best places to elope st augustine

As the oldest city in America, St. Augustine is abundant with history, architecture, beachfront, and amazing seafood. If you’re looking for a quaint yet bustling area to elope in Florida, this region on the Atlantic coast should be near the top of your list. Here are our top location picks for an intimate elopement in the St. Augustine area.

lightner museum

Lightner Museum

Located right in the center of downtown, the Lightner Museum is a beautiful indoor and outdoor venue for large and small weddings alike. This building has been around since 1888, and was originally used as the Hotel Alcazar. We personally love the small outdoor courtyard for elopements, which has a little bridge crossing a small man-made pond filled with large koi fish.

presbyterian church st augustine

Memorial Presbyterian Church

For couples who want to keep religion as a centerpiece in their wedding ceremony, the Memorial Presbyterian Church is a beautiful place to elope. Also right near downtown, this building was constructed in 1889 and is one of the most striking architectural wonders in the area from the outside and offers some beautiful teal blue colors on the tall ceilings inside. Like the Lightner Museum and other popular buildings in St. Augustine, this church was built by Henry Flagler.

flagler college

Flagler College

Right across the street from the Memorial Presbyterial Church, you’ll find Flagler College. There are a variety of indoor spaces available to rent for an elopement or small wedding, but you might also consider asking to say your vows near one of their many outdoor fountains on campus.

Anastasia State Park

Anastasia State Park is just a short drive away from downtown St. Augustine, but is a very popular spot for elopements and micro weddings. It’s one of the view truly natural beachfronts in the area, without any other condo or hotel buildings blocking your beachfront view.

Castle Otttis

Another historical landmark in St. Augustine (because there are so many) is the Castle Otttis (yes, with three Ts!). Eloping here would give you all the royalty vibes but without the gloomy scenery of places like Germany or Scotland. The Irish-inspired castle can make for a romantic backdrop for your elopement or small wedding, but it does require reservations in advance.

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

One of the most popular areas in town is the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. Like most other places managed by the National Park Service, you’ll likely need a reservation or permit to host a ceremony here even if it’s just the two of you. But it can be well worth it if you want something within walking distance to the rest of downtown, the waterfront, and a place with plenty of history.

National Shrine of Our Lady

Probably one of the most peaceful locations in St. Augustine you’ll find for your elopement is the National Shrine of Our Lady, built to honor Lady Mary in the early 1600s. Lush green vines cover the outside of this small chapel, and the grounds area nearby is a quiet and scenic place to stroll on your wedding day.

St. Johns County Pier

Just south of Anastasia State Park, the St. Johns County Pier is another great spot for beachfront elopements near town. Consider beating the crowds by saying your vows at sunrise as it comes up over the Atlantic ocean and walking along the shoreline to start your marriage together. Always take note, though, of the tides before scheduling anything, as they can come up quite high on the beach!

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Although not the closest to St. Augustine, this location is our favorite spot on this list. Filled with some of the largest live oak trees we’ve ever seen, several fountains and ponds, blooming flowers, and access to the beach make Washington Oaks Gardens State park a fantastic place for an outdoor elopement in Florida.

Looking for more places to elope in Florida?

Head on over to our best places to elope in Florida blog post for some other amazing places in the sunshine state! Or if you’re in need of some unique ideas of how to celebrate your elopement day in Florida, read our post on adventure elopement ideas for couples who love water!

REACH OUT TO AN EXPERT Elopement Photographer

Our photo and video team loves capturing intimate and adventurous elopements, especially when water is involved!

Skyewater Photo + Film is a photography and videography team that specializes in destination weddings and adventure elopements in Washington + the US. Whether you’re looking for a meaningful wedding video or an adventurous elopement photographer, contact Skyewater Photo + Film for your big day!

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