The Surf Club Wedding Photography Guide
A photographer's guide to Vilano Beach's beloved oceanfront wedding venue
We've visited The Surf Club 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 Surf Club
The Surf Club
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The Surf Club is a beloved oceanfront venue in Vilano Beach, offering a more intimate and laid-back alternative to larger resort venues. Located just north of the St. Augustine Inlet, the venue provides direct beach access and authentic coastal atmosphere.
The property features both beach and deck ceremony options, an event space with ocean views, and access to one of the area's most beautiful stretches of beach. Vilano's quiet, residential character appeals to couples seeking a genuine beach wedding experience without the crowds.
We've photographed many weddings at The Surf Club and have come to love its unpretentious charm. The beach here is wide, relatively quiet, and offers some of the best natural dune landscapes in the area for portraits.
Why We Love Photographing at The Surf Club
There's something refreshingly authentic about The Surf Club. It's not trying to be a grand resort or an elegant ballroom—it's a beach venue that embraces its coastal setting fully. This authenticity translates into photographs that feel genuine and romantic.
Vilano Beach itself is a photographer's dream. The dunes are more natural and dramatic than many maintained beach areas, with sea oats and native vegetation that add texture and movement to images. The relative quiet means we can work without fighting crowds.
We also love the variety of perspectives available. Beach-level portraits, elevated deck shots, dune textures, pier architecture—all within a few minutes' walk. This diversity helps us create wedding albums with real visual interest.
Best Photo Locations at The Surf Club
The venue and surrounding area offer excellent photo opportunities. Here are our favorites:
Vilano Beach
The wide, quiet beach north of the inlet is perfect for ceremonies and portraits. Less crowded than St. Augustine Beach, with beautiful dunes and sea oats.
The Oceanfront Deck
Elevated deck overlooking the Atlantic provides a more formal ceremony option with spectacular ocean views.
The Dunes
Natural dune vegetation and sea oats create romantic, windswept portraits with authentic coastal character.
Vilano Pier
Just steps away, the pier offers architectural elements and different perspectives for couple portraits.
Event Space Interiors
Casual coastal interiors with natural light—perfect for dancing photos and reception coverage.
Sunset Views
The venue's northern location provides unobstructed views down the beach, creating dramatic sunset silhouettes.
Planning Your Timeline at The Surf Club
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 The Surf Club
Oceanfront venue with east-facing views. Sunset paints the sky behind you while the ocean provides a stunning backdrop.
Time for Photos
We recommend 45-60 minutes for portraits at The Surf Club, covering the beach, deck, interior spaces, and dune walkways.
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.
Venue Timing Notes
- Music curfew at 10pm
- Beach access varies with tides
- Music curfew may apply
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 for The Surf Club
Based on our experience photographing here, these are our top recommendations:
Embrace Vilano's Character
Vilano Beach has a quieter, more natural feel than the main beach. Couples who choose The Surf Club often appreciate this laid-back atmosphere—lean into it.
Time for the Pier
Build 15 minutes into your timeline for portraits at the nearby pier. The architectural lines and fishing village atmosphere add variety to beach shots.
Watch the Wind
Vilano can be breezier than protected downtown venues. Veils, loose hairstyles, and flowing fabrics photograph beautifully in the wind when planned for.
Sunset Silhouettes
The Surf Club's position allows for incredible sunset silhouette shots looking south down the beach. We always plan time for these dramatic images.
The Surf Club Wedding FAQ
Common questions about weddings at The Surf Club in Vilano Beach
The Surf Club is one of the more affordable oceanfront venues in the St. Augustine area. Pricing depends on guest count, season, and package selection. Contact the venue through their website for current rates. In-house catering is included. For photography pricing, check our packages page.
The Surf Club accommodates up to 150 guests. The indoor event space handles receptions, while beach and deck areas are available for ceremonies. The casual, intimate scale of the venue works well for mid-sized celebrations that want a genuine beach atmosphere.
Yes, beach ceremonies are one of the main draws. The wide Vilano Beach provides a natural ceremony setting, and the elevated oceanfront deck offers a more formal option with spectacular ocean views. The beach here is quieter and less crowded than public beaches further south, which is a real advantage for ceremonies and portraits.
Yes, The Surf Club is pet-friendly. Many couples include their dogs in the ceremony or photos on the beach. Vilano Beach is a great setting for pets, with wide open sand and a relaxed atmosphere. Just coordinate with the venue in advance about any pet logistics.
Real Weddings Here
Browse galleries from weddings we've photographed at this location
