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St. Augustine Courthouse Wedding Photography

Intimate Ceremonies at the Historic St. Johns County Courthouse

Your St. Augustine Courthouse Wedding Photographer

Looking for an intimate St. Augustine courthouse wedding? As your experienced courthouse wedding photographers, we have captured over 600 ceremonies in historic St. Johns County. We'll guide you through everything you need to know—from the marriage license to the perfect photo spots.

Having photographed courthouse weddings since 2010, we know every corner of the Richard O. Watson Judicial Center, the best times for soft lighting, and the hidden spots that make for stunning portraits. More importantly, we understand that your courthouse ceremony is just as meaningful as any grand wedding—and deserves to be captured beautifully.



  • Expert knowledge of courthouse logistics and timing
  • Relationships with courthouse staff for smooth process
  • Hidden photo spots only locals know
  • Quick access to historic downtown for portraits
  • Weather backup plans always ready


Why Choose a Courthouse Wedding in St. Augustine?

The St. Johns County Courthouse offers more than just a legal ceremony—it's a beautiful piece of St. Augustine history surrounded by majestic oak trees draped in Spanish moss.

Historic Charm Meets Intimate Simplicity

Benefits of a Courthouse Ceremony:
  • Affordable: Ceremony fee only $30
  • Intimate: Focus on what matters—each other
  • No stress: No venue, catering, or weather worries
  • Quick: Ceremony complete in 10 minutes
  • Flexible: Easy to plan, minimal coordination
  • Beautiful: Historic architecture and natural beauty

Essential Courthouse Wedding Information

St. Johns County Courthouse Details

Official Name: Richard O. Watson Judicial Center
Address: 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Phone: (904) 819-3600
Parking: Free parking available on site
Ceremony Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
(Last ceremony at 4:00 PM)
Closed weekends and holidays

Best Times: Tuesday-Thursday mornings

Marriage License Requirements

  • Both parties must be present to apply
  • Valid photo ID required (driver's license or passport)
  • Social Security numbers needed (card not required)
  • Fee: $93.50 (cash or credit accepted)
  • 3-day waiting period (can be waived with premarital course)
  • License valid for 60 days
  • Two witnesses required for ceremony

Courthouse Wedding Photography Packages

Designed specifically for intimate courthouse ceremonies and the unique timeline of civil weddings.

Courthouse Ceremony

$450

✓ 30 minutes of coverage
✓ Ceremony documentation
✓ Courthouse portraits
✓ 50+ edited images
✓ Online gallery
✓ Print release
Book Essential

Classic Package

$650

✓ 1 hour of coverage
✓ Ceremony + portraits
✓ Historic district photos
✓ 100+ edited images
✓ Online gallery
✓ Print release
Book Classic

Complete Experience

$1,000

✓ 2 hours coverage
✓ Multiple locations
✓ Beach sunset session
✓ 150+ edited images
✓ Online gallery
✓ Print release
Book Complete

Best Photo Locations After Your Ceremony

One of the advantages of choosing us as your courthouse wedding photographers is our intimate knowledge of St. Augustine's most photogenic spots. Here's our recommended route based on our many courthouse weddings:

At the Courthouse (0 minutes)

The courthouse grounds offer beautiful opportunities with the historic building, the courtyard, and the pergola on the south side of the building.

Treaty Park (5 minutes)

A hidden gem with wooden boardwalks and natural Florida beauty. Perfect for couples wanting a nature backdrop without the beach drive.

Historic Downtown (10 minutes)

St. George Street, Flagler College, and the Cathedral Basilica offer endless possibilities for romantic portraits with Spanish colonial architecture.

Castillo de San Marcos (12 minutes)

The historic fort provides dramatic stone textures and waterfront views of Matanzas Bay—iconic St. Augustine at its finest.

St. Augustine Beach (20 minutes)

End your session with sunset photos at the beach. The pier and dunes create stunning backdrops for your first photos as newlyweds.

Recent Courthouse Weddings

Every courthouse ceremony tells a unique love story. Here are some recent celebrations we've had the honor of capturing.

Insider Tips from Your Photographer

Our Top Courthouse Wedding Tips:

  • Best Days: Tuesday-Thursday typically have fewer ceremonies scheduled
  • Perfect Timing: 9-10 AM ceremonies have the best natural light and are cooler in the summer months
  • Secret Spot: There is a pergola on the south side of the building that we love
  • Rainy Day: The covered walkway in the inner courtyard works perfectly
  • Quick Change: There are bathrooms for outfit changes
  • Guest Tip: Have guests arrive 15 minutes early for parking
  • After Hours: There are areas on the grounds that stay beautiful for photos even after 5 PM
  • Hidden Gem: Just a 2 minute drive to Fort Mose park

What to Wear for Your Courthouse Wedding

For the Bride

  • Light, breathable fabrics (Florida humidity!)
  • Tea-length or knee-length dresses photograph beautifully
  • Comfortable shoes for walking to photo spots
  • Consider a light wrap for air conditioning
  • Avoid pure white in bright sun (ivory/champagne better)

For the Groom

  • Light colored suits work best in Florida
  • Consider suspenders over jacket for comfort
  • Bring a backup shirt (humidity!)
  • Comfortable dress shoes for walking

