Complete St. Augustine Wedding Planning Guide

Timeline, vendors, and seasonal insights from photographers who've documented 600+ weddings in America's oldest city.

In This Guide

12-Month Planning Timeline
Legal Requirements & Permits
Essential Vendor Categories
Budget Planning & Cost Breakdown
Seasonal Planning Considerations
Popular Venue Types & Locations
Day-of Wedding Timeline
St. Augustine-Specific Considerations
Final Month Checklist

Last updated: January 2026

Planning a wedding in St. Augustine means blending historic charm with coastal beauty. We've photographed over 600 weddings here. A successful St. Augustine wedding starts with knowing the city's unique character—the permits you need for a beach ceremony, and how vendor deliveries work on narrow cobblestone streets.

This guide walks you through everything we've learned about planning weddings in America's oldest city. It covers 12-month timelines through day-of logistics that actually work in our historic setting.

St. Augustine Wedding Planning Guide: Your 12-Month Timeline

12-18 Months Before

Set Your Foundation

12-18 months out

Set your guest count and budget.
Choose your wedding date, and we will plan around the time of year.
Book your venue, and call us if you want to talk through your options.
Secure your photographer and videographer.
Send save-the-dates for destination guests.

9-12 Months Before

Build Your Team

9-12 months out

Book remaining key vendors (caterer, florist, music).
Apply for beach permits if needed.
Order invitations and wedding attire.
Book guest accommodations—St. Augustine has limited hotel rooms.
Schedule your engagement session.

6-9 Months Before

Plan the Details

6-9 months out

Finalize menu and bar selections.
Choose ceremony and reception decor.
Plan transportation—consider trolley tours for guests.
Book hair and makeup artists.
Create a wedding website with local recommendations.

3-6 Months Before

Confirm and Coordinate

3-6 months out

Send invitations (8 weeks for local, 10-12 for destination).
Schedule your final venue walkthrough.
Confirm vendor arrival times and parking arrangements.
Plan your rehearsal dinner venue—many couples choose historic district restaurants.
Obtain your marriage license (valid for 60 days in Florida).

St. Augustine Timing Tip: Schedule vendor arrivals 30 minutes earlier than usual. Historic district parking and narrow streets can cause delays, especially during tourist season.

Legal Requirements & Permits

Marriage License Requirements

Florida makes it fairly simple to get married:

License Validity

60 Days

Waiting Period

None for Non-Residents

License Fee

$86 ($61 w/ course)

Required ID

Government Photo ID

Get your license from the St. Johns County Clerk of Court (4010 Lewis Speedway). No blood test or witnesses are required in Florida. The fee is $86, reduced to $61 if you complete a state-approved premarital preparation course. Florida applies a 3-day waiting period to Florida residents only. Out-of-state couples can apply and marry the same day. The license is valid for 60 days. Fees can change, so confirm current amounts with the St. Johns County Clerk before you go.

Beach and Park Permits

Many couples dream of a beach ceremony. The location determines which permit you need. Always confirm current rules and fees with the managing agency, because they change.

St. Johns County beaches (Vilano, the county-managed shoreline)

A beach wedding permit is required regardless of guest count.
Expect the permit fee plus a separate photography permit, and proof of liability insurance (a $1M certificate of insurance is typical).
Apply through the St. Johns County Beach Services office well ahead of your date.

Florida State Parks (Anastasia State Park, Washington Oaks Gardens)

These require a Special Use Permit through the park, plus the standard per-vehicle entry fee for your guests.
Each park has its own application timeline and group-size limits.
Apply directly with the individual park.

City of St. Augustine sites

The city issues a separate film/photo permit (commercial-oriented), which also requires a liability insurance certificate.
This applies to public spaces within city limits.

Permit Warning: Don't assume beach access is free. We've seen ceremonies interrupted by park rangers when couples skip the permit process. Apply early and keep permits with your day-of emergency kit.

Essential Vendor Categories

Photography & Videography

Your photographer and videographer will document your entire day, so book them first. St. Augustine's light is tricky—Spanish moss shadows one hour, bright beach sun the next. Experience with local venues matters.

What to Look For

A portfolio showing St. Augustine venues.
Experience with Florida's challenging lighting.
Knowledge of permit requirements for historic sites.
Backup equipment for outdoor conditions.

Budget Range: $2,000-6,000 for photography, $1,500-4,000 for videography.

Catering & Bar Service

St. Augustine's venue restrictions often shape your catering choices. Some historic venues require specific caterers. Others let you choose freely.

Local Catering Considerations

Kitchen access varies a lot by venue.
Many historic buildings lack loading docks.
Heat and humidity affect menu planning.
Local seafood and Southern cuisine are popular.

Budget Range: $35-85 per person for dinner, $15-25 for cocktail receptions.

Music & Entertainment

Music sets your celebration's tone. Options run from a solo guitarist for an intimate ceremony to a full band for reception dancing.

Music Options

Ceremony: Solo guitar, string quartet, or acoustic duo.
Cocktail Hour: Jazz trio, pianist, or curated playlist.
Reception: DJ, live band, or hybrid approach.

