Ximenez-Fatio House Photography Guide
A photographer's guide to one of St. Augustine's oldest buildings
About the Ximenez-Fatio House
The Ximenez-Fatio House is one of St. Augustine's oldest surviving buildings, built around 1798 by Spanish merchant Andres Ximenez and constructed of coquina. Owned and operated since 1939 by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Florida, it sits on Aviles Street—the oldest archaeologically documented street in the United States—and offers an intimate glimpse into the city's Spanish colonial past.
The house museum features a charming walled courtyard garden with original coquina walls, tropical plantings, and authentic period details. Small weddings and events do happen here, coordinated through the museum's own planning partner, Endless Possibilities Event Planning—we haven't had the chance to photograph one here yet, but we'd love to.
For a portrait or engagement session, the draw is the same intimacy that makes it work for small weddings: a secret-garden feel in the middle of the historic district, with the option to step right out the door onto Aviles Street for a second backdrop.
Ximenez-Fatio House is one stop on our broader St. Augustine photo locations guide, and pairs naturally with the rest of the downtown historic district.
Best Photo Spots
The Courtyard Garden
Intimate walled garden with lush tropical plants, historic coquina walls, and old-world charm—a hidden-gem feel in the middle of the historic district.
The Coquina Walls
Original 18th-century coquina shell walls provide textured, historic backdrops with incredible character.
Aviles Street
Aviles Street—the oldest archaeologically documented street in the United States—is just outside the door. The narrow lane with historic buildings creates romantic, European-feeling portraits.
The Historic Interior
Period rooms with antique furnishings and authentic details—wonderful for intimate portraits with historic ambiance.
Garden Details
Wrought iron gates, vintage planters, and colonial garden elements add visual interest throughout.
Best Time to Shoot
The walled courtyard receives soft, diffused light in late afternoon, which is when we'd plan a session here if the museum's hours and policies allow it. Contact the house directly—(904) 829-3575 or ximenezfatiohouse.org—for current visiting hours and any photography policies before you plan around it.
Photo Tips
- Use Aviles Street. Step right outside for portraits on Aviles Street, the oldest archaeologically documented street in the United States—the narrow lane and historic buildings create romantic backdrops steps from the door.
- Embrace the intimacy. This is a small, walled space rather than a wide-open venue—plan for close, detail-driven portraits over large group shots.
- Parking is street-only along Aviles Street and nearby downtown streets, with the city parking garage on West Castillo Drive a short walk away.
Nearby Alternatives
If you're already in this part of downtown, consider these other spots:
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