Elopement Guide · St. Augustine
How to Elope in St. Augustine
The complete planning guide from local photographers who've captured 600+ weddings in America's oldest city.
Eloping in St. Augustine
A St. Augustine elopement gives you something most Florida venues can't match: historic architecture, quiet beaches, and romantic courtyards all within walking distance of each other. It's a ceremony that feels intentional rather than rushed. As photographers who live and work here, we've helped hundreds of couples navigate the logistics of eloping in the nation's oldest city.
This guide covers everything you need to know: how to get your marriage license, planning around your date, ceremony locations from beachfront to historic downtown, and practical tips we've learned from over a decade of photographing elopements here.
Photos from St. Augustine Beach
Getting Your Marriage License
Florida makes eloping easy, and the paperwork is straightforward.
Both partners must appear in person with valid photo ID. Bring your driver's license or passport. If you've been married before, you'll need to know the date, city, and state of the divorce or death certificate information.
*Florida residents can waive the waiting period by completing a premarital preparation course. This also reduces the license fee to $61.00.
Same-Day Ceremonies
The Clerk's office offers civil ceremonies for $30.00. It's simple, quick, and legal. Many couples get their license and ceremony done in the same appointment, then head out for photos at one of St. Augustine's beautiful locations.
For more details on courthouse ceremonies, see our complete courthouse wedding guide.
St. Augustine Elopement Cost Breakdown
One of the biggest advantages of eloping: it costs a fraction of a traditional wedding. Here's a realistic breakdown of what couples typically spend:
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | All-Inclusive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage License | $86 | $86 | $86 |
| Officiant | $30 (clerk) | $150-250 | $200-350 |
| Photography | $450 (30 min) | $650 (1 hr) | $1,000-1,300 |
| Flowers | $50-100 | $150-250 | $250-400 |
| Hair & Makeup | DIY | $200-300 | $300-450 |
| Permits (varies by location) | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Total | $616-766 | $1,286-1,636 | $1,886-2,686 |
Not included above: Attire, rings, accommodations, dinner, travel, and any location permits. Totals reflect the ceremony, photography, and vendor costs only — permits vary widely by location (see the permits note below), and beaches and state parks carry their own fees.
Prices updated October 2026. The license and clerk fees come from the St. Johns County Clerk, and the photography prices are our current rates.
Permit reality check: A “free” public ceremony isn't always free. St. Johns County requires a wedding permit for ceremonies on the public beaches regardless of how many guests you have, plus a separate photo permit and proof of insurance. Florida State Parks (Anastasia, Washington Oaks) require a Special Use Permit on top of the per-vehicle entry fee. The City of St. Augustine has its own film/photo permit for commercial shoots. We sort out which permits your specific plan needs before your date — just ask. Our St. Augustine wedding permits guide covers each one. Beach permit rules updated October 2026 from St. Johns County.
Budget tip: A courthouse ceremony + 30 minutes of portraits can be done for under $700. Add a nice dinner and you've had an unforgettable day for less than most couples spend on flowers alone.
Want someone to handle it all? We offer an all-inclusive elopement package that includes photography, officiant (Jill is ordained), florals, permit arrangements, and day-of coordination—so you can focus on each other instead of logistics. See our all-inclusive St. Augustine elopement package →
Is There a Best Time of Year to Elope?
St. Augustine is a year-round destination, but each season has its own character. Here's what to expect:
Spring (March - May)
Comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and blooming flowers throughout downtown.
- Why couples love it
- Gentle weather and green landscapes
- How we plan
- We coordinate your date and the venues for you
Summer (June - August)
Long days and dramatic skies. We plan around the afternoon weather with morning or sunset ceremonies.
- Why couples love it
- Dramatic skies, long evenings, and a quieter downtown
- How we plan
- Morning or sunset timing keeps everyone comfortable
Fall (September - November)
Lower humidity returns and the light turns warm. Nights of Lights begins mid-November.
- Why couples love it
- Warm light and magical lighting downtown
- How we plan
- We watch the forecast and keep a backup ready
Winter (December - February)
Mild temperatures (50s-70s) with an occasional cool front. Nights of Lights runs through January 31.
- Why couples love it
- Crisp days and a festive atmosphere
- How we plan
- Layers for sunset and a cozy courtyard backup
Nights of Lights (November - January)
St. Augustine's Nights of Lights festival transforms downtown into three million white lights. Elopements during this time are magical—picture your ceremony with the Lightner Museum glowing behind you, or portraits on St. George Street with twinkling lights overhead.
