When choosing a wedding venue, you’re doing so much more than selecting a place to walk down the aisle and host a reception. You’ll also be picking the backdrop for the majority of your wedding photos.
Built in 1888, the Lightner Museum’s Gilded Age architecture creates a romantic and luxurious setting for your special day. From the incredible Historic Pool to the lush gardens, our venue has plenty of photo spots for you to capture the most swoon-worthy wedding portraits!
In this article, we’ll go through some of the best photo spots at the Lightner and share advice that you and your photographer can use to capture every moment of your wedding day.
Maria Jefferson Lounge & Otto Lightner Lounge
Best For: Getting Ready Photos
Here at the Lightner Museum, couples have access to two elegantly appointed private suites to do final preparations for their big day. While each lounge has plenty of opportunities for incredible photos with your wedding party, they also offer completely different vibes.
The Maria Jefferson Lounge’s soft glamour is highlighted by the blue color palette and touches of gold, which create a sense of luxury. The full-length gilded mirrors are ideal for photos in your wedding gown, and the cozy seating area is the perfect spot to capture a group shot with your bridesmaids while sipping champagne.
Meanwhile, the Otto Lightner Lounge evokes memories of a private library, with dark wood features and leather chairs. The pool table and dart board are a fun way to bond while getting some fun “action shots” for your wedding album.
Alexandra celebrates with her bridesmaids in the Maria Jefferson Lounge. | Photo: Grace Ann Rae Photos
Alexandra shares a special moment with her mother in the Maria Jefferson Lounge. | Photo: Grace Ann Rae Photos
Christopher relaxes with his groomsmen in the Otto Lightner Lounge. | Photo: Brian D. Smith Photography
Museum Exhibits
Best For: First Looks, Couples Portraits
When it isn’t being used as a wedding venue, the Lightner Museum is a world-class art and antiques museum, featuring some incredible pieces from Florida’s long and storied history.
Taking photos among the exhibits is a great way to celebrate your unique choice of a wedding venue, and take advantage of private after-hours access to these incredible spaces.
Some of the favorite areas for photos among both couples and photographers are the Russian Baths and the China and Crystal Room.
*Note: Some areas inside 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.
Daniya and Inan captured portraits in the Russian Baths at the Lightner Museum. | Photo: This Modern Love
Nicole and Chris’ portraits in the China and Crystal Room at the Lightner Museum. | Photo: Brian D. Smith Photography
Covered Loggia
Best For: First Look, Couples Portraits, Wedding Party Photos, and Family Portraits
The covered loggias offer plenty of spots for beautiful wedding portraits that are brimming with Old World romance.
Surrounded by weathered stone and antique lighting, there’s no need to wait for Golden Hour for beautiful photos. A series of soaring arches filters in light from the courtyard, creating the perfect lighting conditions.
*Note: The Loggia, Side Courtyards, and Central Courtyard are managed by the City of St. Augustine, and require a photo permit. Their rules and regulations apply. Please speak to our team for more details.
Lauren and Luke took advantage of the covered loggia for their wedding portraits | Photo: Portraits by Paige
Nicole and Ryan’s gorgeous portraits in the covered loggia. | Photo: Angelita Esparar
Side Courtyards
Best For: Couples Portraits, Wedding Party Photos, and Family Portraits
Located adjacent to the Covered Loggia are the stunning Side Courtyards. These two areas with their bubbling fountains and classical statues provide a quiet sanctuary that is perfect for intimate photos.
The courtyards feature a wide variety of foliage that acts as a backdrop, but the most stunning by far is our towering bougainvillea. Often in bloom throughout the year, the bright pink blossoms will add a gorgeous pop of color to your couples portraits.
*Note: The Loggia, Side Courtyards, and Central Courtyard are managed by the City of St. Augustine, and require a photo permit. Their rules and regulations apply. Please speak to our team for more details.
Kayleigh and Sean’s wedding portrait in one of the Lightner’s Side Courtyards | Photo: Dreamscape Photography
The bougainvillea in the Side Courtyards provided a stunning backdrop for Chelsea and Mitch’s photos. | Photo: Walls of Jerico
Central Courtyard
Best For: Couples Portraits, Wedding Party Photos, and Family Portraits
The Central Courtyard is one of the most striking photo spots on the entire Lightner Museum grounds. Featuring towering palms and a quaint footbridge overlooking a koi pond, you and your spouse will feel like you’ve stepped into a different world.
Thanks to Florida’s subtropical climate, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery pretty much year-round (yes, even in winter!). Speaking of winter, if your wedding happens to be during the Nights of Lights Holiday Celebration from late November to the end of January, the courtyard is lit up with beautiful white lights, making for even more striking photos!
*Note: The Loggia, Side Courtyards, and Central Courtyard are managed by the City of St. Augustine, and require a photo permit. Their rules and regulations apply. Please speak to our team for more details.
Brittany and Dennis’s photos in the Central Courtyard during Nights of Lights absolutely glowed. | Photo: Ashlyn Cathey Photo
The Courtyard offered a quintessentially Floridian backdrop for Morgan and Michael’s wedding photos. | Photo: Janelle Elise Photo
Front Façade
Best For: Couples Portraits
Capture the Lightner Museum in all its glory! Whether you’re standing by the large fountain or strolling through the streets of downtown St. Augustine, this historic building makes a gorgeous backdrop for your wedding photos.
