Colonial Oak Music Park Wedding Photography Guide
A photographer's guide to St. Augustine's outdoor amphitheater wedding venue
About Colonial Oak Music Park
Colonial Oak Music Park
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Colonial Oak Music Park is one of St. Augustine's most unique wedding venues - an outdoor amphitheater built around the city's second-oldest oak tree, right on St. George Street. The massive oak's spreading canopy, draped with thousands of string lights, creates an enchanting atmosphere unlike anywhere else in town.
Originally designed as a live music venue, Colonial Oak has become a beloved wedding destination for couples seeking something different. The natural amphitheater seating, rustic stage, and magical lighting make it perfect for bohemian, romantic celebrations of up to 175 guests.
The Space
- The Ancient Oak: St. Augustine's second-oldest oak tree with massive spreading canopy
- Amphitheater Stage: Natural stage area under the oak for ceremonies
- String Light Canopy: Thousands of lights draped through the branches
- Rustic Seating: Wooden bench seating in amphitheater arrangement
- Open Event Space: Flexible area for reception tables and dancing
Important Details
- Entirely outdoor venue - no indoor spaces
- Located on pedestrian-only St. George Street
- BYO catering and bar service
- Pet friendly
- 10 PM noise curfew
What's Included
Venue rental includes exclusive use of the space, string light canopy, basic seating, and access to the stage area. You'll arrange your own catering, rentals, and other services - the venue provides the magical setting.
Best Photo Locations
The Oak Tree
The venue's centerpiece oak tree provides natural shade and an organic ceremony backdrop. The trunk and spreading branches create interesting framing opportunities for portraits.
The Amphitheater Stage
Built into the natural landscape around the oak, the stage area provides an elevated focal point for ceremonies with the tree's canopy providing natural shade overhead.
Evening Lighting
String lights through the oak branches create warm ambient lighting for evening portraits. The contrast between natural and artificial lighting works well for night photography.
The Seating Area
Rustic wooden benches arranged in amphitheater style around the stage. The natural, organic arrangement works well for ceremony photos showing guest perspective.
Venue Grounds
Open grassy areas around the venue perimeter provide space for group photos and candid shots during cocktail hour with downtown architecture visible in the background.
Downtown Vicinity
Downtown St. Augustine's historic architecture is within walking distance, offering colonial buildings, narrow streets, and historic facades for additional portrait variety.
Photographer Tips
Historic Oak Tree Setting
This large oak tree has been part of downtown St. Augustine for many years and provides natural shade and character for your ceremony. The tree's size and placement make it a distinctive ceremony backdrop.
Evening Lighting Transformation
Plan your ceremony for late afternoon so the string lights are visible during your reception. The transition from natural daylight to artificial evening lighting creates different photographic opportunities.
Outdoor Only - Weather Planning Essential
This venue is entirely outdoors with no indoor backup space. Have a detailed weather contingency plan, and consider tent rental if you're concerned about rain or extreme weather conditions.
Off-Site Preparation Required
You'll need to arrange getting-ready space elsewhere since this is an outdoor event space without bridal suites. Nearby hotels or vacation rentals work well for preparation.
Evening Photography Opportunities
The string lights and downtown ambient lighting create good conditions for evening portraits. Plan time for night photography if your reception extends past sunset.
Central Downtown Location
The downtown location means your guests can easily walk to restaurants, bars, and hotels. The central St. Augustine location provides convenience for out-of-town guests.
Music Venue Considerations
As a music venue, sound equipment and staging are available, but coordinate with venue staff about setup timing and any restrictions during your event.
Planning Your Timeline at Colonial Oak Music Park
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 Colonial Oak Music Park
The outdoor amphitheater setting under oak trees provides filtered, natural light during day ceremonies. Evening events benefit from string lights and downtown ambient lighting.
Time for Photos
We recommend 45-60 minutes for portraits at Colonial Oak Music Park, covering the amphitheater seating, oak tree area, stage platform, and venue perimeter.
Want more variety? Nearby options:
- Downtown St. Augustine Historic District — 5 minutes walk, add 15-20 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.
Venue Timing Notes
- Music curfew at 10 PM
- Outdoor venue—weather backup planning essential
- Music venue—sound considerations for nearby businesses
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 TimelineColonial Oak Music Park Wedding Cost
Venue rental at Colonial Oak Music Park varies based on day of week, time of year, and event duration. Contact the venue directly for current pricing and availability.
What to Expect
- Exclusive venue rental
- String light canopy included
- Basic seating
- Access to stage area
- Coordination with venue staff
What You'll Need to Arrange
- Catering and bar service
- Additional rentals (tables, upgraded chairs, linens)
- Getting-ready location (nearby hotel or B&B)
- Weather contingency plan
- Restroom facilities if needed beyond venue basics
For pricing and availability, contact Colonial Oak Music Park at (904) 342-6173 or visit colonialoakmusicpark.com.
Planning a Wedding at Colonial Oak Music Park?
We love photographing weddings at unique venues, and Colonial Oak is one of the most magical spots in St. Augustine. The ancient oak, the string lights, the downtown location—it all comes together for images you can't get anywhere else. As longtime locals, we know exactly how to capture the enchantment.
Get in TouchReal Weddings at Colonial Oak Music Park
Browse galleries from weddings we've photographed at this beautiful venue
