The Top St.Pete + Tampa Engagement Session Locations for 2025

My couples often tell me they feel stuck when it comes to picking the perfect spot for their engagement session. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to some of the most beautiful, versatile locations in the area—complete with details about what makes each spot special. Think of this as your stress-free shortcut to finding a backdrop that perfectly matches your vibe.

Cypress Point Park


Each time I share an image from the tall grass of Cypress Point Park, I'll get a message from someone asking me, "Where is that?!" It's truly one of the most unique spots in Tampa, especially during fall when the pink blooms spring. What's even better? There's a small beach attached so if you want to spend 15 minutes at sunset getting some classic Florida beach images, you can. And centrally located just west of the Tampa airport, it's a pretty easy commute as well. 


  • Address: S Plant Ave, Tampa FL 33606
  • Best time for your session: 30-45 minutes before sunset
  • Where to park: On site
  • Fees to consider: None

Henry B. Plant Museum & Plant Park

If you're looking for striking architecture that augments an elegant look for your engagement session, this is your spot. Plant Park offers such a dynamic backdrop that you can even do an outfit change -- an elegant look in front of the the Henry B. Plant Museum (pictured above), and then a casual fit for the park with the museum in the distant background. With views of the Tampa skyline and plenty of greenery, it's no secret why this is one of the most popular photo spots in Tampa. 

  • Address: S Plant Ave, Tampa FL 33606
  • Best time for your session: Two hours before sunset or 30 minutes after sunrise
  • Where to park: There is a small lot as well as street parking in front of the museum. Sometimes the faculty lot is open near the back of the museum.
  • Fees to consider: None

Tampa Theatre

Often times couples want a location that pays homage to the city they met or grew up in, and the Tampa Theatre checks that box off. Opened in 1926, this city landmark is a great backdrop to add a little flair to your engagement session. I often recommend looping it in with Curtis Hixon Park and/or Le Meridien because they're all within a couple of blocks of each other. 

  • Address: 711 N Franklin St, Tampa FL 33602
  • Best time for your session: Two hours before sunset
  • Where to park: On-street metered parking or the William Poe garage three blocks away
  • Fees to consider: $2/hour at Poe Garage (sometimes minimum of $10 when there's a nearby event). 

Fort De Soto

Whenever a couple wants a true beach destination, I strongly recommend Fort De Soto. It has the beach setting of course, but it has cool man-made formations (seen above) that are remnants of the fort. We often start taking pictures around the fort (who ever thought you'd have cannons in your gallery?), and wrap up with the golden light of the sun washing over you at the beach. 

  • Address: Fort De Soto Beach
  • Best time for your session: One hour before sunset if including Fort pictures.
  • Where to park: If you put in "Fort De Soto Quartermasters Museum" on Google, you'll park in the big open lot.
  • Fees to consider: $5 to park

Le Meridien

How did a couple of columns and a staircase get so popular? When they look like Le Meridien's, it's not hard to see why. It's an excellent spot for an elegant, upscale look that might mimic a state capitol somewhere. If you look at my About Me picture, that's where I'm at! I'll make a pitch that the inside (pictured above) doesn't get the love it deserves. I recommend pairing this location with a couple of other downtown locations.

  • Address: 601 N Florida Ave, Tampa FL 33602
  • Best time for your session: 2-3 hours before sunset
  • Where to park: On-street metered parking or the William Poe garage four blocks away
  • Fees to consider: $2/hour at Poe Garage (sometimes minimum of $10 when there's a nearby event).

Ybor City

Unlike some of the locations on this list that have a small footprint, you can make a case that Ybor City can be broken up into several different spots. But if you're looking for quintessential Tampa, want an urban setting, and don't mind the hustle and bustle of people, Ybor is a spot to consider. You can pop into a cigar bar for a session, hang over Centro Ybor sign, swing by the exterior of Columbia restaurant and just overall have a fun time exploring with your photographer. 

  • Address: 711 N Franklin St, Tampa FL 33602
  • Best time for your session: Two hours before sunset
  • Where to park: On-street metered parking or the 717 parking lots right off 7th Ave.
  • Fees to consider: Metered parking and 717 parking fee (<$15)

St. Pete Pier

One of St.Pete's newest attractions (it opened in 2020), the Pier is a great spot for a casual engagement. A stroll  all the way to the end will reveal some fun shots with water, shadows and architecture. It's a location that pairs well with North Straub Park just a block away and you can finish off with a date night on Beach Dr. 

