Last updated: May 2026
In This Guide
Permits & Legal Requirements
Beach ceremonies in St. Johns County require special event permits, and the application process takes 2-4 weeks. Permit costs run $75-200 depending on guest count and duration; you'll also need proof of $1M liability insurance and a site diagram. Anastasia State Park has its own permit process with higher fees but guaranteed setup. Vacation rental ceremonies need separate permits and explicit owner permission. For the full permit-by-permit breakdown — public beaches, state parks, historic district, marriage license requirements, county-specific costs — see our complete [St. Augustine Wedding Permit Guide](/st-augustine-wedding-permits/).Where to Get Married on the Coast
St. Augustine's coastline offers four distinct beach options, each with different logistics. **St. Augustine Beach** is the most accessible — wide sand, ample parking, and the historic pier as a natural backdrop. **Vilano Beach** trades easy access for quieter, more intimate ceremonies (street parking, fewer amenities). **Crescent Beach** sits south with calmer waters protected by dunes — needs careful tide planning. **Anastasia State Park** is pristine and guaranteed (reservation system) but carries the highest permit fees. Beachfront hotels (Guy Harvey Outpost, Aloft Tapestry Park, DoubleTree Riverfront for bayfront) handle permits internally and provide setup, backup indoor space, and parking — worth the premium for couples who want a coordinator-managed experience. For venue-by-venue pros/cons (parking, amenities, what photographs well at each), see our [St. Augustine Beach Wedding Venues guide](/st-augustine-beach-wedding-venues/).Timing & Weather Considerations
Peak Season
Apr - Oct
Best Weather
Mar, Nov
Hurricane Season
Jun - Nov
Avg High Tide
6.2 hours
Seasonal Planning
Spring (March - May)
Perfect temperatures (70-80°F), fewer crowds, lower vendor pricing
Occasional spring storms, Easter week crowds
Summer (June - August)
Warmest water, longest days, lush vegetation
High humidity, afternoon storms, peak pricing, hurricane risk
Fall (September - November)
Comfortable temperatures return, beautiful light, less humidity
Hurricane season continues through November
Winter (December - February)
Mild temperatures (60-70°F), no humidity, lowest costs
Cooler for guests, shorter daylight, occasional cold fronts
Daily Timing
**Sunrise Ceremonies (7:00-8:30 AM):** - Cooler temperatures - Softer light for photography - Fewer beachgoers - Requires early vendor coordination **Late Afternoon (4:00-6:00 PM):** - Golden hour lighting - Comfortable temperatures - Popular with guests - Busier beach conditionsTide Considerations
High tide significantly impacts your ceremony space. We always check tide charts when helping couples plan timelines: - **2-3 hours before high tide** - Optimal beach space - **At high tide** - Minimal beach, waves closer to ceremony - **2-3 hours after high tide** - Beach space returning, wet sandPro Tip: Tide Planning
Download a tide app and check your wedding date 6 months ahead. If high tide falls during your preferred ceremony time, consider adjusting your schedule by 2-3 hours.
Weather Backup Plans
Florida weather requires backup planning: 1. **Covered pavilions** - Available at most beach parks 2. **Hotel ballrooms** - Many beachfront hotels offer backup spaces 3. **Rental tents** - Require additional permits and professional setup 4. **Postponement policies** - Discuss with all vendors upfrontVendor Selection & Logistics
Beach weddings require vendors experienced with coastal conditions and logistics:Essential Beach-Experienced Vendors
**Photographers:** - Familiar with beach lighting conditions - Experience with wind and sand - Backup equipment for coastal environment **Florists:** - Understanding of salt air effects on flowers - Wind-resistant arrangements - Sand-friendly ceremony structures **Musicians/DJs:** - Weather-protected equipment - Battery backup systems - Wind-resistant setups **Caterers:** - Food safety in outdoor conditions - Sand and wind considerations - Permit familiarity for beach serviceVendor Coordination Challenges
**Beach Access:** Most beaches require vendors to: - Park in designated areas (often far from ceremony site) - Carry equipment across sand - Time deliveries around tide schedules - Have cleanup plans meeting park regulations **Setup Timing:** - **4-6 hours before ceremony** - Large tent installation - **2-3 hours before** - Tables, chairs, floral arrangements - **1-2 hours before** - Sound system, final details - **30 minutes before** - Final sweep and guest seatingQuestions to Ask Potential Vendors
1. How many beach weddings have you done? 2. Do you have weather backup plans? 3. What's your sand and wind equipment protection? 4. How do you handle beach access and parking? 5. Are you familiar with local permit requirements?Guest Comfort & Expectations
