The Treasury on the Plaza Wedding Photography Guide
A photographer's insider guide to one of St. Augustine's most stunning wedding venues
About The Treasury on the Plaza
The Treasury on the Plaza
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The Treasury on the Plaza is one of St. Augustine's most iconic wedding venues, housed in a stunning 1927 Mediterranean Revival bank building. The venue combines historic grandeur with modern elegance, featuring soaring 30-foot ceilings, original marble floors, ornate bronze details, and massive vault doors that speak to its banking heritage.
Located in the heart of the historic district on Cathedral Place, The Treasury offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony options, with the outdoor plaza providing views of the Cathedral Basilica and surrounding Spanish colonial architecture. The Grand Lobby serves as the primary reception space, transforming into a romantic setting with dramatic lighting and timeless character.
As photographers who've captured over 50 weddings at The Treasury, we know this venue intimately—the best angles, optimal timing for light, and hidden corners that make for stunning portraits.
Why We Love Photographing at The Treasury
The Treasury offers something rare in wedding venues: architectural drama that photographs beautifully from any angle. The combination of soaring ceilings, warm marble, and Art Deco details creates images with timeless elegance. Natural light pours through the tall windows in the afternoon, creating soft, flattering illumination for portraits.
The outdoor plaza is a dream for ceremony photography—couples exchange vows with the historic district as their backdrop, and the west-facing orientation means golden hour light is absolutely stunning. We've photographed sunset ceremonies here that rivals any destination wedding.
Perhaps most importantly, the venue's location in the heart of downtown means we can step outside for portraits at iconic St. Augustine landmarks—the Cathedral, Aviles Street, the bayfront—all within a few minutes' walk.
Best Photo Locations at The Treasury
Every corner of The Treasury offers photography potential. Here are the spots we return to again and again:
The Grand Lobby
Soaring 30-foot ceilings with original 1920s details. Best in late afternoon when natural light streams through the tall windows. Perfect for dramatic bridal portraits.
The Outdoor Plaza
Ceremony space overlooking Cathedral Place. Golden hour here is magical—we position couples with the historic district as backdrop.
The Bronze Doors
Original bank vault doors make for stunning couple portraits. The patina and scale create instant drama.
The Mezzanine
Elevated views of the lobby below. Great for creative angles and capturing the full scope of the venue.
Cathedral Place
Step outside for historic district portraits. The Spanish colonial architecture and cobblestone streets are just steps away.
The Staircase
Elegant marble staircase perfect for bridal portraits and family photos. Beautiful light from the adjacent windows.
Sample Wedding Day Timeline at The Treasury on the Plaza
Every wedding is unique, but here's a timeline we've found works beautifully for Treasury weddings with a 5:30 PM ceremony:
View Sample Timeline
Bridal Suite Access
Getting ready in the elegant bridal suite with great natural light for preparation photos.
First Look
We recommend the Grand Lobby or outdoor plaza for first look—both offer privacy and stunning backdrops.
Wedding Party Photos
Capture the wedding party in multiple locations throughout the venue while guests arrive.
Family Portraits
Efficient family photos in the lobby or mezzanine area before the ceremony.
Ceremony
Outdoor plaza ceremony with the historic district as backdrop, or indoor in the Grand Lobby.
Cocktail Hour
Guests enjoy cocktails while we capture couples portraits during golden hour.
Reception
Grand Lobby transforms for dinner and dancing. String lights and candles create romantic ambiance.
Note: This is a sample timeline. Sunset times vary significantly by season, so we'll customize yours based on your wedding date, ceremony time, and priorities.
Photography Tips for The Treasury
After photographing dozens of weddings here, these are our top recommendations:
Book Your Timeline Strategically
Request a ceremony time that allows for golden hour portraits (typically 1-2 hours before sunset). The outdoor plaza faces west—perfect for sunset light.
Use the Mezzanine
Don't forget the mezzanine level for unique perspectives. It's perfect for capturing the scale of the venue and creative couple shots.
Plan for Outdoor Backup
The plaza is beautiful but exposed. The venue has excellent indoor options if weather doesn't cooperate—the Grand Lobby is stunning for ceremonies.
Leverage the Historic District
We always build in 20-30 minutes for downtown portraits. The Treasury's location gives easy access to iconic St. Augustine backdrops.
The Treasury on the Plaza Photos
Here's a glimpse of weddings we've photographed at this stunning venue:
Treasury on the Plaza Wedding FAQ
Common questions about weddings at The Treasury
The Treasury is a premium venue with pricing that reflects its quality and location. Venue rental typically ranges from $6,000 to $12,000 depending on day of week and season. Full wedding costs including catering, bar, and rentals usually range from $25,000 to $60,000+ for 100-200 guests. Contact the venue directly for current packages. For photography pricing, our packages start at $1,400 for partial-day and $2,700 for full-day coverage.
The Treasury can accommodate 100-300 guests depending on your setup. The Grand Lobby is ideal for receptions up to 250, while the outdoor plaza can host ceremonies of similar size. Smaller celebrations of 100-150 guests often feel more intimate in this grand space.
Yes! The outdoor plaza is one of the most popular ceremony spots. It faces the historic district with views of Cathedral Basilica—stunning for sunset ceremonies. Indoor ceremonies in the Grand Lobby are equally impressive with those soaring 30-foot ceilings.
The Treasury's original bronze bank vault doors are a signature feature and one of the most popular photo spots. Couples use them for portraits, grand entrances, and dessert displays. They're original to the 1927 building and add incredible character.
The Treasury works with preferred caterers rather than in-house catering, giving you flexibility in menu and price point. They have relationships with several excellent St. Augustine caterers and can provide recommendations based on your budget and style.
The St. Augustine Parking Garage on St. George Street is the closest option (about a 2-minute walk). Street parking is available throughout downtown but limited. Many couples include parking info on their wedding website or arrange hotel shuttles from their room block at nearby hotels like Casa Monica or the Collector Luxury Inn.
Several excellent hotels are within walking distance: Casa Monica Resort & Spa is just across the plaza (2-minute walk)—perfect for a luxury room block. The Collector Luxury Inn offers boutique charm a block away. Bayfront Marin House and St. George Inn are also nearby B&B options. For larger groups, there are vacation rentals and Airbnbs throughout the historic district within a 10-minute walk.
Real Weddings at The Treasury on the Plaza
Real Weddings at The Treasury on the Plaza
Browse galleries from weddings we've photographed at this beautiful venue
Recommended Vendors for The Treasury on the Plaza
We've worked alongside these vendors at The Treasury on the Plaza and can recommend them based on firsthand experience.