Have you ever thought about eloping in the city? I’m not talking about the skyscrapers and the traditional skyline that came to mind when you read “city”, but a place that boasts the title “The Nation’s Oldest City”. A place where history lingers around every corner and time almost seems to slow down- Saint Augustine Florida. In this Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Saint Augustine, we’ll explore everything you need to plan a romantic, unforgettable elopement in this charming historic gem.
Why Elope in Saint Augustine Florida?
Saint Augustine’s charm lies in its Traditional Spanish colonial architecture, romantic courtyards, and coastal breeze that makes time feel slower in the best way. As a born-and-raised Floridian, I can tell you there’s nothing quite like celebrating love in a place where time seems to slow down, and history and intimacy blend together seamlessly. It’s the quaint charm found among the historic streets lined with Spanish Moss covered Oaks, the clip-clop of horse drawn carriages winding down cobblestone streets, and the waves lapping at the shore of white sand beaches, that makes Saint Augustine one of the most enchanting places to say “I do”.
When considering Saint Augustine as your elopement destination there are many things to consider- location, legalities, lodging, restaurants, permits, activities, crowds and more.
Where to Elope in Saint Augustine
With all the beauty and history that Saint Augustine has to offer, there’s no shortage of incredible places to exchange your vows. Whether you’re dreaming of a historic landmark, a lush flower garden, or a quiet beachside ceremony, these locations are some of the best spots to elope in Saint Augustine:
Castillo de San Marcos
One of the most iconic locations in Saint Augustine, the17th-century Spanish fort offers a stunning backdrop of coquina stone walls, cannon-lined battlements, and views of the Matanzas River. While wedding ceremonies and elopements are currently not permitted within the National Monument due to planned construction (expected through 2025), photography on the fort grounds along the outer walls is still allowed. The fort makes a fantastic backdrop for timeless couples portraits that is truly unique to to Saint Augustine.
Castle Otttis
Tucked away just north of downtown, Castle Otttis is one of Saint Augustine’s most unique and off-the-beaten-path elopement locations. Originally built as an artist’s interpretation of a thousand year old Irish castle. It’s romantic, moody, and secluded, making it the perfect place to say your vows in private.
The towering stone walls, arched windows, and surrounding greenery create an intimate, almost mystical atmosphere that feels straight out of a storybook. For couples who want something truly one-of-a-kind, Castle Otttis delivers a setting that’s as dramatic as it is unforgettable.
Anastasia State Park
If a white sand beach with dunes lined with sea oats is what you’re dreaming of for your elopement- Anastasia State Park is the perfect place. With miles of open shoreline you’re sure to find a place away from the crowds to exchange your vows. Anastasia State Park also offers a variety of options for elopement activities such as Bicycling, Camping, Paddling, Surfing, Boating, and Hiking.
Crescent Beach & Matanzas Inlet
For couples looking for a more non-traditional beach with a little more to offer than just white sand, they can find Crescent Beach and Matanzas inlet just south of Saint Augustine. Crescent beach offers beautiful white sand beaches, but the real gem is Matanzas inlet; known for it’s extremely low tides leaving tidepools and large expanses of beach to explore. When the tides are high, waters are calm, and create the perfect environment for a relaxing elopement experience.
The upper shore is dotted with driftwood trees, sea oats, and natural dunes, creating a perfect backdrop for your elopement ceremony. BONUS: this beach is dog friendly, so your furry family members can join in on the adventure too!
Lightner Museum Courtyard
Nestled in the heart of downtown, the Lightner Museum Courtyard is hidden away within the outer walls of the museum. The courtyard hosts beautiful historic architecture, arched stone bridges, koi ponds, fountains, and tropical greenery. The courtyard also allows space for guests as well- perfect for an elopement with a European garden party feel. Its Old World charm, makes it a favorite for couples who want a quiet, elegant setting while still being only a few steps away from the vibrant energy of downtown.
Washington Oaks State Park
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park offers a mix of formal gardens and coastal beauty. This park is known for its centuries-old oak trees draped in Spanish moss, vibrant rose gardens, ornamental grass lined walking paths, and spring fed peaceful reflecting ponds that create a picture-perfect setting for an intimate elopement. For a change of scenery you can hop across A1A to the park’s coquina rock beach, where rugged rock formations meet crashing waves. It’s a dream location for couples who want both lush greenery and sandy shorelines in their elopement day.
When to Elope in Saint Augustine Florida
Florida is known as the “Sunshine State”, where it truly is sunny every single day. However, sun means heat and heat means sweat. If you’re envisioning a wedding day that feels comfortable and enjoyable (without worrying about melting in your dress or suit), timing is everything. Here are the best times to elope in Saint Augustine Florida:
Early Spring- February & March
February and March are ideal months to elope in St. Augustine. The weather has begun to warm up after the end of winter and temperatures are mild and sunny, creating the perfect weather to explore the city streets on foot without having to worry about melting in your wedding attire. Even better, this early in the year the infamous mosquitos and no-see-ums are still dormant after the last cold snaps of winter. With the bugs still hiding, you have the best chance at day without constant swatting. Early spring is also right before peak rainy season and will allow you a higher chance at sunny skies and epic sunsets for your vows and photos.
Late Fall- September, October, & November
While Florida may not have the fiery colors of fall that many northern states offer, St. Augustine has it’s own kind of magic in the fall. Summer temperatures are waning, providing cooler mornings and evenings; just perfect for a relaxing outdoor elopement.
September can still be warm, and is the tail-end of hurricane season, so planning for October or November will lessen your chance of an unwanted natural disaster crashing your wedding. You’ll also be able to avoid the summer crowds as students have returned to school, and others back to work. The city will be quieter and the weather, drier.
