Best Engagement Photo Locations in Lakeland

Lakeland is rich with small town feel with lots of picturesque photo spots –if you know where to look!

I’ve created this blog post so that you and your fiancé will have engagement photos that you absolutely love. But before I dive right into the locations, you should know that choosing the locations is just one part of amazing photos. I actually have an entire guide on what makes an engagement session go from Good to Gorgeous!

As a Lakeland Wedding photographer, I can assure you that all the wedding planning doesn’t have to be hard, especially when you have someone to help you along the way. So, beautiful Bride-to-Be, this guide is for you!

My Guide to Amazing Engagement Photos

~ Why an engagement session is so important for wedding day photos ~
~ Style guide for your engagement session (for the guys too!) ~
~ My posing secrets for engagement sessions ~
~ Best photo locations in Lakeland, Florida ~

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Table of Contents

Engagement Photo Spots in Lakeland, Florida

I have done the work for you. Every single location on this list I have personally gone to and seen for myself. I’ve scouted out the magic spots and can guide you to the best light and locations. I’ve also combed through any access requirements and sometimes fee requirements.

My photo spots are for every personality and vibe. From parks & gardens, urban downtown, scenic landscapes, rooftops, and unique Lakeland culture…there is something for everyone.

If there is a location that isn’t on my list that you think I would absolutely love, please let me know!

Also, be sure to check out the Google Map below!

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Scenic Landscapes

The Loggia at Lake Mirror

22VW+MJ Lakeland, Florida

The Loggia at Lake Mirror is one of the most recognizable features of Lakeland. And it’s perfectly set for couples that love beautiful, stone architecture in a wide open, scenic landscape. Perfect for those picturesque shots from far away while you and your loved one enjoy a tender moment.

Kryger Park

108 S Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801

Kryger Park is a small stone park overlooking Lake Mirror. And it’s a spot you can often have all to yourself. It’s tucked away for a quiet, intimate spot, while still wide open to the unobstructed Lakeland skyline.

Frances Langford Promenade

22VX+5J Lakeland, Florida

Very similar to The Loggia and Kryger Park, but still very much worth mentioning. The Promenade offers an open scenic view, stone architectural elements, and an opportunity to shoot close to the glassy waterline. Most engagement sessions are done during golden hour for the soft, gentle light. But this engagement photo spot would also be a place to have an epic night photo.

Lake Crago Complex

525 Lake Crago Dr, Lakeland, FL 33805

Lake Crago Outdoor Recreational Complex

A surprisingly picturesque spot. The newly constructed building sometimes hosts weddings and celebrations. But the lakeside grounds abound in natural photo opportunities. The boathouse and dock overlooking Lake Crago are unique spots. But as a Lakeland engagement photographer, my favorite is the white stone amphitheater! Call ahead to make sure there isn’t an event scheduled at the same time as your engagement photoshoot.

Parks & Gardens

Bonnet Springs Park

400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815

https://bonnetspringspark.com/

Grand opening in 2022! Bonnet Spring Park is a privately funded park and has people already calling it “the Central Park of Lakeland.” Still in Downtown Lakeland, it is a 180 acre urban oasis that makes it a beautiful destination spot that will attract people across central Florida. Admission is free for the park and grounds.

Hollis Garden

702 E Orange St, Lakeland, FL 33801

A beautiful botanical display garden with neo-classical stone elements. Across from Lake Mirror, this spot houses small garden fountains and over 10,000 flowers and ornamental shrubs. Lots of opportunity for ‘Secret Garden’ style photos. Hint! It’s a local photography hotspot…so go early or go on a weekday. Opens at 10am. Closed on Mondays.

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853

https://boktowergardens.org/

Yes, it’s a half hour drive east from Lakeland. And yes, it’s worth it! A garden and bird sanctuary nestled on 250 acres. In the center is the tower that is a masterpiece of stone architecture, tilework and magnificent wrought iron gates. It is open 365 days year and admission is $16/ person (or get an annual membership like I did!)

Lake Parker State Park

Circle B Bar Reserve

4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 33803

https://www.polknature.com/explore/circle-b-bar-reserve

Circle B Reserve is a natural retreat into the Lakeland flora. If you love gravel walk paths overlooking lakes at sunset then Circle B has many options for you. Open year around, this is sure to be a favorite engagement photo spot for nature lovers. Secret tip! If you hit the paths in the right season the native grasses explode into feathery seedheads that will make for a beautiful wispy image.

Fancy Farms Flower Fields

5204 Drane Field Rd Lakeland Fl 33811

https://fancyfarmsmarket.com/

Fancy Farms have beautiful flower fields full of sunflowers and zinnias. So don’t forget to pack your cute boots and floppy hat! The flowers are ready in mid-May through June. But be quick about the sunflowers! They are in full bloom for only a short time before they wilt and die. It’s best to go before they are fully grown, otherwise the sunflowers will have grown over your head and you’ll just be taking pictures among green stalks!

Downtown & Urban

Haus 820 Courtyard

Mojo Federal Building

Lakeland Murals

There are over 20 giant murals across Lakeland. Many of them you’ve probably seen and some you probably haven’t! You and your fiancé could spend some time chasing down some fun and color while adding one of these spots to your engagement photoshoot. Here’s a list of all the Lakeland Murals gathered together by a local Lakelander website.

