Greenwood Cemetery Orlando: Gothic Engagement Photography, Weird Florida History & Photography Tips
Updated: 4 days ago
Historic mausoleums, Spanish moss, Victorian gothic romance, and a few things photographers should know before bringing clients to one of Orlando's most unusual locations.
If you've been following my photography adventures lately, you know I've been on a mission to find weird, beautiful, and overlooked places around Florida.
Some of these places are great for couples' photos. Some are just interesting places to explore with a camera. And some have histories so strange that I end up going down a rabbit hole trying to figure out what actually happened.
Greenwood Cemetery in Orlando is all three.
I've photographed couples here before, including one of my favorite photographs of a couple standing beneath the enormous oak trees, completely covered by a white veil.
But I wanted to come back, explore more of the cemetery's history, and share why I love photographing here.
Apparently Florida had other plans. I tried to get up and do this several mornings in a row, and it rained. And rained. And rained.
Finally, I woke up to a beautiful morning, temperatures around 70 degrees, and NO RAIN.
So I grabbed my camera and headed to Greenwood.
And the first thing I wanted to see was Fred Weeks's mausoleum.
Fred Weeks's Mausoleum: A Florida Real Estate Grudge That Apparently Never Died
If you're walking through Greenwood Cemetery, Fred Weeks's mausoleum is one of those things that makes you stop and look a little closer, especially once you hear the ridiculous story behind it. According to a long-told Orlando legend, Fred got involved in a Florida real estate deal and believed he'd been cheated after purchasing land that included swampland. And apparently Fred wasn't the type to just get over something like that. He had a Bible verse carved into his mausoleum about a man who “fell among thieves,” and according to the story, he even had the names of the men he blamed carved underneath it! Imagine being so mad about a real estate deal that you decide to put your complaint on your own mausoleum. That's some serious commitment to holding a grudge! The names were eventually removed, but the inscription is still there today. Now, some of the more dramatic details of this story have been challenged by later historical research, so the real history is a little more complicated than the local legend. Which honestly makes it even more interesting to me. It's exactly the kind of weird little piece of Orlando history that makes me want to go exploring. And photograph it, obviously.
Greenwood Cemetery: A Little Piece of Old Orlando
Greenwood Cemetery dates back to 1880, making it one of Orlando's oldest historic cemeteries.
Walking through it feels completely different from being in the middle of a busy city.
There are enormous oak trees, Spanish moss hanging from the branches, old family plots, historic monuments, and headstones that tell little pieces of Orlando's history.
One thing I found especially interesting is that some of the earliest grave markers were made from cypress wood.
A fire in 1891 destroyed many of those early wooden markers, but a few survived.
And if you're interested in the history, there's actually a free self-guided walking tour you can pull up on your phone.
Here's a little tip: I actually read through the entire Greenwood Cemetery walking tour before I went so I could figure out which places and stories I wanted to photograph. It's free, and it's a really cool way to explore some of Orlando's history!
I love this because instead of just wandering around looking at names on headstones, you can actually learn about the people buried here and their connection to Orlando.
It's a pretty cool way to explore a piece of the city that a lot of people probably don't know much about.
Just remember that Greenwood is an active cemetery, so be respectful of funeral services and people visiting loved ones.
Why I Love Photographing Couples at Greenwood Cemetery
Now let's talk about photography, because that's really why I wanted to share this location.
I love photographing couples in places that are a little unexpected.
Not every engagement session needs to happen in a perfectly manicured garden or on a downtown street with cute storefronts.
Sometimes I want giant oak trees, Spanish moss, old stonework, and a location that feels like it belongs in another century.
Greenwood has all of that.
One of my favorite photographs I've made here is of a couple completely covered by a flowing white veil, standing beneath the enormous oak trees.
They're small in the frame, and the trees and headstones are just as much a part of the photograph as the couple.
I love photographs like that.
The location isn't just a background. It's part of the story.
But I also think there's a difference between finding a beautiful location and knowing how to photograph there.
Especially when that location is an active cemetery.
