TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Find the Perfect Venue
- Personalize Your St. Augustine Elopement
- Hiring Wedding Professionals
- Seasonal Weather and Festivals
- Where to Take Pictures in St. Augustine
- How to Get a Marriage License in Florida
- Timing for Your Elopement in St. Augustine, FL
You want to elope in St. Augustine, FL to celebrate in a more intimate way. That focuses more on your love rather than if your 3rd cousin wants to bring her loser boyfriend. I was so honored to be part of Kevin and Monica’s intimate elopement. The venue that they chose was such a perfect place for a sweet wedding ceremony and dinner. I am a big fan of small weddings! If I could go back, that is what I would do for my wedding. I love how Monica and Kevin surrounded themselves with the ones that they love the most and were able to go all out with beautiful details.
ST. AUGUSTINE ELOPEMENT
When you are planning your elopement, it’s all about the details! The flowers, the favors, your wedding invitation suite, and even your wedding monogram make such a huge difference. Monica chose a beautiful venue with the intimate and classy feel she wanted for her wedding and then gathered a small group of talented wedding vendors to make her dream come to life!
I think that is the key, gathering a team of professional wedding vendors. It helps to take the stress out of your day and really enjoy the feelings of the day!
HOW TO PLAN YOUR ST. AUGUSTINE ELOPEMENT
St. Augustine, with its cobblestone streets, historic Spanish architecture, and beautiful coastal scenery, offers an unforgettable backdrop for an elopement. If you’re looking to celebrate your love in a sophisticated, intimate, and stress-free way, eloping in St. Augustine is a wonderful choice. Whether you’re drawn to the romantic charm of the city’s historic district or the peaceful beauty of its nearby beaches, there’s no shortage of breathtaking locations for a truly memorable day.
Choose the Perfect Venue
The key to a stunning St. Augustine elopement is choosing the perfect venue. Here are a few top spots to consider:
The Lightner Museum: The Lightner Museum courtyard offers one of the most beautiful elopement settings in downtown St. Augustine. Originally built in 1887 as the Alcazar Hotel, the building’s Spanish Renaissance architecture, arches, and fountain courtyard create a perfect setting. Couples who love historic architecture and a peaceful, intimate elopement in the middle of the hustle and bustle of old town will love this venue!
When I came to St. Augustine for the first time, I went to the Lightner Museum and my photographer heart nearly exploded! The light in the courtyard in the afternoon and evening, I describe it as “yummy”. It’s so good!!
The Castle Otttis: A Castle Otttis wedding is so unique. How many people can say they got married at an actual castle! This small, Irish-inspired castle is just outside St. Augustine and features stone walls, arched windows, and a quiet, secluded feel. The stone architecture and surrounding greenery make a perfect juxtaposition for pictures and a beautiful place for couples who want an intimate ceremony with a romantic, almost medieval atmosphere. I can just imagine a beautiful flowy dress and your hair blowing in the wind on the happiest day of your life!
Oldest House Gardens / Llambias House Gardens: These two spots are possibly my favorite, but, really it’s too hard to decide! This whole blog post is full of my favorites! The architecture next to the breathtaking gardens makes the backdrop for your St. Augustine elopement everything a photographer could want! Light is everything and the way that it streams through the trees gives that romantic, “yummy” look.
The St. Augustine Lighthouse Wedding: The first time that I came to St. Augustine, on vacation, when I was 9 years old, my dad, uncle and I walked up those stairs to the top that overlooks the most beautiful view in Northeastern Florida. Never did I think that I would live here one day! And photographing St. Augustine Lighthouse elopements. This one is special! And so epic!
The Local Motel: Are you looking for a more fun and quirky elopement in St. Augustine? How fun is this?! The pink and tropical is so “Florida”. And can you even imagine the cute details? You could so ALL OUT. My maximalist brain is going crazy! This is for the couple that wants a fun, happy vibe. This is 100% my vibe! Happiness, giggles, smiles and, oh, the details!
