By Tata Rossi 24 days ago, Photography Tips
After moving to Florida, I was deeply impressed with its beauty, especially with its amazing Miami engagement photo locations that provide stunning settings for capturing such a special occasion. During the past year, I’ve spent many hours exploring every nice spot suitable for soon-to-be-wed couples.
I would also like to provide key tips and insights, the source of which is personal experience. Here you will find out what permits you need to get to realize all creative engagement photo ideas for each location and the ideal outfit.
Address: 9610 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33156
Choose if you want: Scenic lagoon, lush greenery, and a human-made atoll pool
Entrance fee: $5 parking
Permission: No
When to visit: Early morning or late afternoon on weekdays
The Matheson Hammock Park in Coral Gables occupies over a hundred acres, surrounding the north and western ends of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. This is one of my favorite urban parks as it offers one of the most beautiful sunrises in the region, and its romantic atmosphere only contributes to great engagement photos.
This place not only allows capturing engagement photography here, but my clients like to spend time with their loved ones there, enjoying a delicious meal, going kayaking, or doing bird watching.
Address: 1200 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
Choose if you want: Historic lighthouse and beautiful beach settings
Entrance fee: $8 per vehicle
Permission: Required
When to visit: Early morning or late afternoon on weekends
Key Biscayne is situated on a barrier island in Florida, which is connected to Miami via the Rickenbacker Causeway. Nestled between Crandon Park and the Bill Bagg Cape Florida State Park, my clients often choose this location when they want to take photos both in town and park for their engagement session.
The park’s highlight is the historic lighthouse, erected in 1825. It provides an amazing scene for couples photography, whereas the nature trails and scenic overlooks offer multiple opportunities for capturing amazing views of the Florida coastline.
Address: 1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Choose if you want: Panoramic ocean views, iconic lighthouse, and pier
Entrance fee: Free parking until 8 am
Permission: No
When to visit: Weekday sunrise
This photography location is widely regarded as one of the cutest parks in Miami Beach. So, if you are looking for beach and garden vibes, this is the right place to visit.
Offering such amenities as a restaurant, a kids’ area, outdoor showers, and a dog park, this urban county park is one of the greatest Miami engagement photo locations for couples who want to include their pets in a photo session.
The park also attracts visitors with its unique architecture like the iconic lighthouse and pier, while the coastal area is full of a romantic vibe to make your pics even more alluring.
Address: 3900 SW 100th Ave, Davie, FL 33328
Choose if you want: Nature trails, wildlife observation, and picnic areas
Entrance fee: $1.50 per person on weekends
Permission: No
When to visit: Open daily from 8 am to 7:30 pm. I recommend shooting there around sunset.
Tree Tops Park is an ideal place for organizing a barbeque party in the wilderness with a beloved person. This place offers amazing natural views and is quite interesting to investigate.
It would be a great idea to shoot pics while having fun with your partner, and, for sure, your engagement photos will be even more enjoyable. To make the pics more dynamic, consider such options as horseback riding, boating, fishing, and even strolling to observe the wildlife.
There are groves of aged live oak trees and the wooden tree house structures that characterize this location. Wedding photographers will find various backdrops, which include forests, clearings, and lakes.
Address: Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Choose if you want: Art Deco buildings provide a retro-chic backdrop
Entrance fee: Free
Permission: No
When to visit: Early morning on weekdays
Ocean Drive is a well-known street in the center of Miami Beach’s Art Deco District, characterized by a classic South Beach setting for engagement and wedding photos. The street’s signature buildings amaze with unusual geometric shapes and vibrant colors that create quintessential Miami retro glamor.
Address: 6747 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
Choose if you want: Beautiful sandy beaches and scenic trails
Entrance Fee: Flat fee of $5
Permission: No
When to visit: Sunsets on weekdays
Crandon Park is one of the best engagement photo locations in Miami, which offers unique vantage points for spectacular photos. This is why it is so popular among photographers and I am not an exception, because there is space for the implementation of many creative ideas. There is a lighthouse and marina that add a romantic and coastal atmosphere to the images.
The beach is especially beautiful, as its landscape differs from the classic naked sand beaches of South Florida. It is covered by clusters of palm trees and tall grass, creating amazing settings for sophisticated engagement images.
Address: 10901 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33156
Choose if you want: Exotic tropical foliage and scenic lakes
Entrance fee: $15 per person; $100 permit for professional photography
Permission: Required for professional shoots
When to visit: Open daily from 10 am to 4 pm; I recommend early morning on weekdays
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is a botanical garden that stretches for 83 acres and is a great tropical setting for realizing couple photo ideas in Miami. It has a considerable size and features a great variety of plants like ferns, orchids, palm trees oak trees, and many more.
The setting becomes even more beautiful because of lakes, waterfalls, fountains, bridges, trellises, and rustic architecture. The highlight of this area is the rainforest, filled with mist and water-loving plants. Here the light is exquisite and unique, so the pics will be awesome.
Address: 2000 Convention Center Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Choose if you want: Beautiful landscaping and diverse plant life
Entrance Fee: Free
Permission: Yes
When to visit: Early morning on weekdays
Clients who are looking for intimate and romantic locations should head to the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Here you will be welcomed with a beautiful entrance plaza, a wetland with red mangroves, and pond apple trees.
The engagement photographers often visit the Japanese Garden and the Butterfly Garden where they capture tender moments of the couple amidst the beauty of nature. Another reason to choose this spot is the Botanical Boutique, which abounds with flora and fauna-inspired gifts.