Gothic Engagement Photos, Victorian Romance & Couples Who Love Something Different
If you're planning a wedding or engagement session inspired by The Phantom of the Opera, Victorian gothic romance, Halloween, or anything a little dark and dramatic, I can absolutely see why Greenwood Cemetery might catch your attention! And honestly, these are some of my favorite kinds of photography ideas. I love black wedding dresses, dramatic veils, vintage clothing, moody black-and-white film photographs, and couples who aren't afraid to do something a little different. Give me a couple who wants their engagement photos to look like they belong in an old gothic romance novel, and I'm going to have a lot of fun with that! Between the historic stonework, enormous oak trees, Spanish moss, and old architecture, Greenwood has so much potential for that romantic, slightly eerie atmosphere. I can picture a long black veil beneath the trees, a couple dressed in Victorian-inspired clothing, or a black-and-white portrait that looks like it could have been taken a hundred years ago. And the best part is that you don't need a bunch of elaborate props to make it happen. Sometimes the clothing, the light, the location, and the couple are all you need. I especially love the idea of a “Til Death Do Us Part” engagement session that's romantic and a little macabre without turning the cemetery into a Halloween attraction. Of course, this is still an active cemetery, so any photography session needs the proper permissions and must follow the cemetery's rules. But if you're dreaming of gothic engagement photos, a Victorian-inspired wedding, or something with a little Halloween romance, I'd love to help bring that idea to life! Greenwood could be an incredible option if the session is approved, and if not, there are plenty of other weird and beautiful places around Orlando we can explore together.
How I Approach Photographing at Greenwood Cemetery
1. I Prefer Early Morning Light
My favorite time to photograph here is right after the cemetery opens.
I love the way the early morning light comes through the huge oak trees. You get beautiful patches of sunlight, soft shadows, and some really interesting opportunities for backlighting.
Florida's midday sun can be brutal, and the early morning gives me a little more flexibility to work with the natural light.
I also love photographing people farther away here.
Instead of filling the entire frame with a couple, I'll sometimes place them underneath the trees and let the landscape do some of the work.
The branches naturally frame the photograph, and the Spanish moss adds texture without needing anything extra.
And because I shoot film as well as digital, I'm always looking at the way the light falls on the scene rather than trying to fix everything later.
2. I Pay Attention to What's Behind My Couple
This is especially important at a cemetery.
There are beautiful old headstones and monuments everywhere, but I don't want to treat someone's grave like a photography prop.
I'm looking for compositions where the trees, pathways, light, and historic landscape create the atmosphere.
Sometimes that means photographing wide and letting the headstones become part of the overall environment.
Other times it means changing my angle so a particular grave marker isn't the focus of the image.
I also don't move decorations, touch monuments, or ask couples to sit or lean on headstones.
There are plenty of beautiful photographs to make here without doing any of that.
3. I Keep My Sessions Small
I'm not bringing an entire production crew into an active cemetery.
I prefer small, quiet sessions with minimal equipment and natural light.
That works with the way I photograph anyway.
I'd rather have a couple walking together, enjoying the location, and letting me document the experience than turn the whole thing into a complicated production.
And if something is happening in the cemetery that requires us to move or leave, we do.
4. I Check the Funeral Service Calendar
This is one of the most important things I do before planning photography here.
Greenwood has a calendar on its website showing scheduled funeral services and other events.
Before a session, I check it.
If there's a service scheduled during the time we're planning to photograph, we reschedule.
And even if the calendar is clear, that doesn't mean we can assume there won't be visitors or a last-minute service.
I stay aware of what's happening around us and give people their space.
I can't imagine someone trying to say goodbye to a loved one while a photographer is nearby directing a couple through poses.
That's not the kind of photographer I want to be.
This is a cemetery first and a photography location second.
Photographers: Here's What You Need to Know About Permission and Permits
This is probably the most useful part of this article if you're another photographer hoping to work at Greenwood.
Please don't assume that because Greenwood is open to the public, you can automatically bring paying clients there for a professional photoshoot.
Before my recent visit, I contacted the cemetery directly and explained what I wanted to do.
I received a written response from the cemetery office confirming that I could bring a few people for still photographs, with restrictions on equipment. They also explained that filming for social media needed to go through the appropriate film-permitting process.
I separately spoke with the film office about my video.
For future professional sessions involving couples, I've been directed to complete the regional Motion Photography Production Permit application and provide a Certificate of Insurance.
Here's the information I've been given.
Step 1: Contact Greenwood Cemetery
Start by contacting the cemetery directly.
Explain that you're a professional photographer, what kind of session you're planning, how many people will be attending, what equipment you'll be bringing, and when you'd like to visit.
Don't assume permission for still photographs also includes commercial video, a wedding ceremony, or a larger production.
Greenwood Cemetery
1603 Greenwood StreetOrlando, FL 32801
Email: greenwood@orlando.govPhone: 407-246-2616
Step 2: Complete the Motion Photography Production Permit
The permit I've been directed to use is called:
MOTION PHOTOGRAPHY PRODUCTION PERMIT — ORANGE, SEMINOLE AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES
This is handled through the Orlando Film Commission.
