The Oldest House Museum Wedding Photography Guide
A photographer's guide to St. Augustine's most historic wedding venue
About The Oldest House
The Oldest House Museum is one of St. Augustine's most treasured wedding venues—and one of the oldest surviving structures in the entire country. Dating back to 1723, the Gonzalez-Alvarez House blends Spanish, British, and American architectural influences, creating a backdrop unlike anywhere else.
Weddings take place in the beautifully preserved gardens surrounding the historic house. The walled courtyard features a magnificent live oak tree draped in Spanish moss, brick pathways, tropical plantings, and the venue's distinctive pink historic buildings. It's a completely outdoor venue that feels like stepping back in time.
Managed by the St. Augustine Historical Society, the venue offers two distinct garden spaces: the Oldest House Gardens (ideal for larger ceremonies under the oak tree) and the Llambias House Gardens (featuring a charming balcony, arbor, and wishing well).
Perfect for Micro Weddings & Elopements
The Oldest House is one of our favorite venues for intimate celebrations. The walled garden setting creates a sense of privacy that larger venues can't match—it feels like you've discovered a secret garden in the middle of downtown St. Augustine.
For couples planning a micro wedding (under 50 guests) or elopement, this venue offers:
- Intimate scale: The gardens feel full and romantic even with a small guest count, unlike larger venues that can feel empty
- All-inclusive backdrop: The oak tree, historic architecture, and garden pathways provide endless photo variety without venue-hopping
- Ceremony-only pricing: Packages starting at $1,750-$2,250 make this an affordable option for elopements
- Flexible ceremony types: The venue welcomes elopements, vow renewals, commitment ceremonies, and second weddings
- Easy planning: Fewer guests means more quality time with each person—and more time for portraits in these gorgeous gardens
We've photographed micro weddings here where couples said their vows under the oak tree with just their parents present, then celebrated with dinner at a nearby restaurant. Simple, meaningful, and absolutely beautiful.
Why We Love Photographing at The Oldest House
There's something magical about exchanging vows under a 300-year-old oak tree draped in Spanish moss. The Oldest House offers a sense of history and romance that you simply can't replicate at newer venues. The late afternoon light filtering through the moss creates an ethereal glow that photographs beautifully.
What we love most is the variety within a single location. The coquina archways provide architectural interest, the pink walls add a pop of color unique to this venue, and the garden paths create intimate moments surrounded by greenery. Every corner offers something different.
The outdoor setting also means natural, flattering light throughout the day—no fighting with harsh indoor lighting or dim reception halls. And when the sun sets and the string lights come on, the garden transforms into a romantic evening celebration.
Best Photo Locations at The Oldest House
The historic gardens offer endless photo opportunities. Here are our favorite spots:
The Grand Oak Tree
The magnificent live oak draped in Spanish moss is THE ceremony spot. The spreading branches create a natural canopy, and the pink historic buildings provide a stunning backdrop. Golden hour light filters through the moss beautifully.
Oldest House Gardens
The walled courtyard garden offers intimate charm with brick pathways, lush tropical plants, and historic architecture. Perfect for bridal portraits and couple photos throughout the day.
Coquina Archways
The iconic coquina stone arches frame couples beautifully. The weathered texture and warm tones photograph wonderfully, especially during soft afternoon light.
Pink Historic Building
The Oldest House's distinctive pink/salmon colored walls create a unique and photogenic backdrop. The color complements virtually any floral palette.
Llambias House Gardens
A second garden space featuring a charming balcony, spiraling brick pavements, a lavish arbor, and a mystical wishing well. Great for ceremony or reception variety.
Brick Pathways
The historic red brick paths winding through the gardens create natural leading lines for portraits. Beautiful for processional shots and romantic walks.
Garden Greenery
Tropical plants, ferns, and flowering gardens surround the property. We use these for intimate close-up portraits and detail shots with natural framing.
Sample Wedding Day Timeline at The Oldest House
Every wedding is unique, but here's a timeline optimized for golden hour ceremonies under the oak tree (this example uses a 6:00 PM ceremony):
Bridal Suite Access
Getting ready in the private dressing area. Natural light and historic charm set the mood.
First Look
We recommend the garden pathways or under the oak tree for your first look—both offer privacy and stunning backdrops.
Wedding Party Photos
Capture the wedding party at multiple locations around the gardens while the light is still soft.
Family Portraits
Efficient family photos in the garden before guests arrive for the ceremony.
Ceremony
Exchange vows under the oak tree as golden hour light filters through the Spanish moss.
Cocktail Hour & Sunset Portraits
Guests enjoy cocktails while we steal you away for sunset portraits in the gardens.
Reception
Dinner and dancing in the outdoor garden setting with string lights overhead.
Photography Tips for The Oldest House
After photographing weddings at this historic venue, these are our top recommendations:
Time Your Ceremony for Golden Hour
The oak tree faces west, making late afternoon ceremonies ideal. Schedule your ceremony 1-2 hours before sunset for the best light filtering through the Spanish moss.
Embrace the Outdoor Setting
This is a completely outdoor venue—plan for Florida weather. Have a backup plan and consider the season. October-May offers the most comfortable temperatures.
