Beach & Oceanfront

The Surf Club Wedding Photography Guide

A photographer's guide to Vilano Beach's beloved oceanfront wedding venue

About The Surf Club

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.

Sample Wedding Day Timeline at The Surf Club

Beach weddings at The Surf Club benefit from timing that maximizes the beautiful coastal light:

3:00 PM

Getting Ready

Preparation photos at nearby accommodations or the venue's prep space.

4:30 PM

First Look

Private first look on the beach or dunes before guests arrive.

5:00 PM

Wedding Party Photos

Beach portraits with the wedding party while light is soft.

5:30 PM

Ceremony

Beach or deck ceremony as afternoon transitions to golden hour.

6:00 PM

Cocktail Hour

Guests enjoy the venue while we capture sunset couples portraits.

7:00 PM

Reception

Indoor celebration with ocean views and coastal atmosphere.

Photography 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.