Munn Park

Downtown Alleys

Lakeland Culture

Polk Theatre

121 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33801

https://www.polktheatre.org/

Polk Theater has a cute, classic look on the outside, but a step back-in-time feeling on the inside. Unlike it’s counterpart in Winter Haven, this theater hasn’t lost it’s historic feel on the inside. High ceilings and classic architecture are totally iconic. The building is open to the public during showtimes, but if you’d like something a little more private you can rent the interior of the theatre for a $150 fee.

Florida Southern Water Dome & Esplanade

900952 Johnson Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801

https://www.flsouthern.edu/frank-lloyd-wright/home.aspx

Florida Southern has been named one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation. And the Frank Lloyd Wright designed buildings are probably what you think of first. The Water Dome is a striking centerpiece to the campus and a fun way to inject motion and life into an engagement shoot. A short stretch away is the Esplanade walkway combining light and shadow in a uniquely modern style. The campus is open to the public and the Frank Lloyd Wright buildings are open for self-guided tours. The water dome is open daily and operates in three hour segments (30 minute rests) 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

Old Polk County Courthouse

Sorosis Building

90 Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland, FL 33801

http://www.juniorleaguesorosisbuilding.com/

Overlooking Lake Morton this is a beautiful 1920’s era building built in the Italian Renaissance style. It is often used a site for wedding ceremonies and receptions. However, the outdoor sections can be used for an engagement photos as long as there isn’t any other event at that time!

Lake Hunter Terrace Historic District

22PH+5C Lakeland, Florida

In the Lake Hunter Terrace historic district of Lakeland there are streets of brick pavers lined by houses dating back to the 1900’s. As a Lakeland engagement photographer, I can tell you this city has a lot of charm that is easily overlooked. A cute girl in a sun dress. A young man that smiles back. A glowy sun peering through the trees. And a quiet walk along a road of brick pavers. Magic can be made from the common things!

The Wonder House

1075 Mann Rd, Bartow, FL 33830

https://www.wonderhousebartow.com/

An absolutely fascinating house with an interesting story. In 1926, the doctor’s gave a rich man only one year to live….and so he spent the next 40 years building his dream house. Framed with railroad ties and decorative concrete poured over stone –this house is a striking feature in a quiet town. While today it lacks some of it’s former glory (older photos show the house in it’s peak with lush gardens and ponds amidst stone bridges!), the current owners have done a lot of restoration to the property. It’s a private residence, but tours (and photoshoots) can be scheduled ahead of time for $25/person.

Casa De Josefina

VC7H+W8 Lake Wales, Florida

A private residence under restoration. Casa De Josefina was built in 1923 and is constructed of stucco-covered coquina with blended styles of Spanish, Italian, and Gothic. It features a corner tower and a porch at the rear connects the rooms in the three wings.

Owner’s permission is required.

Old Homeland Methodist Church

Chalet Suzanne (Closed)

3800 Chalet Suzanne Dr, Lake Wales, FL

Chalet Suzanne was well loved by many beyond Polk County….it was once a unique honeymoon destination and resort for the rich and famous. Featuring fine French cuisine, courtyards, tennis and golf it was instantly recognizable by it’s pink exterior and peculiar layout with 14 different levels.

Unique / Adventurous

Bartow Executive Airport

4175 Medulla Rd, Lakeland, FL 33811

https://bartow-airport.com/

It’s actually quite possible to have an engagement session on an airfield with a vintage airplane. Relive the age of flight and bring some fun and excitement while you and your fiancé embrace on the tarmac. You can get a ‘Discovery Flight‘ at the Bartow Airport for $85. How fun would it be to have you both dress up as jet-setters (have your man wear aviator sunglasses!) and you two get some engagement photos on the tarmac before your flight?!

Another option is Waldo Wright’s Flying Service in Winter Haven.

Also worth checking out: Florida Air Museum and Fantasy of Flight Museum –both in Lakeland.

Willow Railroad Bridge

MM25+VXJ Wimauma, Florida

So I haven’t personally visited this one. But this sounds like the spot for an adventurous couple! An hour drive from Lakeland, this is one of the few surviving metal truss bridges in central Florida. An abandoned railroad bridge (the tracks haven’t been active since 1986) this is a massive structure over 250 in length with enormous trusses. Built in 1902 and still imposing itself on the landscape, this spot would make a very memorable and unique engagement photoshoot.

Off The Chain Kayaks

251 W Lake Elbert Dr, Winter Haven, Florida 33881

https://www.otckayak.com/

This crew does kayak equipment rentals, drop-off and pick-up. Basically, you pick from one of the their seven nearby drop-off points and they set you up for a kayak adventure. A half-day rental is $40.

If you are looking for a Lakeland engagement photographer that will go out on the water take your engagement photos…then pick me!!

Rooftop

Main Street Parking Garage

Nineteen61

215 E Main St, Lakeland, FL 33801

https://www.nineteen61.com/

If you want a chic, rooftop dining spot take a look at Nineteen61. Lakeland’s best restaurant for Latin cuisine. You didn’t know they had a rooftop dining area? That because it’s not always open. So getting them to let you up there for an engagement photoshoot is going to be hit or miss. And until Lakeland gets another rooftop lounge or restaurant…this is your only option!

Abandoned / Closed

Dixie Walesbilt Hotel