Ximenez-Fatio House Wedding Photography Guide
A photographer's guide to intimate weddings at one of St. Augustine's oldest buildings
About Ximenez-Fatio House
Ximenez-Fatio House
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The Ximenez-Fatio House is one of St. Augustine's oldest surviving buildings, with portions dating to 1798. Located on historic Aviles Street—America's oldest street—the property offers an intimate glimpse into the city's Spanish colonial past.
The house museum features a charming walled courtyard garden that serves as a ceremony space for small weddings. Original coquina walls, tropical plantings, and authentic period details create an atmosphere of old-world romance that larger venues simply cannot match.
We treasure the opportunity to photograph weddings at Ximenez-Fatio House. The intimate scale and genuine historic character create images with soul—photographs that feel rooted in place and time rather than generic wedding venue shots.
Why We Love Photographing at Ximenez-Fatio House
In a world of increasingly large and elaborate wedding venues, Ximenez-Fatio House offers something precious: authentic intimacy. Weddings here feel personal, meaningful, and deeply connected to place.
The courtyard garden is a hidden gem. Enclosed by original coquina walls and filled with tropical plants, it feels like a secret garden in the middle of the historic district. The soft, diffused light is ideal for portraits, and the textures—weathered stone, wrought iron, aged wood—add visual richness to every image.
Location also matters. Being on Aviles Street means we can step outside for portraits with incredible historic backdrops. The narrow lane feels more like a European alley than a typical American street—it photographs beautifully.
Best Photo Locations at Ximenez-Fatio House
Despite its intimate size, the property offers wonderful photo variety. Here are our favorites:
The Courtyard Garden
Intimate walled garden with lush tropical plants, historic coquina walls, and old-world charm. Perfect for small ceremonies with authentic Spanish colonial character.
The Coquina Walls
Original 18th-century coquina shell walls provide textured, historic backdrops with incredible character.
Aviles Street
America's oldest street is just outside the door. The narrow lane with historic buildings creates romantic, European-feeling portraits.
The Historic Interior
Period rooms with antique furnishings and authentic details—wonderful for intimate portraits with historic ambiance.
Garden Details
Wrought iron gates, vintage planters, and colonial garden elements add visual interest throughout.
Nearby Historic District
Steps from Cathedral Basilica, the bayfront, and other iconic locations for expanded portrait sessions.
Planning Your Timeline at Ximenez-Fatio House
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 Ximenez-Fatio House
The historic courtyard and grounds provide intimate, sheltered settings with soft light. The 1798 building offers authentic period character.
Time for Photos
We recommend 30-45 minutes for portraits at Ximenez-Fatio House, covering the courtyard, gardens, and historic interiors.
Want more variety? Nearby options:
- Aviles Street — 2 minutes walk, add 15-20 minutes
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.
Winter & Nights of Lights
Walking distance to Nights of Lights throughout downtown.
Venue Timing Notes
- Music curfew at 9pm
- Historic museum setting—coordinate access with venue
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 Ximenez-Fatio House
Based on our experience at this intimate historic venue:
Embrace Intimacy
Ximenez-Fatio House is designed for small weddings—50 guests maximum. This intimacy is its strength. Couples who embrace the close, personal atmosphere create beautiful, meaningful celebrations.
Use Aviles Street
Step outside for portraits on America's oldest street. The narrow lane, historic buildings, and charming shops create romantic backdrops steps from the venue.
Afternoon Light is Best
The walled courtyard receives beautiful soft light in late afternoon. We recommend ceremonies timed for 4-5 PM for optimal photography conditions.
Plan for Limited Space
The intimate scale means less room for large photography setups. We work with available light and the natural beauty of the space rather than elaborate equipment.
Real Weddings at Ximenez-Fatio House
Browse galleries from weddings we've photographed at this beautiful venue