The application asks for details about the production, location, dates, equipment, and other relevant information.
Film Commission email: film@orlando.org
The Film Commission recommends allowing processing time, so this isn't something I'd leave until the morning of a session.
I'd confirm the current requirements with both the cemetery and the Film Commission before finalizing plans with a couple.
Step 3: Provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI)
For the City of Orlando, the insurance requirements I've been provided are:
General Liability Insurance: $1,000,000
Additional Insured: City of Orlando
Certificate Holder:
City of Orlando400 South Orange AvenueOrlando, FL 32801
The City of Orlando must be listed as additionally insured, not just named as the certificate holder.
If you're a professional photographer, this is one of those reasons having proper business liability insurance matters.
I recommend contacting your insurance provider and asking them to prepare the certificate according to the City's requirements.
Confirm the final wording and coverage with the Film Commission, since requirements can vary depending on the project.
Step 4: Follow the Cemetery's Rules
A permit or permission to photograph doesn't mean we get to do whatever we want.
The cemetery has its own rules, and those still apply.
Some important practices and restrictions to follow include:
Stay on designated walks and roads where required.
Don't disturb or damage headstones, graves, monuments, trees, plants, or wildlife.
Don't interfere with funeral services.
Follow cemetery rules regarding pets and food.
Don't block roads or access for cemetery staff, visitors, or funeral processions.
Follow any equipment restrictions or additional instructions given by cemetery management.
Leave everything exactly as you found it.
For my small photography visit, the cemetery specifically told me no large equipment or lighting setups, and that handheld filming was the acceptable approach discussed with them.
That was guidance for my visit, not a promise that every future commercial shoot has the same permissions.
Step 5: Be Prepared to Reschedule
Even after getting permission and taking care of paperwork, I still check the service calendar before visiting.
If a funeral is scheduled during our planned session, we move the shoot.
And if something unexpected happens while we're there, we adjust.
Photography is never more important than the people who are there to grieve.
Bonus Location: Greenwood Urban Wetlands
Here's something else I love about photographing in this area.
Just outside the cemetery gates is another location I've photographed couples at: Greenwood Urban Wetlands.
And it's completely different from the cemetery.
There are beautiful cypress trees, a lake, and an interesting low-lying landscape with a feature that looks like a sinkhole.
It's such a pretty little piece of Florida tucked into Orlando.
I love the reflections on the water, the shapes of the cypress trees, and the way the light changes as you walk around the park.
From a photography perspective, it's a great way to get a completely different look during the same session.
We can photograph among the oak trees and historic stonework at Greenwood, then head over to the wetlands for more natural landscapes, water, and cypress trees.
And we don't have to spend half our time driving between locations.
Just keep in mind that Greenwood Urban Wetlands is a separate City of Orlando park. Permission for photography inside the cemetery doesn't automatically cover a separate commercial production in the park, so photographers should check any applicable park and filming requirements too.
A Few Tips for Photographers Visiting Greenwood
If you're planning to explore Greenwood with your camera, here's what I'd suggest from my own experience:
Go early. The morning light through the trees is beautiful, and the softer light makes it easier to work with the landscape.
Walk the location before bringing clients. Get familiar with the paths, light, and areas you'd like to photograph. That way you're not spending the entire session figuring out where to go.
Look for natural framing. The oak branches and Spanish moss can create beautiful compositions without needing props or elaborate setups.
Photograph the atmosphere. Sometimes the strongest image isn't a close-up portrait. Give the location room to be part of the photograph.
Don't treat graves as props. There are so many ways to make interesting photographs here without using individual grave markers as posing furniture.
Get permission and follow the rules. It's part of being a professional photographer.
And if you just want to visit to learn about the history, I really recommend the self-guided walking tour.
Looking for an Alternative Wedding or Engagement Photographer in Orlando?
Hi! I'm Amy Jo Edwards, the photographer behind The Tattooed Bride Photography, based in Winter Park, Florida, just outside Orlando.
I specialize in alternative weddings, intimate elopements, and engagement photography for couples who want their photographs to actually feel like them.
I've photographed more than 300 love stories, and some of my favorite couples have been the ones who decided to throw out the traditional wedding rulebook.
Black wedding dresses? Love them.
Halloween weddings? Absolutely.
Victorian gothic romance, vintage-inspired engagement photos, dramatic veils, tattooed brides, unconventional ceremonies, and “Til Death Do Us Part” wedding ideas? You're speaking my language.
