St. Augustine Courthouse Wedding Photographer

Your complete guide to getting married at the St. Johns County Courthouse

📅 Last Updated: February 2026
Complete Guide to the St. Augustine Courthouse

Planning a court wedding in St. Augustine? You're in good company. Whether you want something quick and simple, you're on a budget, or you just don't need the big production—a civil ceremony at the St. Johns County Courthouse is a perfectly valid way to start your life together.

As a courthouse wedding photographer with over 600 weddings and events documented, including dozens at this municipal courthouse, we've put together everything you need: the step-by-step process, costs, scheduling, what to expect, and photography tips.

The St. Johns County Courthouse is one of the most popular places to get married in Northeast Florida. Hundreds of couples tie the knot here each year—from destination travelers who want a quick elopement in the Ancient City to local families who prefer something low-key. Whether you choose the indoor room or the outdoor gazebo, the courthouse is a great wedding venue for anyone who values simplicity. If you're looking for a wedding photographer to document it all, we'd love to be there.

Quick Facts: St. Johns County Courthouse
License Cost $93.50 ($61.00 with course)
Service Fee $30.00
Total Cost ~$123.50
Waiting Period 3 days (FL residents) / None (out-of-state)
Appointment Walk-ins welcome
Duration 5-10 minutes
St. Johns County Courthouse
Address: 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone: (904) 819-3600
Official Clerk of Courts Website
Courthouse Photos

Photography is allowed at the St. Johns County Courthouse—and those moments deserve more than phone pictures. A courthouse wedding photographer captures the authentic emotions: the nervous excitement, the tearful vows, the first kiss as a married couple. These images become the story you'll share for years.

We've photographed weddings at this courthouse for over a decade and know every angle. A professional photographer also knows how to handle the tricky indoor lighting and can scout the best spots for portraits afterward—we handle all the logistics so you can focus on each other.

Many of the weddings we photograph here are intimate—just the couple, maybe a few loved ones. That makes every frame count. After the courthouse, most couples head downtown to the historic district for an hour of portraits at locations like the Lightner Museum, the Bayfront, or the cobblestone streets of the old city. A skilled wedding photographer turns a simple courthouse day into a full collection of images you'll treasure.

Our Favorite Spots on the Grounds

Before you even leave the property, there are three spots we love for portraits:

  • The inner hallway: An arched walkway in the courtyard with soft window light that creates natural depth and frames couples beautifully
  • The front pergolas: Rustic wood pergolas at the entrance surrounded by palm trees and greenery—a completely different feel from the indoor spaces
  • The inner courtyard: An open green space with mature trees, grass, and rock brick pavers—relaxed and natural
Best Photo Locations After the Courthouse
  • The Lightner Museum courtyard: Spanish Renaissance architecture, lush greenery, and that iconic reflecting pool
  • The Square (Plaza de la Constitucion): Shady oaks, historic charm, and the heart of the old city
  • The Bayfront: Views of the Bridge of Lions, Matanzas Bay, and the marina—golden hour here is unbeatable
  • Fort Mose Historic State Park: A wooded path, marsh walkway, and floating dock with open water views—just minutes away
  • St. Augustine Beach: Sunset sessions for couples who want that coastal look
Step-by-Step: How to Get Married at St. Augustine Courthouse
1
Check Eligibility

Both parties must be at least 18 (17 with parental consent). If either party was previously wed, you'll need to know the date of the final decree. Florida has no citizenship or residency requirements.

2
Complete Premarital Course (Optional)

Florida residents can save $32.50 on the license fee AND skip the 3-day waiting period by completing an approved 4-hour course, often available online. Check the Clerk's website for approved providers.

3
Get Your Marriage License
Both parties must appear together in person at the St. Johns County Clerk of Courts. Bring valid photo ID, Social Security numbers, payment ($93.50, or $61.00 with premarital course certificate), and divorce decree dates if previously wed. No witnesses or blood tests required in Florida.
4
Wait (If Applicable)
Florida residents: 3-day waiting period after obtaining your license (waived with premarital course).
Out-of-state couples: No waiting period—you can get your license and say "I do" the same day.
5
Pick Your Date
A notary performs services Monday through Friday during business hours at the St. Johns County Courthouse. Walk-ins are welcome, but calling ahead is a good idea so you know what to expect—especially during busy seasons. Mornings tend to be less crowded.
6
Say "I Do"
Arrive 15 minutes early. The civil service takes about 5-10 minutes. Bring your license, photo ID, the $30.00 fee, and (optional) rings. Guests are welcome—the space is intimate but fits a small group. There's both an indoor room and an outdoor gazebo option.
7
Get Your Certificate
The officiant signs your license and files it with the Clerk. Order certified copies on the spot—you'll need these for name changes, insurance, and other legal purposes.
Costs and Fees

One of the biggest advantages of a court wedding is the price. Here's the complete breakdown:

Item Cost
Marriage License (standard) $93.50
Marriage License (with premarital course) $61.00
Civil Service Fee $30.00
Certified Certificate Copy $5.00 each
Total (without course) $123.50 + certificates
Total (with course) $91.00 + certificates
Money-Saving Tip
If you're Florida residents, the premarital course saves $32.50 AND eliminates the 3-day waiting period. Most courses cost $20-50 and can be completed online in one day. Bring cash or a check—there's a small fee for using a credit or debit card.
What to Expect on the Day

Arrive 15 minutes early, check in at the Clerk of Courts window with your license and photo ID, then wait briefly in a designated area. A notary performs the civil service in about 5-10 minutes—you'll exchange vows, rings if you have them, and seal it with a kiss. Afterward, sign your license, pay the $30.00 fee, and order certified copies for name changes and legal purposes.

