Marineland Wedding Photography Guide
A photographer's guide to one of Florida's most unique oceanfront wedding venues
About Marineland
Marineland
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Marineland is a historic oceanfront facility south of St. Augustine, offering one of Florida's most unique wedding venues. Originally opened in 1938 as the world's first oceanarium, the property combines rich history with stunning Atlantic Ocean views.
Today, Marineland serves as a dolphin conservation center and event venue, providing couples with oceanfront ceremony locations, distinctive Art Deco architecture, and the possibility of incorporating marine life encounters into their celebration. The secluded location along A1A offers privacy and natural beauty.
Photographing weddings at Marineland is always an adventure. The venue's distinctive character—historic architecture, ocean views, and unique marine connections—creates images unlike any other beach venue in the area.
Why We Love Photographing at Marineland
Marineland offers something no other venue in the St. Augustine area can match: the combination of oceanfront beauty, historic character, and genuinely unique experiences. Every wedding here feels like a special adventure.
From a photography perspective, the variety of backdrops is exceptional. We can capture romantic beach portraits, incorporate Art Deco architectural elements, and create images with a sense of place that tells a story. The historic buildings photograph beautifully, especially in the warm afternoon light.
The seclusion is also valuable. Located away from the busy beach areas, Marineland provides privacy and tranquility. Couples can relax and enjoy their day without the distractions of a crowded public beach.
Best Photo Locations at Marineland
Marineland's unique setting offers diverse photo opportunities. Here are our favorite spots:
The Oceanfront Pavilion
Ceremony space directly overlooking the Atlantic with unobstructed ocean views. The elevated position provides stunning backdrops.
The Historic Grounds
Marineland's Art Deco architecture and historic character add unique visual interest not found at typical beach venues.
The Beach
Private beach access for portraits. This stretch of coast is quieter and more secluded than public beaches further north.
Dolphin Encounter Area
With arrangements, couples can incorporate dolphin interactions into their wedding—truly unique photo opportunities.
The Courtyard
Interior courtyard spaces offer protected areas for portraits and cocktail hour with architectural interest.
Ocean Views from Elevation
Various elevated vantage points provide dramatic perspective shots with the Atlantic stretching to the horizon.
Planning Your Timeline at Marineland
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 Marineland
Oceanfront venue with unique dolphin habitat setting. Beach and facility offer varied photo opportunities.
Time for Photos
We recommend 45-60 minutes for portraits at Marineland, covering the beach, facility grounds, and dolphin areas (as permitted).
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 10pm
- Marine facility—specific rules for animal areas
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 Marineland
Based on our experience at this unique venue, these are our top recommendations:
Embrace the Uniqueness
Marineland isn't a typical beach venue—that's its strength. The historic architecture, the marine life connections, the secluded location all contribute to one-of-a-kind images.
Plan for Dolphin Photos
If you're interested in dolphin encounter photos, coordinate with the venue well in advance. These require special arrangements and timing.
Use the Architecture
The Art Deco elements and historic character of Marineland provide visual interest beyond typical beach shots. We incorporate these architectural details throughout.
Take Advantage of Seclusion
Marineland's location south of town means less beach traffic and more privacy. We can take our time with portraits without rushing around beachgoers.
Real Weddings at Marineland
Browse galleries from weddings we've photographed at this beautiful venue
