Historic Downtown

Casa de Solana Wedding Photography Guide

A photographer's guide to this romantic B&B on America's oldest street

About Casa de Solana

Casa de Solana

B&B Historic Courtyard
Price Range $ $ $ $ $
Guest Capacity Up to 20 guests
Spaces Getting Ready Outdoor Ceremony Outdoor Reception
Best Photo Time Late afternoon
More details Less details
Catering Preferred vendors
BYOB Yes
Accommodations On-site
Parking Street
Pet Friendly No
Music Curfew 9pm
Weather Backup Limited indoor
Photo Restrictions None

Casa de Solana is a historic bed and breakfast located at 21 Aviles Street—on America's oldest documented street, laid out in 1572. The inn occupies a beautifully restored colonial-era building, offering guests a glimpse into St. Augustine's rich past while providing modern comforts.

At the heart of Casa de Solana is a romantic walled courtyard garden. A charming fountain, lush tropical plants, and intimate seating areas create an atmosphere of quiet romance—perfect for elopement ceremonies.

The inn offers elopement packages designed for couples seeking an intimate, stress-free wedding experience. With everything coordinated on-site and the option to stay overnight in one of their elegant guest rooms, Casa de Solana provides a complete romantic getaway.

Why This Venue Stands Out

Casa de Solana offers everything we love about St. Augustine elopements: history, intimacy, and effortless romance.

The walled courtyard is a hidden gem—private and peaceful despite being in the heart of downtown. The fountain provides a beautiful focal point, and the surrounding tropical plants create natural frames for portraits.

The location on Aviles Street is a major advantage. After courtyard portraits, couples can step onto the oldest street in America for entirely different backdrops—historic facades, cobblestones, and 450 years of atmosphere.

We've photographed at Casa de Solana before and would love to return. If you're planning an elopement here, let's chat.

Best Photo Locations

Casa de Solana offers romantic photo opportunities on-site and steps away:

The Courtyard Garden

A romantic walled garden with lush tropical plants, a fountain, and intimate seating areas. The heart of ceremonies at Casa de Solana.

The Fountain

A charming fountain serves as a beautiful ceremony backdrop and portrait focal point.

Historic Balconies

The inn's second-floor balconies overlooking the courtyard offer unique portrait opportunities with architectural interest.

Aviles Street

Step onto America's oldest street for portraits with historic facades, cobblestones, and Spanish colonial architecture.

The Interior Rooms

Elegantly appointed guest rooms and common areas with antique furnishings provide indoor portrait options.

Weddings at Casa de Solana

Real wedding moments we've captured.

View Recent Weddings
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Planning Your Timeline at Casa de Solana

We don't publish generic sample timelines because they're useless without knowing your wedding date. Here's why:

December 5:30 PM sunset
June 8:30 PM sunset

A 5pm ceremony works beautifully in summer but means portraits in the dark in winter. Your timeline needs to be built around your actual date and what matters most to you.

Light at Casa de Solana

The courtyard provides a sheltered, intimate setting with soft light filtering through. The historic architecture adds romantic character.

Time for Photos

We recommend 30-45 minutes for portraits at Casa de Solana, covering the courtyard, balconies, and historic interiors.

Want more variety? Nearby options:

  • Aviles Street — 3 minutes walk, add 15-20 minutes
  • Plaza de la Constitución — 5 minutes walk, add 10 minutes

Timeline Strategies

Sunset Portraits

Want that golden hour magic? We work backwards from sunset. Ceremony ends 60-90 minutes before, giving time for family photos, couple portraits, and catching the best light.

Brunch or Daytime

Morning ceremonies and daytime receptions mean lots of beautiful natural light all day. Great for summer when afternoons can get pretty warm.

Winter & Nights of Lights

Steps from Nights of Lights displays mid-November through January.

Venue Timing Notes

  • Music curfew at 9pm
  • Intimate B&B setting—best for elopements and micro-weddings

Get a Timeline Built for Your Day

Tell us your wedding date, ceremony time preferences, and what moments matter most. We'll send you a custom timeline that accounts for sunset, this venue's best light, and your priorities.

Request Your Custom Timeline

Photography Tips

Our recommendations for getting the best photos at Casa de Solana:

Book Their Elopement Package

Casa de Solana offers romantic elopement packages that include ceremony coordination, flowers, champagne, and more. Perfect for stress-free planning.

Stay Overnight

Book one of their beautifully appointed guest rooms and enjoy the full bed and breakfast experience as newlyweds.

Use Aviles Street

The inn sits on America's oldest street. Step outside for portrait variety—the cobblestones and historic buildings are stunning backdrops.

Afternoon Ceremonies

The walled courtyard is protected from harsh sun. Late afternoon provides warm, flattering light perfect for ceremonies and portraits.