Elope in St Augustine, Florida | A Photographers Guide

Planning Resources, Beach, Elopement, Saint Augustine, St Augustine Clerk of Courts, wedding

July 1, 2025

Elope in St Augustine, Florida | A Photographers Guide

updated: June 2025
note: what started as a 2 paragraph post has turned in to a multipage guide. Please email me with comments, suggestions, or questions.

Elope in St Augustine, Florida

In this article, we’ll take you through our favorite tips for planning a dreamlike elopement in this enchanting city. Discover the ideal times to visit, choose picturesque venues, and ensure your special moments are perfectly captured. Whether the draw is our sandy beaches, historic district downtown architecture, cobblestone streets, or eclectic dining spots, we’ll help you tailor your love-filled celebration. Our guide includes all you need to plan an unforgettable elopement in St. Augustine, Florida. With a decade of experience photographing intimate ceremonies against this historic canvas, we share our knowledge on seasonal highlights, the golden hours for photography, and our favorite spots around the city.

Why St. Augustine, Florida?

St. Augustine seamlessly blends history with romance, providing a magical setting for couples looking to tie the knot away from the traditional hustle. From its Spanish architecture, cobblestone walkways, to stunning natural settings, St. Augustine offers an array of options to make your special day unforgettable.

What is an Elopement?

Elopement or Micro Wedding is a term to describe a couple choosing to have a small, intimate, and often more personal wedding ceremony without the complexities and expenses of a traditional wedding. We have seen this trend becoming more popular as couples seek to focus on their commitment to each other rather than on a large wedding day.

Elopement Checklist:

The Perfect Time and Day for your Wedding

When planning your wedding day in St. Augustine, Florida, timing is important. Locals consider the months between November and May as the “busy season”. This period avoids the rainy season from July through September. Summer, from May to August, offers longer days with sunsets as late as 8:30 PM and the days tend to be warmer. This extended daylight is perfect for couples looking to capture beautiful wedding photos later in the evening.

The months of September, October, and November bring more comfortable weather but also a higher chance of rain and the occasional hurricane. Morning ceremonies during these months take advantage of lovely sunrise lighting on the beach and a quieter setting if you are thinking about pictures in the historic downtown area (before the tourists are up for the day).

Time of the Day

For couples looking for the best lighting consider scheduling your elopement 1.5 to 2 hours before sunset. This lets us use all of the “Golden Hour” for your photos. Some couples break up their elopement day into different sessions. This allows for diverse lighting conditions in their wedding album.

Do you need a Marriage License to get married in St. Augustine, Florida?

A marriage license is required to get married in the state of Florida. Should you need a marriage license, the St. Johns County Clerk of Court is the place to go. Visitors from outside Florida, whether from another state or country, can get a Marriage License immediately and have no waiting period. Florida residents must observe a 3-day waiting period.

An Officiant for your Wedding Ceremony

In Florida, a legal marriage officiant is necessary for your ceremony. This can be an ordained minister (this includes those ordained online), a Florida Judge, or one of the deputy clerks at the Clerk of Court.

Some of the wonderful officiants to consider for your Elopement Ceremony:

A Location that is Perfect for You

St. Augustine has some of the most beautiful natural settings in the world. I know that is a bold statement… but when you see the Bridge of Lions, the Lightner Museum during Nights of Lights, Flagler College, or the Castillo de San Marcos you will agree that this is a one of a kind city. As a popular destination for elopement wedding ceremonies there are several venues in downtown that offer special wedding packages for elopements, micro weddings, and smaller celebrations.

The St. Johns County Clerk of Courts

Eloping at the St. Johns County Clerk of Courts offers a simple and intimate way to tie the knot. The courthouse provides an affordable option for couples looking to exchange vows without the frills of a traditional wedding. The marriage license fee is modest, typically around $86, though couples who complete a premarital preparation course may receive a discount. The Clerk of Courts is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, making it convenient for couples to schedule their special day during the workweek. It’s important to note that the office is closed on weekends and public holidays, so planning ahead is crucial. For more detailed information, contacting the Clerk of Courts directly or visiting their official website can ensure a smooth elopement experience.

Bed and Breakfasts

Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of the ocean and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. St. Augustine’s charming bed and breakfasts can offer you intimate, cozy accommodations paired with stunning views, perfect for a romantic elopement. Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Bayfront Marin House: Nestled along the picturesque bayfront, this historic bed and breakfast boasts enchanting views of Matanzas Bay. Their courtyard provides an intimate setting for saying “I do” with the Bridge of Lions as your witness.
  • Casa de Suenos: Known for their personalized service and elegant, intimate setting, this bed and breakfast offers elopement packages that include a ceremony officiant, photography, and even a romantic carriage tour of the city.
  • St. Francis Inn: Dating back to 1791, this inn offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern comforts. The lush garden courtyard is a secluded sanctuary perfect for an intimate wedding ceremony.
  • The Kenwood Inn: With its historic charm and vibrant tropical gardens, The Kenwood Inn creates a serene and inviting atmosphere. Located in the heart of downtown, its guest rooms are perfect for couples that are celebrating with friends and family.