Photos from Nights of Lights in St. Augustine
Weather note: Florida weather can be unpredictable. We've had gorgeous December days and stormy April evenings. The good news? Afternoon storms typically pass within 30-60 minutes, and the light right after is often beautiful.
Is There a Best Time of Day for Photos?
Timing matters for photography. Here's how we plan for it in St. Augustine:
Golden Hour (Sunset)
Warm, glowing light that makes everything look dreamy. We plan the ceremony time around the sunset on your date, then use that light for portraits.
Sunrise
Soft, peaceful light and empty beaches. You'll have St. Augustine Beach practically to yourselves, and we plan the morning so hair and makeup start on time.
Midday
Shaded locations shine at midday, from courtyards and covered patios to the shade under Spanish moss. Indoor venues and overcast days are lovely too.
Photos from St. Augustine Beach
Sample Elopement Timelines
Not sure how to structure your day? Here are three proven timelines based on real elopements we've photographed:
The Quick & Sweet (1 Hour)
Perfect for: Courthouse ceremony + portraits, midweek elopements
The Golden Hour Elopement (2 Hours)
Perfect for: Sunset ceremonies
The Full Experience (Half Day)
Perfect for: Adventure elopements, multiple locations
Note: These timelines assume a winter sunset around 5:30-6:00 PM. In summer, shift everything 2+ hours later to catch that 8:00 PM golden hour.
Your Wedding Day Timeline
Build a photography timeline for your elopement
Get a personalized photography schedule in 60 seconds — no signup required.
Build My Timeline →B&Bs That Host Elopements
If you would rather have the whole day handled in one booking, with no lodging requirement, Jill officiates, Rob photographs, and the location, permit, flowers, and marriage paperwork are all taken care of. See our all-inclusive elopement package in St. Augustine.
If you would like to stay and say your vows in the same place, several St. Augustine bed and breakfasts make beautiful settings for an intimate elopement.
Casa de Solana
Historic B&B on Aviles Street with a private courtyard garden. A lovely setting for a small elopement, with room for a few guests.
- Where
- 21 Aviles St, St. Augustine
- Note
- Courtyard ceremonies
Bayfront Marin House
Beautiful views of Matanzas Bay and the Bridge of Lions. The rooftop terrace and waterfront garden are popular ceremony spots.
- Where
- 142 Avenida Menendez
- Note
- Waterfront ceremonies
St. Francis Inn
St. Augustine's oldest inn, dating to 1791. The courtyard features a swimming pool and tropical gardens perfect for intimate ceremonies.
- Where
- 279 St. George St
- Note
- Historic courtyard
Cedar House Inn
Victorian home with wraparound porches and a beautiful garden. Its honeymoon suite makes a romantic place to stay on your wedding night.
- Where
- 79 Cedar St
- Note
- Garden ceremonies
Contact each property directly for availability and ceremony arrangements.
Downtown Ceremony Venues
St. Augustine's historic downtown offers dozens of ceremony options, from public spaces to private venues. Here are some favorites:
Public Spaces (No Permit Required)
Small ceremonies and micro weddings (under 25 guests) at these locations don't require permits:
- Plaza de la Constitución — The heart of downtown with the gazebo and Constitution Obelisk
- The Bayfront — Seawall overlooking Matanzas Bay with the Bridge of Lions as backdrop
- Aviles Street — America's oldest street, cobblestones and Spanish colonial architecture
- Magnolia Avenue — Iconic tree-lined street with Spanish moss and historic homes
Castillo de San Marcos note: The fort's grounds make a dramatic free backdrop for portraits (small still-photo sessions need no permit), but the National Park Service is not currently permitting weddings or ceremonies at the Castillo — they've been suspended with no firm reopening timeline. Plan to marry elsewhere and use the fort exterior for photos.
