Best St Augustine Elopement Guide: Venues, Requirements & Timeline
Best St Augustine Elopement Guide: Venues, Requirements & Timeline
Your complete resource for planning the perfect intimate wedding in America’s oldest city
Why St. Augustine is Perfect for Elopements
St. Augustine offers an unmatched romantic atmosphere with its Spanish colonial architecture, pristine beaches, and year-round mild climate. As a St Augustine elopement photographer, I’ve witnessed countless couples fall in love with this historic city’s charm and diverse venues that provide stunning backdrops for intimate ceremonies.
Legal Requirements & Timeline
Marriage License Process
Where to Apply: St. Johns County Clerk of Courts, 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084, between 8 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday (except holidays)
Required Documents:
- Valid photo ID (US driver’s license, Federal/State ID card, or passport)
- License fee: $86
Important Timing:
- Apply up to 60 days in advance
- Florida residents: 3-day waiting period (waived if you complete a marriage preparation course)
- Out-of-state couples: No waiting period
- Ceremony must occur within 60 days of license issuance
- Signed license must be returned within 10 days after ceremony
Officiant Requirements
Your license must be solemnized by ordained clergy, licensed clergy, notary public, or justice of the peace
Witnesses
Great news – Florida requires no witnesses for your elopement!
Best St. Augustine Elopement Venues
Historic Downtown Venues
1. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument This 17th-century Spanish fortress offers dramatic stone walls and harbor views. The historic fort provides an iconic St. Augustine backdrop with its ancient coquina walls and cannons overlooking Matanzas Bay.
2. Historic Inns & Courtyards Downtown St. Augustine features charming venues with lush gardens nestled behind old city architecture, mixing romantic garden vibes with historic buildings. If you are staying at an Inn downtown it is possible for us to do pictures on the grounds and some other locations nearby.
3. Lightner Museum Courtyards Features natural light and lush greenery in outdoor terraces and gardens. The courtyard and the attached Loggia are a popular destination for proposals, elopements, and weddings. If you contact The Wedding Authority they can reserve your time and help coordinate with the city to get the necessary St Augustine Elopement Photography permit.
4. Peña-Peck House The Peña-Peck House offers a charming historic garden courtyard nestled in the heart of downtown St. Augustine, providing an intimate outdoor setting surrounded by the elegance of this historic venue managed by the Woman’s Exchange.
Beach Venues
5. St. Augustine Beach Beach elopements are perfect for couples wanting oceanfront vows with soft sand and Atlantic Ocean views.
6. Vilano Beach Located just north of St. Augustine, this hidden gem features a stunning rock jetty ideal for Florida beach elopements
7. Anastasia State Park Offers pristine beaches with dune backdrops and more privacy than public beaches.
Garden & Scenic Venues
8. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park Features formal gardens with ancient oak trees and coquina rock formations along the shore.
9. Bridge of Lions Mediterranean-inspired bridge with Matanzas Bay views – perfect for sunset ceremonies.
10. St. Augustine Lighthouse Iconic red-brick lighthouse offering coastal charm and maritime history.
St Augustine Elopement Photography Permit Requirements
City Locations
The Lightner Central Courtyard, The Lightner Side Courtyards, and Loggia require photo permits from the City of St. Augustine Department of Public Affairs or through the Wedding Authority (ask for Barb or Coogan).
Beach Locations
Most beach photography doesn’t require permits unless you have a larger party, but you can always double check with the St Johns County Parks and Recreation for specific locations and peace of mind.
Additional Permits
Alcohol permits required for serving alcohol in most beach areas, and sound permits needed for amplified music.
Perfect St. Augustine Elopement Timeline Planning
3-6 Months Before
- Select one of our elopement packages or reach out to us so we can create one just for you.
- Choose your venue and check permit requirements (we can help with this)
- Book accommodations in historic downtown
- Plan your guest list (if having a small celebration)
2 Months Before
- Apply for marriage license (can be done up to 60 days in advance)
- Finalize vendor team (officiant, florist, etc.)
