So the day finally arrived, your love dropped down on one knee and asked to spend your days tackling life side by side. You might even have the date set and details starting to come together for your wedding day, but now it’s time to take engagement photos. This is your chance to have a little fun and unwind with your love and capture some adorable photos in the process. Between all the searching for the perfect venue and cake tasting, it’s tough to know exactly where to take your engagement photos that fit your style and busy schedule. I’ve gathered a list of breathtaking locations that might just be that location that not only speaks to you but fits perfectly with your style.
Bok Tower Gardens
For a while, this little gem was THE place to be long before Disney World ever popped up. I remember my dad telling me stories of how they would make a special trip just to visit it’s beautiful sights and walk the property’s orange groves. It’s no surprise that Florida doesn’t have mountain views or even hills, but this location seems to combine the golden hills of California with the grandiose oak trees of Georgia all in one beautiful location. Springtime brings about the most beautiful display of Azaleas ranging in pinks to whites all throughout the garden. It’s best in Springtime, fall, and winter, but I highly suggest avoiding it during the summer time. With the location smack dab in the middle of the state, summer storms are inevitable almost each and every day.
Lake Louisa
It’s growing increasingly difficult to find empty land that hasn’t been developed in Orlando. If you are looking for a little more of a natural look to your engagement session, know that you might just have to drive about an hour to find that open field and clear skies free of buildings or billboards. Lake Louisa offers 4,500 acres of untouched land with a handful of overnight cabins and restrooms hidden throughout the park. It offers beautiful rolling hills, lakeside views, and canopies of oak trees throughout the park. I might add that it’s a great place for a picnic and watching the sunset!
Lake Runnymede Conservation Area
I was driving around looking for a marina or waterfront area that would be great for photos. Instead, I drove past a fenced off area full of the most beautiful oak trees I had seen in central Florida. The fence immediately left me defeated thinking, just another piece of beautiful private property I can only dream of photographing on. But as I drove, I passed by a dirt parking lot and sign with the hours of operation. WHAT! It was open to the public! Not only was this beautiful area of town open to the public, but also pups too! I’ve since captured countless love stories, maternity photos, family sessions and even a handful of styled shoots. A location certainly worth exploring and witnessing for yourself.
Wekiwa Springs & Rock Springs
I find Rock Springs to be such an incredible hidden gem in Orlando. It’s hidden in the shadow of the theme parks, but I’m pretty sure if the world found out about it, there would be lines of influencers taking photos in its crystal clear waters. Luckily for us, it’s will always remain the hidden gem that it is as the theme parks continue to grow. Rock Springs is a canoe free springs while Wekwia offers a bit more on the adventurous side. Ideal for a few paddles in a canoe early before the crowd arrive. Keep in mind you may spot an alligator or two, but it’s stunning water rivals that of tropical islands.
Washington Oaks State Garden
Ok, so this one may be a little bit of a trek outside of Orlando, but I thought it was worth including in the list. It’s not hard to see why. Maybe it’s that I’m just a sucker for amazing oak trees, but this park offers so much more than just a few trees. With it being right on the coast, it also includes beachside views! Now, it’s worth noting that the beach side has been close for restoration, but I am happily anticipating their reopening to get back to their stunning landscape. Even without the beach, the gardens offer a beautiful landscape wrorth capturing and revisiting time and time again. 
• ORLANDO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER // FINE ART FILM WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER •
