Engagement Shoot Locations in Orlando You’ll Fall In Love With – No Theme Parks Required!
I get it—Orlando is famous for its world-renowned theme parks, but if you’re looking for a more intimate, relaxed, and breathtaking backdrop for your engagement photos, you don’t have to step inside the gates. As your photographer, my goal is to help you create a truly unforgettable experience, one that reflects your unique love story. Whether you’re dreaming of lush gardens, serene lakesides, or charming historic spots, Orlando has some beautiful hidden gems that will set the perfect stage for your engagement session. Here are my top picks for engagement shoot locations you’ll absolutely fall in love with, all without stepping foot in a theme park!
1. Lake Runnymede Conservation Area – Nature’s Tranquil Beauty
Located in Saint Cloud, Lake Runnymede Conservation Area is one of my absolute favorite spots for couples who want to get lost in nature. It offers a peaceful, secluded vibe with stunning lake views, winding trails, and plenty of lush greenery. This hidden gem gives you the opportunity to capture intimate, relaxed moments surrounded by the beauty of Florida’s natural landscapes.
Why it’s special:
The tall trees, expansive meadows, and calm waters create a serene, romantic atmosphere perfect for intimate photos.
If you’re nature lovers, this location gives you a real "away from it all" feeling while still being close to Orlando.
I also love how the local wildlife—like birds and butterflies—adds a magical touch to your photos.
Tip: Golden hour here is something special. The soft sunlight filtering through the trees, reflected in the water, will make your engagement photos look like something out of a dream.
2. Harry P. Leu Gardens – A Garden Lover’s Dream
If you and your partner are fans of vibrant flowers and lush greenery, Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando is the spot for you. With its 50 acres of stunning gardens, tropical plants, and romantic pathways, this location gives off a fairytale vibe that’ll make your engagement photos unforgettable.
Why it’s special:
The diversity of gardens—rose gardens, butterfly gardens, and more—allows us to explore different looks throughout your session.
The charm of the historic gardens, combined with the colorful blooms, creates a timeless and romantic atmosphere.
It’s such a peaceful setting, perfect for relaxed and intimate moments.
Tip: If you can, plan your shoot around peak bloom (usually spring) for those vibrant, colorful flowers. Or, if you prefer a quieter time, winter shoots here are gorgeous too.
3. Winter Park – A Picture-Perfect Historic Town
Winter Park has a timeless charm that makes it one of my favorite spots for engagement shoots. Its tree-lined streets, charming parks, and scenic lakes provide a romantic and sophisticated backdrop. From the historic architecture on Park Avenue to the peaceful serenity of Lake Virginia, Winter Park feels like it’s straight out of a movie.
Why it’s special:
The picturesque streets and quaint shops create a cozy, small-town vibe perfect for romantic photos.
Mead Botanical Gardens and Lake Virginia offer beautiful, nature-filled settings that give us even more variety for your shoot.
And for a truly magical experience, we can even incorporate the scenic boat tours around the lake for something extra special.
Tip: If you’re looking for a unique twist, let’s include a boat ride for a peaceful, intimate touch to your engagement photos.
4. Cocoa Beach – Coastal Charm Just a Short Drive Away
If you’re dreaming of beach vibes, Cocoa Beach is only a short drive away from Orlando and offers a beautiful coastal backdrop. With its soft sand, calm waves, and laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect place for couples who want to capture the relaxed, carefree side of their love.
Why it’s special:
The long stretches of sandy beach offer endless opportunities for romantic wide-angle shots, especially at sunrise or sunset.
I love the playful, fun vibe of Cocoa Beach, especially near the Cocoa Beach Pier—perfect for capturing lighthearted moments.
Tip: For that magical sunrise light and to avoid the crowds, we’ll want to start early in the morning. It’s the perfect time to catch the soft golden light and quiet, peaceful atmosphere.
5. Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve – A Hidden Gem for Nature Lovers
Tucked away in the heart of Orlando, Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve is a peaceful oasis. If you and your partner are adventurous souls who love to connect with nature, this spot is perfect for you. The preserve’s tranquil trails, lush greenery, and serene boardwalks will make for a relaxed, intimate shoot away from the city buzz.
Why it’s special:
The towering trees, winding trails, and beautiful natural surroundings will give us a rustic, yet elegant backdrop.
It’s a quieter location, making it ideal for capturing intimate moments in a secluded environment.
Tip: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as we’ll explore the trails and discover some hidden spots for those special, off-the-beaten-path shots.
