Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach Wedding Photography Guide
A photographer's guide to St. Augustine's premier oceanfront resort wedding venue
About Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach
Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach
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Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach is a full-service oceanfront resort offering the quintessential Florida beach wedding experience. Located directly on the Atlantic Ocean, the resort provides multiple ceremony locations, from barefoot beach ceremonies to elegant lawn settings with ocean views.
The property features modern resort amenities, spacious suites for getting ready, and dedicated event spaces that can accommodate intimate gatherings to larger celebrations. The combination of beach access, professional event coordination, and comfortable guest accommodations makes this a popular choice for destination weddings.
Having photographed over 35 weddings at Embassy Suites, we've learned to work with the ocean light, the beach environment, and the resort's many photo opportunities to create images that capture the relaxed elegance of a St. Augustine beach wedding.
Why We Love Photographing at Embassy Suites Beach
There's something magical about the ocean as a wedding backdrop. The endless horizon, the sound of waves, the natural movement of water and sky—it creates images with a sense of timelessness and romance that indoor venues simply can't match.
What makes Embassy Suites particularly great for photography is the variety. Within minutes, we can capture formal portraits on the manicured lawn, romantic beach shots in the dunes, candid moments by the pool, and elegant indoor images. This versatility means your wedding album tells a complete story.
The resort's east-facing beach also works in our favor. While mornings offer gorgeous soft light, late afternoon and sunset provide that warm, golden quality that makes couples glow. We've captured some of our most breathtaking sunset portraits here.
Best Photo Locations at Embassy Suites Beach
The oceanfront setting provides endless photo opportunities. Here are our favorite spots:
The Beach Ceremony Site
Toes-in-the-sand ceremonies with the Atlantic as your backdrop. The morning light here is soft and flattering; sunset ceremonies offer dramatic golden hour opportunities.
The Oceanfront Lawn
Manicured lawn overlooking the beach, perfect for ceremonies when you want the ocean view without the sand. Beautiful at any time of day.
The Pool Deck
Tropical resort vibes with palm trees and ocean views. Great for cocktail hour coverage and candid guest moments.
Beach Dunes
Sea oats and dunes create natural, romantic backdrops for couple portraits. We love the texture and movement they add to images.
The Pier & Boardwalk
Architectural elements against the ocean provide variety from pure beach shots. Beautiful during blue hour when lights come on.
Resort Interiors
Elegant lobby and event spaces offer backup locations and variety. The bridal suite has excellent natural light for getting-ready photos.
Sample Wedding Day Timeline at Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach
Beach wedding timelines require careful planning around sun position and tides. Here's a timeline optimized for late afternoon ceremonies:
View Sample Timeline
Suite Access
Getting ready in the oceanview suite with natural light and space for the wedding party.
First Look
Private first look on the beach or oceanfront lawn, timed before guests arrive.
Wedding Party Photos
Beach and resort portraits while the light is still soft and workable.
Family Portraits
Efficient family photos on the lawn or beach before ceremony.
Ceremony
Beach or lawn ceremony as the afternoon light begins to soften.
Cocktail Hour
Guests enjoy the pool deck while we capture sunset portraits on the beach.
Reception
Indoor reception with ocean views, dancing, and celebration.
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 Embassy Suites Beach
After photographing dozens of beach weddings here, these are our top recommendations:
Time Around the Tides
Check tide charts when planning your timeline. Low tide provides more beach space for ceremonies and portraits; high tide can limit usable beach area.
Embrace the Wind
Beach weddings mean wind. We recommend flowy dresses that move beautifully, and consider hairstyles that work with rather than against the breeze.
Golden Hour is Everything
The east-facing beach means soft morning light but harsh midday sun. Schedule ceremonies for late afternoon when the sun is behind you and light is flattering.
Have a Backup Plan
Florida weather is unpredictable. The resort offers beautiful indoor spaces—embrace them as options rather than compromises.
Photo Gallery
Here's a glimpse of weddings we've photographed at this beautiful oceanfront resort:
Embassy Suites Beach Wedding FAQ
Common questions about weddings at Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach
Embassy Suites beach wedding packages typically start around $5,000-$8,000 for smaller ceremonies and can range to $15,000-$25,000+ for larger celebrations with full catering. This includes venue access, catering (required in-house), and event coordination. Beach ceremony permits and setup are usually included in packages. Room blocks for guests are separate but often discounted.
Yes! Embassy Suites offers toes-in-the-sand beach ceremonies directly on the Atlantic Ocean. They handle the beach permit and setup. You can also choose the oceanfront lawn for an elevated view of the beach without sand. Both options offer stunning ocean backdrops for ceremonies and photos.
The resort has on-site parking for hotel guests (included with room rate). Wedding guests who aren't staying at the hotel can use the resort's parking lot, though space may be limited during peak season. Many couples book a room block so guests can simply walk from their rooms to the ceremony.
Absolutely—that's one of the best features! Embassy Suites offers room blocks at group rates. All rooms are suites with separate living areas, and rates include complimentary breakfast and evening reception. Having guests stay on-site means no transportation worries and more time to celebrate together.
Embassy Suites has beautiful indoor backup spaces with ocean views. Florida weather is unpredictable, so their event team is experienced at seamlessly transitioning ceremonies indoors. The indoor spaces are elegant—we've photographed gorgeous rainy day weddings here that couples love just as much.
Real Weddings at Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach
Real Weddings at Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach
Browse galleries from weddings we've photographed at this beautiful venue
