Best Places To Take Romantic Engagement Photos in Miami 2020

Miami is the perfect place to take your engagement photos. With lots of romantic spots and pretty amazing weather, it’s hard to go wrong! Here are The Bride Candy’s top picks for a romantic and tropical themed engagement photoshoot in Miami. 

Crandon Park Carousel

Once part of a since-abandoned zoo, the restored Crandon Park Carousel is a romantic and sweet spot for a quick engagement shoot. It’s also steps away from a beautiful beach, so you can do double duty with a more traditional beach shoot either before or after. 

Cape Florida Lighthouse

Did you know there’s a beautiful lighthouse on a natural Miami beach just a few minutes from downtown?  Hidden in Bill Baggs State Park on Key Biscayne, the Cape Florida Lighthouse is a beachy and romantic spot for your engagement photo session. Be sure to wear something light and flowy to take advantage of the sea breeze.

South Pointe Park

Situated at the southernmost tip of Miami Beach, South Pointe Park is the perfect place to watch the cruise ships go by and take in a stunning Miami Sunset. With views of both the ocean and the skyline of Miami, it also features direct beach and pier access. This is a public park, so you’ll be able to take photographs without limitations or fees. Try going at sunrise for the best shots.

Deering Estate

This charming 1920s estate near Cutler Bay is a top Miami wedding venue. But the Deering Estate’s most striking feature is its palm-lined keystone harbor on Biscayne Bay. If you’re looking for romantic tropical vibes without a beach, this is your spot. Photography permits can be purchased at the gate for $100.

Vizcaya

This is the larger and more opulent sister property of the Deering Estate, which were owned by brothers. An opulent Gilded Age estate, Vizcaya boasts an incredible bay view and Miami’s best formal gardens that are perfect for photography. Permits are required and will cost you $250-350 depending on the day of the week.

Ancient Spanish Monastery

Stepping into the Ancient Spanish Monastery in North Miami Beach is like stepping back in time. The gardens are lush and verdant, and there are many corners and nooks that make for a beautiful photo backdrop. But the most stunning feature is the 12th century stone cloisters - it’s the closest thing that South Florida has to a castle. If you’re going for a princess theme, this is the perfect place. Note that you’ll need permission and to pay a $200 photo fee to shoot at the Ancient Spanish Monastery.

Miami Beach Botanical Garden

This gem is steps away from South Beach but feels like a world away. From Japanese-inspired gardens to orchid-filled corners, this is a prime spot to find your perfect nature backdrop that’s easy to access. Photography is allowed but will set you back $50 an hour.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

If you need even more gardenscapes for your photography session, check out Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, the largest garden in Miami. Featuring a butterfly exhibit, a hummingbird aviary, and a stunning greenhouse with Chihuly glass art, this is the crown jewel of Miami’s tropical vibes. Photography requires a permit and a fee.

More to consider

• Miami Skyline under MacArthur Causeway

• Wynwood Walls

• Little Havana

Venue Spotlight: Villa Woodbine

This Mediterranean Revival-style gem in Coconut Grove is just dripping in romance and elegance. From the moment you come up its long tree-covered driveway you’ll feel transported to a fairytale paradise. Villa Woodbine is a popular venue for all sized weddings because of its stunning historic architecture, beautiful landscaping and garden, and it mostly outdoor layout. Here are The Bride Candy’s top favorite features in Villa Woodbine.

The Entryway

The first thing you see at the Villa is a stone-arched entryway to its two-story façade with a view of the courtyard fountain and the gardens beyond. Its beauty is in its elegance and that it’s surrounded by greenery. Directly above is a wrought iron balcony that’s a romantic spot for couples photos. Many couples also choose to arrive by vintage car and park it in front of the entryway – it’s the perfect statement piece to welcome your guests. Consider adding a floral arch around the entryway or a cascading arrangement to the balcony above for even more impact.

The Courtyard

The entryway opens up directly to the interior courtyard of the mansion. And what a beautiful courtyard it is! Vines climb up the walls and pillars, with a stunning three-tiered fountain at the courtyard center. Many couples choose to have their first dance on its stone tiled floor. Adding flowers around or even in the fountain elevates this space even further. If you’re having a cocktail hour, it will likely happen here, as will dancing after dinner. 

The Staircase

Descending from the second-floor bridal suite is an impressive Moroccan-tiled staircase. The matching entrance table is nestled next to its lowest landing. Visible from all angles of the courtyard, it’s another prime statement piece of the venue. Most couples choose to use the entrance table for their guestbook or menu cards and the staircase for photos. Add flowers to the staircase’s wrought iron railing for an enchanted photo backdrop. 

The Grand Oak

The crown jewel of Villa Woodbine is the grand oak tree that reaches and towers over its expansive back garden. Wrapped in lights, it’s fern-covered branches create a natural canopy. The oak’s trunk is the most common backdrop for a garden ceremony, and you’ll likely have dinner under it also.  Take the option to hang a grand chandelier from it! Adding a floral arch is also advised, especially if you’re having a sweetheart table – the tree and arch make the perfect backdrop for it.

If you’re looking to have a romantic wedding at a venue that feels like a cross between an Italian villa and the Miami tropics, Villa Woodbine should be at the top of your list. Get in contact with us to see how we can bring your Villa Woodbine wedding dreams come true.