What's the most popular wedding venue in St. Augustine?

Casa Monica Hotel consistently ranks as one of the most popular venues, hosting over 100 weddings annually. Its Spanish Renaissance architecture and downtown location make it a favorite for couples wanting historic charm with modern amenities.

Can you get married on the beach in St. Augustine?

Yes, St. Augustine Beach allows wedding ceremonies with proper permits. The best spots are near the pier at sunrise or sunset. You'll need a special events permit from the city, which costs around $100-200 depending on guest count.

What's the average cost of wedding venues in St. Augustine?

Venue costs range from $2,000-15,000+ depending on location and guest count. Historic downtown venues average $8,000-12,000, while beach and garden venues typically run $3,000-8,000. Most venues require additional catering and service fees.

Which venues allow outside catering in St. Augustine?

The Lightner Museum, Villa Blanca, and most private estates allow outside catering. Hotel venues like Casa Monica and Aloft typically require their in-house catering services. Always confirm catering policies during your venue tour.

What's the best time of year to get married in St. Augustine?

October through April offers the most pleasant weather, with average temperatures of 65-75°F and lower humidity. Peak wedding season is March-May and October-November. Summer months can be hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms.

15 Best Places to Get Married in St. Augustine, FL (2024)

After photographing 600+ weddings across St. Augustine, we've seen couples say "I do" in everything from centuries-old courtyards to pristine beach settings. This historic city offers an incredible variety of wedding venues, each with its own character and charm. Whether you're dreaming of Spanish colonial architecture or oceanfront vows, St. Augustine delivers options that work for every style and budget.

## Historic Downtown Venues

1. Casa Monica Hotel

Casa Monica Hotel

This Spanish Renaissance masterpiece dominates St. Augustine's skyline and hosts more weddings than any other downtown venue. Built in 1888, Casa Monica combines historic grandeur with modern luxury across multiple indoor and outdoor spaces.

The rooftop Castillo Bar offers panoramic city views perfect for cocktail hours, while the Grand Ballroom accommodates up to 200 guests with soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers. We love the courtyard ceremony space—it's intimate enough for 50 guests but opens to the lobby for larger receptions.

95 Cordova Street | Capacity: 50-200 | Starting at $12,000 | Full-service venue with in-house catering

Photography Tip: The best portraits happen in the lobby's natural light around 3pm, before the dinner rush. The courtyard gets perfect ceremony lighting 30 minutes before sunset.

2. Lightner Museum

Lightner Museum

Few venues match the architectural drama of the former Alcazar Hotel. This Gilded Age castle features the stunning Cafe Alcazar courtyard, where towering palm trees and Spanish tile create an otherworldly ceremony setting.

The museum allows outside catering and offers flexibility other historic venues don't. The grand staircase provides epic portrait opportunities, while the courtyard's natural acoustics mean you don't need amplification for ceremonies under 100 guests. Winter weddings here are magical—the courtyard stays comfortable while northern venues freeze.

75 King Street | Capacity: 75-150 | Starting at $8,500 | Outside catering allowed | Museum exhibits as backdrop

Booking Note: The museum closes to public tours during evening events, giving you exclusive access to this National Historic Landmark.

## Beachfront & Waterfront Venues

3. St. Augustine Beach

St. Augustine Beach

Nothing beats an oceanfront ceremony, and St. Augustine Beach delivers 23 miles of Atlantic coastline. The area near the pier offers the most dramatic backdrop, with the historic St. Augustine Lighthouse visible in the distance.

Beach ceremonies work best 2 hours before sunset—around 5pm in summer, 3pm in winter. The sand stays firm near the water's edge, making it comfortable for guests in dress shoes. Wind can be challenging for sound and decor, so we always recommend a backup indoor reception space nearby.

St. Augustine Beach | Capacity: Unlimited | Permit required ($100-200) | No facilities on-site | Weather dependent

Weather Reality: Florida's afternoon storms can develop quickly. Always have an indoor backup plan and consider wedding insurance.

