The sunshine state may be known for oranges and beaches, but it has so much more to offer! Here in Central Florida, there are tons of gorgeous locations for your engagement session. Whether you want a natural or an urban backdrop, there’s the perfect spot for you. These are just a few of our favorites (and yes, they include beaches and oranges!).
1) Bok Tower Gardens
*Client responsible for entry fee for all parties.
Bok Tower Gardens is located in Lake Wales, Florida. It’s a bit of a drive for most of our clients, but it is TOTALLY worth it! We love this location because it has so much variety, and the lighting is just superb. There is a gorgeous old bell tower (hence the name), orange groves, beautiful gardens, and open fields. Whatever your engagement session style, Bok Tower Gardens has a place for you.
Something to note about Bok Tower Gardens is that they close at 6:00 PM. For this reason, Bok Tower is better photographed in the late fall, winter, and early spring when the sun sets a little earlier. There are also a few days throughout the year with extended hours.
To see more from this gorgeous engagement session, click here.
2) Lake Runnymede Conservation Area
This is probably the location we are at most often, and it’s not hard to see why! Lake Runnymede is filled with giant majestic oaks draped with tons of Spanish Moss. When the light hits it just right, it’s a truly magical sight. Lake Runnymede also has a few open fields for a different feel. This spot is great for nature lovers who want a break from city life.
Lake Runnymede Conservation Area is truly a wild and natural park. This is part of its incredible beauty, but there are a few things to consider. There are bugs and snakes, and so proper precautions should be taken if you choose this location.
To see more from this Lake Runnymede engagement session, click here. And check out another session here.
3) Rollins College
For those who want a little more architecture in their photos, Rollins College is a great choice. Located in Winter Park, it’s pretty central to most places in Orlando. This makes it fairly easy to get to. The old buildings on campus are all beautiful and make gorgeous backdrops. Rollins College is also a great option for rainy days because there are tons of beautiful coverings and passageways to escape the storms if rescheduling your session is not an option.
If you’re interested in Rollins College for your engagement session, then please to be considerate to the students that call the college home. Also be aware that it may be difficult to find parking on campus.
The rest of this Rollins College engagement session can be seen here!
4) Cypress Grove Estate House
Ah, Cypress Grove Estate House. One of my favorite places in all of Orlando. This is truly a dream venue for couples, and it makes a gorgeous backdrop for engagement photos as well. The manicured gardens, that golden light, and the oak lined path are all highlights of this stunning location. Cypress Grove is perfect for couples who want that old Florida vibe.
While Cypress Grove Estate House may be in a public park, it is important to note that it is still a hugely popular wedding venue. For this reason, if you’re interested in having your session here, it should be scheduled for a weekday. If there is a wedding on the premises, you will not be allowed admission to the house grounds.
Check out the rest of this Cypress Grove Estate House session here.
5) The Beach
Perhaps what Florida is most known for, the beach is always a great option for your engagement photos! The beach offers a simple and plain background that really allows your love and chemistry to shine and take center stage. At the same time, the beach is beautiful in its own right and offers a calm serenity to your images.
There are gorgeous beached all around the state. This particular session took place in New Smyrna Beach on the East coast of Florida. Something to consider when choosing a beach for your session is whether you want the sun setting on the water or not.
The rest of this beach engagement session can be found here.
6) Rock Springs at Kelly Park
*client responsible for entry fees for all parties
One of Central Florida’s most beautiful hidden gems, Rock Springs at Kelly Park is a gorgeous little paradise in Apopka, Florida. The head of the springs is a stunning area that has crystal clear water and tropical foliage. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, the water is only about three feet deep in some spots, so some in the water shots are totally doable.
Rock Springs at Kelly Park is an INCREDIBLY popular swimming destination in the summer. The park often reaches capacity early on in the morning and will not admit any more people after this point, even on week days. For this reason, we only schedule sessions here at park open (8:00 AM).
More from this Rock Springs engagement session here.
7) Church Street - Downtown Orlando
For couples who want a more urban flair, Church Street in Downtown Orlando is a great option. There’s lots of cool architecture, awesome walls, and a ton of variety. Plus, taking a stroll over to nearby Lake Eola park is super easy and offers some more natural elements. It really is the best of both worlds.
Check out the rest of this Downtown Orlando engagement session here!
8) Celebration, Florida
Much like Downtown Orlando, Downtown Celebration has a lot to offer. We spent most of this particular session in the park just on the other side of Market Street, but there are lots of cool alleyways and buildings around Celebration too! It’s like a cute little All-American town from the 1950’s, and it makes a great spot for photos.
Want to see more from this Downtown Celebration engagement session? Click here :)
Are you ready to book your own engagement session? Click here to reach out!
So which of these locations is your favorite? Or do you have a favorite we didn’t mention? Let us know!
