St. Augustine Wedding Permits Guide
Everything you need to know about permits for beach weddings, state parks, and historic district ceremonies
Planning Your St. Augustine Wedding? Here's What You Need to Know About Permits
After photographing 600+ weddings in St. Augustine, we've helped countless couples navigate the permit process. Whether you're planning a barefoot beach ceremony, a historic state park wedding, or portraits in the downtown district, this guide covers everything you need to know.
The good news: most St. Augustine wedding permits are straightforward to obtain and reasonably priced. The key is knowing where to apply and allowing enough time before your date.
Beach Wedding Permits
St. Johns County Beach Permit
$50-100Required for any organized beach ceremony in St. Johns County, including St. Augustine Beach, Vilano Beach, and Crescent Beach.
What's Covered
- Ceremony setup (chairs, arch, decorations)
- Designated time slot on the beach
- Group gatherings over 10 people
Application Process
- Complete the St. Johns County Special Events application
- Specify your location, date, time, and expected guest count
- Pay the permit fee
- Receive your permit via email (keep a copy with you on wedding day)
Important Notes
- Glass containers are prohibited on all beaches
- Amplified music may require additional permits
- Setup typically allowed 1-2 hours before ceremony
- All items must be removed immediately after the event
State Park Wedding Permits
Fort Mose Historic State Park
$100-300One of our favorite elopement locations. Fort Mose offers a beautiful, historic setting with marsh views and Spanish moss-draped oaks.
Venue Details
- Capacity: Up to 100 guests
- Setting: Outdoor only
- Parking: Available on-site
- Restrooms: Available
What's Included
- Access to designated ceremony areas
- Use of park grounds for photography
- Basic amenities access
Restrictions
- No alcohol without special permit
- No open flames or candles
- Must stay on designated paths and areas
- Park hours apply (typically closes at sunset)
Anastasia State Park
$150-400Beautiful natural beach and maritime forest setting. Perfect for couples who want a more secluded, natural beach backdrop without the public beach crowds.
Venue Details
- Capacity: Varies by location within park
- Setting: Beach, forest, and coastal areas
- Parking: Park entrance fee applies ($8/vehicle)
- Restrooms: Available at main areas
Best Locations Within the Park
- Beach: More secluded than public beaches, pristine dunes
- Ancient Dunes Trail: Maritime forest with beautiful light
- Salt Run: Waterfront views, kayak launch area
Application Process
- Contact the park directly to check availability
- Submit Florida State Parks Special Activity Application
- Provide certificate of insurance if required
- Pay permit fee
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
$200-500Stunning formal gardens and unique coquina rock beach. One of the most photographed locations in the area for its dramatic rock formations.
Venue Details
- Capacity: Up to 100 guests in gardens
- Setting: Formal gardens, oak canopy, beach with coquina rocks
- Parking: Available on-site
Best Ceremony Spots
- Formal Gardens: Rose garden, reflecting pools
- Oak Canopy: Natural cathedral of live oaks
- Coquina Beach: Unique rock formations (separate area)
Historic District Permits
Downtown St. Augustine Photography
Usually FreeGood news for couples planning downtown portraits: casual photography on public sidewalks and streets generally doesn't require a permit. However, there are some situations where permits are needed.
When You DON'T Need a Permit
- Casual couple portraits on sidewalks and public areas
- Small wedding party photos (under 10 people)
- No equipment blocking pedestrian traffic
- No tripods, lights, or assistants
When You NEED a Permit
- Large groups blocking sidewalks or streets
- Professional lighting equipment or reflectors
- Extended time at a single location
- Commercial video production
Specific Location Permits
Some popular downtown locations have their own requirements:
- Castillo de San Marcos: National Park permit required for commercial photography
- Flagler College: Permission required (limited availability)
- Plaza de la Constitución: Large events need city permit
Castillo de San Marcos (The Fort)
$50-200The iconic Spanish fort requires a National Park Service permit for any commercial photography, including wedding and engagement sessions.
Permit Requirements
- Must apply through National Park Service
- Proof of liability insurance may be required
- Limited to certain hours and areas
- No tripods on historic masonry
Pro Tip
For casual couple portraits, the view FROM outside the fort (looking at it from across the bayfront) doesn't require a permit and often makes for better photos with the full structure visible.
Pro Tips from 600+ St. Augustine Weddings
Apply Early
Popular dates fill up fast. We recommend applying 60-90 days in advance for beach permits and 3-6 months for state parks during peak season.
Have a Backup Plan
Florida weather is unpredictable. Know your venue's rain policy and have an indoor backup location identified before your date.
Bring Your Permit
Keep a printed or digital copy of your permit with you on wedding day. Beach patrol and park rangers do check, especially at popular locations.
Check Insurance Requirements
Some state parks and historic sites require event liability insurance. Your venue coordinator or wedding planner can usually help arrange this.
Need Help Planning Your St. Augustine Wedding?
We've photographed weddings at virtually every permitted location in St. Augustine. If you have questions about specific locations or need recommendations, we're happy to share what we've learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about St. Augustine wedding permits
We recommend applying at least 30-60 days before your wedding date, especially for popular beach locations during peak season (October-May). Weekend dates fill up quickly, so the earlier you apply, the better your chances of securing your preferred time slot.
Technically, small informal gatherings (under 10 people) sometimes go unnoticed, but any organized ceremony with guests, an officiant, chairs, or a photographer should have a permit. Without one, you risk being asked to leave by beach patrol. The permit is affordable and gives you peace of mind.
In most cases, photographers working for a permitted event are covered under the event permit. However, for commercial photography sessions (engagement photos, bridal portraits) in state parks or historic sites, separate photography permits may be required. Check with each location's requirements.
St. Johns County beach permits typically allow you to reschedule due to inclement weather. Contact the permit office as soon as possible if you need to change your date. Most venues and state parks have similar weather policies.