In This Guide
Last updated: January 2026
Planning a wedding in St. Augustine means blending historic charm with coastal beauty. After photographing over 600 weddings here, we've learned that successful St. Augustine weddings require understanding the city's unique character—from permit requirements for beach ceremonies to navigating narrow cobblestone streets with vendor deliveries.
This guide walks you through everything we've learned about planning weddings in America's oldest city, from 12-month timelines to day-of logistics that actually work in our historic setting.
12-Month Planning Timeline
12-18 Months Before
Set Your Foundation
- Set your guest count and budget
- Choose your wedding date (avoid hurricane season peaks)
- Book your venue—popular spots like Lightner Museum fill up fast
- Secure your photographer and videographer
- Send save-the-dates for destination guests
9-12 Months Before
Build Your Team
- 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 engagement session
6-9 Months Before
Plan the Details
- Finalize menu and bar selections
- Choose ceremony and reception decor
- Plan transportation—consider trolley tours for guests
- Book hair and makeup artists
- Create wedding website with local recommendations
3-6 Months Before
Confirm and Coordinate
- Send invitations (8 weeks for local, 10-12 for destination)
- Schedule final venue walkthrough
- Confirm vendor arrival times and parking arrangements
- Plan rehearsal dinner—many couples choose historic district restaurants
- Obtain marriage license (valid for 60 days in Florida)
Legal Requirements & Permits
Marriage License Requirements
Florida makes it relatively simple to get married:
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 beach ceremonies, but the location determines which permit you need. Always confirm current requirements and fees directly 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
- 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)
- 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
- Applies to public spaces within city limits
Essential Vendor Categories
Photography & Videography
Your photographer and videographer will document your entire day, so book them first. In St. Augustine's unique lighting conditions—from Spanish moss shadows to bright beach sun—experience with local venues matters.
What to Look For
- 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 dictate catering choices. Some historic venues require specific caterers, while others allow you to choose freely.
Local Catering Considerations
- Kitchen access varies dramatically 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
From solo guitarists for intimate ceremonies to full bands for reception dancing, music sets your celebration's tone.
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
Florals & Decor
St. Augustine's natural beauty means you can often use less elaborate florals. Spanish moss, palm fronds, and coastal elements create stunning backdrops with minimal 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 Off-Peak Times
- 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)
✓ Beautiful blooms and green landscapes
✓ Comfortable for outdoor ceremonies
✓ Lower humidity than summer
⚠ Spring break crowds
⚠ Books up 12+ months ahead
Summer (June-August)
✓ Long daylight hours
✓ Lush, tropical landscaping
✓ Great for beach receptions
⚠ Daily afternoon thunderstorms
⚠ Hurricane season (June-November)
⚠ Tourist season crowds
Fall (September-November)
✓ Hurricane season winds down
✓ Beautiful golden hour light
✓ Less crowded than spring
⚠ Occasional tropical weather
⚠ Popular for destination weddings
Winter (December-February)
✓ Fewer tourists
✓ Holiday decorations downtown
✓ Mild temperatures (60-75°F)
⚠ Occasional cold fronts
⚠ Shorter daylight hours
⚠ Some venues close for maintenance
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 particularly magical.
Casa Monica Resort
Moorish Revival architecture with many event spaces. The rooftop offers city views, and the courtyard is perfect for small, special celebrations.
Bayfront Marin House
Historic bed & breakfast with waterfront ceremony sites. The wraparound porches and bay views create romantic photo opportunities.
Beach & Waterfront Venues
Anastasia State Park
Four miles of pristine beach with pavilion options. The coquina rock formations provide unique ceremony backdrops.
Vilano Beach
More relaxed beach vibe with easier vendor access than downtown beaches. Great for casual, barefoot ceremonies.
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.
For a comprehensive 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 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
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
