As Central Florida’s busiest photographer, every year I photograph hundreds of elopements, weddings and other sessions around Central Florida and the Orlando metro area. Here are some locations that clients ask me for time and time again.
Kraft Azalea Garden in Winter Park
Kraft Azalea Garden in Winter Park is a very popular hot spot for photography in the Orlando area.
This location comes with a $75 fee to gain permitting from the City of Winter Park and I do that on your behalf. This allows us to photograph up to 6 participants in the general park area and does not guarantee access to the exedra monument if another couple has already reserved it. The City of Winter Park charges $600 to reserve it for weddings (plus a $500 refundable security deposit). Many of my couples just take their chances that it hasn’t been reserved. Info about reserving the monument is here.
Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando
Leu Gardens is a stunning, pristine, and popular private property open to visitors. They are very kind to allow photography as long as everyone has paid the entrance fee.
This location comes with a $15 entrance fee per person. To have an elopement alone or micro wedding with guests, couples need to book their micro wedding permit with Leu Gardens here. Monday thru Thursday, they charge $600 and Friday thru Sunday, $750. If you want to avoid that, I would need to marry you off-site or you can get married at the courthouse first. The closest to this location is the Downtown Orlando Courthouse.
Maitland Art & History Center
For years, I’ve been covering elopements and micro weddings at the Maitland Art & History Center. It’s Orlando’s only National Historic Landmark, recognized for its unique 1937 Mayan Revival-style architecture, hand-carved concrete sculptures, and lush, romantic courtyards.
Location fee for photography Mon-Fri 10am-4pm is $100/hr; weekend photography is $200/hr. I can acquire the permission on your behalf.
Blue Jacket Park in Orlando
There’s a stunning public park in Orlando called Blue Jacket Park. It’s been the venue for many’a photo session I’ve done lately.
If you plan to hold a micro wedding here with guests, you’ll need to reserve it as an event with the City of Orlando here.
Hannibal Square in Winter Park
There are a few locations around downtown Winter Park that are so good for photography. One of my faves is the Hannibal Square neighborhood—you can catch me there often!
Park Ave in Winter Park
Another very popular location in Orlando for photography is the main area of downtown Winter Park known as Park Ave.
Rollins College Campus in Winter Park
Rollins College is so generous to allow photographers to shoot freely on their glorious campus. This does not allow for micro or pop-up weddings with guests. This is for small family or private couples sessions only.
Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park
Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park is a beautiful spot for photography in the Orlando area.
This location comes with a $75 fee to gain permitting from the City of Winter Park and I will get the permit on your behalf.
Downtown Orlando
Of course it’s hard to ignore the many spots in downtown Orlando just screaming to be photographed.
With so many courthouse weddings, the bulk of my work happens downtown but you don’t have to be getting married at the courthouse for us to hit up all these spots for your photo session.
Kelly Park “Rock Springs” in Apopka
There are many stunning natural springs in Central Florida. The most popular is Kelly Park at Rock Springs.
It’s not always easy to get in, so I recommend this option mostly in the off season. During peak season, people are often lined up waiting to get in from very early in the morning.
Entrance to the park is just $3 per vehicle
Sydonie Mansion in Mt. Dora
Sydonie Mansion is a gorgeous stately home in Mt Dora. Photo sessions take place outdoors around the property (beautiful gardens)
General photo sessions (engagement, family, maternity, post-wedding) can be achieved for a permitting fee of $250/hr. The fee if you are getting married on property during your session is $1500. If you want to avoid that, I would need to marry you off-site or you can get married at the courthouse first. The closest to this location is the Lake County Courthouse.
Bok Tower in Lake Wales
While Bok Tower Gardens is a bit of a trek from the Orlando area, it’s a very beautiful and popular location worth mentioning. It’s a 1929 250-acre National Historic Landmark featuring the renowned Olmsted-designed gardens, Pinewood Estate, and singing bell tower.
General photo sessions (engagement, proposals, family, maternity, elopement, post-wedding) are allowed with general admission of $20. For micro weddings, see their wedding guide here. In addition to my session fee, there is a $120 mileage and travel fee on my end.
Beaches of Florida
Being in Central Florida, I have easy access to beaches on the east and west coasts of Florida. From the fiery sunsets of west coast beaches in Clearwater, Fort De Soto, and Tampa to New Smyrna, St. Augustine and Melbourne on the east, many of my couples and families choose to elope or have their family sessions in the fresh sea air and it’s perfect any time of the year!
