Eloping isn’t about running away anymore, it’s about intentionally choosing a day that feels like you. A day filled with connection, intimacy, and beauty that doesn’t need a ballroom to be unforgettable.
If your dream wedding looks like wandering cobblestone streets, saying “I do” beneath centuries-old oaks, and celebrating by the water as the sun sinks into the bay, then St. Augustine is your place. This historic coastal gem blends old-world romance with Florida’s timeless warmth. From the charm of downtown’s Spanish architecture to the golden light spilling over Vilano Beach, every corner of this city feels like a love story waiting to be told.
As a Florida elopement photographer who’s spent years capturing couples across this beautiful coast, from Casa Monica to Washington Oaks, I know the rhythm of this place. I’ll guide you through where to elope, when the light hits just right, and how to make it all unfold as effortlessly as your love story itself.
Why St. Augustine Is the Perfect Place to Elope
There’s truly nowhere else like St. Augustine, it’s America’s oldest city wrapped in Spanish charm, coastal air, and endless romance.
Whether you’re drawn to a sunrise ceremony on the beach, a courtyard vow exchange surrounded by palms, or a starlit dinner beneath twinkle lights downtown, this city offers the best of both worlds: ocean and old soul.
Beyond its beauty, St. Augustine offers:
- Historic Architecture: Cobblestone streets, courtyards, and European-style facades.
- Ocean Breezes: Waterfront ceremony options with sunrise or sunset backdrops.
- Natural Beauty: Palm-lined parks, gardens, and state-protected coastal preserves.
- Accessibility: Everything is within 15 minutes – perfect for stress-free planning.
St. Augustine Elopement & Planning Packages
Old-world charm meets coastal beauty in St. Augustine, where cobblestone streets, golden light, and ocean breezes set the scene for something timeless. These St. Augustine elopement packages are perfect for couples who want a day that feels intimate, elegant, and full of heart.
Starting at $3,000 every St. Augustine Elopement package includes:
- Planning support + personalized location guidance + vendor recommendations
- Permit + timeline assistance
- Hybrid photo coverage (digital + 35mm film)
- Optional drone coverage (outside any national park boundaries, where legally allowed)
- Sneak peek gallery within 48 hours
- Full high-resolution online gallery + print rights
- Guidance on weather, timing, and logistics
Optional add-ons:
- Super 8 film video
- Second photographer
- Adventure session (day-before or after)
- Album or prints
Every package is crafted to document your day authentically, nothing staged, nothing rushed, just timeless images that feel alive.
When to Elope in St. Augustine
Each season brings its own magic:
| Season | Months | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Mar–May | Mild temps, blooming florals, golden light | Light rain showers | Garden & downtown elopements |
| Summer | Jun–Aug | Long sunsets, vibrant greenery | Heat + tourists + hurricanes | Sunrise beach ceremonies |
| Fall | Sep–Nov | Warm but less humid, fewer crowds | Late hurricane risk | Romantic city elopements |
| Winter | Dec–Feb | Holiday decor, cool breeze, cozy vibes | Early sunsets | Downtown & courtyard elopements |
Pro Tip: September to early November is ideal, fewer tourists, softer light, and the city glows in amber tones.
Best Time of Day for Photos
For the best lighting, schedule your photos 1.5-2 hours before sunset or at sunrise for a more secluded experience. You can also split your elopement into sunrise portraits and a pre-sunset ceremony.
Where to Elope in St. Augustine (Mapped Below)
Okay, so you picked out the perfect time of year to elope, now the next big question is where. The first thing you should ask yourself is what kind of vibe you want your elopement to have. The location you choose is more than just a pretty background, it’s the entire atmosphere of your elopement. Foliage, rocks, water, etc. in the background will determine the overall look of the images. Do you want simple, classic beach photos? Are you going for a modern, downtown elopement vibe? Do you want it to feel like a tropical, adventure elopement? Choosing the right location is crucial for setting the vibe of your elopement. Whether you prefer a beach setting, historic architecture, or lush gardens, St. Augustine has it all.