  • Address: 600 2nd Ave NE, St.Petersburg, FL 33701
  • Best time for your session: 1 hour before sunset if only doing St. Pete Pier
  • Where to park: On site or on-street metered parking 
  • Fees to consider: On site is free, but per hour rates for on-metered street parking

Curtis Hixon Park

One of my favorite locations because of how versatile it is for both elegant and casual looks, as well as its proximity to other locations on this list that allow you to combine for a wide range of looks. Considered by some the heart of downtown, Curtis Hixon is right on the waterfront with great views of the city from all angles, plenty of greenery, unique architecture and a ton of fun angles. 


  • Address: 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa FL 33602
  • Best time for your session: One hour before sunset
  • Where to park: William Poe garage
  • Fees to consider: $2/hour at Poe Garage (sometimes minimum of $10 when there's a nearby event).

 Let's chat about your engagement session—I'm happy to share more recommendations with you!



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FloridaRAMA

One of only two interior locations on this list and arguably the most unique, FloridaRAMA is an immersive art experience in St.Pete full of creative installations. Find yourself a photographer that knows how to use flash (a must in this spot) and have fun with the endless whimsical rooms and locations. I suggest a casual look for this spot! 
  • Address: 2606 Fairfield Ave S, St.Petersburg, FL 33712
  • Best time for your session: Opt for a weekday late morning or afternoon to avoid crowds
  • Where to park: On site, free
  • Fees to consider: $25/person for Florida residents
  • They are closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Philippe Park

If a couple tells me they're looking for a park setting with greenery, this is my first suggestion. Philippe Park, on top of having the iconic southern live oak you see above, has tree-lined paths, rustic stone elements, and well-kept landscaping. It's a gorgeous park that is taken to the next level when the light is streaming just right through all the greenery. 


  • Address: 2525 Philippe Pkwy, Safety Harbor, FL 34695
  • Best time for your session: 90 minutes before sunset
  • Where to park: On site, free
  • Fees to consider: None

North Straub Park

If you're looking for a unique mix of park scenery with some water backdrop and some urban touches, North Straub park (and the adjacent Vinoy Park) should be on your short list. With a charming pergola adorned with flowers, an iconic banyan tree a couple hundred yards away, and a few sailboats docked off to the side, there's a backdrop for any look. Pair it with the St. Pete Pier for even more variety. 

  • Address: 400 Bayshore Dr NE, St.Petersburg, FL 33701
  • Best time for your session: 90 minutes before sunset
  • Where to park: On-street metered parking on Beach Dr or St.Pete Pier and walk over
  • Fees to consider: None outside of on-street metered parking


Davis Island

If you're on the hunt for a quaint beach location that has sailboats peppered in the background of your images *and*  don't want to drive to the gulf coast, then Davis Island is a great spot. You'll still get your beach vibe images and there's also a couple of really cute spots en route to the beach to stop at as well to give you some variation in your gallery. 


  • Address: 900 Martinique Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
  • Best time for your session: 30-45 minutes before sunset
  • Where to park: There will be parking near a boat ramp and right near the beach
  • Fees to consider: None 


Bok Tower Gardens

I'm bending the rules a bit here because Bok Tower Gardens is two hours east of Tampa. But it's one of the most gorgeous location in all of central florida for a session with an incredible variety of fauna, architecture, trees, and fields. A full gallery might have others believe you traveled to at least four locations. It's absolutely worth the drive. 

  • Address: 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853
  • Best time for your session: 2-3 hours before sunset
  • Where to park: On site, plenty of parking
  • Fees to consider: $20 per adult


Sarasota Art Museum

If you're vying for a sophisticated, elegant location where the environment does a lot of the talking, consider a museum. The Sarasota Art Museum has great whimsical art with pops of color, but if there's another museum that speaks to you, by all means adapt it to your vibe. And as a bonus, you won't have to worry much about weather, making it a great year-round choice. 



  • Address: 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Best time for your session: Any time during the day
  • Where to park: On site, free
  • Fees to consider: $20 per person

Rooftop Parking Garage

The top of a parking garage can offer a clean, modern, and minimalist setting that puts you at the center, and works surprisingly well with different outfits. Its elevated vantage point also provides sweeping skyline views, making the photos feel dynamic and cosmopolitan. In downtown Tampa, you can pair this with Curtis Hixon, Le Meridien, and/or Tampa Theatre. 


  • Address: 800 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
  • Best time for your session: 30 minutes before sunset
  • Where to park: On site
  • Fees to consider: Parking garage fee, varies

Grafitti Walls of St.Pete

If you want a location full of eclectic vibes in an urban setting that does a lot of the talking in your images, the graffiti walls of St. Pete can are a great spot. You can highlight your personality by playfully visiting a ton of different murals, having fun with different poses, and leaning into a chic aesthetic.


  • Address: St.Pete breaks up its grafitti by districts, so take a look at which walls you might like and head to that area. 
  • Best time for your session: 2-3 hours before sunset
  • Where to park: On-street metered parking
  • Fees to consider: None outside of on-street metered parking

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