Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront Wedding Photography Guide
A photographer's guide to this bayfront hotel in the heart of downtown
We've visited Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront 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 Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront
Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront
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The Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront is a waterfront hotel in the heart of downtown St. Augustine. With 19 colorful buildings inspired by Second Spanish Colonial architecture, the property blends historic charm with modern hotel amenities.
Located directly on Avenida Menendez along Matanzas Bay, the hotel offers stunning waterfront views and immediate access to St. Augustine's most iconic landmarks. The Bridge of Lions, Castillo de San Marcos, and St. George Street are all within a short walk.
The venue provides both outdoor and indoor ceremony and reception options. The charming courtyard works beautifully for intimate ceremonies, while the Grand Ballroom accommodates larger celebrations with elegant indoor space and a balcony overlooking Charlotte Street.
Why We Love Photographing at the Hilton Bayfront
The location does a lot of the work. Step out the front door and you're on Avenida Menendez with Matanzas Bay right there. Golden hour portraits along the seawall, with the Bridge of Lions visible in the distance, deliver classic St. Augustine images that couples frame and hang on their walls. We don't need to drive anywhere to get that shot.
The courtyard has a warmth to it—Spanish Colonial architecture with tropical plants and good afternoon light filtering in. Ceremonies there feel sheltered and private despite being in the middle of downtown. For photographers, it's a reliable setting that looks good without heavy styling or additional decor.
Having the ballroom, the courtyard, and the bayfront all within a two-minute walk of each other means we never lose time to transit. The couple can sneak away for sunset portraits and be back before guests notice. That efficiency means more coverage and less stress on the timeline.
Best Photo Locations
The Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront offers beautiful photo opportunities throughout the property and surrounding downtown area:
Bayfront Waterfront
The Matanzas Bay waterfront along Avenida Menendez provides stunning water views, especially at golden hour. The bay backdrop creates classic St. Augustine wedding images.
Outdoor Courtyard
The hotel's charming courtyard offers a picturesque ceremony setting with Spanish Colonial architecture and tropical landscaping—perfect for intimate ceremonies.
Grand Ballroom & Balcony
The classic ballroom features a balcony overlooking Charlotte Street. The elegant indoor space provides beautiful reception photos and works as weather backup.
Historic Downtown Streets
Steps from St. George Street, the Castillo, and the Bridge of Lions. Easy access to iconic St. Augustine backdrops for portraits.
Hotel Exterior
The 19 colorful buildings inspired by Second Spanish Colonial architecture offer charming photo opportunities throughout the property.
Planning Your Timeline at Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront
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.
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
Our recommendations for getting the best photos at the Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront:
Use the Bayfront at Golden Hour
The Matanzas Bay waterfront is the venue's signature backdrop. Plan couple portraits for the hour before sunset to capture the warm light on the water.
Take Advantage of the Location
You're in the heart of downtown St. Augustine. Walk to the Bridge of Lions, Castillo, or St. George Street for iconic portraits—all within 5-10 minutes.
Plan for Hotel Guest Photos
As a downtown hotel, there will be guests and visitors. For the courtyard ceremony, coordinate timing with the venue to minimize foot traffic during your vows.
Ballroom Lighting
The ballroom provides consistent indoor lighting for receptions. It's a reliable backup for weather and offers excellent conditions for dinner and dancing coverage.
Hilton St. Augustine Bayfront Wedding FAQ
Common questions about weddings at the Hilton Bayfront
Contact the Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront events team for current wedding package pricing. As a full-service hotel with in-house catering, packages typically bundle venue rental, food, and beverage. Rates vary by guest count (up to 100), season, and day of week. Peak season is spring and fall.
The Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront accommodates weddings of 25 to 100 guests. The outdoor courtyard works well for intimate ceremonies, while the Grand Ballroom handles seated receptions with dinner and dancing.
The primary ceremony space is the outdoor courtyard. The bayfront along Avenida Menendez is excellent for portraits before or after the ceremony. Coordinate with the hotel's events team about ceremony placement options and any available waterfront spaces.
The hotel offers valet parking for guests. Since this is a downtown St. Augustine location, valet is the most convenient option. The hotel can provide details on rates and availability when you book your event. Nearby public parking lots and garages are also available.
Real Weddings Here
Browse galleries from weddings we've photographed at this location