Your location sets the tone, whether you want your day to feel coastal, classic, or historic.
| Location | Why It Works | Photographer’s Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Castillo de San Marcos | Stone fort + bayfront views = iconic Florida backdrop | Sunrise ceremonies for privacy |
| Lightner Museum Courtyard | Spanish Renaissance charm + fountain views | Perfect golden hour portraits |
| Washington Oaks Gardens | Gardens + beach access + oaks draped in moss | Ideal for film + sunset ceremonies |
| Vilano Beach | Quiet sunset beach with view of the bridge | Bring a picnic + champagne to celebrate |
| St. Augustine Lighthouse | Iconic coastal views + history in one | Plan for golden hour from the top |
| Oldest House Gardens | Intimate + romantic with Spanish moss and brick paths | Perfect for micro weddings |
Venues for Micro Weddings in St. Augustine, Florida
| Venue | Location & Vibe | Guest Capacity / Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 9 Aviles | Historic downtown on one of the oldest streets in the U.S., Spanish-style architecture. | Micro-wedding venue, “perfect space to bring your vision to life” for small gatherings. |
| Bayfront Marin House Bed & Breakfast | Waterfront inn downtown with a gazebo and mini-fountain; sunset and river views. | Packages for very small weddings; ideal for 10 or fewer guests. |
| The Lightner Museum | Historic building (once Hotel Alcazar) downtown; elegant and refined. | Intimate wedding package up to 100 guests; custom for smaller groups too. |
| Casa de Suños | Charming bed and breakfast, lush courtyard setting, very intimate. | Elopement/micro-wedding packages with guests up to ~10. |
| Castle Otttis | Unique, castle-style venue on Vilano Beach; romantic and historic. | Capacity under ~25 people; ceremony only setting, then maybe beach portraits. |
No matter where you choose to elope, the day is about celebrating your love for one another. Browse around the attached map to discover the best places to elope in St. Augustine Florida.
Pro Tip: Plan weekday ceremonies for fewer crowds and better light, sunrise sessions downtown are magical.
Permits & Marriage License Requirements
Getting legally married in St. Augustine is simple.
Marriage License Details:
- Apply at St. Johns County Clerk of Court (4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084 | 904-819-3600)
- Bring valid photo IDs + Social Security cards
- Fee ≈ $61 – $86 depending on course completion
- License valid for 60 days
Waiting Periods:
- Non-Florida Residents: No waiting period; you can marry on the same day you obtain your license.
- Florida Residents: A three-day waiting period unless you complete a premarital course.
Marriage license fees range from $61 to $86, depending on the circumstances.
Permits:
Most public spaces (including beaches + state parks) require a simple wedding permit. I assist all my couples with applications and fees so you can focus on the fun parts.
Leave No Trace in St. Augustine
Our coastal ecosystem is delicate, from the dunes to the historic brick paths. Let’s keep it beautiful.
Elopement Etiquette:
- Stay on designated paths + boardwalks
- No confetti, rice, or petals on public property
- Avoid feeding wildlife (sea birds + gulls especially)
- Respect noise ordinances in historic districts
Where to Stay + Celebrate After Your St. Augustine Elopement
St. Augustine has no shortage of romantic stays and celebratory spots.
Romantic Stays
- Casa Monica Resort & Spa: Elegant Moorish-style luxury in the heart of downtown
- Bayfront Marin House: Private balconies + sunrise views over the Matanzas Bay
- Casa de Suenos Inn: Boutique charm steps from St. George Street
Celebration Dinners
- Columbia Restaurant: Spanish classics in a historic setting
- Preserved Restaurant: Farm-to-table meets Southern hospitality
- Ice Plant Bar: Craft cocktails + vintage industrial vibes
Or keep it simple, pop champagne on the sea wall at sunset and watch the city lights come alive.
Why Work With Me
As a Florida photographer who’s documented dozens of love stories along this coast, I know how to craft an experience that feels intentional, artful, and effortless. From navigating permits and timelines to finding hidden nooks with the best light, I’ll help you create a day that’s as real and beautiful as your connection.
Whether you’re exchanging vows by the ocean or wandering through cobblestone alleys, I’ll capture it with an eye for story, texture, and the in-between moments that make your day uniquely yours.
Ready to Start Planning Your St. Augustine Elopement?
Your love deserves a setting that’s as timeless as it is real. I hope this guide helps you plan your dream elopement in St. Augustine. This city offers a blend of historic charm, romantic settings, and beautiful backdrops, making it an ideal location for your elopement. Whether you choose a cozy bed and breakfast or a grand historic venue, your special day in this enchanting city will be unforgettable. I am so lucky that I get to capture love stories here in this beautiful state.
Let’s plan your St. Augustine elopement filled with intention, warmth, and beautiful moments you’ll never forget.
Hi! I'm emily!
i'm a traveling wedding & elopement photographer specializing in digital & 35mm film capturing adventurous, passionate, madly in love couples