6. The Alfond Inn – Luxury and Charm Combined
For couples looking for something a little more sophisticated, The Alfond Inn in Winter Park offers the perfect blend of luxury and charm. With its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and art-filled interiors, this boutique hotel provides a refined setting for an elegant and timeless engagement session.
Why it’s special:
The elegant, high-end atmosphere of the inn creates a refined backdrop perfect for couples who want a chic and stylish shoot.
The surrounding gardens and Winter Park add a mix of nature and luxury for a more upscale feel.
The art displayed throughout the hotel also gives us the opportunity to incorporate unique elements into your photos.
Tip: If you love art, we can capture some intimate moments in front of the stunning artwork throughout the hotel for that extra personal touch.
7. Leu Gardens – A Fairytale Escape
For those who want a whimsical, storybook engagement shoot, Leu Gardens is a dream come true. This location features winding paths, a butterfly garden, and vibrant flowers at every turn—perfect for couples who want their engagement photos to feel like something straight out of a fairytale.
Why it’s special:
The variety of garden settings, like the rose garden and azalea pathway, provide different textures and landscapes for your photos.
The old trees, hidden corners, and secret spots will allow for intimate, magical shots.
Tip: Consider booking a weekday session to avoid crowds and have more privacy in this enchanting space.
8. Mead Botanical Garden – Seclusion in Nature
If you’re seeking peace and quiet for your engagement session, Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park offers the perfect secluded setting. With its lush greenery, serene ponds, and tranquil vibe, this is a hidden gem for couples who want a more intimate and private shoot.
Why it’s special:
The garden paths, serene ponds, and lovely bridges create an incredibly peaceful atmosphere for capturing intimate moments.
This location is quieter than some of the larger parks in Orlando, giving us plenty of space to capture your love without interruptions.
Tip: Morning sessions during the week are best for capturing the peaceful beauty of this hidden gem without any distractions.
9. The Chain of Lakes in Winter Park – A Classic, Scenic Escape
The Chain of Lakes in Winter Park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historic charm. From the stunning lake views to the scenic boat tours, this location has everything we need for a breathtaking engagement shoot that captures both elegance and nature.
Why it’s special:
The vintage boat tours offer a charming and classic touch to your shoot.
The lakes provide beautiful water reflections, especially during the golden hour, creating a magical atmosphere for your photos.
Tip: Let’s consider booking a boat tour for a unique twist on your engagement session and create relaxed, candid moments on the water.
10. Baldwin Park – A Perfect Blend of Nature and Urban Beauty
For those who want a mix of natural beauty and urban style, Baldwin Park is a charming neighborhood that offers the best of both worlds. From peaceful lakeside settings to modern streets lined with oak trees, Baldwin Park has it all.
Why it’s special:
The park’s lakeside areas offer stunning water reflections, while the surrounding streets give us a chance to capture the vibrant, urban side of your relationship.
The area’s mix of nature and modern architecture provides plenty of variety for your engagement shoot.
Tip: For a mix of nature and city shots, let’s take a walk through the park and along the neighborhood streets, capturing both lush green spaces and architectural backdrops.
11. Propose Near Disney Without Entering the Parks – A Magical Option
If Disney holds a special place in your hearts but you don’t want the crowds or the theme park tickets, I have the perfect solution. You can still capture that Disney magic and create a memorable proposal in a location just outside the parks!
Why it’s special:
Disney Springs: This lively shopping and dining district offers a whimsical atmosphere perfect for an engagement shoot, complete with a rustic bridge over the water and beautiful lakeside views.
The Four Seasons Resort Orlando: For a more private and luxurious Disney-inspired shoot, this resort offers serene gardens, pools, and a romantic ambiance, just minutes from the parks.
The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: With its classic Victorian architecture and stunning views of the Magic Kingdom, this is the perfect spot for couples who want Disney magic without the theme park crowds.
Tip: Even though you won’t be entering the parks, these locations still give you the Disney charm you love, but in a quieter, more intimate setting.
Ready to Plan Your Perfect Engagement Session?
Orlando has so much more to offer than just theme parks, and I’d love to help you create the perfect engagement shoot in one of these beautiful, unique locations. Whether you want to immerse yourselves in nature, experience the charm of a historic town, or enjoy a little Disney magic, I’m here to help you find the perfect spot that captures your love and personality. Ready to get started? Let’s chat and make your dream engagement session come to life!
Bonus Tip: Whatever location you choose, remember that your engagement photos are all about you and your love story. Don’t forget to bring along meaningful props or take time to enjoy those quiet, candid moments together—it’s your love that will truly shine through in your photos.
