Elope to St. Augustine
Surround yourself in nature. Stroll along natural beaches. Immerse yourselves in the culture and history of a town that is a spectacular place for elopements.
To elope in St Augustine is to choose magical simplicity. It is not a town full of modernity, or gaudy luxury. But a place that has stood the test of time, and come out of it looking pretty darn handsome. Take a walk down any one of St Augustine’s century-old streets in the landmark district, and you’ll feel like you’ve left the country altogether. And if you leave the concrete behind you, you’ll find breathtaking beaches that stretch out as far as the eye can see. But with all this glorious history and bountiful nature in St Augustine, it can be hard to find the best places to elope. That is why I, your friendly, neighborhood elopement photographer, decided to write this guide to St Augustine. Today I’ll share not just where to wed, but how and when to plan your wedding in this beautiful Florida landmark.
A Guide to Eloping in St Augustine
When talking about St Augustine, you cannot fail to mention its history. The past has shaped this town and given it an identity like no other. Founded back in 1565 by courageous Spanish explores, St Augustine is the oldest inhabited European-established settlement in the US. Its Spanish roots are evident everywhere, from its emblematic basilica to its extravagantly designed hotels. And this Instagram-worthy architecture makes St Augustine one of the most excitingly unique places to elope to in Florida. Plus there are beautiful beaches!
Where to Elope in St Augustine?
When you elope to St Augustine, you have so many wonderful choices of wedding venues, it can seem bewildering. As an elopement photographer in St Augustine, I would suggest first deciding whether you want to marry on the beach, or in the old town.
There are 42 miles of beautiful beaches in St Augustine, and even if you don’t choose to elope on the sand, it’s definitely worth a visit. My top picks for ceremony locations in the area would be Vilano Beach and Anastasia State Park. Vilano Beach is a gorgeous stretch of oceanfront with magnificent blue water, and rock formations that jet out from the shore. As a ceremony location, it's perfect because it looks amazing as a backdrop, while also benefitting from having great restaurants and accommodation close by. Anastasia State Park is mere minutes from downtown St. Augustine, so you really get the best of both worlds when you hold your ceremony on this beach. It is a natural-looking, yet pristine sandy beach that also has a rentable pavilion overlooking the ocean, perfect for an intimate elopement reception.
If you’d rather enjoy the beach from a distance, then the cobblestone streets of St Augustine will offer plenty of places for you to elope to. The Lightner Museum is an amazing venue for weddings of all sizes, including eloping couples. Its courtyard and chapel are effortlessly romantic, without being over the top, and offer everything you need to create a fabulous micro-wedding or elopement. An iconic backdrop. Cute chapel. And plenty of great places to hold your reception nearby. One of my other favorites elopes locations in St Augustine, is Bayfront Marin House. This waterfront inn and guesthouse hosts micro-weddings in a really homely, warm style. They stage their intimate wedding ceremonies on their inner courtyard under a cute gazebo, with a special package just for eloping couples, which includes your stay at the Bayfront Marin House. A very nice way to combine your honeymoon and the big day.
When is the Best Time to Elope to St Augustine?
It’s always best to avoid tourist season, wherever you choose to tie the knot. If you decide to elope to St Augustine, the best time to book would be between March and May. During this time, there are fewer people around, the weather is cooler (yet still warm) and often rates are cheaper. This being Florida, there is a hurricane season from June until October. So always be aware that the weather may feel hot and sunny during this time, but a storm could come at any moment. Something to watch out for if you’re planning a ceremony outdoors. As an elopement photographer in St Augustine, I have seen the heavens open on couples on more than one occasion!
How Do I Marry Officially in Florida?
If you’re planning to elope to St Augustine, it’s important that you get your personal identification documents in order before you travel. In order to obtain your marriage license in Florida you will need the following; driver’s license, state ID card, or passport and if you’re a US citizen you’ll need to know your social security number. Also, if you have been married before, you’ll need to provide evidence that the previous marriage has ended. Once you’ve got all of that together, go along to the County Clerk’s office, and they’ll verify your documents, and issue your license. The County Clerks’ office in St Augustine is St. John’s County.
According to the website of St John’s County, the cost of a marriage license there is $86.00, which can be reduced to $61.00 if you’re a Florida resident, and you attend a marriage preparation course. Your license is valid for 60 days, within this time it needs to be solemnized by an ordained or licensed individual, or it will be voided. So don’t hang around, get eloping!
Do We Need to Rent a Car to Get Around?
St Augustine is built for the weekend elope vacation, meaning it is very walkable. If you’re flying in, then your nearest airport is Jacksonville, roughly 50 minutes drive from St Augustine. So maybe rent a car to get you from airport to hotel, and then simply stroll your way around town, or take the trolley bus.
If you are planning to elope to St Augustine, and are looking for an elopement photographer, I would love to join you on your wedding journey. My style is a modern combination of photojournalism and relaxed posing. Overall, I produce wedding photography that is contemporary, clean, and fresh. I would love the opportunity to discuss your elopement or micro-wedding plans in Florida and beyond. Feel free to get in touch via my contact page and also browse my portfolio of past couples.
Thank you for reading. Let me know if you have any questions. I am happy to help. If you are interested in working with me, please use the contact form below. I will get back to you within 24 hours.
Wedding and Elopement Photography Packages start at $800
If your wedding, elopement, or micro wedding is out of state or international please let me know I have packages that include the travel cost.