Address: 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129
Choose if you want: European-style gardens, stunning fountains, and sculptures
Entrance fee: $250 + tax (weekday) / $350 + tax (weekend) for up to 5 people (including a photographer). Premium sunrise access is available for $450 + tax
Permission: Required for professional shoots
When to visit: Open daily (except Tuesdays) from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. I recommend early morning or late afternoon on weekdays
The couple who are eager to get a Bridgerton-esque experience and visit European estates, I consider this location a real find. All my clients seeking the romantic and classy spot were always impressed with Vizcaya.
The estate has spacious gardens, which are refined with hedges, fountains, and sculptures that create varied backdrops for your creative photos. There is also the grand Baroque-style villa ornamented with exquisite details and elegant courtyards, which can fill your photos with classic charm.
Address: Wynwood, Miami, FL 33127
Choose if you want: Colorful murals and graffiti art, industrial-chic architecture
Entrance fee: Metered street parking
Permission: No
When to visit: Early morning on weekdays
For couples that want their engagement pics to reflect their love for street art and city life, I recommend visiting Wynwood Walls. This location features huge, colorful street murals created by some talented artists, so it can be safely called the outdoor museum of international street art.
Organized every second Saturday, the Wynwood Art Walk is a must-visit event for couples who want to have eye-grabbing engaging photos. The place is also worth being visited at night, as there are late-night parties, art festivals, food trucks, and live music.
Address: 3841 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137
Choose if you want: Chic boutiques and pedestrian-friendly streets and courtyards
Entrance fee: Free
Permission: No
When to visit: Early morning or late afternoon on weekdays
Couples that prefer chic city vibes should pay attention to the Miami Design District. This is a trendy neighborhood, which is known for its luxurious boutiques, exquisite art galleries, and innovative architecture, making this area one of the greatest engagement photo locations in Miami.
This district has pedestrian streets and hidden courtyards that provide a variety of intimate places for shooting romantic urban photography in front of unconventional designs.
Address: SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
Choose if you want: Vibrant culture and colorful murals
Entrance fee: Metered street parking
Permission: No
When to visit: Weekdays in early morning or late afternoon
All the couples looking for a specific Latin American vibe really enjoyed Little Havana, which stands out with its colorful murals, outdoor cafes, and cigar shops. The atmosphere of this neighborhood is lively and authentic, which is ideal for capturing candid couple poses.
Domino Park, which is an extremely popular place of interest, provides an excellent setting for images with its lively crowd of domino players and the flamboyant mural that serves as background.
Address: 1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Choose if you want: Mediterranean Revival architecture and lush gardens
Entrance fee: Varies; check with the hotel
Permission: Required for professional shoots
When to visit: Weekdays, early morning, or late afternoon
Biltmore Hotel is one of my favorite engagement photo locations in Miami, which offers both stunning indoor and outdoor shooting spots. By the way, many couples have chosen it as their wedding venue after having an engagement session with me there. The major attractions of this location are lavish dining, great rooms, a spa, and a golf course.
The hotel’s architecture is designed in the Mediterranean Revival style, and its elegant and chic look is reminiscent of a European palace. There are fountains, pools, and gardens around the hotel that create varied settings for your pics, while the signature Biltmore pool adds a vintage flavor to the pics.
Address: 2167 S Bayshore Dr, Miami, FL 33133
Choose if you want: Historic charm with beautiful gardens
Entrance fee: Varies; check with the venue
Permission: Required for professional shoots
When to visit: Weekdays, late afternoon
Very often privacy during an engagement session is of paramount importance for my clients. In such cases, there cannot be a better place than Villa Woodbine, which is situated in the center of Coconut Grove. This historic mansion has a romantic atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for taking intimate photos.
The architecture of the villa is made in Mediterranean style, with its stucco walls, red tile roof, and arched windows. Such exquisite details create a picturesque scene perfect for capturing romantic moments.
Choose if you want: A familiar atmosphere and a date recreation
Entrance fee: No
Permission: Varies
When to visit: Weekdays, afternoon
If you and your beloved are both gourmets and enjoy cool places, taking engagement photos right at your favorite table is a great idea. Couples that worked with me often shared a tea or coffee during the engagement photoshoot recreating a real date.
A cozy Coffee Shop can be found in every part of Miami. No matter whether it is rainy or hot outside, having a drink in such a place will definitely bring much enjoyment.
Choose if you want: Privacy and comfort
Entrance fee: No
Permission: No
For many couples, the cozy atmosphere of their home is the only place they want to have their engagement sessions. These pics are always special because of their intimacy and warmth.
Privacy is the greatest plus of in-home photoshoots. If you do not want to reveal your emotions and feelings to the public, then your home is the most appropriate shooting location for the engagement candid photos.
The most appropriate times to organize a session are early mornings and late afternoons. During this period, you will enjoy flattering light. Plus, the area is not so crowded.
South Pointe Park, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, and Wynwood Walls are definitely worth your attention.
Yes, to shoot in some locations, you need to get permits. I recommend checking in advance to avoid any surprises. Your photographer can deal with this issue.
The "golden hour", which is one hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset, is the best time of the day to hold a photoshoot. During this part of the day, the lighting is soft and warm, which is ideal for photography. Early mornings are also not so crowded, so you can enjoy privacy.
The outfit should suit the chosen location and reflect your personal style. For example, light-flowing clothes in neutral or pastel tones are ideal in this case. Formal locations like Vizcaya require wearing elegant attire that corresponds with the historic or upscale atmosphere. Do not forget to discuss the outfits with each other to look amazing when being shot together.