Venue Guide · Historic
9 Aviles Wedding Venue Photo Guide
A photographer's guide to this historic gem on America's oldest street
About 9 Aviles
9 Aviles wedding venue sits on the oldest street in the U.S., laid out in 1572. This small venue fills a restored historic building. It's been updated, but the old character is still there.
A private courtyard is the heart of the venue. It's an oasis of calm in downtown St. Augustine. Brick pavers, tropical plants, and historic walls make it feel timeless and warm.
What makes 9 Aviles special? History plus intimacy. This isn't a 200-guest venue. It's built for couples who want their day to feel personal. Every corner has character.
Why We Love 9 Aviles
As preferred vendors here, we've shot many weddings in this space. We know where the light falls at every hour. We know the best angles and the nearby streets for more photo variety.
A small venue like this is a gift for photos. We're close to the emotion - the tears during vows, the laughs during toasts, the quiet moments. Nothing feels staged.
The location is unbeatable. Step outside and you're on America's oldest street. The Cathedral, the Plaza, the bayfront - all a short walk away for more portrait spots.
Best Photo Locations
9 Aviles offers beautiful on-site locations plus easy access to historic downtown:
The Courtyard
A private courtyard with brick pavers, tropical plants, and historic walls. The heart of ceremonies and receptions here.
The Veranda
A covered porch over the courtyard. Great for quiet moments, toasts, and rain backup.
Aviles Street
Step outside onto America's oldest street. Cobblestones and Spanish colonial facades make an unmatched backdrop.
The Historic Building
Inside you'll find exposed brick, period details, and warm lighting for indoor portraits and candid shots.
Nearby Historic Sites
A short walk to the Cathedral, the Plaza, and the bayfront for more portrait spots.
Planning Your Timeline at 9 Aviles
We don’t publish generic timelines. They’re useless without knowing your date. Here’s why:
A 5pm ceremony works great in summer. In winter, it means dark portraits. Your timeline must match your actual date and what matters most to you.
Lighting & Golden Hour
The courtyard catches warm golden light from the west. The brick walls and iron chandeliers glow 30-45 minutes before sunset. The covered veranda has open shade all day.
Aviles Street is quietest before 10am and after 6pm for uninterrupted portraits on the cobblestones.
Time for Photos
We recommend 45-60 minutes for portraits at 9 Aviles, covering the courtyard, veranda, and Aviles Street.
Want more variety? Nearby options:
- Bayfront & Bridge of Lions — 5 minutes walk, add 20-30 minutes
- Cathedral Basilica — 3 minutes walk, add 10-15 minutes
- Plaza de la Constitución — 2 minutes walk, add 10 minutes
Winter & Nights of Lights
December and January weddings can incorporate Nights of Lights—the Plaza and downtown are just steps away for those magical twinkling photos after dark.
Venue Timing Notes
- Music curfew at 10pm
- Venue access typically begins 2 hours before ceremony
Build a Wedding Day Timeline for 9 Aviles
Every timeline we build starts from three anchors — your ceremony start time, sunset, and your exit. From there we plan the best light for portraits, family photos, and everything in between at 9 Aviles.
Build My Timeline →Photography Tips
After photographing many weddings here, these are our top recommendations:
Use Aviles Street
Don't stay inside the venue all day. The cobblestones and Spanish facades just outside make a great backdrop. Step out for variety.
Time Your Ceremony for the Light
The courtyard faces west and glows at golden hour. We'll help you pick a time based on your date. Sunset shifts from 5:30pm in winter to 8:30pm in summer.
Embrace the Intimacy
This venue shines for small weddings. The small scale means real connections and candid moments we can capture well.
Walk to the Bayfront
After the ceremony, a 5-minute walk gets you to the bayfront and Bridge of Lions for sunset portraits.
Contact 9 Aviles for current rental pricing. Rates vary by day, season, and event length. The venue uses preferred caterers, so you'll handle food costs on your own.
9 Aviles holds up to 50 guests. It's ideal for intimate weddings and elopements. The courtyard and indoor spaces suit small events where every guest feels part of the day.
Yes. The courtyard is the main space, but 9 Aviles has indoor options if weather doesn't work out. The inside has exposed brick and warm lighting that looks great for both ceremonies and receptions.
The venue sits on Aviles Street in the historic district, so on-street spaces are metered and limited. Nearby public parking garages and lots are the main options, and reserved lot parking can sometimes be arranged through the venue. Share parking details with guests ahead of time, especially during busy tourist season.
Planning a Wedding at 9 Aviles?
We'd love to capture your 9 Aviles wedding day. Let's talk about your vision.
Get in Touch