locations for engagement sessions from 2020 – many of which are repeat favorites from last year!
We love putting together these ‘Best of’ posts in hopes of providing inspiration for locations for couples who recently got engaged and are thinking of their engagement photos.
A good location for engagement photos has a lot of natural light and clean backgrounds – all of which are in each of the top locations below.
Hyde Park
This was in last year’s top engagement session locations and remains on the top for a good reason – it’s beautiful and truly gives you that date-night feel in your engagement photos.
Plus, with so many restaurants in the area, it’s the perfect reason to actually go on a date night after your session 😉
Bok Tower Gardens
Do we even need to explain why this is on our top list?
Most of you probably don’t know this, but Matlock and I had our first set of engagement photos done at Bok Tower and we recently got to go back for Melanie and Rob’s gorgeous session!
The iconic tower, the orange groves, the flowers and greenery, and the hill (yes, you’re on a hill when you’re at Bok Tower!) Everywhere you turn there’s beauty, making it kind of hard not to take photos everywhere haha!
Our biggest tip is to do your engagement session here in the winter or spring when it’s sunny. With such a gorgeous location, you really want to get all the beautiful glow from the sun that you can get!
Le Meridien
Another location that was a favorite amongst our couples last year. We love the Le Meridien Hotel because it’s such a classic building that really gives the look of being in a bigger city.
Plus, I’m oddly a big fan of stairs… and Le Meridien has an amazing set of stairs 😛
The best part is that it’s perfectly located in downtown Tampa, so you can explore and take photos throughout the surrounding area. Think Curtis Hixon Park and outdoor bars for a unique touch – kind of like what Lauren and Chris did for their session with us!
The Don Cesar Hotel
A timeless favorite of ours is the iconic Don Cesar Hotel, aka the Pink Palace. If you’re looking for elegant, tropical and beach all in one… this is the spot for you.
The gorgeous pink hotel is the perfect backdrop for elegant and classy engagement photos. The palm trees and variety of plants along the sidewalks make for the perfect tropical touch. And with St. Pete Beach in its backyard, you have the perfect beach sunset to end the night. Literally a perfect combo!
Lake Louisa State Park
Lake Louisa State Park has to be one of our favorite parks to shoot at because there are so many different areas to choose from for your backdrop. Whether you want pine trees and tall grass, a fun stroll along the road, or beautiful flowers and greenery, Lake Louisa has it all.
Plus, an extra perk is that this location looks amazing no matter if it’s sunny or overcast out – Carolyn and AJ’s session proves it!
Private Residence
One of our couples asked us to do an engagement session at their private residence and it proved to us that beauty can be in your own backyard. Tory and Brad’s engagement session had tropical and bright vibes – very Florida if you ask us! But it made their session extra special because it was at their own home.
Often times couples don’t think about using their own home or a relative’s home – whether it’s a mansion or an open field – for their engagement photos. But sometimes these are the most unique because no one else has access to it. Definitely keep this option in mind when you’re ready for your engagement photos!
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