Photos from Aviles Street and the St. Augustine historic district
Private Venues
- The Wedding Authority (Amore Chapel & Lightner Courtyard)
- An intimate chapel seating 50 guests plus access to the stunning Lightner Museum courtyard with its koi pond and stone bridge. This is downtown's most romantic elopement setting. Where: 75 King St · Note: Permit required · Indoor & outdoor options
- Peña-Peck House
- Historic Spanish colonial home with a gorgeous bougainvillea-covered courtyard. Small ceremonies only. Where: 143 St. George St · Note: Contact for availability
- 9 Aviles
- Modern event space with exposed brick and an intimate courtyard. Perfect for contemporary couples who want a downtown location without the historic vibe. Where: 9 Aviles St · Note: Private venue rental
- Villa Zorayda Museum
- A Moorish Revival castle modeled after Spain's Alhambra. Unique architecture and atmospheric grounds. Where: 83 King St · Note: Contact for elopement details
Photos from the Peña-Peck House
Best Photo Spots
After your ceremony, St. Augustine offers endless backdrops for portraits. Here are spots we return to again and again:
Downtown Classics
- Flagler College Colonnade — Spanish Renaissance architecture with dramatic arches
- Lightner Museum Bridge — Palm trees, string lights at dusk, reflection in the koi pond
- St. George Street — Colonial storefronts, cafe tables, charming streetscape
- Cathedral Basilica — Spanish colonial church with beautiful stone facade
- King Street with Casa Monica — The iconic yellow hotel makes a stunning backdrop
Photos from downtown St. Augustine
Waterfront Views
- Bayfront Seawall — Bridge of Lions backdrop, especially beautiful at sunset
- St. Augustine Marina — Sailboats, waterfront walkway, bridge views
- Salt Run — Quiet water, often glassy in the morning
Photos from the St. Augustine bayfront
Unique & Non-Traditional Venues
Looking for something different? St. Augustine has options beyond the typical beach or courtyard ceremony.
- Castle Otttis
- A hand-built castle on A1A with massive wooden doors, stone walls, and rooftop views. Ceremonies for 2-30 guests in a setting that feels like stepping into medieval Ireland. Where: 103 3rd St, Vilano Beach · Note: Private venue
- Schooner Freedom
- Say your vows aboard a tall ship sailing past the Castillo and Bridge of Lions. Sunset ceremonies with the old city skyline as your backdrop. Where: 111 Avenida Menendez · Note: Sailing elopements
- The Local Motel
- Retro-cool boutique motel with a turquoise pool and mid-century vibes. Fun, casual atmosphere for couples who don't take themselves too seriously. Where: St. Augustine Beach · Note: Contact for availability
- St. Augustine Lighthouse
- Maritime history meets sweeping views. Ceremonies on the grounds with the historic lighthouse towering above. Where: 81 Lighthouse Ave · Note: Permit required
- The Conch House Marina Resort
- Waterfront tiki vibes with dock ceremonies overlooking Salt Run. Caribbean-casual atmosphere with sunset views. Where: 57 Comares Ave · Note: Waterfront venue
Beaches & State Parks
Florida beach elopements are classic for a reason. Here's what you need to know about the St. Augustine area beaches:
St. Augustine Beach
The most accessible option—public parking, wide sand, and that classic Florida coastline. Like every St. Johns County beach, it takes a county wedding permit, and we help you sort it out. The pier area can get crowded; head north or south for more privacy.
Vilano Beach
Quieter than St. Augustine Beach with fewer tourists. Rocky outcroppings at low tide add visual interest. Great sunrise location.
Crescent Beach
15 minutes south, significantly less crowded. Wide beaches, minimal development, and a peaceful vibe. Worth the drive for privacy.
Photos from St. Augustine Beach
State Parks (Permit Required)
- Anastasia State Park
- 1,600 acres of undeveloped beach, dunes, and maritime hammock forest. Natural Florida beauty without the development. Where: 300 Anastasia Park Rd · Note: Special Use Permit + entry fee
- Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
- Coquina rock formations, tidal pools, and formal gardens. One of the most unique ceremony settings on the East Coast. Where: 6400 N Oceanshore Blvd, Palm Coast · Note: Permit required
- Fort Mose Historic State Park
- Peaceful oak-shaded grounds, open marsh views, and deep historical significance as the site of the first legally sanctioned free Black community in what's now the U.S. Where: 15 Fort Mose Trail · Note: Special Use Permit required for ceremonies
Tide tip: For beach ceremonies, check the tide charts. Low tide gives you more sand to work with; high tide can push you right up against the dunes. We always check tides when planning your timeline.
Helpful Planning Resources
Things to Do Before & After Your Ceremony
St. Augustine has plenty to fill a long weekend around your elopement. Here are local favorites:
Before the Ceremony
- Get pampered: Several downtown salons offer bridal hair and makeup services—schedule an appointment so you're camera-ready
- Explore downtown: St. George Street shops, Flagler College tours, local coffee at Lighthouse Coffee
- Brunch together: The Floridian, Preserved, or Catch 27 for a pre-ceremony meal
- Write your vows: Find a quiet spot at the bayfront or in one of the hidden courtyards
After the "I Do"
- Celebration dinner: The Floridian, Collage, or Ice Plant for farm-to-table; Cap's on the Water for waterfront
- Dessert: Hyppo gourmet popsicles, Claude's Chocolate, or Mayday ice cream
- Evening stroll: Walk the bayfront at dusk, or catch live music at A1A Ale Works or Meehan's
- Next-day adventures: Kayak through the marshes, visit Castillo de San Marcos, or drive out to the lighthouse
Dining tip: Book dinner reservations at least a week in advance, especially for Friday/Saturday evenings. St. Augustine's best restaurants are small and fill up fast.