Work with the Architecture
The coquina archways, pink walls, and historic details are your friends. We incorporate these unique elements throughout your gallery for a sense of place.
Plan for the 9 PM Music Cutoff
Amplified music must end by 9:00 PM. Plan your timeline accordingly—consider an earlier ceremony for a longer reception.
Use Both Garden Spaces
The Oldest House Gardens and Llambias House offer different aesthetics. We move between both for variety in your photos.
Consider the Heat
Summer weddings are beautiful but hot. Plan for shade during family photos, have fans or parasols for guests, and stay hydrated.
Planning Your Oldest House Wedding
Practical tips to help you plan your day at this historic garden venue:
Pricing & Packages
Venue rental ranges from $3,300-$4,200 for ceremony and reception, including 8 hours of event time. Ceremony-only packages start around $1,750-$2,250. A refundable $800 security deposit is required.
Catering Requirements
You'll select catering from the venue's approved vendor list. BYO alcohol is permitted but must be served by a licensed bartender or caterer.
Parking & Guest Logistics
The venue has a large parking lot on-site—a major advantage for downtown St. Augustine weddings. Valet parking is also available.
Insurance & Requirements
General liability insurance is required for your event. The venue can provide details on coverage requirements.
Best Seasons
Peak season is February-May and October-December when temperatures are comfortable for outdoor ceremonies. Summer works but plan for heat and afternoon storms.
Day-of Coordination
The venue includes day-of coordination in the rental fee, helping ensure your event runs smoothly.
Where to Stay: Hotels Near The Oldest House
One of the perks of this downtown location is the abundance of nearby accommodations. Your guests can walk to the venue, and you can get ready just steps away. Here are our top picks:
Walking Distance (Historic District)
The Collector Inn & Gardens
5-minute walk
Nine historic homes on one square block, with beautiful gardens perfect for getting-ready photos. Adults only (16+). Complimentary bicycles for exploring downtown.
St. George Inn
7-minute walk
Boutique hotel at the north end of pedestrian-only St. George Street. Steps from Castillo de San Marcos and downtown restaurants.
Kenwood Inn
8-minute walk
St. Augustine's oldest B&B, full of historic charm. Intimate setting ideal for smaller wedding parties.
Old City House Inn
10-minute walk
Premier B&B with on-site restaurant. Over 20 years serving guests in the heart of downtown.
Bayfront Marin House
10-minute walk
Award-winning B&B directly across from Matanzas Bay. Beautiful bay views and elegant accommodations.
Budget-Friendly Options
For more affordable rates, look to hotels on Anastasia Island (just over the Bridge of Lions). The Days Inn, Hampton Inn, and several vacation rentals offer good value with easy access to downtown—about a 5-10 minute drive.
For Destination Weddings
Flying in? Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes from St. Augustine. The regional Northeast Florida Regional Airport in St. Augustine handles smaller aircraft and charters.
Photo Gallery
Here's a glimpse of weddings we've photographed at this beautiful historic venue:
Venue Details & Contact
Address
271 Charlotte Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Capacity
Up to 250 guests (ceremony), 150 guests (reception)
Style
Historic, Garden, Outdoor
Website
Note: Venue details may change. Contact the venue directly for current pricing, availability, and policies.
Oldest House Wedding FAQ
Common questions about weddings at The Oldest House Museum
Venue rental for a ceremony and reception ranges from $3,300-$4,200, which includes 8 hours of event time (including setup and cleanup). Ceremony-only packages are available starting at $1,750-$2,250. A refundable $800 security deposit is required. Contact the venue directly for current pricing and availability.
The Oldest House Gardens can accommodate up to 250 guests for ceremony-only events. For ceremonies with receptions, capacity is around 130-150 guests depending on your setup. The Llambias House Gardens offers additional space for up to 100 guests.
The Oldest House is a completely outdoor venue. Ceremonies and receptions take place in the historic walled gardens. While this makes for beautiful photos and a unique atmosphere, you'll need to consider weather contingencies. The venue can discuss backup options during your tour.
February through May and October through December offer the most comfortable temperatures for outdoor ceremonies in St. Augustine. Summer weddings are possible but plan for heat and afternoon thunderstorms. Winter offers mild weather and smaller crowds.
Yes, BYO alcohol is permitted at The Oldest House. However, it must be served by a licensed bartender or caterer—you cannot self-serve. This can help with budget while ensuring responsible service.
The combination of the magnificent oak tree with Spanish moss, historic coquina architecture, and the distinctive pink buildings creates a uniquely St. Augustine backdrop. The variety of garden spaces means diverse photo opportunities without leaving the property. The west-facing oak tree delivers beautiful golden hour light for ceremonies.
Yes! The Oldest House is formally known as the Gonzalez-Alvarez House, dating back to 1723. It's one of the oldest surviving structures in the country and is maintained by the St. Augustine Historical Society. The wedding venue includes both the Oldest House Gardens and the nearby Llambias House Gardens.
Real Weddings at The Oldest House Museum
Browse galleries from weddings we've photographed at this beautiful venue:
Explore More St. Augustine Venues
Planning a Wedding at The Oldest House Museum?
We've photographed dozens of weddings here and know every photo opportunity. Let's talk about your vision.
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