If you’re fortunate enough to say “I do” during Nights of Lights, be sure to take some nighttime portraits to get the most out of the holiday light display.
Samantha and Chaz took photos in front of the Lightner Museum on their wedding day. | Photo: Polk Bros
The front façade of the Lightner Museum glowed during Nights of Lights for Alexandra and Marcus’ photo session. | Photo: Grace Ann Rae Photography
Outdoor Terrace & Gardens
Best For: Couples Portraits, Wedding Party & Family Portraits, Grand Exit
The outdoor terrace and gardens allow you to take advantage of Florida’s sunny weather in a lush, natural setting. Two grand staircases allow for easy access between the terrace and the gardens, allowing you to capture the full beauty of the museum alongside the foliage in the garden.
The staircases are also where your grand exit will take place, as the two of you embark on your new life together. (Ask us about upgrade options to add cold sparkler fountains to make your grand exit even more grand!)
Alexandra and Marcus’ first look photos in the outdoor gardens at the Lightner Museum. | Photo: Grace Ann Rae Photography
Kaitlyn and Chance took photos with their wedding party on the stairs leading down from the Outdoor Terrace | Photo: Janel Herranz Photography
Samantha and Nicholas’s grand exit in the Outdoor Terrace and Gardens at the Lightner Museum | Photo: Bow Tie Photography
Grand Lobby
Best For: Couples portraits, Candid shots of cocktail hour
Our Grand Lobby is ideal for cocktail hour or intimate ceremonies with up to 100 guests.
Mosaic tile flooring and glittering chandeliers add a sense of luxury and elegance to your wedding day. Meanwhile, arched windows and columns add a sense of grandeur.
If you happen to have inclement weather on your wedding day, The Grand Lobby is a great option for portraits utilizing the natural light streaming in through the big bay windows.
Daniya and Inan captured portraits in the Grand Lobby at the Lightner Museum. | Photo: This Modern Love
Alexandra and Marcus’ cocktail hour in the Grand Lobby. | Photo: Grace Ann Rae Photography
Elevator
Best For: Couples portraits
Have you been dreaming of romantic photos with your partner in an elevator? Many couples and photographers don’t know that the Lightner Museum has a beautiful gold elevator just outside the entrance to the Mezzanine of the Historic Pool. Grab your photographer and spouse, and get cozy inside (or steal a kiss!). Your photos in and around the elevator will add a touch of modern glamour to your photo album.
*Note: Access to the elevators for photos is available after the museum closes to the public at 5:00 pm.
Diane and Demarcus’ portraits in the elevator at the Lightner Museum. | Photo: Stephanie Velez
Alexis and Andrew’s portraits in the elevator at the Lightner Museum. | Photo: Patricia Silverio
Historic Pool
Best For: Ceremony & Reception Photos, Room Reveals, Private Last Dance
When the Lightner Museum was first constructed (as the Alcazar Hotel), it was home to the world’s largest indoor swimming pool. Today, surrounded by a grand Mezzanine, it’s the ideal place for a wedding ceremony and reception.
Plenty of space allows you to be creative with your seating arrangements for the ceremony, and Old World sconces evoke elegance that will illuminate your reception.
Alexis and Andrew’s wedding ceremony in the Historic Pool. | Photo: Patricia Silverio
The Historic Pool was a stunning backdrop for Morgan and Michael’s private last dance photos. | Photo: Janelle Elise Photo
Mezzanine
Best For: First Look Photos, Ceremony & Reception Photos, Cake Cutting Photos
Overlooking the Historic Pool, the Mezzanine is typically used for dinner seating and cake cutting, but is also a beautiful location to capture your ceremony and reception in the Historic Pool from above.
The Mezzanine is also a popular spot for first look photos earlier in the day, as it is adjacent to the Maria Jefferson Lounge, where the bride and bridesmaids typically slip on their dresses. There’s a great spot with natural lighting on the south side of the Mezzanine, near the entrance to the Outdoor Terrace.
Cory’s bridal portraits on the Mezzanine of the Lightner Museum looked like something out of a classical painting.| Photo: Walls of Jerico Photography
Chandler and Matthew’s cake cutting on the Mezzanine. | Photo: Meagan Gaines Photography
The Best Wedding Photo Spots in St. Augustine Are at The Lightner Museum
The luxury and history of the Lightner Museum make it one of the best places in St. Augustine to say “I do!”
From the lush gardens to the exhibits, your wedding day (along with your wedding photos!) will be surrounded by beauty and luxury.
Remember, unlike your menu or favors, your wedding photos will last forever, so it’s important to choose a photographer who is familiar with your wedding venue. They will already be familiar with the best photo locations and any of the venue’s rules and regulations. Make sure to check out our vendor page for a list of some of the area’s best photographers.
The events team at the Lightner Museum is thrilled and honored any time a couple chooses to spend their big day with us. If you have any questions about planning your wedding photos, finding vendors, or anything else related to your wedding, please let us know!
