St. Anastasia Catholic Church Wedding Photography Guide
A photographer's guide to one of the area's most beautiful sacred spaces
About This Parish
St. Anastasia Catholic Church
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This parish is one of the largest and most beautiful sacred spaces in the area. With its Spanish Colonial architecture, soaring interior, and stunning covered walkways, it provides a truly photogenic setting for your special day.
As a sacrament-only location, couples typically pair the parish with a separate reception spot—many choose downtown destinations like The Treasury, Villa Blanca, or The White Room for their celebrations.
What sets this building apart photographically are the remarkable loggias—long arcaded corridors with beautiful arched columns that create some of the most stunning portrait opportunities in the area.
Why We Love Photographing Here
Those covered walkways. We can't say it enough. The long arcaded passages with their repeating arches create images with depth, symmetry, and beautiful light that's hard to find anywhere else. When that late afternoon sun filters through the columns, it's pure magic.
Behind the building, a peaceful courtyard with mature landscaping gives couples a private space most people never even see. It's ideal for intimate portraits before heading to the reception.
Inside, the scale and sacred atmosphere make photography here deeply meaningful. A long center aisle provides classic processional shots, and the altar area photographs beautifully from multiple angles.
Best Photo Locations
This property offers exceptional photography opportunities both inside and out:
The Long Loggias
The defining feature here—beautiful covered walkways with arched columns stretching the length of the building. The repeating arches create stunning leading lines, and late afternoon light filtering through the columns is ideal for portraits.
The Courtyard
A hidden gem behind the building. Lush landscaping, mature trees, and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for intimate couple portraits away from guests. The courtyard light is soft and flattering throughout the day.
The Interior
Soaring ceilings, beautiful stained glass, and traditional sacred architecture. The center aisle creates a dramatic frame for processional and recessional shots.
The Bell Tower & Entrance Steps
The iconic tower makes a beautiful backdrop for exterior portraits, best captured from the courtyard or parking area with the tower rising against the sky. The wide entrance steps are a classic exit location after the vows—great angles for the couple's first walk as newlyweds.
Planning Your Timeline at St. Anastasia Catholic Church
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.
Light at St. Anastasia Catholic Church
The interior features traditional lighting and stained glass. Natural light varies with time of day.
Time for Photos
We recommend 30-45 minutes for portraits at St. Anastasia Catholic Church, covering the sanctuary, entrance, and exterior grounds.
Timeline Strategies
Sunset Portraits
Want that golden hour magic? We work backwards from sunset. Ceremony ends 60-90 minutes before, giving time for family photos, couple portraits, and catching the best light.
Brunch or Daytime
Morning ceremonies and daytime receptions mean lots of beautiful natural light all day. Great for summer when afternoons can get pretty warm.
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
Based on our experience photographing here:
Arrive Early & Scout the Loggias
The covered walkways have specific times when the light is best. Arriving 30-45 minutes before the Mass lets us scout the perfect spots for portraits afterward. Build 20-30 minutes of courtyard time into your plan—it's a beautiful, private space that most guests never see.
Coordinate with the Office
There are specific guidelines for photography during the service. We'll work with the coordinator to ensure we capture everything while respecting the sacred space.
Consider Your Timing
Late afternoon works best photographically—the covered passages come alive with warm light, and the courtyard is beautifully illuminated.
Details & Contact
- Address
- 5205 A1A South, St. Augustine, FL 32080
- Capacity
- Up to 800 guests
- Style
- Spanish Colonial, Sacred, Grand
Note: Contact the parish office directly for policies, requirements, and availability. Parishioner status or special permission is typically required.
FAQ
Common questions about getting married here
There are specific guidelines for photography during the sacrament. We coordinate with the office beforehand to understand what's allowed. Generally, we can photograph from designated positions without flash. We've worked within these guidelines many times and still capture all the important moments.
The sanctuary seats up to 800 people, making it one of the largest spaces of its kind in the area. The grand interior with its soaring ceilings and beautiful stained glass accommodates gatherings of all sizes.
Typically parishioner status or special permission from the diocese is required. Contact the parish office directly to discuss requirements, marriage preparation classes, and scheduling. Planning should begin well in advance, as preparation often takes six months or more.
Yes, and we strongly recommend building time into your timeline for portraits in the loggias and courtyard. The covered walkways with their repeating arches are the signature photo spot, and the hidden grounds behind the building offer a private, peaceful setting for couple portraits. Plan for 30-45 minutes of photo time before departing for your reception.
Real Weddings Here
Browse galleries from weddings we've photographed at this location