The municipal courthouse handles hundreds of weddings each year, so the staff knows the drill. Don't let the simplicity fool you—couples who get married here are just as moved as those with big productions. We've seen tears, laughter, and everything in between. As your wedding photographer, we capture every reaction so you can relive it later. A courthouse wedding may be short, but the photos tell a full story.

What to Bring
  • Your marriage license
  • Photo ID for both parties
  • $30.00 service fee (cash or card)
  • Rings (if exchanging)
  • Your vows (if you've written your own)
  • Your wedding photographer
  • Comfortable walking shoes for portraits afterward (St. Augustine has cobblestone streets)
After the Courthouse

You're married—now what? Most couples spend 1-2 hours taking portraits in the historic district with their wedding photographer, then head to a celebratory lunch. The courthouse is a short drive from downtown, so it's easy to fit in multiple portrait locations. Within 1-2 weeks, handle name changes with Social Security, your driver's license, banks, and insurance. Some couples also plan a separate beach celebration or reception on another date—locking in the legal paperwork at the courthouse first and celebrating with friends and family on their own timeline. We've photographed weddings where the couple did exactly that, and the courthouse photos are always among their favorites.

The courthouse provides a notary for the civil service, but if you'd rather have someone who knows your story, Jill is a licensed officiant. Either way, we help coordinate the full timeline—from the vows through portraits in the historic district—so you're not figuring out logistics on your wedding day.

A lot of what we photograph at the courthouse is really a courthouse elopement—just the couple, maybe a witness, keeping it simple and personal. For those couples, we help plan the full experience: the best time of day to arrive, where to take wedding pictures afterward, and how to turn a 10-minute legal formality into a day that actually feels like yours. If you want to add a sunset beach session or grab dinner in the historic district, we can help map that out too.

Planning a beach session or celebration after the courthouse?
See our elopement photography page
Photography Packages
Whether you need just the event covered or want a wedding photographer to capture portraits across the city afterward, we have a package that fits.

We've been photographing courthouse weddings for over a decade and know how to make the most of every minute. Most couples book the mid-tier package—it gives you enough time for the courthouse plus portraits at two or three spots in the historic district. If you're planning a beach session or dinner afterward, the extended package gives you room to breathe.

Courthouse Ceremony
$450
30 minutes
  • A 30 minute session
  • 40-60 professionally edited high-resolution images
  • Coverage at the St. Johns County Courthouse
  • Pictures with friends and family
  • Couple portraits at the courthouse
Extended Elopement
$1,000
2 hours
  • A 2 hour session
  • 200-250 professionally edited high-resolution images
  • Full event coverage
  • Pictures with friends and family
  • Couple portraits at multiple locations
  • More time for exploring the city
Add additional time: $350/hr
All packages include: professionally edited, high-resolution images delivered via online gallery with full download and print rights.

Courthouse Wedding Photographer FAQ

Common questions about weddings, costs, and photography at the St. Johns County Courthouse

Two steps: (1) Obtain a Florida marriage license from the St. Johns County Clerk of Courts, and (2) Have a licensed officiant make it official. You can say 'I do' at the courthouse, on the beach, at a venue, or anywhere in Florida. The courthouse offers a civil service performed by a notary—the quickest and most affordable option.

Total cost at the St. Johns County Courthouse is approximately $123.50, including the marriage license fee ($93.50) and the $30 service fee. Florida residents who complete a premarital course pay just $91 total. It's one of the most affordable ways to make it official.

No, appointments are not required. The St. Johns County Courthouse accepts walk-ins for civil services Monday through Friday during business hours. That said, calling ahead is still a good idea—especially during busy seasons—so you know what to expect when you arrive.

Florida residents have a 3-day waiting period after obtaining their license. This is waived if you complete a premarital preparation course. Out-of-state couples have no waiting period—you can get your license and tie the knot the same day, making St. Augustine perfect for destination elopements.

Both parties must appear in person with: (1) Valid government-issued photo ID, (2) Social Security numbers, (3) Payment ($93.50, or $61 with premarital course). If previously wed, you'll need divorce decree dates or death certificate information. No blood tests or witnesses required in Florida.

Yes. The space is intimate, so most couples bring 2-10 guests. There's no official limit, but room is limited—contact the Clerk's office if you're planning a larger group.

Yes! Photography is allowed at the St. Johns County Courthouse. Many couples hire a portrait photographer to capture the event and take photos outside the historic building. The architecture and nearby historic district provide beautiful backdrops.

There's no dress code. Couples wear everything from jeans to full attire. Many brides opt for a simple white dress or elegant jumpsuit. Grooms often wear dress pants and a button-down. Wear whatever makes you feel like yourselves.

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