Schooner Freedom Wedding Photography Guide
A photographer's guide to saying 'I do' aboard St. Augustine's iconic vessel
We've visited Schooner Freedom 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 This Vessel
Schooner Freedom
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The Schooner Freedom isn't just a venue—it's an adventure. This 76-foot steel gaff-rigged topsail schooner is St. Augustine's only tall ship, and the only charter of her kind between Charleston and the Florida Keys. When you say "I do" aboard, 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, she carries nearly 2,400 square feet of sail and accommodates intimate gatherings of 2-37 people. Captain John Zaruba and his crew have been hosting celebrations for over two decades, and their experience shows in every detail.
What makes this experience 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 returning to the harbor as the sun sets behind the old city—the Spanish colonial skyline silhouetted in gold and pink.
Why Couples Choose This Experience
- One-of-a-kind experience — No ballroom or barn can match heading into the sunset on the water
- Intimate by design — Perfect for elopements and micro-weddings up to 37 people
- 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 being on the water combined with the romance of your celebration
Why We Love Photographing on Board
Photographing aboard is different from any other location we shoot, and that's what makes it special. The light is always changing. As she turns and moves through the bay, the sun angle shifts, the reflections change, and we get a constantly evolving set of backdrops without anyone taking a single step. It keeps us on our toes and produces images with real variety.
The landmarks are a major draw. Passing the Castillo de San Marcos, gliding under the Bridge of Lions, framing a couple against the St. Augustine skyline—these are shots that place your celebration in this specific city in a way no ballroom or garden can. And on sunset sails, that final approach back into the harbor with the sky lit up behind the old city is something we look forward to every single time.
There's also an energy on board that we don't find at traditional locations. Couples are more relaxed, more adventurous, more themselves. The wind in their hair, the salt air, the gentle motion of the sea—it strips away the formality and lets genuine emotion show through. Those candid moments are what make a nautical album feel alive.
Best Photo Opportunities
The beauty of photographing aboard 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. She 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 vessel'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 celebration.
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 traditional rigging, brass fittings, helm 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 vessel moves and turns. These areas work well for ceremony setups and provide clean backgrounds with the bay extending to the horizon.
Sample Ceremony Timeline
Every celebration aboard 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 vessel and candid moments as everyone arrives.
Cast Off and Harbor Departure
She 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 Under Open Sky
Exchange vows with the sea, sky, and St. Augustine skyline as your backdrop. The vessel 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 deck to find the best light and positioning based on sun angle and wind direction. The changing light as she moves through the bay creates dynamic photo opportunities throughout the voyage.
Golden Hour Return
On sunset cruises, the return to harbor provides the most dramatic photo opportunities. The city skyline backlit by the setting sun while you celebrate creates the best moments of the entire voyage.
Photographer Tips for Nautical Ceremonies
We've photographed aboard and know the unique considerations. 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 head back into the harbor creates unforgettable photos and memories. The golden hour lighting on the bay is unmatched.
Dress for Wind and Waves
You're on a sailboat—it will be breezy! Brides: consider a secure updo or embrace the windswept look. Use a comb veil that won't fly away. Skip stilettos—the deck is wood, so wedges, flats, or barefoot work best.
Consider Motion Sickness Prevention
If you or those aboard 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 crew doesn't provide officiants, so you'll need to arrange your own. We can recommend excellent local officiants experienced with maritime ceremonies who understand the unique setting and timing.
Embrace the On-the-Water Experience
This isn't just a venue—it's an active maritime 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.
Book Early and Consider an Engagement Sail
Her schedule depends on tides, weather, and other bookings. Popular sunset times fill up quickly, so book well in advance. Consider an engagement session aboard first—it helps us plan better shot lists and ensures you're comfortable with the maritime environment.
Ceremony FAQ
Common questions about getting married on the water
How much does a ceremony aboard cost?
Private charter pricing varies based on duration and time slot. Contact the crew 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 celebration can be surprisingly affordable for small parties.
How many people can the Schooner Freedom accommodate?
She accommodates 2-37 passengers for private charters. This makes her perfect for elopements, micro-weddings, and intimate celebrations. The USCG-certified capacity is 41, but the crew keeps numbers lower for comfort and movement aboard.
What if the weather is bad?
Safety comes first on the water. If weather conditions aren't suitable, 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 aboard?
The 2-hour sail allows time for ceremony and celebration with friends and family. You can bring outside catering aboard, and complimentary beer, wine, soda, and water are provided. For larger receptions, many couples hold the ceremony on board 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 aboard and are comfortable with the nautical setting.
What should we wear and where do we get ready?
Dress code is up to you—she has hosted everything from casual flip-flop ceremonies to elegant formal affairs. Remind attendees to wear practical shoes (no stilettos) and that it will be breezy on the water. There's no getting-ready space on board, so most couples get ready at their downtown hotel—Casa Monica, The Collector, or a vacation rental—and walk to the dock.
What's the best time of year for a ceremony aboard?
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 ceremonies work great with morning or early afternoon timing to avoid typical afternoon thunderstorms.
Is the Schooner Freedom the only sailboat option in St. Augustine?
She is St. Augustine's premier vessel 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 on-the-water experience. Other options exist but nothing matches her classic character.
Where does she depart from and can we bring a photographer?
She 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. Professional photographers are welcome aboard—the crew will help position for optimal lighting when possible.
Planning a Nautical Celebration?
We'd love to capture your adventure on the water. Whether it's an intimate elopement for two or a gathering with 30 of your closest friends and family, we know how to tell your story on the bay.
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