In This 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.Best Times for Ceremonies
November (Early Season)
Smaller crowds, pleasant weather. Perfect for intimate ceremonies before the peak season rush.
December (Peak Season)
Most magical time but expect crowds. Book early and consider weekday ceremonies for better experiences.
January (Extended Season)
It's quieter than December. The light is beautiful. The weather is cool. Not many tourists come.
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.
Lightner Museum Courtyard
Outdoor ceremonies in the museum's historic courtyard feel intimate. The beautiful architecture is the perfect backdrop. Festival lights make it look even more beautiful.
Casa Monica Hotel
Rooftop ceremonies with beautiful views of the lit-up historic district. We offer indoor backup options and full wedding planning.
Waterfront Locations
Bayfront/Matanzas Bay
Waterfront ceremonies with the historic district as your backdrop. Best for sunset ceremonies transitioning into the evening lights display.
St. Augustine Marina
Private marina ceremonies with boat access. Perfect for couples wanting a unique waterfront location away from the main tourist crowds.
Historic District Options
Pro Tip: Public Space Ceremonies
Want to get married in historic spots like St. George Street or the Historic Plaza? Choose times when it's less crowded. Weekday mornings work best, between 10 AM and 12 PM. Early evening is perfect too, from 4:00 to 4:30 PM. Make sure to get your city permits before your wedding day.
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.
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
✓ Smaller crowds
✓ Better vendor availability
✓ Lower peak season rates
⚠ Less "Christmas magic" atmosphere
Late December/Early January
✓ Full light displays
✓ Most magical backdrop
✓ Holiday decorations everywhere
⚠ 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 crowdsTransportation & 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
Ride in a horse-drawn carriage 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
Backup Plan Essentials
Indoor Venue Options
Every outdoor ceremony should have an indoor backup plan. Venues like The White Room, Casa Monica, and historic inns offer beautiful indoor spaces. These keep the romantic feeling even when the weather gets bad.
