When do the Nights of Lights run each year?

The festival typically runs from mid-November through late January. Exact dates vary each year, but it usually starts around November 15th and ends around January 11th. Check the official city website for current year dates.

Are crowds a problem for wedding ceremonies during Nights of Lights?

Crowds are heaviest on weekends, especially between Thanksgiving and New Year's. Weekday ceremonies and early evening start times help avoid peak visitor hours. Private venues eliminate crowd concerns entirely.

Can we get married at public locations during the festival?

Yes, but you'll need permits for ceremonies in city parks or historic areas. Some locations have restrictions during peak festival hours. We recommend booking private venues or less crowded public spots for better experiences.

What's the weather like during Nights of Lights season?

December and January average highs in the mid-60s to low 70s, with lows in the 40s and 50s. It's generally pleasant for outdoor ceremonies, but have a backup plan for occasional cold fronts or rain.

Do we need special permissions to photograph during the festival?

Professional wedding photography doesn't require special permits at most locations. However, some private historic venues may have restrictions. We always confirm photography policies when booking.

What time should we schedule our ceremony for the best lighting?

We recommend 4:30-5:00pm ceremonies in December and January. This gives you natural light for the ceremony and portraits, with the festival lights turning on around 6:00pm for reception photos.

Are horse-drawn carriage rides available during the festival?

Yes, several companies operate during Nights of Lights, but they book up quickly during peak season. Reserve at least 2-3 months ahead for weekend dates between Thanksgiving and New Year's.

How far in advance should we book vendors for a Nights of Lights wedding?

Book 6-12 months ahead for popular dates. Venues, photographers, and transportation fill up fastest. Some vendors charge premium rates during peak festival season, especially between Christmas and New Year's.

Nights of Lights Wedding St. Augustine - Complete Planning Guide

## Festival Overview & Timing St. Augustine's Nights of Lights transforms the historic district into a winter wonderland from mid-November through late January. After photographing dozens of weddings during this season, we've learned exactly when and where couples can make the most of this magical backdrop.

Festival Duration

10+ Weeks

Typical Dates

Nov 15 - Jan 11

Peak Crowds

Dec 15 - Jan 2

Lights Turn On

6:00 PM Daily

The festival officially kicks off with the lighting ceremony in mid-November, but the real magic happens throughout December and January when over 3 million lights illuminate the historic district's trees, buildings, and landmarks.

Best Times for Ceremonies

November (Early Season)

Weekdays: 4:00-5:30 PM

Smaller crowds, pleasant weather. Perfect for intimate ceremonies before the peak season rush.

December (Peak Season)

Weekdays: 4:30-5:00 PM

Most magical time but expect crowds. Book early and consider weekday ceremonies for better experiences.

January (Extended Season)

Weekdays: 4:00-5:30 PM

Quieter than December with beautiful lighting. Cooler temperatures but fewer tourists.

## Best Ceremony Locations After over a decade photographing weddings in St. Augustine, we've identified the most romantic and practical ceremony locations during Nights of Lights. Each offers unique advantages for couples wanting to incorporate the festival into their special day. ### Private Historic Venues

The White Room

Elegant indoor venue with private courtyard access. No crowd concerns, and the historic Villa Blanca provides a stunning backdrop with surrounding lights visible from the balcony.

Capacity: 150 • Private venue • All-weather option

Lightner Museum Courtyard

Intimate outdoor ceremonies in the museum's historic courtyard. The surrounding architecture creates a magical setting, especially when lit up during the festival.

Capacity: 80 • Semi-private • Permit required

Casa Monica Hotel

Rooftop ceremonies with panoramic views of the lit-up historic district. Indoor backup options and full-service wedding coordination available.

Capacity: 120 • Private venue • City views

### Waterfront Locations

Bayfront/Matanzas Bay

Waterfront ceremonies with the historic district as your backdrop. Best for sunset ceremonies transitioning into the evening lights display.

Public space • Permit required • Crowd considerations

St. Augustine Marina

Private marina ceremonies with boat access. Perfect for couples wanting a unique waterfront location away from the main tourist crowds.

Private rental • Capacity varies • Weather dependent

### Historic District Options

Pro Tip: Public Space Ceremonies

If you're planning a ceremony in public historic areas like St. George Street or the Historic Plaza, schedule for weekday mornings (10 AM-12 PM) or very early evening (4:00-4:30 PM) to avoid peak tourist traffic. Always secure proper permits through the city.

