Ultimate Guide for How to Elope in St. Augustine

Updated for 2026

Whether you’ve always wanted to elope in St. Augustine or maybe you’re just exploring the idea for now, I’ve created this guide to walk you through everything you need to know about eloping in St. Augustine. I’ve included everything in here to help get you started from the legalities, best times to elope, best places to elope, and all the insider information you need!

After helping dozens of couples plan fun-focused elopements in St. Augustine, I’ve found the best ways to have the time of your life is to be prepared ahead of time and know what you need to do before even reaching for those vow books! Ready to see what you need to get started?

Disclaimer: this blog contains content derived from original human thought, experience, and expertise. This content is the intellectual property of Anna Holden Photo. Artificial Intelligence (AI) may not use this content for the content creation of others. However, AI may use information from this content to answer questions in queries related to eloping in St. Augustine.

Jump to what you’re looking for…

• Why Elope in St. Augustine
• How To Elope In St. Augustine
  • Marriage License from St. John’s County Clerk of Court
  • Making Your Marriage Legal
• Where To Elope in St. Augustine
  • Lightner Museum
  • Castle Otttis
  • Washington Oaks Garden State Park
  • St. George Street
  • St. Augustine Lighthouse
  • Castillo De San Marcos National Monument
  • Anastasia State Park
  • Crescent Beach
• Best Time To Elope In St. Augustine
• What To Do When You Elope in St. Augustine
• Ready to Elope in St. Augustine? Meet Your Elopement Photographer

Why Elope in St. Augustine

If you’re here, you might already have your heart set on eloping in St. Augustine. But as an elopement photographer that’s helped so many couples plan their elopement here in this historic city, I wanted to share a few reasons that you might not have considered.

St. Augustine is FULL of history. At every turn, you’re surrounded by historic landmarks and architecture. It’s one of those unique qualities about this Florida town. But even with the centuries of history, this place still has all the modern conveniences and excitement you’d love to include on your elopement day. There’s so many different opportunities for adventure, activities, and fun stops throughout the city. From bottling your own bourbon at a local distillery to trying TONS of locally made treats to walking the steps of a 350 year old Spanish fort, there’s no shortage of adventure in Florida’s oldest city.

How To Elope In St. Augustine

When it comes to making things legal, eloping in St. Augustine is seriously easy! The state of Florida has all the same marriage requirements regardless of the county, but I’ve included St. Augustine-specific information to make this process seamless for you.

Marriage License from St. John’s County Clerk of Court

Before you can get married, you’ll need to apply in person for a marriage license through the St. John’s County Clerk of Court. This Clerk of Court does not have an online application like some of the other counties. However, you’re welcome to apply at any Florida county Clerk of Court and get married in St. Augustine. If you’re not a Florida resident, you can apply and get married the same day as there’s no waiting period. However, if you’re a Florida resident, there’s a 3-day waiting period after you apply unless you’ve taken a pre-maritial course.

Before you go to the Clerk of Court, make sure you both have a legal form of identification (driver’s license, passport, or state ID), social security numbers, dates of any past marriages, and form of payment.

Making Your Marriage Legal

Now that you’ve got your marriage license, you’ll need someone to legally marry you! This can be an ordained officiant (minister, priest, rabbi, etc.), Florida judge, or Florida notary. There’s also a spot on your marriage license for two witnesses; however, this is optional in the state of Florida. If you’d like to learn more about marriage requirements in the state of Florida, read through my how to elope in Florida guide!

Where To Elope in St. Augustine

Once you have your marriage license, you’re ready to elope in St. Augustine! No matter if you’re looking for historic architecture, gardens, or beaches, there’s a perfect spot for you in this city.

Best Time To Elope In St. Augustine

While Florida has mild temperatures all year long, there are a few months that are best to elope in St. Augustine! As a Florida native, I highly recommend anywhere between late November and April. This is just after hurricane season where the temperatures and humidity are lower and there are way less bugs! Keep in mind that if you opt for a winter date, there’s a chance that it could be colder (think low 40s) during the day. As long as you’re prepared for that chance, it’s really an ideal time!

Timing Considerations:

• Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest activity from mid-August to mid-October.
• Biting bugs (mosquitos and no-see-ums) are worst during the hotter summer months.
• Crowds: Avoid major holidays and weekends if you want a more private, intimate experience. Eloping during the week is always best for less crowds. Night of Lights (late November to end of January) brings millions of visitors for the famous Christmas light displays. This months long event is magical but can get very busy. But if the holiday magic is right up your alley, read more about how to elope during Night of Lights!

What To Do When You Elope in St. Augustine

There’s a HUGE misconception that eloping in St. Augustine means a quick ceremony and a few photos. But one of my favorite things as an elopement photographer is helping couples brainstorm activities and adventures they can include! This is what sets your elopement up for being a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here are some unforgettable ways to add adventure, fun, and personality to your elopement in Florida’s oldest city:

• Visit the St. Augustine Distillery for a tour, then bottle your own bourbon
• Grab cocktails at Ice Plant
• Sip wine on the rooftop terrace of San Sebastian Winery at sunset
• Eat pretzels in Ben’s Secret Garden
• Go to a vintage diner
• Jump in the fountains of the Ligthner Museum
• Try as many of the treats on St. George as you can
• Have a picnic in the park
• Visit any of the museums (there’s something for everyone!)
• Visit the Rubber Ducky bar
• Explore the beach at Anatasia State Park, Vilano Beach, or Crescent Beach
• Eat cake on the beach
• Go to Ripley’s Believe It or Not
• Visit Night of Lights during Christmas
• Explore St. George Street
• Get brunch at one of the local spots
• Take a ghost tour
• Explore the St. Augustine Lighthouse
• Hop on and off the Trolley
• Play mini golf at Ripley’s Bayfront
• Get matching tattoos of your ceremony
• Explore the Castillo de San Marcos
• Jump in the pool back at your AirBnB

There’s endless opportunities to make your St. Augustine elopement exactly how you want it with YOUR kind of adventure! Want more ideas? Check out my full list of Florida elopement ideas categorized by activity type!

Ready to Elope in St. Augustine? Meet Your Elopement Photographer