Christ Church Wedding Photography Guide
A photographer's guide to this charming Ponte Vedra Beach chapel
About This Church
Christ Church
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Established in 1951, Christ Church is a welcoming Episcopal congregation in Ponte Vedra Beach. What began as a small neighborhood mission has grown into a vibrant faith community known for its warmth and inclusive spirit.
For weddings, this chapel offers something increasingly rare—intimacy. The sanctuary's traditional Episcopal character, complete with beautiful stained glass and warm wood tones, creates a sacred atmosphere without feeling overly formal. It's the kind of space where ceremonies feel personal and meaningful.
The courtyard behind the church is a photographer's dream. String lights overhead, mature landscaping, and the church's steeple rising against the sky create a setting that's both romantic and distinctly coastal Florida. Many couples tell us the courtyard portraits are among their favorites from the entire day.
Why We Love Photographing Here
There's something special about photographing weddings at smaller, intimate churches like Christ Church. Every ceremony feels genuine and unhurried. The sanctuary's size means guests aren't scattered across a vast space—everyone's present, everyone's engaged.
The courtyard is where this venue really shines photographically. The combination of string lights, Spanish moss, and mature trees creates natural framing that's hard to replicate. Late afternoon light filtering through the canopy while the string lights begin to glow is pure magic. We've shot ceremonies here where couples meet for the first time in the chapel, then spend golden hour under those lights, and the images are consistently stunning.
Location matters too. Being in Ponte Vedra Beach means easy access to beautiful coastal settings if couples want to add beach portraits to their timeline. But honestly, the courtyard alone gives us everything we need for variety and beauty.
Best Photo Locations
This intimate chapel and its grounds offer beautiful photography opportunities:
The Chapel Interior
A warm, inviting sanctuary with traditional Episcopal character. Beautiful stained glass windows let in soft natural light, and the intimate scale makes every ceremony feel personal. The center aisle is perfect for processional shots, and the altar area photographs beautifully from multiple angles.
The Courtyard
This is the real gem for photography. The outdoor courtyard with mature landscaping, string lights overhead, and the church steeple rising behind creates a beautiful setting for portraits. Late afternoon light here is particularly stunning—warm and flattering without harsh shadows.
String Light Canopy
The courtyard's string lights create a magical atmosphere, especially for evening portraits. The soft glow against the Spanish moss and greenery adds romance to every shot. We love using these lights for couple portraits after the ceremony.
The Church Entrance
The exterior of the chapel, with its traditional architecture and welcoming entrance, makes a classic backdrop for family portraits and post-ceremony shots. The building's charm photographs beautifully from the courtyard side.
The Grounds
Mature trees, landscaped areas, and the peaceful atmosphere of the property offer multiple spots for intimate portraits. The setting feels private and serene—perfect for those quiet moments between the ceremony and reception.
Weddings at Christ Church
Real ceremonies we've photographed at this beautiful chapel.
View Recent Weddings
Planning Your Timeline at Christ Church
We don't publish generic sample timelines because they're useless without knowing your wedding date. Here's why:
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 Christ Church
The courtyard faces west, making late afternoon ceremonies ideal for golden hour portraits immediately after the ceremony.
Time for Photos
We recommend 20-30 minutes for portraits at Christ Church, covering the chapel interior, courtyard, and grounds.
Want more variety? Nearby options:
- Ponte Vedra Beach — 5 minute drive walk, add 15-20 minutes
- Mickler's Landing Beach Park — 10 minute drive walk, add 20 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
The chapel and courtyard maintain their charm year-round. The string lights are especially beautiful during winter months.
Venue Timing Notes
- No getting ready facilities on-site
- Ceremony-only venue—reception elsewhere
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 TimelinePhotography Tips
Based on our experience photographing ceremonies here:
The Courtyard Is Your Best Friend
Don't rush past the courtyard. This space with its string lights, mature landscaping, and the steeple rising in the background is where some of the most beautiful portraits happen. Plan for 20-30 minutes here after the ceremony.
Late Afternoon Timing
Schedule your ceremony for late afternoon—around 4:30 or 5:00 PM. This gives you perfect golden hour light in the courtyard afterward. The combination of string lights and sunset light is magical.
Intimate Scale Works Beautifully
This is a smaller, more intimate chapel, which is a strength. Ceremonies here feel personal and warm. The space photographs beautifully precisely because it's not a cavernous cathedral—every guest is close to the action.
Respect the Space During the Ceremony
We position ourselves to capture every moment—processional, vows, first kiss, recessional—while being unobtrusive. The natural light through the windows is lovely, so we don't need flash during the service.
Plan Getting Ready Elsewhere
There aren't bridal or groom preparation spaces at the church, so plan to arrive dressed and ready. Many couples use nearby beach hotels or vacation rentals for getting ready photos, then make their way to the church for the ceremony.
Details & Contact
- Address
- 400 San Juan Drive, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
- Capacity
- Up to 150 guests
- Style
- Episcopal Chapel, Intimate, Traditional
- Website
- ccpvb.org
- Phone
- (904) 285-6127
Note: Contact the church office for ceremony policies, requirements, and availability. This is a ceremony-only location, so you'll need a separate reception venue.
Wedding FAQ
Common questions about getting married here
Contact the church office at (904) 285-6127 for current ceremony fees and policies. As a ceremony-only location, you'll need a separate reception venue. Many couples pair Christ Church with nearby Ponte Vedra or Jacksonville beach reception spots.
Episcopal churches typically require at least one spouse to be baptized Christian, though specific policies vary. Contact the church office to discuss requirements, marriage preparation, and scheduling. The staff is welcoming and experienced in coordinating wedding ceremonies.
The chapel accommodates up to 150 guests comfortably. The intimate scale is part of its charm—ceremonies feel warm and personal rather than formal and distant. Every guest has a good view of the ceremony.
Absolutely, and we strongly recommend it. The courtyard with its string lights, landscaping, and the church steeple in the background is one of the most photogenic spots. Build 20-30 minutes into your timeline for courtyard portraits before heading to your reception.
Yes, there's an on-site parking lot, which makes arrival easy for guests. This is especially convenient for older guests or those unfamiliar with the area.
Since Christ Church is ceremony-only, couples pair it with various reception venues. Beach clubs like TPC Sawgrass, Serenata Beach Club, and Marsh Creek Country Club are popular nearby options. Some couples also choose restaurants or private beach houses for more intimate celebrations.
Real Weddings Here
Browse galleries from weddings we've photographed at this location