Historic Inns & B&Bs

Intimate garden ceremonies at properties like Casa de Solana or St. Francis Inn. Historic charm with the benefit of guest accommodations on-site.

Small capacity (20-40) • Historic character • Limited availability

## Timing & Logistics The key to a successful Nights of Lights wedding is timing your ceremony to take advantage of both natural light and the festival illumination. Here's what we've learned from photographing weddings throughout the season. ### Recommended Timeline **4:00 PM - Getting Ready Photos** Start with bridal preparations and detail shots while there's still good natural light indoors. **4:30 PM - Ceremony Start** Begin your ceremony with golden hour lighting. This gives you 30 minutes before the lights turn on at 6:00 PM. **5:00 PM - Immediate Family Portraits** Photograph family groupings while you still have natural light mixing with early evening ambiance. **5:30 PM - Cocktail Hour Begins** Guests enjoy refreshments while you finish couple portraits in the transition from daylight to festival lights. **6:00 PM - Lights Turn On** The festival lights illuminate, creating your magical reception backdrop. **6:15 PM - Couple Portraits with Lights** Take advantage of the newly lit backdrop for romantic couple photos.

Important Timing Note

The lights turn on at exactly 6:00 PM throughout the festival season. Plan your ceremony timeline to finish group portraits by 5:45 PM so you can focus on the magical transition moment.

### Seasonal Timing Variations

November/Early December

✓ Warmer temperatures (70-75°F)
✓ Smaller crowds
✓ Better vendor availability
✓ Lower peak season rates

⚠ Lights may not be fully installed
⚠ Less "Christmas magic" atmosphere

Late December/Early January

✓ Peak festival atmosphere
✓ Full light displays
✓ Most magical backdrop
✓ Holiday decorations everywhere

⚠ Heaviest crowds
⚠ Premium pricing
⚠ Limited vendor availability
⚠ Cooler temperatures (60-65°F)

## Photography Considerations Nights of Lights creates unique photography opportunities and challenges. After hundreds of weddings in St. Augustine, here's what we've learned about documenting your special day during the festival. ### Lighting Challenges & Solutions The transition from natural light to artificial festival lighting requires specific planning. We typically bring additional lighting equipment for evening portraits and reception coverage.

Photography Pro Tips

Schedule ceremony for 4:30 PM to maximize both natural and artificial light
Plan couple portraits at two times: 5:15 PM (golden hour) and 6:15 PM (with lights)
Choose ceremony locations with good ambient light for evening reception coverage
Consider sparkler exits around 7:00 PM when festival lights provide beautiful background

### Best Photo Opportunities **The Moment Lights Turn On** - We position couples for a special portrait session right at 6:00 PM when the entire district illuminates. This creates some of the most magical images of the day. **Historic Architecture** - The combination of historic Spanish colonial architecture with twinkling lights creates romantic, timeless backdrops unavailable any other time of year. **Waterfront Reflections** - Bay and river locations offer stunning reflection shots of the illuminated city, especially beautiful for evening couple portraits. ### Equipment Considerations Professional photographers need additional equipment for evening Nights of Lights coverage: - External flash units for reception lighting - Faster lenses for low-light situations - Tripods for stable long-exposure shots - Backup batteries (cold weather drains power faster) ## Managing Crowds & Permits One of the biggest considerations for Nights of Lights weddings is managing tourist crowds and securing necessary permits. Here's what couples need to know. ### Crowd Levels by Date

Time Period	Weekday Crowds	Weekend Crowds	Recommendation
November 15-30	Low	Medium	Best time for public space ceremonies
December 1-14	Medium	High	Weekdays recommended
December 15-31	High	Very High	Private venues strongly recommended
January 1-11	Medium	High	Good compromise option

### Permit Requirements **City Parks & Historic Areas** Any ceremony in public spaces requires a special event permit from the City of St. Augustine. Apply at least 30 days in advance, especially for December dates. **Photography Permits** Professional wedding photography typically doesn't require special permits, but some historic venues have restrictions during peak festival hours.

Permit Processing Time

During peak festival season, permit processing can take longer than usual. The city receives many special event requests between Thanksgiving and New Year's. Apply 45-60 days ahead for December ceremonies.