Ximenez-Fatio House Museum: The history of a St. Augustine elopement is so unique. Even if you only have a handful of guests, this will give them an experience to remember! That is the best part of a small group of your closest friends, it gives you the opportunity of go all out on the little things that you wouldn’t be able to if you had a big wedding!
The Ximenez-Fatio House is overflowing with history and ambiance. The beautiful courtyard and perfectly preserved buildings give your guests the most perfect St. Augustine experience.
There are countless venue opportunities when you chose to elope in St. Augustine, FL. This list is just a few of my favorites. You can choose from Bed and Breakfasts, beaches, gardens, the courthouse. You can choose your vibe.
Send me a message and we can talk about the look that you would like for your St. Augustine elopement and I can help you find the perfect venue for your special day!
Personalize Your St. Augustine Elopement Experience
One of the main advantages of eloping is the ability to make your day as personal and unique as possible. Here are some ways to make your Galveston elopement truly yours:
- Tailor Your Ceremony: Without the traditional wedding stress, you can fully customize your ceremony. From writing your own vows to selecting a personal officiant, the ceremony can be as intimate and special as you desire.
- Fine Dining Experience: St. Augustine is home to several excellent dining options, from seafood delicacies to gourmet meals with a view. Book a reservation at one of the island’s sophisticated restaurants or consider an elegant private chef experience to enjoy your first meal as a married couple.
- Luxury Transportation: Keep the elegance going with luxury transportation. Whether you choose a vintage car, a private yacht, or even a helicopter ride for a grand arrival or exit, it will add that extra touch of glamour to your day.
- Custom Florals and Decor: Work with a local florist to craft the perfect bouquet and floral arrangements that fit your style. Choose flowers that complement St. Augustine’s natural beauty—think soft pastels or vibrant tropical blooms. Many venues will work with you to set up a stunning ceremony space, whether it’s on the sand or in an indoor garden.
Hire Professional Wedding Vendors
Eloping doesn’t mean sacrificing a great wedding experience. As a photographer who specializes in high-end, sophisticated weddings, I believe every elopement deserves stunning, timeless photos that reflect your unique love story, and that is only multiplied when you include professional vendors that give you an experience to remember forever.
Hiring an experienced wedding vendors who know how to work with your specific elopement vision ensures that no detail goes overlooked.
When you contact me, I have a complete list of wonderful, local wedding vendors in the St. Augustine and Jacksonville area to provide an elopement experience that is unmatched!
St. Augustine Wedding Photographer
I am not a St. Augustine wedding planner, I am a St. Augustine wedding photographer. BUT! That means that I get to work with everyone. After being in the industry for over 20 years. I have my finger on the pulse of weddings and can be an amazing resource. Below is another blog post of my favorite St. Augustine and Jacksonville wedding vendors! These are the best of the best, y’all!
Plan for the Weather and the Season
While St. Augustine’s coastal weather is generally mild (compared to places like Orlando), it’s still essential to keep in mind the time of year and potential weather conditions. The summer months can be hot and humid, while the winter months bring cooler, more temperate weather. Spring and fall offer the perfect mix of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
St. Augustine Festivals and Events
St. Augustine is the home for several major events that may complicate travel and housing:
Night of Lights – This is, by far, the busiest time of the year. It usually runs from November through early January. Parking and crowds are a mess. It will be difficult to find private spots for pictures. If you are planning to elope in St. Augustine, Fl during this time of the year, especially in Old Town, I would highly recommend a driver and a wedding planner
St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival – This event usually takes place in late March and draws huge crowds for live music, food vendors and carnival rides. I would suggest being aware of where the festival takes place and find different places for pictures and make sure that you leave extra time for travel.
Celtic Music and Heritage Festival – This also takes place in March. This draws a crowd from all over the South East and so it will make finding hotels difficult to find. And, of course, traffic will be heaver in the downtown and Anastasia Island.