- Submit any required venue or photography permits (we can help with this)
- We will finalize your photography timeline and go over any outstanding questions
1 Month Before
- Confirm all vendor details and timeline
- Check weather forecast for your date
- Plan your elopement day activities
- Arrange any necessary transportation
1 Week Before
- We will send you an updated weather forecast
- Pick up marriage license if applying in person
- Final venue and vendor confirmations
- Prepare ceremony items (rings, vows, etc.)
Day of Elopement – Recommended Timeline
Here is a sample timeline, we will customize the times and sequence of events to fit your day
- HH:MM XM – Final preparation and getting ready photos
- HH:MM XM – Travel to ceremony location for portraits
- HH:MM XM – (if applicable) First look and couples portraits
Afternoon Ceremony:
- HH:MM XM – Guest arrival (if applicable)
- HH:MM XM – Ceremony begins
- HH:MM XM – Just married portraits and family photos
- HH:MM XM – Couples portraits
- HH:MM XM – Celebration dinner or reception
Seasonal Considerations
Spring (March-May): Perfect weather, fewer crowds, blooming gardens Summer (June-August): Warm weather, longer days, but more tourists Fall (September-November): Comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, golden light Winter (December-February): Mild weather, lowest tourist season, intimate atmosphere
Weather & Backup Plans
St. Augustine enjoys a mild climate year-round, offering flexibility to plan ceremonies in any season. However, we will always have backup plans options for:
- Rain (especially during summer months)
- High winds on beach locations
- Extreme heat during summer ceremonies
Cost Considerations
Marriage License: $86 Photography Permits: Varies by location (many locations free) Venue Fees: Range from free (public spaces) to several hundred dollars Photography: Investment varies based on the Elopement Package you select
Pro Tips from a St. Augustine Elopement Photographer
- Golden Hour Magic: Schedule your ceremony 1-2 hours before sunset for the most romantic lighting
- Tide Considerations: Check tide schedules for beach ceremonies – low tide provides more beach space
- Weekday Advantages: Consider weekday ceremonies for fewer crowds and better availability
- Historic District Charm: Plan extra time for photos in the historic streets – the cobblestones and architecture are stunning
- Weather Monitoring: Florida weather can change quickly – maintain flexibility in your timeline
Making Your St. Augustine Elopement Unique
Historic Touches:
- Incorporate Spanish colonial elements in your decor
- Use the city’s 450+ year history as inspiration
- Consider a horse-drawn carriage for transportation or a Pedicab as your getaway ride
Coastal Elements:
- Beach glass and shells in your bouquet
- Barefoot beach ceremony
- Nautical themes with lighthouse backdrop
Local Flavors:
- Celebrate with dinner at a historic restaurant
- Incorporate local cuisine into your reception
- Toast with local craft beer or wine
After Your Elopement
Immediate Tasks:
- Return signed marriage license within 10 days
- Celebrate!
- We will send you a sneak peek of your Elopement Pictures and the rest of the gallery as soon as it is ready
Lasting Memories:
- We can help you create a photo album of your St. Augustine Elopement
- Plan anniversary returns to your ceremony location
- Share your experience to inspire other couples
Why Choose Us for you St. Augustine Elopement Photography
As your St Augustine elopement photographer, we understand this city’s unique lighting, best ceremony timing, and most photogenic locations. With more than 10 years of experience capturing intimate ceremonies throughout the historic district and beaches, we can help you create a timeline that maximizes both your experience and your photographs.
Professional elopement photography ensures you’ll have beautiful memories of your special day while allowing you to be fully present for your ceremony. From getting ready shots to golden hour portraits, every moment of your St. Augustine elopement deserves to be preserved with artistic excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have an FAQ section on our St Augustine Elopements Page that covers most common questions. If you have a question that we didn’t cover please Contact Us and let us know!
Ready to Plan Your St. Augustine Elopement?
St. Augustine provides the perfect blend of history, romance, and natural beauty for your intimate wedding. With proper planning using this timeline and requirements guide, your elopement will be everything you’ve dreamed of and more.
Contact Photos by Rob + Jill Futrell to discuss your St Augustine elopement photography needs and create a custom timeline for your perfect day in America’s oldest city.
Rob Futrell has been capturing St Augustine elopements and weddings since 2010, specializing in documentary-style photography that preserves the authentic emotions and beauty of your special day.
