Historic Downtown

Casa de Solana Wedding Photography Guide

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

We've visited Casa de Solana and love what it offers — we're looking forward to photographing our first event here. In the meantime, here's everything you need to know to plan your wedding day.

About This Inn

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 heritage 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 this property is a romantic walled courtyard. A charming fountain, lush plants, and cozy seating areas create an atmosphere of quiet romance—perfect for saying your vows.

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

Why This Location Stands Out

This inn offers everything we love about St. Augustine elopements: heritage, warmth, 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 lush 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 here before and would love to return. If you're planning your ceremony at this inn, let's chat.

Best Photo Locations

This charming inn offers romantic photo opportunities on-site and steps away:

The Walled Courtyard

A romantic walled space with lush plants, a fountain, and cozy seating areas. The heart of ceremonies at this charming inn.

The Fountain

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

The Balconies

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

Aviles Street

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

The Interior Rooms

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

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 this charming property:

Book Their Ceremony Package

The inn offers romantic 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 heritage buildings are stunning backdrops.

Afternoon Ceremonies

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

Elopement FAQ

Common questions about getting married here

The inn offers packages that include ceremony coordination, flowers, champagne, and more. Contact them directly for current package pricing. Room rates for an overnight stay are separate. The staff handles the details so you can focus on each other.

This property is designed for celebrations with a maximum of about 20 guests. The walled courtyard provides a private, romantic setting best suited for elopements and micro-weddings.

The inn has limited indoor space, so outdoor ceremonies are the primary option. The walled courtyard does provide some shelter from wind. For rain concerns, discuss backup options when booking. The courtyard's compact size means a small tent or canopy can cover the ceremony area if needed.

Yes, and we highly recommend it. The inn sits on America's oldest street, laid out in 1572. Stepping outside gives you cobblestones, historic facades, and Spanish colonial architecture as portrait backdrops. It's a 2-minute walk to the Plaza de la Constitucion for even more variety.