Schooner Freedom Wedding Photography Guide
A photographer's guide to saying 'I do' aboard St. Augustine's iconic tall ship
About the Schooner Freedom
Schooner Freedom
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The Schooner Freedom isn't just a wedding venue—it's an adventure. This 76-foot steel gaff-rigged topsail schooner is St. Augustine's only tall ship, and the only schooner charter between Charleston and the Florida Keys. When you say "I do" aboard the Freedom, you're not just having a ceremony—you're setting sail on your marriage.
Built in Norfolk, Virginia and brought to St. Augustine in 2001, the Freedom carries nearly 2,400 square feet of sail and accommodates intimate gatherings of 2-37 guests. Captain John Zaruba and his crew have been hosting weddings, elopements, and celebrations for over two decades, and their experience shows in every detail.
What makes a Freedom wedding unforgettable? It's the moment you cast off from the dock and leave the world behind. It's heading out of the inlet into the open ocean and feeling that exhilaration. It's exchanging vows with the Castillo de San Marcos or the Bridge of Lions as your backdrop. And it's sailing back into the harbor as the sun sets behind the old city—the Spanish colonial skyline silhouetted in gold and pink. Breathtaking doesn't begin to describe it.
Why Couples Choose the Schooner Freedom
- Truly unique experience — No ballroom or barn can match sailing into the sunset
- Intimate by design — Perfect for elopements and micro-weddings up to 37 guests
- Iconic backdrops — The fort, the bridge, the city skyline, endless water and sky
- All-inclusive simplicity — Beer, wine, and soft drinks included; bring your own catering
- Adventure and romance — The excitement of sailing combined with the romance of your wedding day
Best Photo Opportunities
The beauty of photographing on the Freedom is that every angle tells a story. The best spots shift with the sun and the breeze, but that's part of the magic—we work with the conditions to find perfect positioning where you look amazing and feel comfortable. The boat is full of unique angles, from the bow with open water ahead to the intricate rigging and billowing sails behind you.
Forward Deck Area
The forward deck offers clean compositions with open water and horizon lines. During sunset sails, this area catches the golden light beautifully, and the rigging creates natural leading lines for portraits.
Beneath the Sails
The Freedom's impressive sail configuration provides dramatic backdrops for portraits. The white canvas contrasts beautifully against blue skies, and the scale emphasizes the adventure of your nautical wedding.
Historic Landmark Views
As you sail past the Castillo de San Marcos and under the Bridge of Lions, we capture you with St. Augustine's most iconic landmarks in the background. The fort's coquina walls and the bridge's twin towers create stunning compositions.
Harbor Entrance at Sunset
The return sail into harbor during golden hour offers the most dramatic photo opportunities. The Spanish colonial skyline silhouetted against the setting sun creates unforgettable backdrops for couples portraits.
Maritime Details and Features
The boat's traditional rigging, brass fittings, ship's wheel, and nautical details provide endless opportunities for creative detail shots and intimate portraits that capture the maritime romance of your celebration.
Side Deck Spaces
The starboard and port sides offer different lighting throughout the day as the boat moves and turns. These areas work well for ceremony setups and provide clean backgrounds with water extending to the horizon.
Sample Wedding Day Timeline
Every sailing wedding flows differently based on weather, tides, and your preferences. Here's how most sunset ceremony cruises unfold:
Arrival at the Dock
Meet at 111 Avenida Menendez along the bayfront. The crew welcomes you aboard and gets you settled. This is a great time for detail shots of the boat and candid moments as guests arrive.
Cast Off and Harbor Departure
The Freedom heads out into Matanzas Bay. We capture the excitement of departure and the changing views as you pass historic landmarks. The anticipation builds beautifully for photos.
Ceremony on the Water
Exchange vows with the water, sky, and St. Augustine skyline as your backdrop. The boat can be positioned to optimize lighting and backdrop views. Bring your own officiant or we can recommend local options.
Couples Portraits and Celebration
We move around the boat to find the best light and positioning based on sun angle and wind direction. The changing light as the boat moves creates dynamic photo opportunities throughout the sail.
Golden Hour Return
On sunset sails, the return to harbor provides the most dramatic photo opportunities. The city skyline backlit by the setting sun while you celebrate creates truly magical moments.
Weddings at Schooner Freedom
Real wedding moments we've captured aboard this historic tall ship.
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Photographer Tips for Schooner Freedom Weddings
We've photographed aboard the Freedom and know the unique considerations for sailboat ceremonies. Here's what we recommend:
Book a Sunset Sail for Best Photos
We love sunset cruises for the incredible light. Watching the sun dip behind St. Augustine's skyline as you sail back into the harbor creates unforgettable photos and memories. The golden hour lighting on the water is unmatched.