4. Villa Blanca

Villa Blanca

This Mediterranean-style mansion overlooks the Matanzas River, combining waterfront views with elegant architecture. The venue's terraced gardens cascade toward the water, creating multiple ceremony and photo opportunities.

We've photographed 40+ weddings here, and couples love the flexibility—indoor and outdoor spaces flow seamlessly, and the venue allows outside vendors. The sunset views from the main terrace are unmatched, especially during spring and fall when humidity is lower.

1024 Peach Drive | Capacity: 100-180 | Starting at $6,500 | Outside catering welcome | Waterfront views

5. The White Room

The White Room

Perched above the Matanzas Bay, this boutique venue maximizes its waterfront location with floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious deck. The minimalist white interior lets your decor and the natural scenery take center stage.

The venue works particularly well for modern couples who want clean lines and unobstructed water views. Capacity is limited to 120, making it feel intimate even when full. The getting-ready suites upstairs offer great natural light for preparation photos.

837 Anastasia Boulevard | Capacity: 80-120 | Starting at $7,500 | Preferred vendor list | Bay views

## Garden & Estate Venues

6. Casa Blanca Inn

Casa Blanca Inn

This boutique inn's courtyard garden creates an intimate setting for smaller weddings. Brick pathways wind between tropical plantings, while the covered loggia provides weather protection without sacrificing the outdoor feel.

The inn's 10 guest rooms make it perfect for destination weddings where you want to house your closest family and friends on-site. The Casablanca Restaurant handles catering with Mediterranean-inspired menus that pair beautifully with the Spanish colonial setting.

24 Avenida Menendez | Capacity: 40-80 | Starting at $4,500 | On-site lodging | Historic downtown location

7. Ribault Club

Ribault Club

This private club on Fort George Island offers Old Florida charm with manicured grounds and historic buildings dating to the 1920s. The venue feels like a Southern estate, complete with moss-draped oaks and river views.

The club's exclusivity means you'll have the entire property for your celebration. Multiple ceremony sites include the riverfront lawn and formal garden. The clubhouse dining room accommodates up to 150 for seated dinners, with a commercial kitchen that handles everything in-house.

6300 Ribault Club Road, Fort George Island | Capacity: 100-150 | Starting at $8,000 | Private club exclusivity | 30 minutes from St. Augustine

8. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

These formal gardens showcase native Florida landscapes alongside cultivated ornamental plantings. The Rose Garden provides a classic ceremony backdrop, while the coastal hammock offers a more natural setting.

State park weddings require advance permits and have strict vendor restrictions, but the trade-off is stunning scenery at an affordable price. The coquina rock formations along the beach create unique photo opportunities you won't find anywhere else in Florida.

6400 N Oceanshore Boulevard, Palm Coast | Capacity: 100 maximum | Permit fees $200-500 | Limited vendor access | 45 minutes south of St. Augustine

## Unique & Creative Venues

9. Aloft Tapestry Park

Aloft Tapestry Park

This modern hotel brings contemporary style to St. Augustine's wedding scene. The rooftop terrace offers skyline views, while the ground-floor event spaces feature industrial-chic design with exposed brick and modern lighting.

Aloft works well for couples wanting a non-traditional vibe. The hotel's WXYZ bar creates a natural cocktail space, and the 118 guest rooms handle out-of-town wedding parties. The venue's sound system and lighting are top-notch—important for couples planning dancing until late.

540 S Park Avenue | Capacity: 120-180 | Starting at $6,000 | Modern hotel amenities | Full-service catering

10. Corazón Cinema & Cafe

Corazón Cinema & Cafe

This art house cinema transforms into an unexpectedly romantic wedding venue. The main theater accommodates ceremonies with tiered seating, while the lobby and cafe areas work perfectly for cocktails and intimate receptions.

We've photographed several weddings here, and couples love showing their love story on the big screen before the ceremony. The venue's artistic atmosphere attracts creative couples who want something completely different from traditional wedding spaces.

36 Granada Street | Capacity: 50-100 | Starting at $3,500 | Unique cinema setting | Local art installations

11. Marineland Dolphin Adventure

Marineland Dolphin Adventure

Few venues can claim dolphins as wedding guests. This marine park offers ceremony sites with direct views of dolphin lagoons, creating an unforgettable backdrop for animal-loving couples.

