With the sapphire waters of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico just steps away, Tampa is a beachgoers paradise for engagement photography and wedding photography. But there’s so much more to this coastal city for picture-perfect sites. Explore the lush natural landscape of the Florida Botanical Gardens, or stroll along the energetic Riverwalk at the heart of the city. Feeling adventurous? Go for a travel theme at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport. Or get playful in the white sand of Treasure Island Beach. Laid-back and effortlessly gorgeous, Tampa is full of hotspots that could easily take the title for the best engagement location.

 

04. RIVERWALK
 

Connecting Tampa’s cultural venues, parks, and the city center, the Riverwalk is the recreational heart of the city. Stretching a continuous 2.4 miles, this epic pedestrian path is made for engagement photography and wedding photography. You’ll be treated to cityscape views from the water’s edge, punctuated with rich elements of culture along the way. Follow the path through the Tampa Arts District where Curtis Hixon Park and the Tampa Museum of Art will add natural and architectural interest to your session. Evoking a casual vibe that’s quintessential Tampa, the Riverwalk sets the scene with plenty of palm trees, docked boats and endless rays of sunshine. Perfect for a bike ride or charming stroll, your engagement photographer will capture all the fun. No wonder the Riverwalk is one of our best engagement locations in Tampa.

 

03. THE FLORIDA BOTANICAL GARDEN
 

With over 90 acres of natural landscapes, the Florida Botanical Gardens is a true urban oasis for breathtaking engagement photography and wedding photography. Part of the allure is the spectacular variety of landscapes to explore, admire and capture. Nothing compares to the natural romance of the Rose Garden. And be sure to pause for a few portraits in the Patio Garden, which boasts a shaded gazebo, flowing waterfall and vibrant flowers in every direction. Set your hearts aflutter in the Butterfly Garden or pay homage to your Florida roots in the Native Plants or Palms Garden. Time your session for winter when the gardens are illuminated with amazing light displays. Whatever the season, Florida Botanical Gardens is one of the best engagement locations in Tampa.

 

02. TREASURE ISLAND BEACH
 

Aptly named, Treasure Island Beach feels like a gem waiting to be discovered just a short drive from Tampa. Prized for its powder-white shore, Treasure Island Beach offers a laid-back retreat for your engagement photography or wedding photography session right on the sparkling blue-green waters of the Gulf coast. Kick off your sandals and get playful on this clean, wide beach, frolicking in the soft sand, wading in the warm water or sitting for a moment in the tall, golden dune grasses as they sway in the wind. As you explore, you’ll find delicate pieces of texture like shells, driftwood, and seafoam that add even more depth to every shot. At sunset, you’ll be amazed at the spectacular show of color that washes over the beach. Its secluded beauty is one of the many reasons Treasure Island Beach is one of the best engagement locations in Tampa.

 

01. LAKELAND LINDER REGIONAL AIRPORT
 

Have your Tampa engagement photographer capture your shared love of travel with an aviation-themed session at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport. Use a retro-style plane as your backdrop, stack a few vintage suitcases as props and off you go. Snap a few shots on the tarmac, then step inside the plane as pilot and co-pilot. Consider incorporating creative props like a globe that pinpoints all of the places you’ve traveled together or where you dream about jetting to in the years to come. With a theme this playful, it’s easy to let your true personalities shine. Think of the amazing save the date photos you’ll snap, too! It would be especially engaging to foreshadow your travel-themed wedding photography. So buckle your seatbelts and prepare for takeoff at one of the best engagement locations in Tampa.