5 Best Locations for Engagement Photos Tampa FL 

As a Tampa-based wedding photographer, I have spent many hours photographing couples around the Tampa Bay area. I know how important the location for a shoot is, especially to capture such a special moment in time as your engagement photos. That’s why I wanted to share the 5 best locations for engagement photos in Tampa, FL.

One thing I wanted to mention about the location list is that whenever I plan locations for an engagement session, I like to choose locations with various photography scenes within one central place. I’ve found the best way to have movement in photos and allow my couples to feel more comfortable in front of the camera is simply walking around a location. Each engagement photo location is ideal for couples looking for multiple styles of backdrops with a more documentary-style approach.

Full disclosure, all of these locations are in the Tampa Bay area rather than just in Tampa itself.

Best Time of Year for Engagement Photos in Tampa, FL

The best time of year for your engagement photos in Tampa is during the fall through spring because the weather is milder but still beautiful. Summer tends to be too hot during the days to be comfortable, and thunderstorms during the evenings. But, if you do want to have your engagement session during the summer, I highly recommend a sunrise session.

Tips for What to Wear during your Engagement Photos in Tampa, FL

Prior to each of my couples’ sessions, I work with them to help decide on the best location to tell their story and offer styling input for outfits that will photograph well. While many people may not think what they wear necessarily matters (guys, I’m mostly talking to you), it’s very important. You want to look natural with the location, like you belong there, rather than sticking out awkwardly against the backdrop.

Here are a few of my styling tips that I recommend to all of my couples when choosing their engagement photo outfits:

• Make sure your outfits have movement. Try for flowy, light, whimsical, and fun options. Avoid anything too crispy or formal that makes you feel stiff.
• Consider the season of year and location when picking your outfits. Choose clothes that would help you blend into the surroundings naturally. For example, in the summer, you would wear a white flowy sundress since there are typically lots of colors in natural elements around you. In the winter, you may want to wear a pop of color to stand out in the sometimes more dreary backdrop.
• Choose clothes that feel like YOU! At the end of the day, you don’t want to wear anything you feel uncomfortable in because that will translate into the photos.

5 Best Locations for Engagement Photos Tampa, FL:

1. Downtown Gulfport & Gulfport Marina

⚲ 4630 29th Ave South, Gulfport, FL 33711

If you’re looking for a location you two can wander around, then Gulfport may be for you. The streets of downtown Gulfport are beautifully landscaped all year long – from lush palm trees to flowered bushes. Not only is the downtown adorable, but the beach with stunning ocean views is just a short walk away.

This location has plenty of easy parking on either side of the main street. It’s a great spot to take photos with your car (if that’s something you want to do), just like this couple did with their retro chic van.

2. Green Bench Brewery Co. & Beach Drive

⚲ 1133 Baum Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33705

Green Bench Brewery Co. is the perfect location for couples looking for a more relaxed environment. It’s also dog-friendly. If time permits, I love starting a photo session with a drink at a local brewery or cafe to help my couples feel more comfortable.

After enjoying a drink at the brewery, head over to Beach Drive for sunset. It’s about a 5 to 7-minute drive to Vinoy Resort. The views from the resort include boats in the marina, Banyan Trees, the exterior of St. Pete MFA, and blooming bougainvilleas on either side of the park area. It’s a great area to explore lots of diverse scenery.

3. Fort De Soto Beach

⚲ J7Q5+68, Tierra Verde, FL 33715

Fort De Soto Beach in Fort De Soto Park is my favorite beach location in the Tampa Bay area. This state park has so many different visual elements to work with for unique compositions. It offers more than just another white sand beach. There’s a historic fort, boardwalks, an overlook, and vast sandy scenes. I highly recommend this location if you want a quiet beach location at sunset.

If you are planning a summer engagement session, then I would avoid this location due to the amount of summer thunderstorms and hot weather. 

Ethereal engagement portraits are just a click away. Fill out our inquiry form for more information on offerings and availability.

4. University of Tampa

⚲ 401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606

The University of Tampa is ideal for couples looking for a chic yet candid downtown feel. It’s so much more than just a college campus, it’s a public location with the Tampa boardwalk in the background and lots of beautiful architecture for unique framing.

UT is also home to the historic Henry B. Plant Museum. Once the iconic Tampa Bay Hotel, a Victorian-style railroad resort until 1932. The architecture is romantic and absolutely stunning. If you would like to take photos inside the museum, be sure to schedule your engagement session during opening hours.

5. Davis Islands

⚲ Davis Islands, Tampa, FL

Davis Islands is my favorite beach town location in the Tampa Bay area. This quaint beach town has an old yet elevated Florida vintage feel. The buildings are charming and unique, with a short walk to either the beach or marina with boats. It gives the best of both worlds – a chic “city” feel with stunning architecture while still having the option for beach photos with luxury boats in the background.

If you’re feeling inspired by these locations and candid film photos, then I would love to capture your engagement session. Fill out our inquiry form now.