How to Elope in St. Augustine
Your complete guide to saying 'I do' in America's oldest city
St. Augustine is one of the most romantic places to elope in Florida. Cobblestone streets, Spanish architecture, ocean views, and 450 years of history create the perfect backdrop for intimate ceremonies. We've photographed over 600 weddings and elopements here—this guide shares everything we've learned.
Why Elope in St. Augustine?
Couples choose St. Augustine for elopements because it offers something most Florida destinations can't: character. Instead of generic beach backdrops, you get centuries-old architecture, sprawling oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, and a walkable downtown where every corner feels like a movie set.
It's also incredibly practical. Florida has no waiting period for marriage licenses, and St. Augustine has venues that specialize in intimate ceremonies—meaning less stress and lower costs than a traditional wedding.
St. Augustine Elopement Quick Facts
- Marriage license: No waiting period in Florida
- Cost: $93.50 (less if you take a premarital course)
- Ceremony venues: From $500 to $3,000+
- Best months: March-May, October-November
- Peak season to avoid: July-August (hot and humid)
Best Places to Elope in St. Augustine
After photographing hundreds of ceremonies, these are the venues we recommend most for elopements and micro weddings.
The Wedding Authority
St. Augustine's busiest elopement venue for good reason. Choose between the Lightner Museum Courtyard (outdoor garden with koi pond and stone bridge) or the Amore Wedding Chapel (intimate indoor space with stained glass). All-inclusive packages include officiant, coordination, and permits.
Best for: Couples who want a stress-free, all-inclusive experience
View Venue Guide
The White Room
Three stunning spaces overlooking Matanzas Bay: the Rooftop Terrace, Villa Blanca ballroom, and The Loft. The rooftop at golden hour is unbeatable—west-facing views over the water with the Bridge of Lions in the distance.
Best for: Couples wanting dramatic waterfront photos and a more upscale vibe
View Venue Guide
St. Augustine Beach
Classic Florida beach elopement with the Atlantic as your backdrop. Vilano Beach and Crescent Beach offer more privacy than the main beach. Sunrise ceremonies avoid crowds; sunset is more dramatic but busier.
Best for: Couples who want barefoot-in-the-sand simplicity
View Beach Venues
St. Johns County Courthouse
The most affordable option. Civil ceremonies are performed by the clerk's office—quick, legal, and done. Many couples do the courthouse ceremony then take photos around downtown afterward.
Best for: Couples on a tight budget or who just want to be married without fanfare
Courthouse Wedding Info
Historic Bed & Breakfasts
St. Augustine's B&Bs offer intimate courtyards, wraparound porches, and old Florida charm. Casa de Solana, St. Francis Inn, and Kenwood Inn all host small ceremonies. Bonus: you can stay the night.
Best for: Couples who want a private, romantic setting with accommodation included
Browse All VenuesGetting Your Florida Marriage License
Florida makes it easy. Here's what you need to know:
Requirements
- Both parties must appear in person at the clerk's office
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- Social Security numbers
- If previously married: date marriage ended and how (divorce, death, annulment)
Cost & Timing
- Standard fee: $93.50
- With premarital course: $61.00 (Florida residents only)
- Waiting period: None for out-of-state couples. Florida residents have a 3-day waiting period unless they complete a premarital course.
- License valid: 60 days from issue date
Where to Apply
St. Johns County Clerk of Court
4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Official website →
What's Included in Elopement Packages?
Most St. Augustine elopement packages include:
- Venue access for ceremony (typically 1-2 hours)
- Officiant to perform the legal ceremony
- Witnesses if needed (Florida requires two)
- Basic coordination and day-of timing
- Permits for public locations
What's usually not included (and you'll want to budget for):
- Photography — Don't skip this. You'll want to remember the day.
- Flowers — Even a simple bouquet makes photos special
- Hair & makeup — Optional, but nice to feel pampered
- Celebratory dinner — St. Augustine has amazing restaurants
Typical Elopement Costs in St. Augustine
| Marriage license | $61-93 |
| Venue/officiant package | $500-2,000 |
| Photography (30 min - 2 hours) | $350-850 |
| Flowers (bouquet + boutonnière) | $150-400 |
| Hair & makeup | $200-400 |
| Total range | $1,250-4,500 |
Best Time to Elope in St. Augustine
Best Months
March through May and October through November offer the best combination of comfortable weather, beautiful light, and manageable crowds. Spring brings blooming flowers; fall has spectacular golden light.
Months to Consider Carefully
June through August: Hot, humid, and afternoon thunderstorms are almost guaranteed. If you must elope in summer, book a morning ceremony or an indoor venue with AC.
December through February: The Nights of Lights festival (mid-November through January) transforms downtown into a magical wonderland of 3 million white lights—gorgeous for photos, but expect crowds and higher prices.
Best Time of Day
Golden hour (the hour before sunset) creates the most beautiful, romantic photos. Morning ceremonies work well for beach elopements when you want privacy. Midday is typically harsh for photography but fine for courthouse ceremonies.
Planning Your St. Augustine Elopement
8-Week Countdown
Book Venue & Photographer
Secure your ceremony location and photography coverage.
Arrange Officiant
If not included with venue, find and book your officiant.
Book Vendors
Order flowers, book hair and makeup if desired.
Get Marriage License
Visit the clerk's office together to obtain your license.
Final Confirmations
Confirm all vendors, finalize timeline, pack outfits.
Pick Up & Prep
Pick up flowers, do a venue walk-through if possible.
Get Married!
Relax and enjoy—you're getting married!
What to Bring
- Marriage license (don't forget this!)
- Rings
- Vows (if writing your own)
- Comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones
- Touch-up kit for photos
- Phone charger
- Cash for tips
Capture Your Elopement
We're Rob & Jill, husband-and-wife photographers who've documented over 600 weddings and elopements in St. Augustine. We know every venue, every photo spot, and exactly when the light is perfect.
Our elopement coverage starts at 1 hour and includes all edited digital images. Whether you're eloping at the courthouse or planning a micro wedding at The White Room, we'd love to be there.