Your wedding day is the perfect culmination of your love story–one you’ve spent months planning. Capturing your shared joy in photos is often one of the most anticipated parts of the wedding planning process.
When it comes time to take engagement or wedding photos, a list of the best photo locations can come in handy for any couple or wedding photographer. Fortunately, the Nation’s Oldest City is filled with photo opportunities that take advantage of its rich history, stunning architecture, and lush foliage.
This list of St. Augustine’s best photo spots will make finding the perfect locations for your photography session a breeze!
St. Augustine Engagement Photo Locations
Engagement photos are a great way to get to know your photographer in the months before your wedding. (They’re also perfect for save-the-dates!)
Taking engagement photos in St. Augustine is a great way to take advantage of the town’s classic Old World romance, and an excellent way to introduce your guests to this incredible city—especially if you’re hosting a destination wedding in town.
The locations below are perfect for engagement photos in St. Augustine:
St. Augustine Beach & Anastasia State Park
Few things encapsulate the Florida spirit quite like sun, sand, and waves. For the perfect beach photo shoot, visit St. Augustine Beach, Anastasia State Park, or any of our local coastline.
Photo by Angelita Esparar
St. Augustine Historic District
From the quaint shops on St. George Street to the stunning architecture of the Lightner Museum, St. Augustine’s historic district is brimming with backdrops for your engagement photos. If you want to stay away from some of the more heavily trafficked tourist areas, there are a few quieter streets on the south side of King Street: Aviles Street, Palm Row, and Cadiz Street.
Photo by Walls of Jerico Photography
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Originally built in 1874, the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is a quintessential local landmark. Take your engagement photos on the lawn with the lighthouse in the background or climb the 219 steps to the top for some incredible views.
Photo by Life & Love Studios
Magnolia Avenue & Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth
Magnolia Avenue has been named one of America’s most beautiful streets by National Geographic, and it’s easy to see why. This iconic avenue is lined with oak trees covered in Spanish moss and acts as a stunning backdrop to any photo session.
Located right next to Magnolia Avenue is the famous Fountain of Youth. This is more than a mythical spot, it’s a working archeological site offering a variety of locations for your engagement photos.
While you’re there, take a sip from the water and toast your everlasting love.
Photo by Sarahdipity Photos
Vilano Beach
If you adore the feeling of salty sea air on your face, consider taking your engagement photos in Vilano Beach. The charming retro design of the buildings, combined with sweeping sunset views, creates an atmosphere of romance and whimsy.
Photo by Ivey Pictures
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
If you’re up for a 30-minute drive from St. Augustine, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is one of our local wedding photographers’ best-kept secrets. Filled with majestic old oak trees, beautiful gardens full of native and non-native species, and access to a quiet rocky beach, Washington Oaks Park has a plethora of unique natural backdrops for engagement photos.
Photo by Southern Palms Studio
Wedding Day Photos in St. Augustine
When your wedding day is finally here, you’ll be taking lots of photos throughout your venue and in the surrounding areas. Fortunately, the Lightner Museum’s location in downtown St. Augustine means there are plenty of photo spots that take advantage of the city’s beauty.
Palm Row
Located just steps from the Lightner Museum is a quiet “street” dating back to the earliest decades of establishment in St. Augustine, Palm Row. This narrow cobblestone street is closed to vehicle traffic, and the quaint houses and old-growth trees make it a favorite spot amongst wedding photographers.
Photo by Walls of Jerico
Plaza de la Constitución
Located just blocks from the Lightner Museum, the Plaza de la Constitución is the oldest public space in America. The grounds are stunning during Golden Hour, especially during Nights of Lights, when the Plaza is lit with thousands of glittering lights.
Photo by Angelita Esparar Photography
Governor’s House
Located across the street from the Plaza de la Constitution is another popular photo backdrop, the Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum (also known as the Government House). The site has been home to several government offices since 1598, and served as the residences for the colonial governors appointed by both Spain and Britain. Photos in front of this historic building perfectly capture the charm of St. Augustine’s colonial architecture.
Photo by Southern Palms Studio
Bridge of Lions
Flanked by two granite lion statues, the Bridge of Lions is a gorgeous example of 1920s craftsmanship. Capture the sparkling waters of the Matanzas Bay in the backdrop from the shore or the bridge itself.
Photo by Stout Studios
Flagler College
Flagler College is one of the most stunning examples of Gilded Age architecture and a must-see for any visit to St. Augustine. The grounds offer a plethora of backdrops for wedding photos at any time of the year. (Just make sure to check out their photo and video guidelines prior to your big day!) Photos in front of the entrance to the college are also a popular option!
Photo by Lunic Visuals
Aviles Street
Known as the Oldest Street in the U.S., Aviles Street lies in the heart of St. Augustine’s artist district, offering endless opportunities for shopping, dining, or taking wedding photos!