Budget Range: $500-1,500 for ceremony music, $1,200-4,000 for reception.

Sound Restriction Tip: Many venues have sound restrictions, especially historic properties and city beaches. Ask about decibel limits and curfews before booking entertainment.

Florals & Decor

St. Augustine's natural beauty means you can often use simpler florals. Spanish moss, palm fronds, and coastal elements create stunning backdrops with little added decoration.

Popular Local Elements

Tropical flowers: Bougainvillea, hibiscus, bird of paradise.
Natural elements: Spanish moss, driftwood, shells.
Color palettes: Coral and navy, sage and cream, tropical brights.

Budget Range: $1,000-4,000 for ceremony and reception florals.

Budget Planning & Cost Breakdown

Typical St. Augustine Wedding Costs (100 guests)

Venue	$3,000 - $8,000
Photography	$2,500 - $5,000
Catering & Bar	$4,500 - $8,500
Florals & Decor	$1,500 - $3,500
Music/Entertainment	$1,200 - $3,000
Transportation	$300 - $800
Miscellaneous	$1,000 - $2,500
Total Range	$14,000 - $31,300

Money-Saving Strategies

Choose Flexible Dates

January-February: 20-30% venue savings.
Weekday ceremonies: Often half the weekend rate.
Morning or brunch receptions: Lower catering costs.

Leverage Natural Beauty

Beach ceremonies need minimal decoration.
Historic architecture provides elegant backdrops.
Spanish moss and palms create free "decor."

Consider Alternative Venues

Vacation rentals for intimate celebrations.
Public parks with pavilion rentals.
Restaurant private dining rooms.

Seasonal Planning Considerations

Spring (March-May)

✓ Warm weather (70-80°F).
✓ Blooms and green landscapes.
✓ Comfortable for outdoor ceremonies.
✓ Lower humidity than summer.

✓ We plan around spring break crowds.
✓ Call us early or late and we will check your date.

Summer (June-August)

✓ Beach season atmosphere.
✓ Long daylight hours.
✓ Lush, tropical landscaping.
✓ Great for beach receptions.

✓ Morning and evening ceremonies keep everyone comfortable.
✓ We keep a covered backup for afternoon storms.
✓ We watch the tropical forecast (hurricane season runs June-November).

Fall (September-November)

✓ Comfortable temperatures return.
✓ Hurricane season winds down.
✓ Soft evening light.
✓ Quieter than spring.

✓ We plan around humidity in September with shade and evening timing.
✓ We watch the tropical forecast and keep a backup ready.

Winter (December-February)

✓ Flexible venue rates.
✓ Fewer tourists.
✓ Holiday decorations downtown.
✓ Mild temperatures (60-75°F).

✓ We keep a backup plan for variable weather and cold fronts.
✓ We build the timeline around the earlier sunset.
✓ We confirm your venue's calendar before you commit.

Hurricane Season Reality Check: June through November is hurricane season, but actual impacts are rare. We recommend wedding insurance and flexible vendor contracts rather than avoiding these months entirely.

Popular Venue Types & Locations

Historic Venues

St. Augustine's 450-year history provides stunning backdrops:

Lightner Museum

Gilded Age grandeur with courtyards and ballrooms. The courtyard ceremony space under ancient oak trees is especially magical.

Capacity: scales from intimate to large (confirm with venue) • Price Range: $$$

Casa Monica Resort

Moorish Revival architecture with many event spaces. The rooftop offers city views. The courtyard is perfect for small, special celebrations.

Capacity: 200+ • Price Range: $$$$

Bayfront Marin House

Historic bed & breakfast with waterfront ceremony sites. The wraparound porches and bay views create romantic photo opportunities.

Capacity: up to 60 • Price Range: $$$

Beach & Waterfront Venues

Anastasia State Park

Four miles of pristine beach with pavilion options. The coquina rock formations provide unique ceremony backdrops.

Capacity: 150 • Price Range: $$

Vilano Beach

A more relaxed beach vibe, with easier vendor access than downtown beaches. Great for casual, barefoot ceremonies.

Capacity: Varies by permit • Price Range: $

Alternative Venues

Vacation Rentals

Beachfront homes and historic buildings give you privacy and options. They work well for small weddings where guests can stay overnight.

Capacity: 20-60 • Price Range: $$-$$$

For a full list of venues, check out our detailed St. Augustine wedding venues guide.

Day-of Wedding Timeline

Morning Preparation (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

Getting Ready Timeline

8:00 AM: Hair and makeup begin.
9:00 AM: Breakfast for the wedding party.
10:00 AM: Detail photos (rings, dress, flowers).
11:00 AM: Bride getting dressed, groom preparation.
12:00 PM: First look or pre-ceremony portraits.

St. Augustine Timing Tip: Start hair and makeup 30 minutes earlier in summer. The humidity affects both styling time and longevity, especially for outdoor ceremonies.