Your Courthouse Wedding Day Timeline

Sample 2-Hour Complete Experience Package Timeline:

9:30 AM - Photographer arrives, getting ready shots
9:45 AM - First look photos outside courthouse
10:00 AM - Check in with clerk's office
10:15 AM - Ceremony begins
10:25 AM - Ceremony complete, signing documents
10:35 AM - Courthouse ground portraits
11:00 AM - Depart for historic downtown
11:15 AM - St. George Street and Flagler College photos
11:30 AM - Coverage complete, or continue to beach

Shelby Westerman Ratchford

Rob Futrell is by far the most talented photographer I have ever known. He puts you at ease the moment you meet him. He understands every idea that you have while finding ways to elevate your idea beyond your dreams. He is a prodigiously brilliant, kind, funny, engaged, hardworking, caring, inventive artist. Our wedding day elopement in Charleston was intimate and perfect. Rob and his assistant Meg drove to and from Charleston (the same day) and captured any and every seemingly tiny moment throughout the day. Having Rob there was second only to marrying my incredible husband.

★★★★★

October 19, 2017

Frequently Asked Questions

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Andrea Roberts

Rob & Jill are amazing. Timely responses, professional, and very kind. Great value with amazing quality. I was planning an elopement from Illinois and they made everything so easy and I never once has to worry. The photos taken of my day were more than I could have expected and brought me to tears when I saw them. The memories their pictures hold will be cherished by my husband and I forever. I feel like Rob & Jill went out of their way to make sure there were a variety of different pictures in different settings. Great couple with great energy, I would highly recommend them!

★★★★★

May 3, 2024

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Ana Bradley

We were super nervous about getting professional photos done, as it was way outside my and my husbands comfort zone, but Rob and Jill made it SO easy. We were immediately comfortable with them, and our pictures turned out amazing. I truly can't stop looking through them all and seeing all the happiness we felt that day captured through a camera lens.

★★★★★

November 14, 2024

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Adrian Heard

My husband and I first met Rob and Jill while interviewing photographers for our wedding. From the moment we met them, we knew we needed them for our special day! Keep in mind, you spend the whole day with your photographer, so you want it to be someone you like! Not only did Rob's work sell us (he is extremely talented and showcased a wide variety of shots & styles!) but so did their personality. Flash forward a few months to our engagement shoot in St. Augustine. Rob put us at ease right away. He made us feel comfortable and had us laughing the whole time!

★★★★★

March 24, 2019

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Jennifer Rodriguez

Rob & Jill are amazing to work with! Photos by Futrell handles all my company's professional headshots and senior leadership team photos for our webpage, social media posts, etc. They are always so positive, friendly and professional. Whenever I need additional photos, they are easy to contact and make appointments and scheduling is quick and easy. I highly recommend their photography services.

★★★★★

July 21, 2025

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can we have guests at our St. Augustine courthouse wedding?

Yes! The ceremony room comfortably accommodates up to 15 guests. I recommend having guests arrive 15 minutes early to find parking and get settled.

What's the best day for a courthouse wedding?

Based on my experience, Tuesday through Thursday typically have fewer ceremonies scheduled. Mondays can be busiest with weekend license applications, and Fridays tend to feel rushed.

How long does the ceremony take?

The ceremony itself is about 5-10 minutes, but plan for 30 minutes total including check-in, the ceremony, and signing documents. This gives us time for photos without feeling rushed.

Can we write our own vows?

Absolutely! Bring printed copies and let the officiant know beforehand. I've photographed ceremonies with personal vows, traditional vows, and everything in between.

Do you provide witnesses if we need them?

We can arrange for Jilly to serve as a witness, or we can ask courthouse staff who are usually happy to help.

What if it rains on our wedding day?

I always have a rain plan! The courthouse has beautiful covered areas, and I know several nearby indoor locations that are perfect for portraits. Some of my favorite photos have been on rainy days!

Can we take photos inside the courthouse?

Yes, within certain areas. I know exactly where we're allowed to photograph and where the best light is. The courtyard has beautiful natural light that's perfect for portraits.

How far in advance should we book?

We typically book courthouse ceremonies 2-8 weeks in advance, though we can often accommodate last-minute requests. Popular months like March and October book faster.

Why Choose a Courthouse Wedding Specialist?

Not all photographers understand the unique flow and opportunities of a courthouse wedding. Here's what sets our courthouse wedding photography apart:

  • Depth: We are a husband and wife team
  • Experience: 600+ ceremonies photographed
  • Relationships: Known by courthouse staff for smooth process
  • Local Knowledge: Secret spots only locals know
  • Timeline Expert: Maximize your photography time
  • Weather Ready: Always have Plan B (and C!)
  • Quick Turnaround: Sneak peeks within 48 hours
  • Vendor Network: Florists and stylists who work with courthouse couples

Planning Resources

Helpful Links & Downloads

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Ready to Plan Your St. Augustine Courthouse Wedding?

We only book a limited number of courthouse ceremonies each month to ensure each couple gets my full attention. Let's talk about your vision and create beautiful memories of your intimate celebration.

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Email

rob@robfutrell.com

Phone

(904) 294-6604

Service Area

St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, Vilano Beach, Ponte Vedra, Jacksonville. Have camera will travel.

Availability

7 days a week, golden hour preferred.