Casa Monica Resort & Spa Wedding Photography Guide
A photographer's guide to St. Augustine's most iconic luxury hotel wedding venue
About Casa Monica Resort & Spa
Casa Monica Resort & Spa
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Casa Monica Resort & Spa is one of St. Augustine's most iconic hotels, originally built in 1888 as the Cordova Hotel. The Moorish Revival architecture, with its distinctive towers and ornate details, makes it an instantly recognizable landmark in the historic district.
The hotel offers wedding ceremonies in its beautiful central courtyard, surrounded by tropical plants and Moorish architectural details, with receptions in elegant ballroom spaces. As a full-service luxury resort, Casa Monica provides comprehensive wedding services along with convenient guest accommodations.
We've photographed numerous weddings at Casa Monica and never tire of capturing the hotel's unique character. The Moorish design creates a sense of exotic elegance unlike any other venue in the region.
Why We Love Photographing at Casa Monica
Casa Monica offers a visual richness that translates beautifully into photographs. The Moorish architecture, with its arched doorways, ornate tiles, and exotic details, provides backdrops with instant character and elegance.
The courtyard is particularly wonderful for ceremonies. The enclosed space with its fountain and tropical plants feels like a hidden oasis in the middle of downtown. Light filters softly through the surrounding architecture, creating flattering illumination throughout the day.
We also appreciate the hotel's location in the heart of the historic district. With Flagler College's stunning Ponce de León Hall just across the street, we can incorporate multiple architectural landmarks into portrait sessions without traveling far.
Best Photo Locations at Casa Monica
The hotel's historic character offers exceptional photo opportunities. Here are our favorites:
The Courtyard
Central courtyard with Moorish fountain, tropical plants, and ornate architecture. Beautiful diffused light throughout the day—ideal for ceremonies and portraits.
The Grand Lobby
Opulent lobby with dramatic architecture, rich colors, and elegant details. The Moorish design creates a sense of exotic luxury.
The Exterior Facade
The iconic Moorish Revival architecture is stunning at dusk when warm light illuminates the ornate towers and details.
The Staircase
Elegant interior staircase perfect for bridal portraits and dramatic entrances.
Sultan's Suite
The penthouse suite offers rooftop views and luxurious surroundings for getting-ready photos.
Nearby Historic District
Steps from Flagler College and the Lightner Museum, we can incorporate additional historic architecture into portraits.
Sample Wedding Day Timeline at Casa Monica Resort & Spa
Hotel weddings benefit from having everything in one location. Here's a sample timeline:
View Sample Timeline
Suite Access
Getting ready in a luxury suite with elegant surroundings and city views.
First Look
Private first look in the courtyard or a quiet corner of the hotel.
Hotel Portraits
Couple and wedding party photos throughout the hotel's stunning spaces.
Family Portraits
Efficient family combinations in the courtyard or lobby.
Ceremony
Courtyard ceremony surrounded by Moorish architecture and lush greenery.
Cocktail Hour
Guests enjoy the hotel while we capture exterior portraits at golden hour.
Reception
Ballroom reception in one of St. Augustine's most elegant spaces.
Note: This is a sample timeline. Sunset times vary significantly by season, so we'll customize yours based on your wedding date, ceremony time, and priorities.
Photography Tips for Casa Monica
Based on our experience at this luxury hotel, these are our top recommendations:
Exterior Photos at Dusk
Casa Monica's facade is most photogenic when illuminated at dusk. Build time for exterior portraits as the sun sets and lights come on.
Use the Courtyard Light
The enclosed courtyard provides soft, even light throughout the day—no harsh shadows or squinting. This flexibility is a major advantage for ceremony and portrait timing.
Coordinate with Hotel Events
As a full-service hotel, there may be other guests and events. Work with your coordinator to plan portrait timing for optimal privacy.
Explore Nearby Locations
Flagler College's stunning architecture is just across the street. With time, we can incorporate these additional historic backdrops into your portrait session.
Photo Gallery
Here's a glimpse of weddings we've photographed at this iconic St. Augustine hotel:
Casa Monica Wedding FAQ
Common questions about weddings at Casa Monica Resort
Casa Monica is a luxury venue with pricing to match. Wedding packages typically start around $15,000-$20,000 for smaller celebrations and can exceed $50,000 for larger events with full catering and premium options. This includes venue rental, catering, and basic event coordination. Room blocks and upgrades are additional.
Yes! The central courtyard is one of the most popular ceremony locations. The Moorish fountain, tropical plants, and ornate architecture create an intimate atmosphere surrounded by the hotel's historic character. Courtyard ceremonies typically accommodate 50-100 guests comfortably.
Yes, Casa Monica handles all food and beverage in-house through their catering team. This is standard for luxury hotel venues. The upside is seamless coordination between venue and catering—they know their spaces and timing intimately.
Absolutely! As a full-service resort, Casa Monica offers guest room blocks at discounted rates. Having everyone stay on-site eliminates transportation logistics and creates a true destination wedding experience. The hotel has about 138 rooms across various suite types.
Yes, we have full access to photograph throughout the hotel including the courtyard, lobby, staircases, and exterior. The only restrictions are active guest areas and private suites (unless booked by your party). The hotel staff is very accommodating with photography needs.
Casa Monica offers valet parking for wedding guests—the most convenient option for a downtown venue. Self-parking is available in the hotel's garage for hotel guests. For non-staying guests, the St. Augustine Parking Garage on St. George Street is about a 3-minute walk. Many couples book a room block so guests can simply walk from their rooms to the event.
Real Weddings at Casa Monica Resort & Spa
Real Weddings at Casa Monica Resort & Spa
Browse galleries from weddings we've photographed at this beautiful venue
