Smile for the Camera! The 10 Best Photo Spots Around Tampa Bay

July 23, 2021

There are so many beautiful spots around Tampa Bay to consider for your wedding photos or even just photos with family and friends during your elopement! We’ve narrowed it down to these 10 must-visit spots below for some stunning shots with your loved ones while you’re in the area.

Amber McWhorter Photography

Wild Roots Nursery

The spot for any plant lovers! You’ll get all the boho vibes at this adorable nursery whether you’re shooting inside, out front or on their patio. This lush, minimalistic spot has quickly become a Tampa hotspot for photos and microweddings.

University of Tampa

While you may be thinking… a college campus? Don’t know it until you see it! The University of Tampa’s campus is a crown jewel right along the river and walking distance to some of the most popular shops and restaurants. Not only can you get photos indoors, but the outdoor park is absolutely stunning. A beautiful balance of historic buildings and greenery!

Tampa Theatre

A true piece of Tampa history, you’ll find the Tampa Theatre in the heart of downtown. Step out onto the street and take a famous shot with the marquee sign. Since it’s still an operating theatre, be mindful of showtimes when you’re planning a shoot to make sure there aren’t any visitors to contend with (or that might decide to photobomb your shoot!).

Photo by Alana Lindenfield Photography

Vinoy Park and North Straub Park

This bright spot in downtown St. Petersburg makes for some beautiful snaps! Make sure to get the staple shot underneath the trellis with blooming bougainvillea. If you’re looking for a spot that’s pet-friendly, this is a great one, too! Most of the shops and restaurants in this area also offer patio seating so you can grab a bite once you’re done.

Armature Works

One of the new hotspots in Tampa Heights, Armature Works offers a large lawn, rooftop bar and classic brick walls to use as backdrops for your photos. However, this location can get very busy on the weekends, so we’d recommend planning a weekday shoot here to avoid the crowds.

Ybor City

This is certainly an area to check out while you’re visiting! An important part of Tampa’s history, Ybor offers an urban vibe with a few modern additions in the past months — including Hotel Haya, Barter House and a few other notable spots.

St. Pete Murals

When in doubt, hit the mural tour! St. Pete offers a number of beautiful murals to use as a backdrop for photos from abstract works to cheeky quotes. If you’re not sure where to start, check out the Mural Tour website for more information.

Curtis Hixon Park and The Tampa Riverwalk

Such a fun spot to spend the day! Curtis Hixon is just one of the stops along the Tampa Riverwalk to enjoy by the water. This park is home to many concerts and events, so be sure to check the calendar before heading that way. While you walk along, enjoy a sip from any of the waterfront bars or restaurants like Remedy and Ulele, or pop into the Tampa Museum of Art.

Photo via Green Bench Monthly

Sunken Gardens

We love planning elopements here at Sunken Gardens, but it’s a great photo spot in general! The lush greens and vibrant flowers offer a number of stunning areas within the gardens to shoot some frame-worthy photos.

Beaches and Bayfront

There’s no shortage of picturesque beaches in the Tampa Bay area! Head on over to Fort Desoto Park, St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach, Davis Island and more to get some shots along the ocean or Tampa Bay. We’d recommend going later around golden hour or on weekdays to avoid the weekend tourist crowd.

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