I photograph on digital and film, including 35mm and medium-format film, and I love using black-and-white photography for that timeless, romantic, slightly haunting look.
I'm also a big believer that an engagement session should be an experience, not just an hour of someone telling you where to stand.
We can explore somewhere interesting, visit a place that means something to you, or build an entire session around a creative idea you've been dreaming about.
If you're interested in Greenwood Cemetery, I can help explore whether your session can be approved and coordinate the necessary photography permissions and paperwork. If it isn't possible, we can find another location that fits your vision.
I photograph couples throughout Orlando, Winter Park, Central Florida, and beyond.
If your dream wedding looks a little more like a gothic romance than a traditional bridal magazine, I'd love to hear what you're planning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gothic Engagement Photography in Orlando
Can I book gothic engagement photos at Greenwood Cemetery in Orlando?
The Tattooed Bride Photography offers alternative and gothic-inspired engagement photography in Orlando, including helping couples explore Greenwood Cemetery as a possible location. Photography at Greenwood requires the appropriate permissions and compliance with cemetery rules. I'll help you determine whether your specific session can be approved before we make plans.
Who photographs Halloween weddings and black wedding dresses in Orlando?
I'm Amy Jo Edwards of The Tattooed Bride Photography, an Orlando-area wedding and elopement photographer specializing in nontraditional celebrations. I love photographing Halloween weddings, black wedding dresses, gothic-inspired portraits, and couples who want something completely different from a traditional wedding.
Can we plan Phantom of the Opera-inspired engagement photos?
Absolutely! A Phantom of the Opera-inspired engagement session could incorporate Victorian-inspired clothing, dramatic black-and-white portraits, flowing fabrics, historic architecture, and theatrical romance. We'd choose a location where the concept and any necessary props are permitted.
Do you photograph Victorian gothic and dark romantic weddings?
Yes! I photograph alternative weddings, intimate elopements, and engagement sessions throughout Central Florida and beyond. Whether your inspiration comes from Victorian fashion, gothic literature, old Hollywood, Halloween, or vintage film photography, I'd love to help you create photographs that fit your vision.
Can we wear a black wedding dress for our engagement or wedding photos?
Of course! I love black wedding dresses, unconventional wedding fashion, dramatic veils, and couples who wear whatever makes them feel amazing. Your wedding doesn't have to look like anyone else's.
Can we take engagement photos at Greenwood Urban Wetlands?
Greenwood Urban Wetlands is a beautiful Orlando park with cypress trees and water views. I've photographed couples there before and love its natural landscape. Any applicable photography or commercial-use requirements should be confirmed before planning your session.
Do you photograph on film?
Yes! In addition to digital photography, I offer 35mm and medium-format film photography. Film can be especially beautiful for vintage-inspired, gothic, and romantic portraits because of its texture, grain, and timeless feeling.
How do we book The Tattooed Bride Photography?
Visit www.thetattooedbride.com to explore my photography, packages, and contact information. Tell me about your wedding or engagement ideas, your preferred date, and any locations or creative inspiration you have in mind.
Email me at TheTattooedBride@gmail.com
You can also book a free phone call with me here: The Tattooed Bride Book Online
Why I Keep Looking for Weird Photography Locations
I think one of the best things about being a photographer is that it gives me an excuse to go exploring.
I love finding places that are a little strange, a little overlooked, or completely different from where you'd expect to take engagement photos.
Sometimes those places have incredible histories.
Sometimes they're beautiful natural spaces.
And sometimes they're right in the middle of Orlando, and I've somehow driven past them a hundred times without knowing what was there.
But I'm also a big believer that finding a beautiful place comes with the responsibility to take care of it.
Whether I'm photographing in a cemetery, a forest, a national park, or somewhere else, I want to leave that location the way I found it.
And I want the people I photograph to have an experience they actually enjoy.
Not just show up, pose for an hour, and leave.
I want them to explore, laugh, walk around, and make a memory in a place that's meaningful or interesting to them.
Because life is meant to be lived, not just photographed.
And if that means getting up at 7 AM to photograph a mausoleum built by a man who apparently held one of Orlando's longest-running grudges, well, that sounds like a pretty good morning to me.
Looking for something a little different for your engagement photos or elopement?
I'm Amy Jo, the photographer behind The Tattooed Bride Photography in Orlando, Florida.
I photograph alternative weddings, elopements, and couples who would rather do something fun and meaningful than follow a bunch of wedding traditions that don't feel like them.
If you've got a weird location in mind, I'd love to hear about it.
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