1790 Sanchez House Wedding Photography Guide
A photographer's guide to this historic Spanish Colonial gem on the bayfront
We've visited 1790 Sanchez House and love what it offers — we're looking forward to photographing our first event here. In the meantime, here's everything you need to know to plan your wedding day.
About the 1790 Sanchez House
1790 Sanchez House
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The 1790 Sanchez House is a beautifully preserved Spanish Colonial home located at the corner of Bridge and Marine Streets in downtown St. Augustine. As one of the city's most authentic historic properties, it offers an intimate setting for weddings of 30-60 guests.
The centerpiece is the walled courtyard, accessible through a wrought-iron gate from Avenida Menendez. Surrounded by stone walls and filled with lush tropical plantings, the courtyard feels like a secret garden—a romantic oasis in the heart of the nation's oldest city.
What sets this place apart is its authenticity. This isn't a reproduction or a renovated building styled to look old—it's a genuine Spanish Colonial home from 1790, complete with hand-hewn beams, original architectural details, and the kind of character that only comes with centuries of history. The bayfront location adds stunning water views and sunset potential to an already exceptional setting.
Why We Love Photographing Here
The courtyard is one of the most photogenic ceremony spaces in St. Augustine. The stone walls have absorbed centuries of Florida weather, and their warm, uneven surfaces create a backdrop with genuine character. When late afternoon light spills over the top of those walls and catches the tropical greenery, we get images with a richness that can't be manufactured.
The bayfront location is the other half of why this property works so well for us. After the service, we can walk a couple to the water's edge for sunset portraits along Matanzas Bay. That transition from enclosed courtyard to open waterfront gives us two completely different looks within a few minutes, and the contrast makes the album feel much more dynamic.
We also appreciate the intimate scale. With 30-60 guests, the courtyard feels full without being crowded. Everyone is close, reactions are visible, and the emotional moments are easy to capture. Small celebrations here tend to be some of the most personal and heartfelt we photograph.
Best Photo Locations
This property offers beautiful photo opportunities throughout:
The Walled Courtyard
The signature ceremony space, featuring stone walls, lush greenery, and tropical flowers. This intimate courtyard creates a romantic, secluded atmosphere despite being in the heart of downtown.
Bayfront Views
The property faces the Matanzas Bay with beautiful water views. The balcony areas and bayfront-facing spaces offer stunning sunset backdrops for portraits.
Spanish Colonial Architecture
Dating to 1790, the home features authentic Spanish Colonial details including hand-hewn beams, wrought-iron gates, and period architectural elements that photograph beautifully.
Interior Guest Suites
Two elegantly furnished guest suites and public rooms provide intimate spaces for getting ready photos and indoor portraits with historic charm.
Avenida Menendez Gate
The courtyard entrance from the bayfront features beautiful wrought-iron gates and stonework—a classic St. Augustine architectural detail.
Bridge Street Corner
The property's location at Bridge and Marine Streets offers easy access to additional downtown portrait locations and historic district backdrops.
Planning Your Timeline at 1790 Sanchez House
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.
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
Our recommendations for getting the best photos at this heritage property:
Time for Golden Hour
The bayfront location offers spectacular sunset views. Schedule your ceremony for late afternoon to catch the best light for portraits along the water.
Embrace the Courtyard
The walled courtyard is the venue's signature feature. The stone walls and lush plantings create an intimate, romantic setting that feels like a secret garden in the middle of downtown.
Work with the Architecture
This is one of St. Augustine's most authentic Spanish Colonial homes. The hand-hewn beams, wrought-iron details, and period architecture tell a story—use them in your portraits.
Stay On-Site
With two guest suites available, consider staying the night before or after your wedding. It adds to the experience and makes logistics easier for getting ready photos.
Plan for Intimacy
This venue shines with smaller weddings of 30-60 guests. The size creates an intimate, meaningful celebration rather than a large-scale event.
Wedding FAQ
Common questions about getting married here
Sanchez House wedding packages vary by season, with pricing that reflects the venue's historic character and bayfront location. Packages include venue rental and wedding coordination. Contact Bayfront Marin House at (904) 824-4301 for current packages and seasonal pricing. For photography pricing, check our packages page for current options.
The Sanchez House is designed for intimate weddings and receptions for 30-60 guests. The courtyard ceremony space and reception areas work best with this guest count, creating a cozy, meaningful celebration rather than a large event.
Yes. The walled courtyard is the primary ceremony space, featuring stone walls, lush greenery, and tropical flowers. The courtyard is accessible via a beautiful wrought-iron gate from Avenida Menendez facing the bayfront. There's also an indoor reception space available for weather backup.
Street parking is available along Bridge Street, Marine Street, and Avenida Menendez. The St. Augustine Parking Garage on St. George Street is also nearby (about a 5-minute walk). With a smaller guest count of 30-60, parking is typically manageable, though couples often include parking information on their wedding website.
The Sanchez House has two on-site guest suites for the couple. Nearby hotels include Casa Monica Resort & Spa (5-minute walk), Bayfront Marin House (sister property), St. George Inn, and The Collector Luxury Inn. There are also numerous vacation rentals and Airbnbs in the historic district within a 10-minute walk.
The Sanchez House is one of St. Augustine's most authentic Spanish Colonial homes, dating to 1790. The combination of historic architecture (hand-hewn beams, stone walls, wrought-iron gates), the intimate walled courtyard, and bayfront location makes it a one-of-a-kind setting. It's designed specifically for smaller, more meaningful celebrations.
Real Weddings Here
Browse galleries from weddings we've photographed at this location
