About Us
We're Rob and Jill — a husband-and-wife team who've been photographing elopements on Amelia Island and around St. Augustine since 2014. We're parents and St. Augustine locals, and after more than a decade we still chase that Florida light: the way it pours through the oak canopies and glows off the old coquina walls.
Our approach is easygoing and documentary. Rob sees light and angles like the engineer he used to be; Jill reads the room and knows just when you need a quiet minute. We're there to capture your day the way it actually feels — the belly laughs, the happy tears, the small in-between moments — not to stage it.
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Stephanie & Ariel
Nikki & Kiel
Chauncey & James
Donnie & Jennifer
Locations
Thirteen miles of shoreline, a walkable Victorian downtown, a Civil War-era state park, and a handful of historic inns — all within a 15-minute drive of each other. Most weddings here use two or three of these spots in a single afternoon.
The east-side beaches run from Main Beach Park north of the dunes down to American Beach and the quieter southern stretches. Main Beach Park is the easiest access for guests and the easiest parking; American Beach and the southern access points trade convenience for privacy. Sunrise on the east coast is a natural fit for beach vows here — soft light, fewer people, no permit hassle for small groups.
Centre Street's brick storefronts, gas lamps, and Victorian facades make downtown Fernandina one of the most photogenic small-town districts in Florida. A handful of historic B&Bs sit within walking distance: the Williams House (an 1856 Italianate home with formal gardens), the Fairbanks House (an Italianate mansion with a brick courtyard and gas-lit garden), the Hoyt House (a restored Queen Anne with a wraparound veranda), and the Florida House Inn area. Any of them work for an intimate ceremony followed by downtown portraits.
A Civil War-era brick fort at the northern tip of the island, with sweeping views of Cumberland Sound and the mouth of the St. Marys River. The combination of architecture, marsh, and sound water creates a backdrop unlike any other spot in the area. Fort Clinch is a state park, so a special-use permit is required for ceremonies — we handle the paperwork for couples on the all-inclusive package.
Boardwalks and earthen trails through maritime forest and salt marsh, just east of downtown. It's the lesser-known nature option on the island — quiet, no permit needed for small portrait sessions, and a great fit for nature-loving couples who want something different from the typical beach setting.
The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island and the Omni Amelia Island Plantation both offer full resort logistics — manicured grounds, ocean views, indoor backup spaces, and on-property catering. Walker's Landing, tucked inside the Omni property, is a covered open-air pavilion overlooking the marsh; sunset light through the oaks here is some of the best on the island and the pavilion gives you a built-in rain backup without losing the outdoor feel.
Beyond the obvious, the island has pockets that locals favor: the live-oak canopy along Beech Street, the working shrimp boats at the city marina, and the dune crossovers at Burney Park. We work these in on extended packages when the timing and light line up.
Planning
The practical questions destination couples ask most — the marriage license, beach permits, the best months to come, and how to actually get here. Use this as a starting point and confirm specifics with the relevant office before you book travel.
Florida marriage licenses for ceremonies on the island are issued by the Nassau County Clerk of Court, with the main office in Yulee (about 15 minutes from Fernandina Beach). Both partners need to apply in person with valid photo ID. Florida residents have a 3-day waiting period before the license becomes effective; the wait is waived for residents who complete a state-approved premarital course, and it does not apply to out-of-state couples. Once issued, the license is valid for 60 days. Fees and current document requirements change periodically — check clerk.nassauclerk.com for the latest. Most out-of-state couples land on a Friday, pick up the license Saturday morning in Yulee, and say their vows that afternoon.
Public beach access points along the island generally don't require a permit for small ceremonies of under about 25 people, though the City of Fernandina Beach manages permits for some popular access points and for larger gatherings — check the city's parks office for current requirements. Fort Clinch State Park and Amelia Island State Park both require a special-use permit for any ceremony, with applications submitted in advance through the Florida State Parks system. Resort properties handle their own on-property paperwork. None of this is hard, but it does need to happen before the date is locked — permits typically take a few weeks to process, so allow lead time.
October through May is the comfort window on the North Florida coast: warm days, low humidity, and generally calmer weather. June through September is hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; sunrise vows on the beach are still beautiful in summer, but mid-day and afternoon ceremonies get tough. Atlantic hurricane season runs June through November with a peak in August and September — not a reason to avoid those months entirely, but worth carrying travel insurance and building a covered backup into the plan. Sunrise on the east-facing beaches is the standout light of the day year-round; sunset works for marsh-side and downtown shots.
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is the closest commercial airport, roughly a 35-minute drive south of the island via I-95 and the A1A bridge from Yulee. There's no ferry — the island is reached entirely by causeway. Savannah-Hilton Head (SAV) is about 2 hours north for couples bundling a Georgia coast trip. Once on the island, plan for parking to be the trickiest part of beach ceremonies: lots at Main Beach Park and Peters Point fill quickly on weekends and during peak season, so we recommend arriving 30+ minutes before your start time and carpooling with guests when possible. The southern beach access points and resort properties have easier parking.
The Island
Unlike busier Florida beach towns, Amelia Island feels like an escape. The pace is slower, the shoreline is quieter, and the whole island has a romantic, tucked-away quality that destination couples love. You can have your ceremony on the sand and take portraits on cobblestone streets without driving across town — beach, historic district, nature preserves, and luxury resorts are all within minutes of each other.
The shoulder seasons (spring and fall) deliver the best light and the most comfortable weather, but the island works year-round: mild winters, warm springs and falls, and summer sunrises that beat the afternoon heat. And it's easy to reach — 35 minutes from JAX makes it feasible to fly in, get married, and start a mini-honeymoon, all in one trip. Many of our destination couples plan it exactly this way.
