How to Elope at the Lightner Museum

If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide on how to elope at the Lightner Museum, you’re in the right place. As a St. Augustine elopement photographer, I’m SO excited to share all my favorite tips about this magical spot and how you can have your own Lightner Museum elopement! After photographing tons of elopements in St. Augustine, I can tell you – this place is one of the best ceremony locations in St. Augustine!

Why Elope in the Lightner Museum Courtyard?

Once you step into the Lightner Museum courtyard, you’re surrounded by Spanish Renaissance Revival architecture that looks straight out of a fairytale with a stone bridge arching over a peaceful koi pond and palm trees swaying in the breeze. Pretty dreamy, right? The Lightner Museum (fun fact: it used to be the Hotel Alcazar back in 1888!) has this hidden courtyard that feels like your own private oasis in the heart of St. Augustine. It brings together historic elements to garden vibes.

Want to know the best part? Whether you’re dreaming of a ceremony for just the two of you or you want to invite your friends and family along for an intimate wedding, this intimate wedding venue is perfect.

The courtyard is a perfect venue for couples who want:

• A romantic outdoor setting with old-world charm.
• An intimate experience with fewer distractions.
• To invite friends and family

Additionally, its central location means you can pair your ceremony with nearby activities, such as exploring the historic streets of St. Augustine, having a picnic at Anastasia State Park, or celebrating with a distillery tour and fancy cocktails at Ice Plant.

Ready to start planning your Lightner Museum elopement? Let’s chat and make it happen!

Lightner Museum Courtyard Inspiration

How to Elope at the Lightner Museum

Here’s a step-by-step guide to planning your elopement in the Lightner Museum Courtyard. It’s important to know that Lightner Museum Weddings & Events does not manage events in the courtyard. The Wedding Authority handles all courtyard reservations and the City of St. Augustine handles all photography permits.

1. Secure Your Spot

The Lightner Museum Courtyard is a public space managed by the City of St. Augustine. You’ll need to apply for a special event permit to host your elopement here. This ensures your ceremony is reserved and private during your chosen time. BUT WAIT – there’s a catch. The City requires a $250 permit fee AND a $1M insurance policy. Ouch. That’s a hassle for couple’s to get for their elopement so there’s a company called The Wedding Authority that will do alllll of this work for you so all you need to do is contact them to reserve your time slot and they’ll handle the rest.

2. Choose the Perfect Time of Day

St. Augustine’s soft morning light or golden hour in the late afternoon creates dreamy photos. The courtyard can get busy with tourists midday, so plan your ceremony for early morning to enjoy a quieter experience. Keep in mind that this place is built like a fortress with high walls. This means that the best lighting will be before the sun reaches the height of the day to keep the harsh lighting behind the walls. Opt for an early morning or late afternoon/early evening slot if available.

3. Personalize Your Ceremony

Here’s where it gets fun – make it YOURS! When you book the Lightner Museum courtyard, you have the space for an hour. For elopements and intimate weddings, this is plenty of time to have your vows and explore the venue grounds. If you’re eloping just the two of you, you can personalize your ceremony by bring your dog (yes, they’re allowed, but they must be leashed), write those tear-jerker vows, or add whatever special touches (like a unique unity ceremony) make your hearts happy.

4. Plan Activities Around Your Day

One of the best parts about eloping in St. Augustine is the endless opportunities for adventure. After your ceremony at the Lightner Museum, we can spend the rest of the day exploring this historic city. Want to explore St. George Street or the Castillo De San Marcos? Grab coffee at my favorite local spot (City Perk is my favorite)? Hit up St. Augustine Distillery for a tour and a chance to bottle your own bourbon? The possibilities are endless! No matter what type of adventure you love, you can make your elopement more than just a ceremony. It’s an entire day to celebrate your marriage.

Need some help putting it all together? I’m here to guide you every step of the way, from permits to activity brainstorming. Let’s connect and bring your elopement vision to life!

St. Augustine Activity Inspiration

Things You Should Know About Eloping at the Lightner Museum

Here’s the summary of the permit rules and regulations for eloping at the Lightner Museum courtyard pulled straight from the City’s permit application and put into a cliff notes version:

Availability & Booking the Lightner Museum Courtyard

• You’ll want to confirm the courtyard’s availability with the City before applying.
• Permits ensure no double bookings but do not grant exclusive use of the property; the public may still access the area, but the courtyard is roped off to keep the experience intimate.
• Reservations can be made up to 24 months in advance.
• Friday and Saturday reservations after 3:00 PM are limited to specific time slots: 3:30-4:30 PM, 5:00-6:00 PM, or 6:30-7:30 PM.

Logistics of Eloping at the Lightner Museum Courtyard

• You’ll need to work with the designated Courtyard Site Manager (if self-applying) or The Wedding Authority to arrange all details, including chairs, lighting, and amplification.
• Ceremony attendance is capped at 50 people (10 AM-5 PM) or 100 people (5-8 PM).
• The event, including setup and cleanup, must be completed within one hour.

Other Rules & Restrictions of the Lightner Museum Courtyard

• Minimal decorations are allowed. No rice, birdseed, flower petals, or confetti, but bubbles are okay.
• No food or alcohol is permitted so we will save the champagne pop for later!

Lightner Museum Elopement Timelines

I’ve put together three different options based on what my couples have love most. But remember – these are totally customizable to what feels right for you. Any of these activity ideas can be swapped for the type of adventure you and your partner love to do together!

4-Hour Lightner Museum Elopement Timeline

Perfect for couples who want an intimate ceremony and beautiful portraits in and around the museum.

• 8:00 AM: Meet at the Lightner Museum courtyard for a peaceful morning ceremony
• 8:30 AM: Exchange vows in the courtyard surrounded by lush greenery and historic charm
• 9:00 AM: Explore the museum’s grounds for portraits
• 10:00 AM: Have brunch and mimosas at a local fave
• 11:00 AM: Explore St. George Street with iced coffee

Want this simple and romantic timeline customized for your day? Let’s start planning your perfect Lightner Museum elopement.

6-Hour Lightner Museum Elopement Timeline

Ideal for couples who want to add more variety to their elopement day with breathing room to explore and take in the day.

• 3:00 PM: Begin with a first look in the Lightner Museum courtyard, followed by a ceremony
• 3:30 PM: Take your time capturing portraits around the courtyard and museum grounds
• 4:30 PM: Explore St. George Street and grab some dole whip
• 5:30 PM: Explore the Castillo de San Marcos
• 6:30 PM: Grab some celebratory cocktails then have dinner at a romantic restaurant

This timeline balances romance and adventure. Ready to customize it to your vision? Let’s connect!

8-Hour Lightner Museum Elopement Timeline

This option is perfect for couples who want a full-day experience, with time to explore, relax, and celebrate in style.

• 10:00 AM: Start with a first look and private vows in the courtyard
• 10:30 AM: Capture portraits around the museum and historic streets nearby
• 11:30 AM: Break for lunch
• 1:00 PM: Play mini golf
• 3:00 PM: Head back to downtown St. Augustine to explore St. George Street
• 5:00 PM: Explore the Castillo de San Marcos
• 6:00 PM: End with dinner or drinks at a local favorite spot in town

Ready to create a stress-free, epic elopement day that’s all about you? Reach out to start planning!

Why Work With a St. Augustine Elopement Photographer?

Planning an elopement can feel overwhelming, but that’s where I come in! As a St. Augustine elopement photographer, I do more than just take photos. I help you navigate the entire process, from choosing the perfect location to crafting a stress-free timeline. With my local expertise, I’ll make sure your day feels effortless and truly yours.