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
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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.
Planning Your Timeline at The Manor at 12 Oaks Farm
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 The Manor at 12 Oaks Farm
Estate setting with oak tree-lined property. Filtered light through the oaks creates romantic, dappled patterns.
Time for Photos
We recommend 60-75 minutes for portraits at The Manor at 12 Oaks Farm, covering the manor house, oak alley, ceremony lawn, and gardens.
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 11pm
- Estate grounds are extensive—allow time for portraits
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 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.
Real Weddings at The Manor at 12 Oaks Farm
Browse galleries from weddings we've photographed at this beautiful venue
