St Augustine Beach Wedding Permit
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
Getting a St. Augustine beach wedding permit is simpler than most couples expect. After 600+ weddings here, we've helped hundreds navigate the process — beach ceremony, state park, or downtown portraits, this guide covers it all.
The good news: most permits are cheap and simple. Just know where to apply and leave enough time before your date.
Beach Wedding Permits
St. Johns County Beach Permit
$50-100You need this for any beach ceremony in St. Johns County. That includes 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 spots. Fort Mose has marsh views and oaks draped in Spanish moss. A beautiful, historic setting.
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
$150-400Natural beach and wooded setting. Great for couples who want a private beach without the public 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: Wooded trail 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
$200-500Formal gardens and a unique coquina rock beach. The dramatic rock shapes make it one of the most-photographed spots in the area.
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: casual photos on public sidewalks usually don't need a permit. But some cases do need one.
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 Spanish fort needs a National Park Service permit for any paid photo work. That includes 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 photos, shoot FROM outside the fort. The view from the bayfront needs no permit. It often looks better, too - you see the full fort.
Pro Tips from 600+ St. Augustine Weddings
Apply Early
Popular dates fill up fast. Apply 60-90 days out for beach permits. For state parks in peak season, aim for 3-6 months.
Have a Backup Plan
Florida weather changes fast. Know your venue's rain plan. Have an indoor backup spot picked before your date.
Bring Your Permit
Bring a printed or digital copy on wedding day. Beach patrol and park rangers do check, especially at busy spots.
Check Insurance Requirements
Some state parks and historic sites need event insurance. Your planner or venue contact can usually help set this up.
Need Help Planning Your St. Augustine Wedding?
We've shot weddings at nearly every permit-friendly spot in town. Have questions about a location? We're happy to share what we know.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about St. Augustine wedding permits
Apply 30-60 days before your wedding. Popular beach spots fill fast in peak season (October-May). Weekend dates go quickly. The sooner you apply, the better your odds of getting the time you want.
Small groups (under 10) sometimes go unnoticed. But if you have guests, an officiant, chairs, or a photographer, get a permit. Without one, beach patrol may ask you to leave. The permit is cheap and worth the peace of mind.
Usually, a photographer at a permitted event is covered by that event's permit. For solo sessions like engagement or bridal portraits in state parks, you may need a separate permit. Check with each spot ahead of time.
St. Johns County beach permits let you reschedule for bad weather. Contact the permit office right away if you need to change your date. Most venues and state parks have similar rain policies.