St. Augustine Beach Wedding Venues
Oceanfront ceremonies, golden hour light, and that relaxed coastal vibe for your perfect beach wedding.
Planning a Beach Wedding in St. Augustine
There's something magical about an oceanfront ceremony with waves as your soundtrack and the sunset as your backdrop. St. Augustine's beaches offer some of the most beautiful coastal wedding settings in Florida—from private resort venues with full amenities to simple ceremonies on public beaches.
As photographers who've shot hundreds of beach weddings, we know the best locations, optimal timing for light, and how to capture stunning images in ocean breezes. Whether you're planning an intimate elopement at sunrise or a grand celebration at a beachfront resort, this guide will help you navigate your options.
Private Beach & Oceanfront Venues
Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach
Oceanfront resort with ceremony options on the beach, pool deck, or lawn areas. On-site accommodations for your guests make logistics easy, and the beachfront location provides stunning sunset backdrops.
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Guy Harvey Resort
Beachfront property in the heart of St. Augustine Beach with multiple event spaces. The oceanfront lawn and pool deck offer ceremony and reception options with direct beach access.
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Marker 8 Hotel
Boutique oceanfront hotel with rooftop event space overlooking the beach. A more intimate option for couples who want beach proximity with a modern, stylish setting.
Hyatt Place Vilano Beach
Beachfront hotel in the charming Vilano Beach area with lawn ceremony space and ocean views. A more affordable option that still delivers beautiful beach wedding settings.
Public Beach Wedding Locations
St. Augustine and surrounding areas offer several public beach locations perfect for ceremonies. A permit is required but the process is straightforward.
St. Augustine Beach
The most popular public beach for weddings. Wide sandy beaches, good parking access, and that classic Florida coast vibe.
St. Johns County permit requiredVilano Beach
A quieter alternative to St. Augustine Beach with a more local feel. Great for intimate ceremonies with beautiful sunrise and sunset light.
St. Johns County permit requiredAnastasia State Park
Natural beach setting within a state park. More secluded feel with dune landscapes and native vegetation as backdrop.
State park permit requiredCrescent Beach
South of St. Augustine, this quieter beach offers a more private feel with fewer crowds.
St. Johns County permit requiredBeach Wedding Permits
Beach weddings in St. Johns County require a special event permit. The process is straightforward and affordable—typically $50-100 depending on the location and guest count. Apply through St. Johns County Parks & Recreation at least 30 days before your wedding date. Permits specify the beach section, time window, and any restrictions. Most ceremonies are scheduled within 2 hours of sunset for the best lighting.
Beach Wedding Photography Tips
Timing is Everything
We typically start beach ceremonies 1.5-2 hours before sunset. This gives time for the ceremony, couples portraits during golden hour, and those magical sunset shots.
Wind Considerations
Beach weddings mean wind. We recommend securing veils and loose elements, and we position couples to minimize hair-in-face moments during portraits.
Footwear Planning
Sand and heels don't mix. Many brides go barefoot or choose wedges. We'll scout the walking path from setup to ceremony location.
Backup Planning
Florida weather can change quickly. Most beach venues have indoor backup options. For public beaches, have a Plan B at a nearby restaurant or pavilion.
Best Times for Beach Ceremony Photos
Sunrise Sessions
Soft, warm light with fewer beachgoers. Perfect for intimate elopements and couples who are early risers.
Late Afternoon
Start ceremony 2 hours before sunset. Golden light, comfortable temperatures, and time for portraits.
Golden Hour
The hour before sunset offers the most flattering light. We prioritize couples portraits during this window.
Blue Hour
Just after sunset, the sky turns deep blue. Dramatic backdrop for silhouettes and romantic portraits.
Beach Wedding FAQ
Common questions about St. Augustine beach weddings
Spring (March-May) and fall (October-November) offer the best conditions—comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and fewer afternoon storms. Summer weddings are beautiful but require planning around daily afternoon thunderstorms. Winter offers mild temperatures but can be breezy.
Yes, any ceremony on public beaches in St. Johns County requires a permit. Private resort venues handle this differently—some include permits in their packages. For public beaches, apply through St. Johns County Parks & Recreation at least 30 days in advance.
Some permits allow you to bring in chairs, an arch, and simple decor. Most couples hire a wedding rental company that specializes in beach setups. Private venues typically provide ceremony furniture. Check permit restrictions for specific allowances.
Private venues have indoor backup spaces. For public beach ceremonies, we recommend having a backup location reserved—a nearby restaurant, pavilion, or indoor venue. We monitor weather closely and can help you make the call on backup plans.