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
St. Augustine beach wedding venues offer some of the most beautiful coastal ceremony settings in Florida—from private resort venues with full amenities to simple ceremonies on public beaches, all with waves as your soundtrack and the sunset as your backdrop.
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.
See Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach guide →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.
See Guy Harvey Resort guide →Hyatt Place St. Augustine / Vilano Beach
A three-story hotel steps from the sands of Vilano Beach, overlooking the Intracoastal toward the historic downtown skyline. It offers six indoor and outdoor wedding spaces and a rooftop bar with panoramic views, plus a block of rooms so guests can stay where they celebrate.
Schooner Freedom
Exchange vows aboard St. Augustine's iconic 76-foot tall ship as you sail past the fort, under the Bridge of Lions, and into the open ocean. This unique waterfront experience offers intimate ceremonies with ever-changing views—and sailing back into the harbor at sunset is unforgettable.
See Schooner Freedom guide →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 on St. Johns County's public beaches require a special-event permit regardless of guest count—$100 for a minor-impact event (up to 200 people) or $200 for a major-impact event (200+). Because you'll have vendors and setup on the sand, the county also requires a certificate of liability insurance with at least $1,000,000 in coverage, submitted no later than 14 days before your date. Commercial photography on the beach carries its own separate $50 permit. Apply through St. Johns County Beach Services at (904) 209-0331, and start early. One timing note—sea-turtle nesting season runs May 1 through October 31, when event items can't be set up before 8 a.m. or after 7:30 p.m. Anastasia State Park and the Town of St. Augustine Beach run their own separate permitting.
More Beach & Oceanfront St. Augustine Wedding Venues
Additional beachfront and coastal venues we've photographed or guide couples through. Tap any venue for our full photography guide.
Beach Wedding Photography Tips
Timing is Everything
We typically start beach ceremonies 1.5-2 hours before sunset for warm golden-hour portraits. One local truth worth knowing—St. Augustine's beaches face east, so the sun rises over the ocean and sets behind the dunes. The over-the-water light is at sunrise; at sunset the eastern sky turns soft and pastel behind you.
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.
Mind the Tides
Tides matter more than couples expect. A high tide at the wrong hour can shrink the usable beach and crowd your setup. We check the tide table for your specific date when scouting so the ceremony spot still has room to breathe.
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.
FAQ
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 special-event permit ($100 minor-impact / $200 major-impact), plus a $1,000,000 certificate of liability insurance due at least 14 days before your date and a separate $50 commercial photography permit. Apply through St. Johns County Beach Services and start early. Private resort venues handle this differently—some include permitting in their packages.
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.
Once you've picked your venue, we'd love to help you document the day. See our St. Augustine wedding photographer services for packages, sample timelines, and our approach to beach weddings.