St. Augustine Beach Wedding Guide

Last updated: May 2026

St. Augustine's 42 miles of coastline offer some of Florida's most beautiful beach wedding settings. We've photographed hundreds of ceremonies along these shores. Along the way, we've learned what makes a beach wedding work—how to handle the permits, and how to time a ceremony around tides and weather.

Maybe you're planning a small ceremony for 20, or a celebration for 100. Either way, this guide covers what you need to know about getting married on St. Augustine's beaches.

Permits & Legal Requirements

St. Johns County requires a special event permit for any wedding ceremony on its public beaches — regardless of guest count. The County (not the City) manages these beaches. Here's how the rules break down:

• Where permits apply: St. Augustine Beach, Vilano, Porpoise Point, and Crescent Beach.
• Wedding permit: $100 for a minor event (under 200 guests) or $200 for a major event (200+).
• Photography permit: a separate $50 commercial photography permit when a professional photographer is involved.
• Insurance: a $1,000,000 general liability certificate of insurance naming the County when third-party vendors are involved, due no later than 14 days before your date.
• Timeline: apply at least 30 days out (60 for major events). Contact St. Johns County Beach Services at (904) 209-0331.

Anastasia State Park has its own special use permit process through the state parks system, and your setup spot is guaranteed. Vacation rental ceremonies need their own permits, plus clear permission from the owner.

Want the full permit-by-permit breakdown? Our complete St. Augustine Wedding Permit Guide covers public beaches, state parks, the historic district, marriage license requirements, and county-specific costs.

Where to Get Married on the Coast

St. Augustine's coastline offers four distinct beaches, and each has its own logistics. St. Augustine Beach is the easiest to reach. It has wide sand, plenty of parking, and the historic pier as a natural backdrop. Vilano Beach trades easy access for quieter, more intimate ceremonies. Expect street parking and fewer amenities. Crescent Beach sits to the south. Dunes protect its calmer waters, but it needs careful tide planning. Anastasia State Park is pristine, and its reservation system guarantees your spot. It also carries the highest permit fees.

Several beachfront and bayfront hotels handle the permits for you. They also provide setup, indoor backup space, and parking. You'll pay more, but a coordinator manages the whole day instead of you booking each piece yourself.

For venue-by-venue pros and cons (parking, amenities, what photographs well at each), see our St. Augustine Beach Wedding Venues guide.

Timing & Weather Considerations

Seasonal Planning

Daily Timing

Here's one thing to know about St. Augustine's Atlantic beaches—St. Augustine Beach, Vilano, and Crescent. They face east, toward the ocean. The sun rises out of the water and sets behind you over land. If you want the sun coming up over the waves as your backdrop, plan a sunrise ceremony. A late-afternoon or sunset ceremony still gets soft, pastel color in the sky over the ocean. But the sun itself sits behind the beach, over the dunes and houses. You get lovely, gentle backlight—not a sun sinking into the water.

Sunrise Ceremonies (7:00-8:30 AM):

• The only time the sun is actually over the water.
• Cooler temperatures and fewer beachgoers.
• Soft, warm light coming straight off the Atlantic.
• Requires early vendor coordination.

Late Afternoon (4:00-6:00 PM):

• Warm, even backlight with the sun behind you over land.
• Soft pastel color in the eastern sky over the ocean.
• Comfortable temperatures, popular with guests.
• Busier beach conditions.

Tide Considerations

High tide shrinks your ceremony space. We always check tide charts when we help couples plan their 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 sand.

Weather Backup Plans

Florida weather requires a backup plan:

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 upfront.

Vendor Selection & Logistics

Beach weddings call for vendors who know coastal conditions and logistics:

Essential Beach-Experienced Vendors

Photographers:

• Familiar with beach lighting conditions.
• Experience with wind and sand.
• Backup equipment for the coastal environment.

Florists:

• Understand how salt air affects 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 know-how.
• Familiar with permits for beach service.

Vendor Coordination Challenges

Beach Access:
Most beaches require vendors to:

• Park in designated areas (often far from the ceremony site).
• Carry equipment across sand.
• Time deliveries around tide schedules.
• Have cleanup plans that meet 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 seating.

Questions 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 take extra 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 updos.

Comfort 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 transition.

Transportation and Parking

Guest Transportation:

• Share specific parking locations and costs.
• Consider shuttle service for large weddings.
• Provide walking directions from parking to the ceremony site.
• Include backup parking locations.

Accessibility:
Beach access can be hard for:

• Elderly guests.
• Guests with mobility limitations.
• Children in formal wear.

Pick ceremony spots guests can reach, and tell everyone about the limits upfront.

Managing Expectations

Let guests know to expect:

• Sand between their toes.
• Wind in their hair.
• Natural sounds (waves, birds).
• Sun exposure during the ceremony.
• A casual, relaxed atmosphere.

Photography Considerations

Beach weddings offer stunning photo opportunities, but they take specific planning:

Lighting Conditions

Golden Hour Magic:

• The hour before sunset gives the warmest light. The sun sits behind you over land for flattering backlight. (These east-facing beaches don't get a sun-over-the-ocean sunset.)
• Want the sun actually rising over the water? Plan an early sunrise ceremony.
• Ceremony timing shapes your portrait options. 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 guests.

Wind 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 squinting.

Timeline 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 the ceremony.
• 6:30 PM - Couple portraits during golden hour.
• 7:30 PM - Reception begins.

Costs & Budgeting

Beach wedding costs vary a lot based on your approach and guest count:

Permit and Venue Costs

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 systems.

Money-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 providers.

Hidden Costs to Budget For

Total Cost Ranges:

• Intimate beach wedding (20 guests): $8,000-15,000.
• Medium celebration (50 guests): $18,000-30,000.
• Large beach wedding (100+ guests): $35,000-60,000.

These ranges assume photography, florals, catering, and basic rentals. Luxury upgrades and full hotel packages can push totals much higher.

Vendor Pricing Considerations

Beach vendors often charge more because of:

• Equipment protection requirements.
• Additional setup complexity.
• Limited access and parking.
• Weather contingency planning.

When you request vendor quotes, budget an extra 15-25% above standard venue pricing.

Planning Your Perfect Beach Wedding

St. Augustine's beaches offer endless options for a beautiful wedding. Success comes from knowing the unique requirements—permits, tides, vendor logistics, and guest comfort.

The key is to plan early and work with local pros who know coastal weddings. You might choose a simple sunrise ceremony or a big beachfront celebration. Either way, good preparation keeps your day flowing smoothly.

Next Steps:

1. Research permit requirements for your preferred beach.
2. Check tide charts for your target date.
3. Interview vendors experienced with beach weddings.
4. Tell your guests what to expect from the beach setting.
5. Plan weather backup options.

For more St. Augustine wedding planning resources, explore our complete venue guide. Or learn about elopement options for intimate beach celebrations.

Planning a beach wedding or elopement? We'd love to help document your celebration along Florida's historic coast.