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
More details Less details
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.
The Bow
Classic couples portraits with nothing but water and sky ahead. Depending on sun position and breeze, this can be the perfect spot for dramatic shots with the sails billowing behind you.
With the Sails
The Freedom carries nearly 2,400 square feet of sail. We use these as stunning backdrops—the canvas, rigging, and mast create layers of nautical texture that photograph beautifully.
Harbor 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.
Sunset Behind the City
The magic moment: sailing back into the harbor as the sun sets behind the old city skyline. The Spanish colonial rooftops and church spires silhouetted against golden light—breathtaking.
Unique Angles Throughout
The boat is full of interesting perspectives—rigging lines, polished brass fittings, the helm, coiled ropes. We find creative compositions that tell the story of your nautical adventure.
Sample Wedding Day Timeline
Every sailing wedding is unique based on weather, tides, and your preferences. Here's a general flow for a sunset ceremony cruise:
Arrival at the Dock
Meet at 111 Avenida Menendez along the bayfront. The crew welcomes you aboard and gets you settled.
Cast Off
The Freedom heads out into Matanzas Bay. We capture candid moments as you take in the views and the excitement builds.
Ceremony
Exchange vows with the water, sky, and St. Augustine skyline as your backdrop. Bring your own officiant or we can recommend local options.
Couples Portraits
We find the best light and positioning based on sun and breeze. The boat offers endless unique angles for stunning photos.
Golden Hour Magic
On sunset sails, the return to harbor is pure magic—the old city silhouetted against the setting sun while you celebrate with your guests.
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
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.
Plan for the 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. The deck is wood and you'll be moving around a boat. Wedges, flats, or even barefoot work great and are safer. Save the heels for the after-party.
Motion Sickness Prep
If you or guests are prone to seasickness, take precautions before boarding—Dramamine, Sea-Bands, or ginger remedies. The bay is typically calm, but better safe than sorry on your wedding day.
Bring 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.
Embrace the Adventure
This isn't just a venue—it's an experience. When you head out of the inlet into the open ocean, it's exhilarating. Let yourself feel the excitement and we'll capture every moment of the adventure.
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.
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.
Let's Talk About Your Sailing WeddingReal Weddings at Schooner Freedom
Browse galleries from weddings we've photographed at this beautiful venue