### Crowd Avoidance Strategies **Choose Strategic Locations** - Bayfront areas are less crowded than St. George Street - Villa Blanca and private venues eliminate crowd concerns - Marina locations offer waterfront access with fewer tourists **Time Your Ceremony Wisely** - 4:00-5:00 PM weekday ceremonies avoid peak tourist hours - Sunday through Thursday see significantly smaller crowds - Early January offers festival magic with manageable crowds ## Transportation & Activities Nights of Lights offers unique transportation options and activities that can enhance your wedding experience. Here's what's available and how to incorporate them into your celebration. ### Romantic Transportation **Horse-Drawn Carriages** Multiple companies operate during Nights of Lights, offering romantic transportation for couples between ceremony and reception locations. Book 2-3 months ahead for peak season dates. **Trolley Tours** Private trolley charters let your entire wedding party tour the lights together. Great option for guest transportation that doubles as entertainment. **Boat Charters** Sunset sailing tours during Nights of Lights provide unique photo opportunities and romantic experiences for couples. Several companies offer private wedding charters.

St. Augustine Carriage Tours

Traditional horse-drawn carriage experiences through the historic district

Ripple Effect Sailing

Private sunset sails with views of the illuminated city from the water

Old Town Trolley

Private group charters for wedding party transportation and sightseeing

### Post-Ceremony Activities **Evening Walking Tours** Many couples enjoy strolling through the illuminated historic district after their ceremony. St. George Street, Aviles Street, and the Plaza de la Constitución offer magical evening walks. **Rooftop Dining** Several restaurants offer rooftop dining with views of the lights, perfect for intimate reception dinners or post-ceremony celebrations. ## Weather & Backup Plans December and January weather in St. Augustine is generally mild, but couples should plan for occasional cold fronts and rain. Here's what to expect and how to prepare. ### Typical Weather Patterns

December Highs

68°F

January Highs

66°F

Evening Temps

50-60°F

Rain Days

6-8/month

**Cold Front Considerations** Occasional cold fronts can drop temperatures into the 40s or even 30s for 2-3 days. These usually occur 2-3 times during the season, typically lasting 48-72 hours. **Rain Patterns** Winter rain in St. Augustine often comes in short, intense showers rather than all-day events. Afternoon and evening showers are less common than morning rain. ### Backup Plan Essentials

Indoor Venue Options

Every outdoor ceremony should have an indoor backup plan. Many venues like The White Room, Casa Monica, and historic inns offer beautiful indoor alternatives that maintain the romantic atmosphere even during inclement weather.

**Guest Comfort Items** - Pashminas or blankets for evening ceremonies - Heaters for outdoor cocktail hours - Clear umbrellas for photos if light rain occurs - Earlier ceremony times during cold fronts

## Vendor Booking Timeline Nights of Lights is peak wedding season in St. Augustine. Vendors book up quickly, and many charge premium rates during the festival period. Here's our recommended booking timeline based on over a decade of experience. ### 12 Months Ahead **Venues & Photographers** The most popular venues and experienced photographers book their December dates by the previous January. If you're planning a peak season wedding (December 15-January 1), start your venue search immediately. ### 6-9 Months Ahead **Transportation & Entertainment** Horse-drawn carriages, trolley tours, and live music book up quickly for Nights of Lights dates. Secure these vendors as soon as you have your venue confirmed. ### 3-6 Months Ahead **Catering & Florals** While more flexible than venues, the best caterers and florists still fill up for popular dates. Book by late summer for December ceremonies. ### 2-3 Months Ahead **Final Details** Hair/makeup artists, officiants, and day-of coordinators. Also time to secure permits for public ceremony locations.

Ready to Plan Your Nights of Lights Wedding?

Let us help you create the perfect timeline and photograph every magical moment of your Nights of Lights celebration. We know all the best locations, optimal timing, and how to work with the festival crowds.

View Our Elopement Packages

### Peak Season Premium Pricing Most vendors charge 20-40% more for dates between December 15th and January 2nd. Consider these alternatives for budget-conscious couples: **Early Season (November 15-December 14)** - Lower vendor rates - Better availability - Smaller crowds - Still beautiful lighting displays **Late Season (January 2-11)** - Standard rates resume - Good vendor availability - Moderate crowds - Full lighting displays continue

Budget-Friendly Timing

Thursday and Friday weddings during Nights of Lights often cost 15-25% less than weekend celebrations, while still providing the full festival experience. Many vendors offer better rates for weekday events.

Last updated: January 2026

Nights of Lights Wedding Planning Guide