Fall is also less busy than spring break season and you will have a better opportunity for serene private moments on your wedding day.
Winter- December & January
Winter in Saint Augustine is nothing short of magical. St. Augustine is world-famous for it’s Nights Of Lights celebration. From mid-November to early January millions of tiny white Christmas lights blanket the town, bringing it to life after sundown. With Christmas carols, Holly Jolly Trolley Tours, hot cocoa, and delicious sweets, it is the perfect wedding backdrop that feels like Christmas in a Hallmark movie, minus the bitter cold of snow.
Daytime elopements offer mild, even chilly temperatures with fair weather- best for combing the beaches or strolling the city streets. Nighttime elopements under the twinkle of Christmas lights create a magical intimate feel that’s both enchanting and unforgettable.
How to Elope in Saint Augustine Florida
Getting married in Florida is relatively simple. First, you’ll obtain a Florida marriage license from any Florida County Clerk’s Office. The state requires both of you to show a valid ID like a driver’s license, state ID, or passport, plus your social security number and any previous marriage information before you get your marriage license.
Then if you live in Florida, you’ll have to wait 3 days after getting your marriage license before you can get married- unless you’ve taken an preapproved premarital course- in which case the waiting period will be waived. For those traveling from out of state- you’re in luck- there is no waiting period and you can get married immediately!
Once you have your marriage license, you must have your ceremony within 60 days.
Florida law requires an officiant ordained as a minister to sign your marriage license, but today, becoming ordained is easy – you can sign up online through various marriage ministries for a small fee. This would allow you to have a friend or even family member marry you legally- if you’d like the added personalization! As ordained ministers with the American Marriage Ministries we also include free officiating in all of our packages, just another way to make everything even smoother.
Although there are two optional lines on your marriage license where you can have witnesses sign for sentimental sake if you’d like, Florida does not require them for your marriage license to be valid. Meaning you really can have a “just-us” elopement.
Permits and fees
Some locations in Saint Augustine such as State Parks, beaches, and the Lightner Museum Courtyard require a permit or reservation fees. State park wedding permit fees range on average from $50-$100, this usually includes permission for your photographer as well.
The City of Saint Augustine also requires a wedding permit for beach weddings, and obtaining the permit will cost around $100, still considerably cheaper than a large traditional wedding.
Some locations like the Lighter Museum Courtyard can have a higher price range upwards of $1000-$3000. Although the Lightner Museum Courtyard allows up to 100 guests and offers additional add-ons such as bridal suite access for getting ready.
When it comes time to make your final location decision your photography team will be able to inform you how much permits cost for your location, and where or who to contact to get them.
Vendors & Where to Stay when Eloping in Saint Augustine
There is no shortage of charming places to stay in St. Augustine, especially if you’re looking for somewhere special to call home for your wedding day. From cozy bed & breakfasts, to luxurious historic hotels you are sure to find accommodations to match your needs and style.
Hotels
Most of the local hotels provide a personalized touch that will make your stay feel extra special. In St. Augustine you’ll find smaller spots where locals welcome you with southern hospitality, like the Bayfront Marin House. If you prefer the finer things in life there are also options for more upscale locations to stay during your elopement such as the historic Casa Monica Resort & Spa.
Bed & Breakfasts
Websites like Airbnb and VRBO offer hundreds of unique homes and apartments throughout the St. Augustine area. These are usually great for couples looking for more space, an area to entertain guests, a kitchen to cook in (or host a private chef), or bring their 4-legged friends along. Bed & Breakfasts tend to be more pet friendly than hotels, and often include individual touches such as champagne for newlyweds, or dog treats for their pups.
Activities
It’s your wedding, and the possibilities are endless. Saint Augustine offers a variety of unforgettable experiences to make your wedding day truly custom to you. You could enjoy an intimate meal catered by a private chef in the comfort of your rental, sail on a sunset cruise with the breeze in your hair and a drink in your hand, or paddleboard in the calm waters of the Matanzas Inlet. For a romantic touch you could also explore the charm of the historic city streets from a horse drawn carriage. Some of our favorite activities are:
- Tour the San Sebastian Winery or Saint Augustine Distillery for a relaxing drink
- Stroll down the bayfront during Nights of Lights
- Take a Old Town Trolley Tours tour of St. Augustine
- Play Mini Golf at the Ripley’s Bayfront Mini Golf
- Take a tour of the Saint Augustine Lighthouse
- Get spooky on a St. Augustine Ghost Tour
- Relax on a romantic Old City Carriage Tour
- Stand up paddleboard on calm waters of the inlet or bay front
If you’re looking for more elopement activity ideas check out our blog with
101 Unique Elopement Activity ideas!
Florists, Hair & Makeup, & Attire
Choosing the right vendors is one of the most important parts of any elopement, the right vendors will ease your stress and make your day flow effortlessly from start to finish.
Saint Augustine has a great mix of talented vendors who often work with other professionals you might need. Once you’ve found your photographer/videographer team, you’ll not only have experts on location scouting, planning, and timing; but you’ll also have a trusted connection to other incredible vendors who can enhance your experience and bring your entire day together seamlessly.
Photography & Videography
While all of the above information is a fantastic start for planning your elopement in St. Augustine, it’s no replacement for a professional photographer and videographer team who will do far more than capture images and video on your wedding day. With years of experience crafting unforgettable elopement and wedding adventures, we’ll guide you through every step- from the initial stages of planning and personally vetted vendor referrals, to timeline creation and day-of coordination. All you need to do is show up, be present in the moment, and let us handle the rest. We’d love to document your elopement and make your experience everything you could dream of and more!
Are you ready to get married in Saint Augustine? Send us a message for a free planning consultation!