Beach weddings require additional guest communication and planning:Guest Attire Guidance
Include on your wedding website: - **Shoes:** Flat sandals or barefoot recommended - **Clothing:** Light, breathable fabrics; avoid long trains in sand - **Accessories:** Sunglasses, light wraps for evening - **Hair:** Consider wind when planning updosComfort Amenities
**Essential for Guest Comfort:** - Ceremony programs as fans - Bottled water stations - Parasols or umbrellas for shade - Basket of flip-flops for guests - Welcome bags with sunscreen and water **Reception Considerations:** - Tent or covered area for dining - Lighting for evening celebrations - Bug spray stations (seasonal) - Easy beach-to-reception transitionTransportation and Parking
**Guest Transportation:** - Share specific parking locations and costs - Consider shuttle service for large weddings - Provide walking directions from parking to ceremony site - Include backup parking locations **Accessibility:** Beach access can be challenging for: - Elderly guests - Guests with mobility limitations - Children in formal wear Plan accessible ceremony locations and communicate limitations upfront.Managing Expectations
Guest Communication Tips
Make a wedding website page for your beach ceremony. Tell your guests what will happen. Let them know what to bring. This includes sunscreen and comfy walking shoes. Share what you will give them, like programs and water. Add photos from other beach weddings. This helps guests know what to expect and get ready for your big day.
Photography Considerations
Beach weddings offer stunning photography opportunities but require specific planning:Lighting Conditions
**Golden Hour Magic:** - 1 hour before sunset provides warmest light - Ceremony timing affects portrait opportunities - We typically recommend 4:30-5:30 PM ceremonies in winter, 5:30-6:30 PM in summer **Overcast Advantages:** - Even, flattering light for portraits - No harsh shadows - Comfortable conditions for guestsWind and Weather Planning
**Equipment Considerations:** - Extra battery power for wind-resistant cameras - Protective gear for sand and salt spray - Backup equipment in weather-sealed cases **Posing Adaptations:** - Hair and dress positioning for wind - Stable poses on uneven sand - Group positioning to minimize squintingTimeline Planning for Beach Photos
**Typical Beach Wedding Photography Timeline:** - **2:00 PM** - Detail shots at getting-ready location - **3:00 PM** - Getting ready coverage - **4:30 PM** - First look (if planned) - **5:00 PM** - Wedding party photos - **5:30 PM** - Ceremony begins - **6:00 PM** - Family portraits immediately after ceremony - **6:30 PM** - Couple portraits during golden hour - **7:30 PM** - Reception beginsReady to Plan Your St. Augustine Beach Wedding?
We'd love to photograph your wedding on Florida's historic coast. Over the past 10 years, we've photographed 600+ weddings in this area. We make beach wedding photography beautiful and easy.
St. Augustine Wedding PhotographerCosts & Budgeting
Beach wedding costs vary significantly based on your approach and guest count:Permit and Venue Costs
| Venue Type | Base Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Public Beach Permit | $75-200 | Ceremony space only |
| State Park Wedding | $300-500 | Space, tables, basic setup |
| Hotel Beach Package | $3,000-8,000 | Full coordination, backup venue |
| Private Beach Access | $500-2,000 | Exclusive use, varies by property |
Additional Beach Wedding Costs
**Logistics Expenses:** - **Tent rental** - $800-2,500 for weather protection - **Extra setup fees** - Vendors often charge 20-30% more for beach logistics - **Transportation** - Guest shuttles or valet parking - **Cleanup deposits** - Required by most permit authorities **Comfort Additions:** - **Portable restroom rentals** - $150-300 for upscale options - **Power generation** - $200-500 for ceremony sound and lighting - **Climate comfort** - Fans, heaters, or misting systemsMoney-Saving Strategies
1. **Off-season dates** - November through March 2. **Weekday ceremonies** - Thursday/Sunday often 30% less 3. **Public beach + restaurant reception** - Separate ceremony and reception venues 4. **Minimal decor** - Let the natural beauty be your backdrop 5. **Local vendors** - Avoid travel fees from out-of-area providersHidden Costs to Budget For
Often Overlooked Expenses
- Liability insurance for permits ($200-400)
- Sand-friendly ceremony seating rentals
- Extra vendor coordination time
- Weather backup plan costs
- Additional cleanup requirements