Real St. Augustine Elopements
Want to see what an elopement in St. Augustine actually looks like? Browse some of our recent elopement stories.
Real Elopements by Setting
Every spot below is one we know firsthand. Tap a couple's name to see their Highlights, and the date shows when they married.
- St. Johns County Courthouse
- Nikki and Kiel (June 2026) said their vows under a floral arch, then headed downtown for portraits at the Lightner Museum and the marina. Samantha and Daniel (August 2026) and Mike and Isury (August 2026) exchanged rings in front of the white draped backdrop.
- Amore Chapel and the Lightner Courtyard
- Julie and Shawn (September 2021) married on the coquina stone bridge in the courtyard and rang the wedding bell. Ben and Brittany (December 2023) said their vows in front of the chapel's golden stained glass. Mary and Brian (June 2026) brought a few close friends to the courtyard.
- 9 Aviles
- Abbey and Jason (July 2023) brought both families together beneath iron chandeliers, then came with us to the beach for sunset portraits.
- Downtown under the oaks
- Donnie and Jennifer (February 2026) married downtown with their daughter by their side, then stopped at the Castillo and Magnolia Avenue for portraits. Blair and Devin (August 2026) said their vows under the palms and finished on Palm Row. Jill officiated both. Kaley and Colton (September 2026) married outside under the trees.
- Bayfront Marin House and the St. Francis Inn
- Blossom and Chris (July 2026) married under the Bayfront Marin House gazebo, with Rey, the owner, officiating. Amanda and Max (November 2025) gathered both families at the St. Francis Inn.
- Castle Otttis
- Stephanie and Ariel (June 2026) married in the castle's stone chapel with their moms and a small group of family, then took portraits up in the tower.
- Vilano Beach
- Jarah and Brandon (September 2026) made the drive from Kentucky for a ceremony on the sand. Harlee and Tanner (September 2025) married with their closest people around them and stayed for golden-hour portraits.
- Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
- Samantha and Matthew (July 2026) said their vows in the gardens, among red geraniums and Spanish moss, with family looking on.
- Fort Mose Historic State Park
- Kiley and Stacey (December 2025) chose the boardwalk for its mix of woods and water. Cameron and Chris (September 2026) had their first look on the shaded path and walked out onto the boardwalk together.
Booking an Elopement Photographer
You've planned the perfect elopement—don't forget to document it. As St. Augustine elopement photographers, here's our advice:
When to Book
Whenever you're ready, even if that's tomorrow. We've photographed same-day elopements, so call us and we'll tell you right away if we're free.
What to Look For
- Local experience — A photographer who knows the area can suggest locations, handle permits, and adapt to weather
- Style match — Look at full galleries, not just highlight reels. Do their couples look comfortable? Natural?
- Planning help — Good elopement photographers help with more than just photos: timelines, vendor recommendations, backup plans
What's Included
Elopement photography typically includes coverage time, edited digital images, and an online gallery. Some photographers (like us) offer all-inclusive elopement packages with florals, permits, and coordination.
We're Rob and Jill, a husband-and-wife team photographing St. Augustine elopements since 2014. Both of us come to every elopement, and Jill is ordained, so she can marry you too. There are two ways to work with us. Elopement photography starts at $450 for 30 minutes at the courthouse. The all-inclusive elopement package is $1,300, with the officiant, photography, flowers, and permit arrangements handled in one booking. Send us your date on the contact form and we'll tell you if we're free.
How Couples Elope in St. Augustine: Final Tips to Know
- Build in buffer time. St. Augustine is small but parking can be tricky, especially downtown. Don't schedule back-to-back activities.
- Witnesses are optional. Florida does not require witnesses on the marriage license, so you can elope with just the two of you and an officiant.
- Have a backup plan. Florida weather is unpredictable. Indoor venues or covered courtyards give you options.
- Book dinner reservations early. St. Augustine's best restaurants fill up, especially on weekends.
- Embrace the unexpected. Some of our favorite elopement photos happened when plans changed—a surprise sunset after the storm, an empty beach when a venue fell through.
Last updated: October 2026 | Questions? Contact us