Plan Hair and Veils for Wind
You're on a sailboat—it will be breezy! Brides: consider a secure updo or embrace the windswept look. Veils can be beautiful but dramatic in the wind, so have a backup plan or use a comb veil that won't fly away.
Choose Practical Footwear
Skip the stilettos for safety and comfort. The deck is wood and you'll be moving around a boat. Wedges, flats, or even barefoot work great and are safer. Your photographer can still capture beautiful full-length portraits.
Consider Motion Sickness Prevention
If you or guests are prone to seasickness, take precautions before boarding—Dramamine, Sea-Bands, or ginger remedies. Matanzas Bay is typically calm, but ocean swells can be felt, especially outside the inlet.
Arrange Your Own Officiant
The Schooner Freedom doesn't provide officiants, so you'll need to arrange your own. We can recommend excellent local officiants experienced with boat ceremonies who understand the unique setting and timing.
Embrace the Sailing Experience
This isn't just a venue—it's an active sailing adventure. When you head out of the inlet into the Atlantic, it's exhilarating. Let yourself feel the excitement and adventure; these genuine emotions create the best photos.
Consider an Engagement Sail
Consider booking the boat for engagement photos first to get familiar with the space and lighting. This helps us plan better shot lists for your wedding day and ensures you're comfortable with the nautical environment.
Book Early for Best Times
The boat's schedule depends on tides, weather, and other bookings. Popular sunset times fill up quickly, especially during peak wedding season. Book well in advance to secure your preferred date and time.
Schooner Freedom Wedding FAQ
Common questions about weddings aboard the Schooner Freedom
How much does a Schooner Freedom wedding cost?
Private charter pricing varies based on duration and time of day. Contact the Schooner Freedom directly at (904) 810-1010 for current rates. The 2-hour sunset sail is a popular choice for intimate ceremonies. Compared to traditional venues, a sailboat wedding can be surprisingly affordable for small guest counts.
How many guests can the Schooner Freedom accommodate?
The Freedom can accommodate 2-37 guests for private charters. This makes it perfect for elopements, micro-weddings, and intimate celebrations. The USCG-certified capacity is 41, but they keep numbers lower for comfort and movement around the boat.
What if the weather is bad?
Safety comes first on the water. If weather conditions aren't suitable for sailing, the crew will work with you to reschedule. This is Florida—afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so consider morning or early afternoon sails during storm season, or book during the drier fall/winter months.
Can we have a reception on the boat?
The 2-hour sail allows time for ceremony and celebration with your guests. You can bring outside catering aboard, and complimentary beer, wine, soda, and water are provided. For larger receptions, many couples do the ceremony on the Freedom and then host a reception at a nearby venue like The White Room or a downtown restaurant.
Do we need to provide our own officiant?
Yes, you'll need to arrange your own officiant. We can recommend several wonderful local officiants who have performed ceremonies on the Freedom and are comfortable with the nautical setting.
What should guests wear?
Dress code is up to you—the Freedom has hosted everything from casual flip-flop ceremonies to elegant formal affairs. Whatever you choose, remind guests to wear practical shoes (no stilettos) and that it will be breezy on the water. Sunglasses and sunscreen are smart for daytime sails.
Where do we get ready before the ceremony?
The Freedom doesn't have getting-ready space on board. Many couples get ready at their downtown hotel—Casa Monica, The Collector, or a vacation rental—and walk to the dock. We can capture getting-ready photos at your hotel before meeting you at the boat.
What's the best time of year for a Schooner Freedom wedding?
Fall through spring (October-May) offers the most reliable weather with lower humidity, fewer afternoon storms, and comfortable temperatures. Winter brings the beautiful Nights of Lights season. Summer weddings work great with morning or early afternoon timing to avoid typical afternoon thunderstorms.
Is the Schooner Freedom the only sailboat wedding option in St. Augustine?
The Freedom is St. Augustine's premier tall ship and the only schooner charter between Charleston and the Florida Keys. At 76 feet with nearly 2,400 square feet of sail, it's a true sailing experience. Other boat options exist but nothing matches the Freedom's classic tall ship character.
Can we bring a professional photographer?
Professional wedding photographers are welcome aboard and encouraged to capture your special day. The crew is experienced working with photographers and will help position the boat for optimal lighting when possible. Drone photography requires FAA compliance and coordination with the captain for safety.
Where does the boat depart from?
The Schooner Freedom typically departs from the City Marina at 111 Avenida Menendez. This historic waterfront location puts you steps away from downtown St. Augustine's restaurants, hotels, and attractions. The dock area itself offers additional photo opportunities before boarding.
Planning a Schooner Freedom Wedding?
We'd love to capture your nautical adventure. Whether it's an intimate elopement for two or a celebration with 30 of your closest friends and family, we know how to tell your story on the water.
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