Pricing
Three options designed for destination couples and intimate weddings. All three include full photo coverage, professional editing, and a private online gallery — the differences come down to how much time you want on the island, how many locations you want to work in, and how much of the planning we take off your plate.
We handle everything—just show up and say “I do.”
InquireNeed more time? Additional coverage available at $400/hr. All packages include professional editing and a private online gallery.
FAQ
The questions destination couples ask us most
Yes. Florida marriage licenses are issued by the Nassau County Clerk's office in Yulee, about 15 minutes from the island. Florida residents have a 3-day waiting period (waivable with a state-approved premarital course); out-of-state couples can apply and marry the same day. Licenses are valid for 60 days. Bring photo ID and the license fee. Check clerk.nassauclerk.com for current details.
Most public beach access points on the island don't require a permit for small gatherings. Fort Clinch State Park and Amelia Island State Park do require special-use permits, and resort properties (Ritz-Carlton, Omni, Walker's Landing) handle their own on-property logistics. The City of Fernandina Beach manages permits for some popular access points; our all-inclusive package includes permit assistance so you don't have to figure it out.
March through May and September through November are the sweet spots — warm but not humid, low chance of afternoon storms, softer light. Summer is workable for sunrise vows (we love a 6:30 AM beach start) but afternoons can be hot and stormy. Winter is mild with occasional cool snaps; Christmas-week bookings are quietly popular.
Florida weather rarely cancels a day; it just reroutes it. Most summer storms blow through in 30-60 minutes, and the light right after is often the best of the day. We always have a covered backup plan ready — Walker's Landing pavilion, downtown Fernandina porches, the Omni atrium, or the Ritz-Carlton ballroom — depending on where you're getting married. We've never had to call a day off.
Fly into Jacksonville International (JAX), about 30 minutes away via the A1A bridge from Yulee — no ferry needed. Most destination couples drive over the same day they arrive. Savannah-Hilton Head (SAV) is roughly 2 hours north if you want to bundle a Georgia coast trip.
We recommend 2-3 months for the best date selection, especially in shoulder-season months. We've shot same-week sessions when our calendar allowed — reach out even if you're short on time. Saturday sunset slots in October and November book the fastest.
Yes — Florida is one of the easier states for destination weddings. Out-of-state couples have no waiting period, the marriage license fee is reasonable, and the Nassau County clerk's office moves fast. Many destination couples fly in Friday, get the license Saturday morning, and say their vows at sunset.
Absolutely. Modern elopements range from just the two of you to small groups of 20-30. Beach permits get more involved over ~25 attendees, and some historic-inn venues cap guest counts — we'll help match the location to your group size during planning.
Highlight images within a few days, full edited gallery within 2-3 weeks. You won't be waiting months. We deliver via a private online gallery with download and print rights included.
Why Us
You get both Rob and Jill at every shoot — Rob captures the wide shots and dramatic light; Jill catches the quiet details and candid emotion. After years of working together as a husband-and-wife team, we move without direction and without crowding the moment.
We've been photographing this island since 2014 and have shot 600+ ceremonies across northeast Florida. We know where the light is best at every hour, which beaches are empty when, and the hidden spots tourists don't find. Most of our destination couples travel here from out of state — we help with location scouting, timing, officiant referrals, and weather backup plans so you can focus on getting married. Galleries are delivered within 2-3 weeks; highlight images within days. You won't wait months to share the photos.
The Process
Tell us about your plans — or your lack of plans. We'll brainstorm locations, timing, logistics, and backup options together.
Reserve your date with a signed contract and small retainer.
We build a relaxed timeline that fits your day, not a rigid shot list.
We arrive, handle the photography, and keep things calm. Your edited gallery arrives within 2-3 weeks; highlights within days.
Testimonials
290+ five-star reviews on Google, WeddingWire & The Knot
“So positive and professional! We absolutely love our wedding photos and the whole experience with Rob and Jill. They respond quickly and Rob made our day so special.”
“Rob and Jill are AMAZING! The photos on their website are indicative of the quality of work you may expect for your event. They are an incredible team who has the unique ability to remain professional while...”
“When we decided to elope, I had no clue where to start. We reached out to Jill & Rob based on reviews for photography, but they were so much more than that! Jill was so very helpful in so much of the planning...”
“Rob Futrell is by far the most talented photographer I have ever known. He puts you at ease the moment you meet him. He understands every idea that you have while finding ways to elevate your idea beyond your...”
“Rob & Jill are amazing. Timely responses, professional, and very kind. Great value with amazing quality. I was planning an elopement from Illinois and they made everything so easy and I never once has to...”
“Rob Futrell is by far the most talented photographer I have ever known. He puts you at ease the moment you meet him. He understands every idea that you have while finding ways to elevate your idea beyond your...”
Full Weddings
Not every Amelia Island couple wants an elopement — plenty are planning a full day with family, a reception, and all the traditional pieces. We photograph those too. As an Amelia Island wedding photographer, we cover ceremonies and receptions at venues across the island, from beachfront resorts like the Ritz-Carlton and the Omni Amelia Island Resort to the Ocean Club of Amelia Island and The Preserve at Amelia River Club. If a full wedding day is more your speed than a quick elopement, that's the better starting point.
Tell us about your vision and we'll help make it happen. No pressure, no obligation — just a conversation about your day.
Get in TouchWe also photograph St. Augustine elopements and Jacksonville elopements. Whether you're booking an Amelia Island elopement or a wider Northeast Florida ceremony, reach out and we'll help you plan it.