I want this website to be a resource not only for finding a great Tampa engagement photographer, but also a resource for wedding planning with helpful advice and tips. One of the first things I am usually asked about are locations for engagement photos in Tampa and there are a few factors that may make one location stand out for each couple. Some of these factors may include: whether they prefer indoor or outdoor locations, if there are nearby locations with sentimental value for them, the time of day, or if they can bring their dog (you’ll need an outdoor location for that).
Thankfully there are many places for engagement photos in Tampa with access to world-class beaches, museums, and historic buildings that you really do have a lot of options for variety in your photos. This is a list of my personal recommendations, but it is by no means every possible location. If you find the need for more to consider feel free to reach out and ask by using the form at the bottom of this post.
Downtown Tampa Engagement Photo Locations
Tampa Theatre
The Tampa Theatre is conveniently located downtown and is one of the top places for Tampa engagement photography. It’s extremely centrally located downtown, there are even a few gardens and the Tampa riverwalk nearby. You do have to time your sessions in between showtimes though unless you want a ton of strangers in the background. This is excellent for couples who want a really unique downtown vibe to their engagement photos.
bring home
memories.
The University of Tampa and Plant Park
Plant Park and the University of Tampa are one of the more mixed-use locations on this list. You are Located near the riverwalk, modern-looking college buildings, and then a building that was originally a casino/hotel built in the 1800s. This is a really great mix if you want indoor/outdoor photos or need a location with a good rain backup.
Curtis Hixon Park & Riverwalk
This park sits across the river from the University of Tampa and would make an excellent choice for couples looking to add water features, sunsets, and freedom of choice in the engagement session outfit choices. Curtis Hixon Park & Riverwalk can get really crowded, but there are plenty of places nearby to sneak away if that begins to be a problem during your session.
Hotels engagement photos in Tampa
JW Marriott Tampa
The JW is an ultra-modern hotel with dark grey walls and wood accents. It’s located right next to the light rail in Tampa and offers a few different rooftop views to use as backdrops to your engagement session. I would recommend dressing up slightly for this location though, it has a very high-end look and feel to it.
Armature Works
Armature Works is a repurposed factory building that has been transformed into multiple restaurants, bars, and a massive wedding venue. It has a really cool industrial look with a few modern touches that make it a perfect spot for unique engagement pictures in Tampa. This is the best fit for relaxed couples wearing semi-casual or super-trendy outfits.
Don Cesar
This is a massive pink palace, known as the Don Cesar, is located right on the beach in St. Pete. This incredibly popular location has a beautiful interior (I particularly liked the bar and lobby) and a massively upscale-looking exterior filled with tons of opportunities for unique photographs. High fashion, semi-casual or even casual outfit choices will all somehow fit right in here.
Best Tampa Bay Beaches for Engagement Photos
Fort DeSoto Beach
Clear waters and white sand makes for the most romantic scene, and thankfully this beach does not disappoint. While beaches like Clearwater may draw in tourists, this beach is typically less crowded which makes it a great place for your Tampa beach engagement session.
St. Pete Pier
The St. Pete Pier was rebuilt a few years ago and is located near a ton of hot spots in St. Pete. The modern architectural style, beach surroundings, and rows of palm trees all create incredible opportunities for photographs you’ll love to show off.
Unique Places for Engagement Photos
Sunken Gardens
Sunkin Gardens are packed with lush tropical plant life and florals, pathways that lead you through the gardens, over bridges, and into hidden areas throughout the gardens. If you wanted to show off to your friends from the midwest that you live in the tropical part of the country, this is absolutely the place to do it.
Bok Tower Gardens
Bok Tower Gardens is an absolutely epic place for engagement photos or even to propose at. Located in Lake Wales, Florida the gardens and groves of trees are beyond incredible, and the unique tower that stands at the center of it all looks like it’s a Jedi temple from Star Wars. This engagement location is seriously one of the coolest places you could choose.
Or… You could do photos at the zoo or aquarium
If you both love the zoo or the aquarium, they may be the perfect location for your engagement session. The animals sometimes notice the session and join in the session! Seriously, one time an orangutan in a cage saw us taking the photos and got behind the couple. It was absolutely hilarious!
What to look for in a Tampa engagement photographer
Photography is actually one of the more personal choices in a wedding. You need an engagement photographer that understands your story, and what your values are,has a style of photography you love, and makes you feel comfortable in front of the camera. For me this is usually done through asking deep questions, making jokes, and genuinely becoming invested in your story.
If you are looking for candid, bold, and authentic moments in your photography, I may be a good fit for you!
