Downtown Tampa is a harmonious mix of urban sophistication and natural beauty, offering a variety of stunning locations for engagement sessions. From the charm of its historic buildings boasting distinctive architectural details to the modern allure of rooftop settings against a skyline of towering buildings to the serene beauty of waterfront parks nestled right in the city's center, each location tells its own love story.
Whether you're envisioning a chic rooftop photo shoot, timeless couple portraits, or a playful session that showcases your personalities, our preferred Tampa wedding photographers have unveiled their top picks for engagement photoshoot venues in this guide of the Best Places for Engagement Photos Downtown Tampa.
“One of our favorite ‘locations' is actually doing a little tour of all things city! This could be around downtown Tampa in locations that match your aesthetic. The clencher here is that you have to trust your photographer! Our approach is choosing streets/buildings that will serve as the perfect backdrop that will help to elevate your look!”
-Shannon Dewitt, Dewitt for Love Photography
Tampa Theatre/Gin Joint
“The Tampa Theatre and Gin Joint they give such a spectacular backdrop with the glow of the lights and the old brick road. It adds such a fun elevated pop to photos and perfectly showcases that historic Tampa feel! The old Tampa architecture mixes with an old-school glam that reminds me of 1960s London, even with the intact brick street to go with it.” -Sabrina Massmann, Sabrina Autumn Photography
“Gin Joint is a fun space for an engagement session and gives a very romantic, moody vibe with the dark bar area, surrounding couches, and green velvet bar seats. It creates a unique location for a couple to enjoy their session. It is in the heart of Tampa, which also allows for a variety of photos in one session.”
-Amber McWhorter Photography
Le Méridien
“The streets by Le Méridien are so cool because the buildings are made of marble, so there's this nice neutral but gorgeous background. There are really cool huge windows framed in black that make for a great background for that downtown feel that can be super casual or more formal.” – Carrie Wildes, Carrie Wildes Photography
“Classic architecture with a touch of modern romance, Le Méridien hotel, formerly a historic courthouse, is one of Tampa's most popular spots for engagement sessions downtown. The hotel will serve as a symmetrically pleasing backdrop to your images while we create canvas-worthy images. With the right permission from the friendly hotel staff, you can even snap a few photos indoors at their swanky bar and lobby elevators. Expert Tip: When having your photos captured here, really play up your wardrobe pieces and think outside the box.” -Stacy Boyce, Evoke Photo and Film
“Le Méridien gives so much variety with dramatic steps and columns and makes any photo look amazing, they all perfectly showcase that historic Tampa feel!”
-Sabrina Massmann, Sabrina Autumn Photography
Note: Photo shoots at Le Méridien must be booked at least two days prior and are based on availability. The cost is $250 for a 2-hour session, which includes the front stairs, second-floor marbled hallway, and 100-year-old copper elevator.
Trendy Bars
A bar can create a fun and playful atmosphere, allowing for natural and candid shots that capture the couple's personalities and relationship. Additionally, bars often have stylish decor and unique lighting, which can add interest and variety to the photos. -Arron McNeile, McNeile Photography
Rooftops with Skyline Backgrounds
“Using a rooftop as a location for engagement photos can be an excellent choice for several reasons. Firstly, rooftops often offer panoramic views of the city skyline or other scenic surroundings, providing a unique and visually stunning backdrop for photos. A rooftop can also offer a range of settings, allowing for a variety of shots to be captured. These locations can offer a mix of style, atmosphere, and scenery, resulting in beautiful and memorable engagement photos.” -Arron McNeile, McNeile Photography
“Clean urban cityscapes dawn the frame in these secluded rooftop sessions. Another great option for those who are a little more camera-shy! With this super secret location, think about playing up a story to unfold, such as props like a classic car, champagne, a pizza, and coke bottles; the sky's the limit! Unique angles and contemporary yet romantic scenes are set on the rooftop. With the proper permit, you can have the most unexpectedly fun experience in the center of Tampa's concrete landscape.”
-Stacy Boyce, Evoke Photo and Film
University of Tampa
“Perfect for that sophisticated vibe, the Henry B. Plant Museum and surrounding areas make a stunning backdrop for photos, featuring beautiful steps to add levels to your images, a tall covered porch (awesome for an alternative option due to rain), stunning trees, and manicured greenery. Walk further into the park, and you’ll reach the river, with a view of the city and Curtis Hixon Park. (Check with your photographer if you need a permit to shoot here).” -Shannon Dewitt, Dewitt for Love Photography
“The University of Tampa is the perfect engagement shoot location for lovers of architecture and history! This location offers a variety of unique backdrops, such as the Henry B. Plant Museum and the historic Tampa Bay Hotel. With the stunning Moorish architecture, the UT offers a beautiful setting to hold your engagement session. We met Luegenia and Arnolson for their engagement shoot at the university, and they fell in love with the beautiful architecture around the property. They really wanted their engagement photos to capitalize on the historical and artistic craftsmanship of the buildings.”
-Limelight Photography
“Get ready for some serious sophistication vibes at the University of Tampa. This location is a photo paradise for a couple looking for a more sophisticated and upscale kind of vibe for their photos, beautiful steps for that extra flair, a tall covered porch, stunning architecture, and perfectly curated foliage.” -Valentine Rose, Valentina Rose Photography
Curtis Hixon Park
“I love this iconic location in downtown Tampa because you can get a great view of the city from a hidden little dock there, as well as a view of it with the fountains and park in the background. There are so many great little spots, and no matter the time of day, there's always so many options.” -Carrie Wildes, Carrie Wildes Photography
“Downtown Tampa has so much to offer in such a small area. I love the variety there. You are able to walk to the overlook where you can see a beautiful sunset as well as the Hillsborough River and the stunning architecture of the University of Tampa. You can utilize the grand staircases, the roads, the splash pad water fountains, Le Méridien and even the Tampa Theatre, all within a few blocks of each other.”
-Amber McWhorter Photography
“You can really catch that sunset golden hour glow on The Riverwalk!” -Valentine Rose, Valentina Rose Photography
Sparkman Wharf
There is a dock just past the Greenwise Market near Water Street, where the Pirate Water Taxi stops. That is such a great little hidden spot, and it's within walking distance to Sparkman Wharf, where the Tampa sign and some really cool street art are. -Carrie Wildes, Carrie Wildes Photography
Harbour Island
“Water Street offers an urban photo feel with beautiful city views from the Harbour Island bridge. This area is best to shoot on a weekday, preferably in the morning when the light is soft and the traffic is low. There are a lot of interesting elements to offer couples between the harbor boats, the levels of stairs, and the well-kept bridge walkways. It's easy to get creative with your clients and provide a fun atmosphere!” Joy Hmielewski, Joyelan Photography