The venue includes behind-the-scenes tours for your wedding party and opportunities for unique photos with marine life. Evening events work best—the park closes to the public, giving you exclusive access to exhibits and outdoor spaces.

9600 Oceanshore Boulevard | Capacity: 75-150 | Starting at $7,500 | Exclusive after-hours access | Marine life encounters

12. Hammock Beach Resort

Hammock Beach Resort

This oceanfront resort in Palm Coast offers multiple wedding venues from intimate beach ceremonies to grand ballroom receptions. The Ocean Course golf course provides stunning backdrops, while beachfront spaces deliver classic Florida destination wedding vibes.

Resort weddings simplify planning—everything from catering to accommodations is handled on-site. The spa services are perfect for getting-ready photos, and the variety of locations means we can create diverse imagery throughout your day.

200 Ocean Crest Drive, Palm Coast | Capacity: 50-300 | Starting at $10,000 | Full-service resort | 45 minutes from St. Augustine

13. Treasury on the Plaza

Treasury on the Plaza

This upscale restaurant in the heart of downtown transforms into an elegant event space after hours. The main dining room features exposed brick and warm lighting, while the private dining areas offer intimacy for smaller celebrations.

The venue's central Plaza de la Constitución location means easy access for guests staying in downtown hotels. The restaurant's established relationships with local vendors can simplify planning, and their culinary team creates menus that showcase local Florida ingredients.

4 Cathedral Place | Capacity: 40-100 | Starting at $4,000 | Restaurant venue | Historic plaza location

14. St. Augustine Distillery

St. Augustine Distillery

This working distillery occupies a restored ice plant from the 1900s, offering industrial charm with modern amenities. The barrel room creates dramatic ceremony and reception settings, while the production floor showcases the distilling process as unique decor.

The venue appeals to couples wanting something completely different. Built-in bars throughout the space mean cocktail service is seamless, and the distillery's signature spirits can be incorporated into custom cocktail menus.

112 Riberia Street | Capacity: 80-140 | Starting at $5,500 | Industrial setting | Custom cocktail options

15. The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse

The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse

Dating to the 1700s, this National Historic Landmark offers incredible authenticity for intimate weddings. The small interior accommodates ceremonies up to 30 guests, while the adjacent courtyard handles larger celebrations.

This venue works best for elopements and micro-weddings focused on history and authenticity rather than luxury amenities. The schoolhouse's simplicity requires creative decor, but the historical significance creates memories that last forever.

14 St. George Street | Capacity: 20-50 | Starting at $2,500 | Historic landmark | Limited amenities

## How to Choose Your Perfect Venue After over a decade photographing St. Augustine weddings, we've learned that the best venue depends on three key factors: your guest count, your style preferences, and your budget priorities. **For intimate celebrations (under 50 guests):** Consider Casa Blanca Inn, Corazón Cinema, or The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse. These venues create cozy atmospheres where every guest feels included in your celebration. **For classic elegance:** Casa Monica Hotel and Lightner Museum deliver timeless sophistication with historic architecture and professional event coordination. **For waterfront views:** Villa Blanca and The White Room offer stunning backdrops without the weather uncertainty of beach ceremonies. **For unique experiences:** St. Augustine Distillery and Marineland provide conversation-starting venues that your guests will remember forever. **Budget considerations:** Venue costs vary dramatically, from $2,500 for historic landmarks to $15,000+ for luxury resorts. Remember that "starting prices" typically include only the space—catering, bar service, and coordination add significantly to final costs.

Venue Tour Tips: Visit venues at the same time of day you plan to host your wedding. Lighting changes dramatically throughout the day, especially for photography. Ask about noise restrictions, vendor limitations, and weather backup plans during your tour.

Ready to Photograph Your St. Augustine Wedding?

We've worked at every venue on this list and know exactly how to make your wedding photos shine in each unique setting. From historic courtyards to beachfront ceremonies, we'll help you document your day beautifully.

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15 Best Places to Get Married in St. Augustine