Photo by Southern Palms Studio
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Built in 1695, the Castillo de San Marcos is one of the oldest landmarks in St. Augustine. This incredible history—combined with its stunning architecture—creates a magical backdrop in any wedding photo.
Photo by Stout Studios
Photo Locations at the Lightner Museum
The Lightner Museum is the perfect backdrop for you to capture every moment of your wedding day. Built in 1888 by oil baron and railroad tycoon Henry Flagler, the museum stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Gilded Age.
A variety of stunning locations inside and out means that you’ll have plenty of opportunities to capture your love story.
Front Façade and Gardens of the Museum
The Lightner Museum is one of the most iconic buildings in St. Augustine, and its front façade is one of the most photographed locations in town! While this area is open to the public, and becomes busy during certain times of the year, we highly recommend checking out this area as a photography location.
Photo by Walls of Jerico Photography
Central Courtyard
The Lightner Museum’s Central Courtyard is one of the most eye-catching locations to take your wedding photos. Lush foliage gives a glimpse of natural Florida while a stone bridge adds an extra layer of magic and romance.
Photo by Acromatico Photography
Hallways & Loggia
Our stunning outdoor corridors are the perfect place to capture your first look photos with your fiancé or parents. A series of sweeping archways allows natural light to filter in, illuminating your photos and adding a touch of romance.
Photo by Stephanie Velez
Side Courtyards
Located off the Lightner’s Grand Lobby are two beautiful side courtyards. Both courtyards feature trickling fountains, statues, and lush greenery (including stunning bougainvillea plants that burst into vibrant bloom throughout most of the year!). Couples love sneaking away for a few portraits or exchanging private vows in the side courtyards.
Photo by Angelita Esparar Photography
*Note: The Central Courtyard, Side Courtyards, and Loggia are managed by the City of St. Augustine, and require a photo permit. For more information, contact the Department of Public Affairs.
Outdoor Terrace & Gardens
Drenched in natural light and surrounded by lush greenery, the Outdoor Terrace & Gardens allow you to capture the ambiance of this historic wedding venue in the most romantic of locations. Photos in this location are exclusive to your wedding day, and are only available for couples getting married at the Lightner Museum.
Photo by Bow Tie Photography
Museum Exhibits
When you host your wedding at the Lightner Museum, you’ll have access to some of our most beautiful exhibit areas for your wedding photos. Favorite options include the Russian Baths and China and Crystal Room.
Photo by NS Photobook Weddings
*Note: Access to the Outdoor Terrace and inside of the Lightner Museum for photography is exclusive to booked couples, and only available on wedding day. Some areas inside of the Museum may not be available for photos during certain dates or times, depending on the museum’s schedule. Speak to your event manager to coordinate your photography locations!
Tips for Taking Photos in St. Augustine, Florida
When taking wedding or engagement photos in St. Augustine, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Parking
Parking in St. Augustine can be difficult to find! Most of the best photo locations in St. Augustine are easily within walking distance, but make sure to coordinate with your photographer in advance to map out locations that are easy to get to on foot. Many of our historic streets are cobblestone, so you may also want to have comfortable shoes on hand to switch out with any fancy high heels.
Nights of Lights
Nights of Lights, our annual city-wide holiday celebration, runs from the end of November through the end of January. The town is filled with millions of twinkling white lights, which can be stunning for wedding and engagement photos.
However, Nights of Lights is also one of the busiest times in St. Augustine, so keep this in mind when considering popular tourist locations, like the Plaza de la Constitución, St. George Street, and Castillo de San Marcos. When possible, we recommend taking photos in the Plaza during the weekday, rather than on the weekends.
Weather
In St. Augustine, we’re lucky to have fairly mild weather year-round! There isn’t a bad time of year to have a wedding (especially at a venue like the Lightner Museum, which has amazing indoor options!).
However, if you are planning to take outdoor photos, make sure to plan a weather backup in case one of our frequent rain showers rolls into town! Summer heat can also be brutal in the middle of the day, so you may want to plan photos during these times earlier in the morning or later in the evening.
Golden Hour
When planning your timeline for wedding or engagement photos, many photographers recommend taking “Golden Hour” into consideration. Golden Hour is usually the last hour before sunset and the first hour after sunrise. These can be some of the best times to take photos, because lighting is typically softer, creating a more cinematic look.
Say “Yes” to the Lightner Museum
You spend months planning your special day, but your photos are the one part of your wedding day that will endure long after the party ends. One of the things that will make the biggest impact on your wedding photos is their location.
The Lightner Museum’s blend of grand architecture and unique details makes it an ideal choice for any St. Augustine wedding. Not only is this historic wedding venue a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos, it’s the perfect venue for weddings of any size.
Schedule an in-person or virtual tour today to learn more about this stunning venue for your wedding day!
