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.
Costs vary by location, from a free public-sidewalk portrait session to a beach wedding that needs a permit, a separate photography permit, and a certificate of insurance. The key is knowing what each spot requires and leaving enough time before your date. Fees and rules change, so always confirm the current details with the managing authority.
Beach Wedding Permits
St. Johns County Beach Permit
$100+You need a special event permit for any wedding on a St. Johns County managed beach — no matter how many people attend. That includes St. Augustine Beach, Vilano Beach, Porpoise Point, and Crescent Beach. (The County, not the City, manages these beaches.)
The Fees (verify current amounts with the County)
- Wedding permit: $100 for a minor event (under 200 people), $200 for a major event (200+)
- Commercial photography permit: $50 — a separate permit when a professional photographer is involved
- Certificate of insurance: $1,000,000 general liability naming the County, required when you use third-party vendors (photographer, chairs, tent, caterer, etc.), due no less than 14 days before your date
Application Process
- Complete the St. Johns County beach special event application
- Specify your location, date, time, and expected guest count
- Submit your certificate of insurance at least 14 days out
- Pay the permit fees
- Receive your permit (keep a copy with you on wedding day)
The County recommends applying at least 30 days ahead for minor events and 60 days for major ones. Contact Beach Services at (904) 209-0331 or beaches@sjcfl.us.
Important Notes
- Sea turtle nesting season runs May 1 – October 31; event items can't be set up before 8:00 AM or after 7:30 PM during that window
- A beach driving pass is needed if you plan to drive on the beach (March – September)
- Glass containers are prohibited on all beaches
- Amplified music may require additional approval
- All items must be removed immediately after the event
State Park Wedding Permits
Fort Mose Historic State Park
Special use permitHeads up: Fort Mose's boardwalks closed in March 2026 for repairs and are expected to reopen by the end of summer 2026. The marsh-view boardwalk is the park's signature ceremony backdrop, so confirm what's accessible before booking a date here.
Fort Mose has marsh views and oaks draped in Spanish moss — a quiet, historic setting just north of downtown. Ceremonies on park grounds need a Florida State Parks special use permit.
Permit & Fees
- Florida State Parks special use permit/authorization required for any ceremony
- State permit fees scale with group size (roughly $110 for smaller groups, more for larger) — confirm the current fee with the park
- Standard park entrance fee applies per vehicle
- Certificate of insurance may be required
Restrictions
- No alcohol without a special permit
- No open flames or candles
- Must stay on designated paths and areas
- Park hours apply (typically closes at sunset)
Anastasia State Park
Special use permitNatural beach and wooded setting. Great for couples who want a quieter beach away from the public crowds. Ceremonies require a Florida State Parks special use permit; photography for a permitted ceremony is generally covered by it.
Venue Details
- Setting: Beach, forest, and coastal areas
- Park entrance fee: $8 per vehicle (2–8 people), $4 single-occupant — guests typically enter free when the wedding permit is in place
- State permit fees scale with group size (roughly $110 for smaller groups, more for larger) — confirm the current fee with the park
- 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 the Florida State Parks special use permit application
- Provide a certificate of insurance if required
- Pay the permit fee and the per-vehicle entrance fee
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Special use permitFormal gardens, and across A1A a unique coquina rock beach. The dramatic rock shapes make it one of the most-photographed spots in the area. Ceremonies require a Florida State Parks special use permit.
Venue Details
- Setting: Formal gardens, oak canopy, and a coquina-rock beach across A1A
- Park entrance fee: $5 per vehicle (2–8 people), $4 single-occupant — wedding permits typically cover guest admission
- State permit fees scale with group size — confirm the current fee with the park; allow about 7 business days to process
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
The City Film/Video/Photography Permit
When a session crosses into commercial or staged territory on city property, the City of St. Augustine issues a Film/Video/Photography Permit:
- $35 non-refundable filing fee
- $1,000,000 general liability insurance naming the City as additional insured
- Apply through the Event & Venue Coordinator: (904) 825-1004 or events@citystaug.com
Small candid couple portraits in public areas realistically don't trigger this. Staged, large, or commercial shoots do.
Specific Location Permits
Some popular downtown locations have their own requirements:
- Castillo de San Marcos: National Park Service grounds — see below (weddings are not currently being permitted)
- Flagler College: Permission required (limited availability)
- Plaza de la Constitución: Larger events need a city permit through the Event & Venue Coordinator
Note: Mission Nombre de Dios requires written approval for ceremonies and photo sessions, and access at some other historic/private sites is restricted — always confirm directly before planning a session there.
Castillo de San Marcos (The Fort)
NPS permitWeddings on hold: As of 2026, the National Park Service is not accepting wedding permit applications at Castillo de San Marcos due to expected construction, with no announced timeline for when ceremonies will resume on park grounds. Confirm current status with the park before counting on it.
The Spanish fort is National Park Service land. Organized ceremonies and commercial photography on the grounds require a special use permit; photography tied to a permitted event is generally covered by it.
Permit Requirements
- Must apply through the National Park Service (casa_permits@nps.gov / (904) 829-6506)
- A non-refundable special use permit application fee applies; commercial use authorizations carry a separate fee — confirm current amounts with the park
- 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.
St. Johns County requires a special event permit for any wedding on its managed beaches, no matter how many people attend. Beach patrol can ask an unpermitted ceremony to relocate. The wedding permit starts at $100, so it's worth getting it squared away well ahead of your date.
It depends on the location. On St. Johns County beaches there's a separate $50 commercial photography permit on top of the wedding permit. State and national parks generally fold photography into the event permit, but commercial sessions without an event (engagement or bridal portraits) may need their own authorization. Casual portraits in public areas usually don't. Check with each spot ahead of time.
Contact the permit office right away if you need to change your date — most beach and park permits can be rescheduled, but policies vary, so confirm the specifics when you apply. Many venues and state parks have similar rain policies.