Ultimate Guide for How to Elope in St. Augustine [Updated for 2025]

If you’re dreaming of sun, adventure, and an easy, unforgettable day, you’re probably thinking about how to elope in St. Augustine — and you’re in the right place! As a St. Augustine elopement photographer, I’m here to guide you through everything: where to go, when to elope, and exactly how to make it happen, stress-free.

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 (maybe even bottle your own bourbon!?), having dinner at Ice Plant, and then bar hopping downtown to celebrate your marriage!

Sound like your perfect day? Keep reading — I’ll show you exactly how to elope in St. Augustine and create an experience that’s 100% you.

Table of Contents

• How To Elope In St. Augustine
  • Step 1: Get Your Marriage License
  • Step 2: Make It Official
  • Bonus: Witnesses Are Optional
• Where To Elope in St. Augustine
• When To Elope In St. Augustine
• What To Do For Your St. Augustine Elopement
• St. Augustine Elopement Packages
• Meet Your St. Augustine Elopement Photographer

How To Elope In St. Augustine

Eloping in St. Augustine is seriously easy! Here’s exactly what you need to know to make it legal and stress-free:

Step 1: Get Your Marriage License

You’ll need to apply in person for a marriage license through the St. John’s County Clerk of Court (or any Florida Clerk of Court).

• Non-Florida residents: You can pick up your marriage license the same day you apply.
• Florida residents: There’s a 3-day waiting period from the day you apply.

What you’ll need:

• A driver’s license or state ID
• Both partners present (no blood tests or medical exams required!)
• $86 for the marriage license (plus an extra $30 if they’re performing the ceremony)

Once you have your license in hand, you’re free to elope anywhere in Florida within 60 days. (Tip: Always double-check the latest rules with the Clerk of Court before you finalize plans.)

Step 2: Make It Official

Now that you’ve got your marriage license, you’ll need someone to legally sign off on your elopement in St. Augustine! Options include:

• An ordained officiant (minister, priest, rabbi, etc.)
• A Florida judge
• A Florida notary

If you want to keep your day super simple, find a photographer who’s also a notary (hi, that’s me!) — I can legally marry you while you’re adventuring, no extra vendors needed.

Bonus: Witnesses Are Optional

There are spaces for two witnesses on the Florida marriage license, but they aren’t required. (Fun fact: Your dog can “sign” with their paw print! 🐾)

If the idea of eloping in St. Augustine feels right but you’re not sure where to start, I’m here to make it all easy. See what your St. Augustine elopement could look! ⬇️

Where To Elope in St. Augustine

Once you have your marriage license, you’re ready to elope in St. Augustine — and trust me, there are so many epic spots to choose from!
Just a heads up: depending on where you want to elope, some locations may require a permit. That’s why it’s super helpful to have a St. Augustine elopement photographer (like me!) who knows the ins and outs and can help you find the perfect spot without any surprises.

Here are some of my favorite places to elope in St. Augustine:

• St. Anastaisia State Park
• Castle Otttis
• Lightner Museum
• Flagler College Campus
• St. Augustine Light House
• Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
• St. Augustine Distillery
• St. George Street
• Castillo De San Marcos (National Park)
• Washington Oaks State Park

Each location has its own vibe, whether you’re dreaming of beachy, historic, adventurous, or totally laid-back.

Not sure where to start? Let’s find the perfect place for you to elope in St. Augustine and make the whole experience a breeze!

When To Elope In St. Augustine

One of the best parts about choosing to elope in St. Augustine is the tropical climate — it’s pretty great year-round! But there are definitely some tips and seasons to know before picking your date.

Here’s a quick look at what to expect by season:

Spring (March–May):

• Warm and humid (mid-70s to mid-80s)
• Rain chances pick up toward May
• Flowers are blooming and the town feels extra colorful

Summer (June–August):

• Hot and humid (mid-80s to mid-90s)
• Afternoon thunderstorms like clockwork
• Longer daylight hours (~8 PM sunsets) — if you want a summer elopement in St. Augustine, sunrise ceremonies are your best friend!

Fall (September–November):

• Still warm (mid-80s) with lower humidity after October
• Quieter beaches and beautiful golden sunsets

Winter (December–February):

• Prime elopement season!
• Cooler, comfortable days (low to mid-70s)
• Super low rain chances, fewer bugs, and epic sunsets around 5 PM

Important Things to Keep in Mind:

• Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest activity from mid-August to mid-October. If you’re planning to elope during this time, travel and/or wedding insurance is a must!
• Biting bugs (mosquitos and no-see-ums) are worst during the hotter summer months — another reason why winter elopements in St. Augustine are a dream.
• 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 — it’s magical but can get very busy (and pricier). But if the holiday magic is right up your alley, read more about how to elope during Night of Lights!

Choosing the right time to elope in St. Augustine can make all the difference in your experience — and I’m here to help you make it perfect.

What To Do For Your St. Augustine Elopement

One of the best things about choosing to elope in St. Augustine? You can make your day completely your own. Here are some unforgettable ways to add adventure, fun, and personality to your St. Augustine elopement:

• Explore Anatasia State Park
• Visit the St. Augustine Distillery for a tour, then bottle your own bourbon.
• Grab cocktails at Ice Plant
• Eat pretzels in Ben’s Secret Garden
• Jump in the fountains of the Ligthner Museum
• Have a picnic in the park
• Visit the Rubber Ducky bar
• Visit Night of Lights during Christmas
• Explore St. George Street
• 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

There’s endless opportunities to make your St. Augustine elopement exactly how you want it with YOUR kind of adventure! Read through my full list of Florida elopement ideas.

St. Augustine Elopement Packages

Choosing to elope in St. Augustine means you’re all about creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience, not following anyone else’s rules.

When you’re planning your St. Augustine elopement, it’s so important to find a photographer who not only captures incredible photos but also helps bring your vision to life — from location recommendations to timeline planning and everything in between. You deserve a day that feels effortless, adventurous, and 100% you – no cookie cutter experiences ’round here. Let me show you how your day can look ⬇️

Meet Your St. Augustine Elopement Photographer