Barn & Garden

The Manor at 12 Oaks Farm Wedding Photography Guide

A photographer's guide to St. Augustine's premier rustic-elegant wedding venue

About The Manor at 12 Oaks Farm

The Manor at 12 Oaks Farm is a stunning wedding venue that perfectly blends rustic charm with elegant refinement. Located on a working farm near St. Augustine, the property features a beautifully renovated barn, ancient live oaks, manicured gardens, and authentic farm character.

The venue offers multiple ceremony locations—from the oak grove to the open lawn to inside the barn itself—along with elegant reception space under crystal chandeliers and exposed wood beams. The grounds provide endless photo opportunities with a distinctly Southern aesthetic.

We've photographed many weddings at The Manor and consistently find new corners to explore and new ways the light transforms the property. It's a venue that rewards creative photography while providing couples with the rustic elegance they're looking for.

Why We Love Photographing at The Manor

The Manor at 12 Oaks Farm strikes the perfect balance between rustic and refined. The venue has enough polish to feel elegant, but enough authentic farm character to feel genuine. This balance translates into photographs that are both beautiful and real.

The live oak grove is particularly special. Ancient trees draped in Spanish moss create natural drama and romance without any need for decoration. When golden hour light filters through the branches, the atmosphere is absolutely magical.

We also love the variety available on the property. Within the span of an afternoon, we can capture barn portraits, garden moments, pastoral farm scenes, and romantic oak grove images—all with distinct character and consistent elegance.

Best Photo Locations at The Manor

The property offers exceptional photo opportunities throughout. Here are our favorites:

The Grand Barn

Stunning renovated barn with exposed beams, chandeliers, and barn doors that open to the grounds. Beautiful natural light streams through during golden hour.

The Live Oak Grove

Majestic live oaks draped in Spanish moss create a romantic, quintessentially Southern backdrop for ceremonies and portraits.

The Garden Courtyard

Manicured gardens with fountains and flowering plants—perfect for cocktail hour photos and intimate couple moments.

The Ceremony Lawn

Open lawn framed by oaks, ideal for outdoor ceremonies with natural beauty as the backdrop.

The Wraparound Porch

Classic Southern porch with rocking chairs and farm views—great for candid moments and bridal party photos.

Farm Fields & Fences

White fences, open fields, and pastoral views create that sought-after rural romance for couple portraits.

Sample Wedding Day Timeline at The Manor

The Manor's diverse locations benefit from a timeline that maximizes photo variety. Here's a sample:

2:00 PM

Bridal Suite Access

Getting ready in the charming bridal cottage with natural light and farmhouse décor.

4:00 PM

First Look

Private first look under the oaks or in the garden courtyard.

4:30 PM

Wedding Party Photos

Portraits throughout the property—barn, oaks, gardens, and farm elements.

5:00 PM

Family Portraits

Efficient family combinations before guests are seated.

5:30 PM

Ceremony

Ceremony under the oaks or in the barn as afternoon light softens.

6:00 PM

Cocktail Hour

Guests enjoy the courtyard while we capture golden hour portraits.

7:00 PM

Reception

Barn reception with dinner, dancing, and celebration under the chandeliers.

Photography Tips for The Manor at 12 Oaks

Based on our experience photographing here, these are our top recommendations:

Golden Hour in the Oaks

The live oak grove is magical during golden hour. We always build time into your timeline for portraits here as the sun filters through the Spanish moss.

Use the Barn Doors

The grand barn doors opening to the grounds create stunning framing opportunities. Time your entrance or first dance when light is streaming through.

Embrace Rustic Elements

White fences, hay bales, farm equipment—these authentic details add character to photos. Don't be afraid to incorporate the working farm aesthetic.

Night Photography Opportunities

String lights and chandeliers in the barn create beautiful ambient light after dark. Sparkler exits and twilight portraits photograph beautifully here.