Kenwood Inn St Augustine Wedding Guide
A photographer's guide to this historic 1865 inn in the heart of downtown
About Kenwood Inn
Kenwood Inn
More details Less details
The Kenwood Inn St. Augustine is a beautifully preserved historic bed and breakfast in the heart of downtown, perfect for intimate weddings and elopements. Dating to 1865, the inn retains its period charm—14 uniquely decorated rooms and suites—while offering modern comforts, a blend that's ideal for a romantic elopement.
The centerpiece of the Kenwood Inn is its walled garden courtyard, featuring a saltwater swimming pool and koi pond surrounded by lush tropical landscaping. It's an unexpected oasis just steps from the bustle of downtown.
What sets the Kenwood Inn apart is the combination of historic elegance and tropical relaxation. The covered porches, two living rooms, sunroom, and period details provide classic Southern charm, while the courtyard pool adds a touch of resort-style romance.
What Works Photographically Here
The Kenwood Inn offers a visual variety that's hard to match. Historic architecture, tropical landscaping, a walled pool courtyard, and elegant interiors—all in one intimate venue.
The courtyard pool is a standout feature. Water reflections, tropical plants, the koi pond, and the inn's historic detailing create a layered backdrop that photographs beautifully. It's a setting unique to the Kenwood Inn.
The intimacy is a strength too. This isn't a venue designed for 200 guests—it's sized for couples who want a personal, meaningful celebration. That intimacy lends itself to authentic, emotional photography.
Best Photo Locations
The Kenwood Inn offers beautiful photo opportunities throughout:
The Walled Courtyard & Pool
A walled garden courtyard with a saltwater swimming pool, koi pond, and lush tropical landscaping—the signature setting for Kenwood Inn ceremonies.
The Covered Porches
The inn's covered porches and decks—including the large porch overlooking the courtyard—provide shaded, elegant portrait backdrops.
The Historic Exterior
The inn's circa-1865 facade and historic detailing photograph beautifully, especially in warm afternoon light.
Interior Common Areas
Elegant parlors and common areas feature antique furnishings and period details for intimate indoor portraits.
Downtown Streets
Just steps from St. George Street and the bay, offering easy access to additional portrait locations.
Planning Your Timeline
We don't publish generic timelines. They're useless without knowing your date. Here's why:
A 5pm ceremony works great in summer. In winter, it means dark portraits. Your timeline must match your actual date and what matters most to you.
Lighting & Golden Hour
The pool courtyard and grounds offer soft, filtered light through mature landscaping. The Victorian architecture provides charming backdrops.
Time for Photos
We recommend 30-45 minutes for portraits at Kenwood Inn, covering the pool courtyard, gardens, porches, and historic interiors.
Want more variety? Nearby options:
- Downtown St. Augustine — 10 minutes walk, add 20-30 minutes
Timeline Strategies
Sunset Portraits
Want golden hour magic? We work backwards from sunset. End the ceremony 60-90 minutes before. That gives time for family photos, couple portraits, and the best light.
Brunch or Daytime
Morning ceremonies and daytime receptions mean good natural light all day. Great for summer when afternoons get warm.
Winter & Nights of Lights
Short walk to downtown Nights of Lights.
Venue Timing Notes
- Intimate B&B venue—best for smaller weddings and elopements
Get a Timeline Built for Your Day
Tell us your wedding date, ceremony time, and what moments matter most. We'll build a custom timeline around sunset, this venue's best light, and your priorities.
Request Your Custom TimelinePhotography Tips
Our recommendations for getting the best photos at the Kenwood Inn:
Embrace the Pool Setting
The courtyard pool is a unique feature. The reflection and tropical setting create images unlike any other St. Augustine venue.
Use the Covered Porches
The inn's covered porches offer beautiful shaded spaces for portraits—perfect for weather backup or shaded photos on hot days.
Stay the Night
Book a room and make it a romantic getaway. Waking up as newlyweds in this Victorian inn is a special experience.
Late Afternoon Light
The courtyard catches beautiful warm light in the late afternoon. Time your ceremony for the hour or two before sunset.
FAQ
Kenwood Inn Elopement FAQ
Common questions about elopements at the Kenwood Inn
Contact the Kenwood Inn directly for current elopement and event pricing. Room rates for overnight stays are separate from any event fees. The inn offers packaged elopement and wedding options with on-site catering, so you can keep the celebration simple and self-contained.
The inn hosts catered events for up to 70 guests, with the walled courtyard and pool patio able to handle outdoor receptions of up to around 125. A full-inn buyout sleeps up to 50 overnight guests. It's a venue designed for elopements, intimate weddings, and micro-weddings rather than large-scale events.
Yes, the walled courtyard with its saltwater swimming pool and koi pond is available for ceremonies throughout the year, and tropical landscaping creates a distinctive backdrop in any season. Couples can also exchange vows indoors—in front of a living room fireplace, for example—or under the covered porches if weather turns.
The inn provides on-site, off-street parking. It's located at 38 Marine Street in the historic district, an easy walk from downtown St. Augustine, the bay, and St. George Street.
Recent Weddings Nearby
Browse recent wedding galleries from nearby St. Augustine venues.
Planning a Wedding at Kenwood Inn?
We'd love to capture your Kenwood Inn wedding day. Let's talk about your vision.
Get in Touch