If you’re looking for how to elope in Saint Augustine, then look no further than this guide! If you’re wanting a historic town and a fun downtown scene for your wedding day, then St. Augustine is just the place you’re looking for!

Imagine this: waking up at a historic bed and breakfast with your partner, taking an early morning stroll down St. George street to a cute coffee shop, getting ready together back at your room, heading to the beach to exchange vows and make it official, stopping at the St. Augustine Distillery for a tour and tasting, having dinner at Ice Plant, and then bar hopping downtown to celebrate your marriage! Sound amazing? Keep reading for how to make it happen! 

St. Augustine is the perfect location for laid back couples with a little bit of a wild side that want to soak in the history of this small town.

Here’s an overview for how to elope in St. Augustine:

• Where to Elope in St. Augustine
• When to Elope in St. Augustine
• How to Elope in St. Augustine
• What to Bring to Elope in St. Augustine
• Example Timeline 
• St. Augustine Elopement Packages

Where To Elope in St. Augustine

Once you have your marriage license (skip to the bottom of how to get legally married in St. Augustine), you can literally elope anywhere that will have you! Keep in mind that there may be permits needed from county to county, park to park, or location to location. It’s important that you find a photographer that can help you navigate these waters (pun intended) and suggest locations that fit your vision!

Here’s some of my favorite spots in St. Augustine:

• St. Anastaisia State Park 
• Lightner Museum 
• St. Augustine Light House
• Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
• St. Augustine Distillery
• St. George Street
• Castillo De San Marcos (National Park)
• National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche

Want some guidance on finding the perfect St. Augustine elopement location? Check out these St. Augustine elopement packages and let me show you how I can help you plan and capture your elopement vision! 

 

 

When To Elope In St. Augustine

St. Augustine is has a tropical climate all year round with cooler months in the winter time. 

If you want to avoid crowds, plan your elopement during an off-season or non-holiday weekend. In Saint Augustine, a popular time to avoid for increased travel costs and tourists is Night of LIghts. This popular time of the year spans from late November to the end of January and brings millions of people to St. Augustine. The entire town is decorated in lights for Christmas and it’s quite magical.  

Another time to consider is hurricane season. Florida’s hurricane season starts in June and goes all the way until November; however, this is a total hit or miss (literally). If you want to have a summer elopement, I would recommend an early summer (June/July) as hurricane activity picks up later in the season between mid-August and mid-October. If you’re planning an elopement during this time, consider getting travel insurance.

Speaking of the summers, you can almost always guarantee afternoon rain and thunderstorms. If you want to elope in the summer, I highly recommend doing it during sunrise to avoid the afternoon showers.

If you’re looking to not melt during your St. Augustine elopement, the late fall/early winter timeframe is a beautiful time to go. You’re looking at highs in the 60s and lows in the high 40s/low 50s. 

We can’t forget about our mortal enemies, the Florida mosquitos and no-see-ums. These biting insects are TERRIBLE in the hot summer months. If you want to avoid getting eaten alive, look to get married during the late fall/winter months (November through February).

Need help figuring out the best time to elope in St. Augustine? Check out these St. Augustine elopement packages and let me show you how I can help you plan and capture your elopement vision! 

 

 

How To Get Legally Married In St. Augustine

There’s two easy steps for making it totally legal in St. Augustine! 

1. Apply for marriage license.

You’ll first need to apply for a marriage license at the St. John’s County Clerk of Circuit Court. If you’re a Florida local, keep in mind that there’s a 3-day waiting period. If you’re flying into Florida, you can apply and pick up your Florida marriage license same day. Just make sure that you’re in Florida during business hours of the Clerk of Court to pick up your marriage license before your ceremony!

Speaking of money – fees vary by county; however, they’re around $80.

To apply for a marriage license, you’ll need your driver’s license or state ID. Both people must be present. Florida does not require blood test or medical exams.

Once you have your marriage license, you can elope literally anywhere in Florida within 60 days and the completed marrriage license must be returned within 10 days after the ceremony.

Check with the applicable Clerk of Court before making plans to ensure you have all your ducks in a row.

2. Hire an officiant.

Now that you have your marriage license, you’ll need someone to make it official. This can be any ordained minister, priest, rabbi or other ordained clergy, judges of the state of Florida, or Public notaries of the state of Florida. You can find a ton of options for an officiant through the Knot! 

You can also have the marriage ceremony performed at the Clerk of the Circuit Court with an appointment.

Heads up – there are two spaces for witness signatures on the Florida marriage license. However, this is not a requirement of the state, but you can totally have your dog sign as a witness! 

Once you have the above done, we are ready to rock and roll!

If the idea of eloping excites you, but you’re not sure where to start, let me show you how I can help! Check out the St. Augustine elopement experience!

 

 

What To Bring To Elope in St. Augustine

Florida can be a finicky bitch. One moment its all sunshine and rainbows and the next minute it’s a torrential downpour. I want to ensure that my couples are fully prepared for whatever Florida may throw at us. Depending on the time of year and the weather, here’s a quick list of all the things to have handy for your St. Augustine elopement:

• Marriage License
• Pen
• Backpack
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Umbrella
• Rain coat
• Snacks
• Water
• Towel (if we plan to get into the water)
• Change of clothes (if you tend to sweat)
• Some form of celebratory drinks for post I do’s!

 

 

Example Timelines

If you’re wondering how your all day Saint Augustine elopement could look, here’s an example timeline for an all day elopement! 

12:00 – 1:00 PM Getting ready at historic AirBnB
1:00 – 1:15 PM First look on patio
1:15 – 1:30 PM Travel to ceremony location
1:30 – 1:45 PM Ceremony at St. Anastasia State Park
1:45 – 2:00 PM Travel to St. George Street
2:00 – 4:00 PM Walk around and explore St. George Street
4:00 – 4:30 PM Travel to portrait location
4:30 – 5:30 PM Sunset portraits at Lightner Museum
5:30 – 6:00 PM Travel to dinner
6:00 – 7:00 PM Enjoy dinner at Ice Plant
7:00 – 7:30 PM Travel to St. George Street for drinks
7:30 – 9:00 PM Bar hop around St. George Street

 

St. Augustine Elopement Packages

This day is all about you. Your decision to elope means that you value the intimate moments and want to truly enjoy getting married. Your day should reflect what you value as a couple and the things you enjoy doing together. When you’re planning your elopement, be sure to find an elopement photographer that takes badass photos and helps bring your ideas to life. If you feel like we vibe, check out my St. Augustine elopement packages  about how we can make your St. Augustine elopement happen!