Located at one of the highest elevation points in Florida, Bok Tower Gardens is a place like no other. There are a lot of options for engagement photos at Bok Tower Gardens; these are the must-have locations. If you’re not familiar with Bok Tower, it’s a historic landmark with 50 acres featuring a stunning 205‑foot tall tower. Created in the 1920s by publishing tycoon Edward Bok, it’s a masterpiece filled with impressive views; perfect for engagement sessions. From green lawns to moss‑draped oaks, every corner offers a unique backdrop. Elegant architecture, winding trails, lily ponds, and open lawns that never end. As a professional engagement photographer that loves this place, here are some engagement photos at Bok Tower Gardens that highlight the best spots that deliver variety and that timeless romantic charm.
Discover these locations for your engagement session at Bok Tower Gardens
El Retiro (The Estate Mansion)
The Mediterranean‑style estate known as El Retiro adds architectural elegance to your session with its historic design and graceful gardens that offer multiple backdrops within a few short walks. There are multiple spots here that over endless variety of backdrops. The front, the side, and back of the mansion look different and there are many courtyards with vastly different designs. One of them is known as “The Moon Door”. This area offers a perfect blend of old‑world charm and natural surroundings.
The Secret Garden
Also found near the mansion the mansion. Make sure not to miss it. It can be photographed from the outside looking in, but also from the inside looking out.
The Bench With The Cool Art Tiles
This is another spot that you might see on you way to the mansion. It’s located to the left if you’re facing the mansion.
The Staircase in the Garden
I love the way the stairs frame a couple with all the lush nature around them. I like to set up a couple in a way that shows their trust for each other as one of them gently leads the other.
The Peninsula (one of the best angles to capture the tower in the background)
This secluded overlook nestled into rich greenery offers a subtle waterfront feel, creating a calm, private setting that’s perfect for thoughtful, romantic portraits with a cinematic touch featuring the majestic tower in the distance.
Majestic Winding Trail Under a Canopy of Trees
Almost directly to the right of The Peninsula, there is a trail lined with towering oak trees creating a dreamy tunnel of light where couples can take a stroll, laugh, and connect naturally with each other.
The Moat Around the Tower
If you didn’t know what a moat is; it’s a ditch that surrounds a castle, usually filled with water intended as a defense against attack. Encircling the Tower is a reflective water moat. This is another great spot for romantic photos with a romantic flair.
The Singing Tower
The centerpiece of the gardens. This neo‑gothic and art deco marvel stands tall and majestic, offering a cinematic addition to your portraits. There are multiple angles to feature the tower in your engagement photos at Bok Tower Gardens. In these examples, you’ll see the north-facing angle first, and then the south-facing angle. These angles offer two different views. The north-facing side has an iron gate/door at the front.
The south-facing angle has a path that leads to the tower, surrounded by beautiful trees on both sides that perfectly frame the engaged couple. The entire scene can be captured with a wide angle lens to fit the tower and trees in the frame.
The South Lawn by the Tower
Not too far from our previous location, there is a wide open lawn near the south-face of the tower, completely bathed in natural light and clustered with trees. This area creates a space for engagement photos where the light glows through the trees in a way that feels like your engagement session at Bok Tower Gardens resembles a painting.
The Biggest Hidden Gem Location for Engagement Photos at Bok Tower Gardens
While the tower and the gardens are the obvious spots, there are some wispy fields alongside the road (on the way out of the parking lot) that are amazing for whimsical engagement photos. Especially during those times of the year that closing times line up with the sun setting. The light transforms the scenery into a romantic atmosphere similar to what you’d read in classic literature. You can make the most of this location during the months that get darker earlier in order to capture engagement photos close to golden hour.
A Few Things to Know Before Your Engagement Session at Bok Tower Gardens
Here are some additional details to know when planning your engagement photos at Bok Tower Gardens.
- Entry to the gardens costs $20 per person.
- The hours are 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and the park is strict about closing time (they stop entry at 5:00 pm).
- Well-behaved friendly dogs are allowed, always on a leash, must stay out of gardens and pick up after them.
- If the outfit includes heels, bring a pair of flats to get in and out for all the walking involved.
- Sometimes it’s blooming with flowers, sometimes it’s not (depends on the time of the year and rain).
- If it rains, there are a few covered areas to wait it out but bring an umbrella in April-August.
- There are bathrooms for outfit changes near the entrance and the near the tower.
- Respect the gardens and leave no trace. No confetti, balloons, music, or removing of flowers.
- Don’t bring props; the gardens are the props. Anything else will slow you down.
Why Bok Tower Gardens is one of the best engagement locations in Central Florida
Located in Lake Wales, FL, the gardens are conveniently located in the middle of Florida. It’s an easy drive from Orlando or Tampa. The cost is quite low for what you get. There’s nothing quite like it around. You may want to consider a 1-year pass for two people; it’s just a little bit over $100 for unlimited access. Additionally, they host many high-quality events such as classical music concerts, movies on the park, and other fun community events. It’s great for dates. The gardens are so large that even on the weekends you’ll find them not too crowded, giving you enough room for privacy and comfort. If you can book your engagement session at Bok Tower on a weekday, do it; you pretty much have the gardens to yourself.
So if you are currently planning your engagement session and this location speaks to you, let’s connect to book a session. Don’t miss this opportunity and mention this blog post to receive a credit to cover your entry fees to the gardens ($40 value). Unlike other photographers that make you pay for their entry fee, I have a year pass. I also have other posts highlighting other locations so check out the links below for more ideas.
- My Best and Favorite Engagement Photos
- 15 Stunning Kraft Azalea Engagement Photos
- What to Wear for Your Engagement Session