Sunset Sail

Getting married on a sailboat in St. Augustine offers a unique and picturesque setting for couples seeking an intimate and memorable ceremony. Imagine being surrounded by panoramic views of the Castillo de San Marcos and St. Augustine’s iconic lighthouse.

  • Schooner Freedom: Getting married on the Schooner Freedom offers a unique and romantic maritime experience, and provides an unforgettable backdrop for your vows.
  • Sabrage: A double hulled catamaran that is captained by a local crew who know the waterways in and around St. Agustina as well anyone.

Beach Weddings

Want to escape the hustle and bustle of the cobblestone streets of downtown? A beach wedding offers couples a picturesque setting with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, providing a romantic and serene atmosphere for exchanging vows. Among the popular beach choices are St. Augustine Beach, Vilano Beach, and Anastasia Beach.

  • St. Augustine Beach: Getting married on St. Augustine Beach, Florida, offers a stunning backdrop of white quartz sand, Atlantic Ocean views, and a romantic, historic vibe. A permit for small weddings can be requested online from the City of St. Augustine Beach and cost $100 (as of June 2025).
  • Vilano Beach: Vilano Beach is only a few miles from down but offers are different vibe from St. Augustine Beach. There tend to be fewer beachgoers and the rock jettys offer nice diversity for pictures. A permit can be requested from the Special Events on St. Johns County Beaches page and usually run $100 (as of June 2025).
  • Anastasia State Park: Anastasia State Park is a unique white sand beach covered in sea oats and sand dunes that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. The beaches tend to be more private especially at sunset. Permit information can be found at the Anastasia State Park page on the Florida State Parks website.

A Wedding Photographer

If you are interested in having wedding photography for your elopement we would love to chat with you. We have been photographing couples in St. Augustine for over a decade. We can help with logistics, backup vendors, make suggestions on the best time of day for the location you have in mind, and advise you of any rules or permit fees that need to be kept in mind. We are more than just photographers, we are like wedding concierges.

We can put together a custom package for just the ceremony or for a bit more time to photograph bridal portraits, couples portraits, the ceremony, family pictures.

We offer simple packages for couples just wanting us to capture the ceremony as well as options for an extended sessions to include bridal portraits, couples portraits, the ceremony, and family pictures.

We edit all of your images to ensure everything looks perfect and deliver them to you in an online gallery where you can download them or share them with friends and family. This is a great way to share your celebration with your loves on that can’t be there in person. They can also download the digital images and order physical prints via the online gallery.

You can get in touch with us via our St. Augustine Elopement Photography page.

A dining venue for your post-ceremony celebration

Celebrating your vow exchange in St. Augustine offers a fantastic array of restaurant choices that can accommodate a range of tastes and settings. Here are some recommendations, both downtown and at the beaches:

Downtown St. Augustine:

  • Collage Restaurant: Known for its intimate atmosphere, this upscale dining spot specializes in globally-inspired cuisine that is perfect for a romantic celebration.
  • The Floridian: Offering a modern take on Southern comfort food with a focus on fresh and locally-sourced ingredients, The Floridian provides a charming and laid-back environment.
  • Ice Plant Bar: Located in a beautifully restored ice plant building, this restaurant combines a unique industrial ambiance with farm-to-table dishes and craft cocktails.
  • The Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Costa Brava: For a truly elegant experience, consider Costa Brava, located in the historic Casa Monica Hotel. Their Mediterranean-inspired menu provides a luxurious dining experience.

St. Augustine Beaches:

  • The Reef: Located near Vilano Beach this venue offers panoramic ocean views, The Reef is an excellent choice for a romantic beachside dinner, specializing in fresh seafood and coastal cuisine.
  • Salt Life Food Shack: Located near St. Augustine Beach, this casual spot is perfect for a more laid-back celebration, featuring a diverse menu with beach-inspired dishes.
  • Cap’s on the Water: Situated along the Intracoastal Waterway, this restaurant offers beautiful sunset views and a menu full of fresh seafood and Southern-inspired dishes.

Tips for Planning:

  • Reservations: Make sure to book well in advance, especially for popular spots and during peak tourist seasons.
  • Private Dining: If you’re looking for a more intimate setting, inquire about private dining options or rooms.
  • Cuisine Preferences: Ensure the menu offers options that will accommodate all your guests’ dietary preferences or restrictions.

Whichever location you choose, St. Augustine’s blend of history, scenic views, and culinary delights will undoubtedly create a memorable vow exchange celebration.

Happy Ever After

St. Augustine holds a special place in our hearts and we know you will feel the same. We hope that as the years go by, you will find yourselves drawn back to St. Augustine to celebrate your anniversaries, reliving the magic and nostalgia that the city imparts. Walking along its cobblestone streets, revisiting the spots where your memories were made adding layers to your shared history.

by Rob Futrell

Please send me any questions, comments, or suggestions.

rob + jill futrell