“So positive and professional! We absolutely love our wedding photos and the whole experience with Rob and Jill. They respond quickly and Rob made our day so special.”
St Augustine Courthouse Wedding Photographer
About Us
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 →Awards & Recognition
The Courthouse
Getting Married at the St. Johns County Courthouse
What to know before you say "I do"
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
St. Johns County Clerk of Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Phone: (904) 819-3600
Official Clerk of Courts Website
How It Works
Step-by-Step to Your Courthouse Wedding
From license to "I do" in five simple steps
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 3-day waiting period with an approved 4-hour course. 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 ($86.00, or $61.00 with course).
Wait (If Applicable)
Florida residents: 3-day waiting period (waived with course). Out-of-state: No waiting — marry the same day.
Say "I Do"
Arrive 15 minutes early. The civil service takes 5-10 minutes. Bring your license, photo ID, $30.00 fee, and rings if exchanging. Both indoor and outdoor gazebo options available.
Money-Saving Tip
The premarital course saves $25.00 AND eliminates the waiting period. Most courses cost $20-50 and can be completed online in one day.
Photo Locations
Photo Locations at the Courthouse
Where we take portraits before and after
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
- 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.
- 15 minutes before 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 — 5-10 minutes total. 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.
On the Day
What to Expect on the Day
Simple, calm, and over in minutes
Check in at the Clerk of Courts window, wait briefly, and 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 and order certified copies for name changes.
What to Bring
- Marriage license
- Photo ID for both parties
- $30.00 service fee
- Rings (if exchanging)
- Your vows (if written)
- Comfortable shoes for portraits
Pricing
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.
- Ceremony coverage
- 120+ edited images
- Portraits at the courthouse
- Online gallery with downloads
- Full ceremony coverage
- 200+ edited images
- Portraits at 2 locations
- Online gallery with downloads
- Full ceremony coverage
- 350+ edited images
- 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.
Testimonials
What Couples Say
270+ five-star reviews on Google, WeddingWire & The Knot
“Rob and Jill are AMAZING! The photos on their website are indicative of the quality of work you may expect for your event. They are an incredible team who has the unique ability to remain professional while...”
“When we decided to elope, I had no clue where to start. We reached out to Jill & Rob based on reviews for photography, but they were so much more than that! Jill was so very helpful in so much of the planning...”
“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...”
“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...”
“Your search for a photographer stops here! You’ve found the one! (Hopefully in life too like I did) Rob & Jill did our last minute elopement photos & WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM! Kind, thoughtful, detail oriented,...”
FAQ
St. Johns County Wedding FAQ
Common questions about getting married at the clerk's office
Total 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. The space is intimate, so most couples bring 2-10 guests. There's no official limit, but room is limited.
There's no dress code. Couples wear everything from jeans to full wedding attire. Wear whatever makes you feel like yourselves.
Whether you want a quick civil ceremony, full-day coverage, or something in between, we're the team most St. Johns County couples find when they're looking for someone who actually knows the building. Reach out and we'll plan your day.