Ceremony & Portraits (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM)

Ceremony Flow

12:30 PM: Guests begin arriving.
1:00 PM: Processional begins.
1:30 PM: Ceremony concludes, receiving line.
2:00 PM: Cocktail hour begins.
2:00-4:00 PM: Couple portraits at multiple locations.

Popular Portrait Locations

Historic district cobblestone streets.
The grounds around Castillo de San Marcos. (Note: the National Park Service restricts ceremonies and access here, so confirm what's currently permitted.)
Spanish moss-draped trees in parks.
Lighthouse and maritime museum grounds.

Reception (5:00 PM - 11:00 PM)

Evening Timeline

5:00 PM: Cocktail hour concludes, guests seated.
5:30 PM: Grand entrance and first dance.
6:00 PM: Dinner service begins.
7:30 PM: Toasts and speeches.
8:00 PM: Dancing begins.
10:00 PM: Last dance and send-off.

Sound Curfew Note: Many St. Augustine venues have 10 or 11 PM sound curfews. Plan your timeline accordingly, especially for outdoor receptions.

600+

Weddings

12+

Years

5★

Rating

320+

Reviews

St. Augustine-Specific Considerations

Transportation & Logistics

Vendor Access Challenges

The historic district has narrow streets and limited parking.
Many venues require hand-carrying equipment.
Trolley and carriage traffic can cause delays.
Weekend street closures happen for special events.

Guest Transportation

Parking downtown is limited and expensive ($15-25/day).
Consider shuttle service from hotels to venues.
Historic district trolley tours make great guest activities.
Ride-sharing can be limited during peak tourist times.

Weather Contingency Planning

Summer Storm Preparation

Daily afternoon thunderstorms (2-4 PM typical).
Have an indoor backup plan for outdoor ceremonies.
Tent rentals require advance booking.
Consider ceremony timing around typical storm patterns.

Hurricane Season Considerations

Purchase wedding insurance.
Have flexible vendor contracts.
Monitor weather 5-7 days before.
Plan indoor alternatives for all outdoor elements.

Local Regulations & Restrictions

Historic District Rules

Some buildings have strict noise ordinances.
Decorating restrictions apply on historic properties.
Street closures require city permits.
Parking restrictions apply during special events.

Beach Regulations

No glass containers allowed.
Sea turtle nesting season restrictions (May-October).
Tide timing affects ceremony locations.
Leave No Trace requirements are strictly enforced.

Ready to Plan Your St. Augustine Wedding?

We've done hundreds of weddings in St. Augustine. We know all the local venues and wedding vendors. We catch the small moments that make your day special. Let us take beautiful photos of your wedding. We've been here since 2014.

St. Augustine Wedding Photography

Final Month Checklist

30 Days Before

Confirm all vendor arrival times and contact info.
Submit your final guest count to the caterer and venue.
Pick up wedding attire and schedule final fittings.
Confirm transportation arrangements.
Create a day-of emergency kit with permits, contracts, and vendor info.

2 Weeks Before

Confirm weather contingency plans with vendors.
Distribute the timeline to your wedding party and key vendors.
Confirm ceremony rehearsal logistics.
Pack honeymoon bags.
Delegate day-of tasks to reliable friends, or hire a coordinator.

Week of Wedding

Check the weather forecast and activate backup plans if needed.
Confirm vendor arrival and setup times.
Prepare vendor payments and gratuities.
Rest and stay hydrated—St. Augustine weddings are marathons, not sprints.
Trust your vendors and enjoy your celebration.

Final Thought: St. Augustine weddings have a magic that comes from celebrating in a place with centuries of history. Embrace the city's relaxed coastal vibe. Plan for the unique logistics. Then trust that your day will be beautiful, even with small hiccups. After all, you're getting married in one of America's most romantic cities.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Ask us anything

Many couples start 12-18 months ahead for traditional venues and 6-9 months ahead for smaller celebrations, which gives you the widest choice of dates. Call us at any point, though, and we will tell you right away what is open.

Yes. St. Johns County beaches require a beach wedding permit (plus a separate photography permit and liability insurance) regardless of guest count, and state parks like Anastasia require a Special Use Permit plus the per-vehicle entry fee. Apply well in advance and confirm current fees with the managing agency, since they change.

Florida is beautiful all year. We plan around your date and the time of year, whether that's a beach, a garden, a courtyard, or a rental, so the day works whenever you choose.

Expect $20,000-40,000 for 100 guests at traditional venues, $8,000-15,000 for intimate celebrations. Beach rentals and backyard weddings can significantly reduce costs while maintaining the coastal charm.

Many vacation rentals allow small weddings, but you must get written permission from the property management company. Surprise events can result in police visits and contract violations.

Essential vendors include photographer, officiant, catering, and florals. Optional vendors include DJ/band, videographer, hair/makeup, and coordinator depending on your venue and style.

Many couples book photographers and venues 12-18 months ahead and other vendors 6-12 months out, which gives you the widest choice. If your date is closer, call us anyway and we will tell you right away whether it is open.

You're exchanging vows in America's oldest city with 450 years of history. The Spanish colonial architecture, coastal setting, and intimate venues create a romantic atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Florida.