Courthouse Weddings · St. Augustine
St Augustine Courthouse Wedding Photographer
Getting Married at the St. Johns County Courthouse
Working with a wedding photographer who actually knows the St. Johns County clerk's office makes the day seamless. Whether you want something quick and simple, you're on a budget, or you just don't need the big production — a civil ceremony here is a perfectly valid and meaningful way to start your life together.
Quick Facts
- License Cost
- $86.00 ($61.00 with the premarital course)
- Service Fee
- $30.00
- Total Cost
- ~$116.00
- Waiting Period
- 3 days (FL) / None (out-of-state)
- Appointment
- Walk-ins welcome
- Arrive
- 15 minutes early
- Duration
- 5-10 minutes
- Guests
- 10 guests max in the indoor room; the courtyard takes more
New ceremony space as of August 2026
St. Johns County moved its wedding ceremonies into a brand-new facility — Building 400. It's a lovely space, and a bit smaller than the old one: staff told us the indoor ceremony room has a firm guest cap (it's in the Quick Facts above). If you're expecting a bigger group, the outdoor courtyard ceremony has room for more. Confirm the details with the Clerk when you book.
St. Johns County Clerk of Courts
- Address
- 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Ceremonies
- indoor ceremonies are in Building 400; outdoor ceremonies are still in the courtyard
- Hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Phone
- (904) 819-3600
Hi, we're Rob & Jill
We're Rob and Jill — a husband-and-wife team who've been photographing courthouse weddings around St. Augustine since 2014. We're parents and St. Augustine locals, and after more than a decade we still chase this city's light: the way it pours through the oak canopies and glows off the old coquina walls.
Our approach is easygoing and documentary. Rob sees light and angles like the engineer he used to be; Jill reads the room and knows just when you need a quiet minute. We're there to capture your day the way it actually feels — the belly laughs, the happy tears, the small in-between moments — not to stage it.
More about us →Some of our favorite courthouse weddings
Tap any wedding to see some more images from that couple's gallery.
Photography Packages & Pricing
Coverage that fits your day
Whether you need just the ceremony covered or want portraits across the historic district afterward, we have a package that fits.
Courthouse Ceremony
- 30 minutes of coverage
- 120+ edited images
- Ceremony coverage
- Portraits at the courthouse
- Online gallery with downloads
Quick Elopement
- 60 minutes of coverage
- 200+ edited images
- Full ceremony coverage
- Portraits at 2 locations
- Online gallery with downloads
Extended Elopement
- 2 hours of coverage
- 350+ edited images
- Full ceremony coverage
- Portraits at multiple locations
- Beach or dinner session
All packages include professionally edited images delivered via online gallery with full download and print rights.
Looking for someone who knows the building, the staff, and the best portrait spots within walking distance? That's us. Reach out and we'll match the right package to your day.
Step-by-Step to Your Courthouse Wedding
-
Check Eligibility
Both parties must be at least 18. No citizenship or residency requirements. If previously married, you'll need divorce decree dates.
-
Premarital Course (Optional)
Florida residents save $25.00 on the license AND skip the waiting period with an approved 4-hour course. Most courses cost $20-50 and can be completed online in one day. Check approved providers.
-
Get Your Marriage License
Both parties appear in person at the Clerk of Courts. Bring valid photo ID, Social Security numbers, and payment for the license.
-
Wait (If Applicable)
Florida residents: the waiting period applies unless you took the course. Out-of-state: no waiting — marry the same day.
-
Say "I Do"
Arrive a little early. The civil service is quick. Bring your license, photo ID, the service fee, and rings if exchanging. Both indoor and outdoor gazebo options available.
Photo Locations at the Courthouse
Before you leave the property, there are three spots we use for portraits:
- The inner hallway
- an arched walkway with soft window light that frames couples beautifully
- The front pergolas
- rustic wood surrounded by palm trees and greenery
- The inner courtyard
- open green space with mature trees and brick pavers
After the Ceremony
Most couples spend 1-2 hours taking portraits in the historic district. The clerk's office is a short drive from downtown. Our favorite spots:
- Lightner Museum courtyard
- Spanish Renaissance architecture and reflecting pool
- The Bayfront
- Bridge of Lions, Matanzas Bay, golden hour light
- Plaza de la Constitucion
- shady oaks and the heart of the old city
- Downtown St. Augustine
- the historic streets, balconies and courtyards between the Plaza and the bayfront
- Magnolia Street
- the oak canopy draped in Spanish moss
- Fort Mose Boardwalk
- a quiet marsh boardwalk at a historic site, a few minutes north
- St. Augustine Beach
- sunset sessions for a coastal look
Sample Day Timeline
Most days follow a familiar rhythm. Here's a typical schedule when we cover both the ceremony and 1-2 hours of portraits afterward — adjust the start time so you finish at sunset for the best light at the bayfront or beach.
- Before the ceremony
- arrive at the clerk's office, sign in, hand over your license and service fee. We grab a few candid arrival shots while you wait.
- Ceremony
- Vows, ring exchange, and the kiss covered from two angles without being intrusive.
- Right after
- 15-20 minutes of portraits on-site at the hallway, pergolas, and inner courtyard. You're still in the moment, light is good, and there's no relocation needed.
- Optional drive downtown
- about 12 minutes from the clerk's office to the historic district. Plenty of time to grab a quick lunch or change shoes if you want.
- Downtown portraits
- 1-2 hours covering 1-3 of the spots above. We typically time the last stop for sunset at the bayfront or Plaza de la Constitucion.
- Optional beach session
- 20 minutes to St. Augustine Beach. Strongest light is the hour before sunset; bring flat shoes for the sand.
What to Expect on the Day
Check in at the Clerk of Courts window, wait briefly, and a notary performs the short civil service. You'll exchange vows, rings if you have them, and seal it with a kiss. Afterward, sign your license and order certified copies for name changes.
What to Bring
- Marriage license
- Photo ID for both parties
- Service fee
- Rings (if exchanging)
- Your vows (if written)
- Comfortable shoes for portraits
St. Johns County Wedding FAQ
Common questions about getting married at the clerk's office
Ask us anythingTotal cost is approximately $116 — the marriage license ($86) plus the $30 civil service fee. Florida residents who complete a premarital course pay just $91 total. Confirm current fees with the Clerk.
No. The St. Johns County Courthouse accepts walk-ins Monday through Friday during business hours. Calling ahead is still a good idea during busy seasons.
Florida residents have a 3-day waiting period (waived with premarital course). Out-of-state couples have no waiting period — you can get your license and marry the same day.
Both parties need valid photo ID, Social Security numbers, and payment. If previously married, bring divorce decree dates. No blood tests or witnesses required in Florida.
Yes. Photography is allowed. The building has beautiful architecture — an arched hallway, wood pergolas, and a courtyard that all work well for portraits.
Yes, within limits. Since the August 2026 move to the new Building 400 ceremony space, the indoor room holds a maximum of 10 guests. The outdoor courtyard ceremony can take a larger group — tell the Clerk your headcount when you book.
There's no dress code. Couples wear everything from jeans to full wedding attire. Wear whatever makes you feel like yourselves.
Explore More Wedding Services
Elopement Photography
Wedding Photography
Engagement Sessions
Ready to Plan Your Day?
Whether you want a quick civil ceremony, full-day coverage, or something in between, we are the team that will make that easy and stress free so you can focus on saying "I do".
Reach Out