There are many other festivities that take place in St. Augustine and you can find them HERE. Of course, because St. Augustine is a very popular tourist destination, you can always expect it to be busy on holidays and weekends. Hiring vendors, especially planners, that are familiar with the area, will know how to deal with the official and unofficial celebrations that take place here.professionals to help with the logistics of your day is very helpful!
WHERE TO TAKE YOUR WEDDING PICTURES IN ST. AUGUSTINE
Historic District
Old Cobblestone Streets – Is there anything more classically St. Augustine than cobblestone streets and historically colorful building? There are so many options, you can just walk around where you are and get so much diversity in your gallery.
Magnolia Ave – It is known as the most beautiful street in the United States and for good reason. The beautiful Spanish Moss and historic homes makes this spot gorgeous!
Castillo de San Marcos – This is so unique to St. Augustine! A historic fort with perfect evening (or morning) light would set your St. Augustine elopement images apart.
Memorial Presbyterian Church – This is just an iconic structure. So clean and because of it’s color, reflects light beautifully! You can’t miss this one!
Beaches and Parks
What if you mixed it up and added in some of Florida’s natural beauty? There are so many great options here! Not all of these are right in St. Augustine, but they are worth the drive. Some of my favorites are Vilano Beach, Guana Reserve, Matanzas Inlet, Washington Oaks and Gardens, Crescent Beach, Hanna Park, Alpine Groves Park, and so many more.
I can’t wait to talk to about the perfect combination of locations for your elopement in St. Augustine, Fl!
HOW TO GET A MARRIAGE LICENSE IN FLORIDA
How do you get legally married in Florida. There are two things that you definitely need: a marriage license and a qualified officiant.
Florida Marriage License
If you’re planning to elope in St. Augustine, obtaining your marriage license is a simple process. Couples can apply at any Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court office. St. Augustine weddings the most convenient location is the St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller.
Both partners must appear in person and bring a valid photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID. The marriage license fee is typically around $90, though Florida residents may receive a discount if they complete a premarital preparation course. Florida residents also have a three-day waiting period unless they take that course, but out-of-state couples can use the license immediately.
Once issued, the license is valid for 60 days, which gives you plenty of flexibility for your ceremony. Many couples who are eloping simply stop by the clerk’s office a day or two before their wedding to take care of the paperwork so everything is ready for their big moment.
St. Augustine Wedding Officiant
Your wedding officiant must, by Florida law, ordained clergy, an active or retired judicial officer, a clerk of the circuit courts, or a notary public of Florida.
If you don’t know where to find one, you can check out my list in my Jacksonville Wedding Vendors blog post.
WHAT TIME SHOULD WE ELOPE IN ST. AUGUSTINE FL?
You are probably a Mollie Jane bride if this is a question that you are asking! When will the light be best? The short answer is before the noon hour or after the noon hour. You want to stay away from the time that the sun is the very highest in the sky. Especially if you are planning an outdoor ceremony or pictures.
In my opinion, golden hour has the best light! It’s warm and yummy light. BUT, if you want historic St. Augustine, especially on a weekend or, even more important, on a holiday weekend or during one of the festivals, the morning would be your best bet. It will be far less crowded!
One of my favorite things to do is to help you plan a timeline, especially if it is around good light! Let’s chat about your dream day! And I will give you all of my honest opinions based on my 20 years of experience and my knowledge of the St. Augustine area.
Eloping in St. Augustine offers the perfect combination of sophistication and intimacy. With its stunning settings, historic beauty, personalized experiences, and laid-back charm, it’s the ideal destination for couples who want to exchange vows without all the fuss of a traditional wedding. Keep your elopement true to you, and make it a day you’ll cherish forever.
Planning an elopement in St. Augustine, Fl? Let’s create stunning memories that you’ll hold dear for a lifetime. Contact me today to discuss how I can help bring your dream elopement to life!
