Choosing a wedding venue is often the first planning step for couples on the road to “I do,” with flexibility as a key factor in that decision. At the Lightner Museum, couples love all of the location options they can use to provide unique experiences throughout the evening for their guests. In this blog, we’re sharing how to utilize the different venue spaces for your wedding at the Lightner Museum!

The Historic Pool

The pride and joy of the Lightner Museum is the Historic Pool! Located on the lowest level of our main event space, the Historic Pool was once the largest indoor swimming pool in the world. Now the Historic Pool is one of the most versatile wedding venue spaces.

The Historic Pool makes the perfect backdrop for your wedding ceremony. Vaulted ceilings and antique details create a dramatic sense of grandeur. The space is so beautiful that very little decor is necessary – most couples choose to add a simple pipe and drape backdrop and lighting that can easily be repurposed for the wedding reception. There’s plenty of space too; the maximum capacity is 225 guests for a seated ceremony!

When hosting a wedding ceremony on the Outdoor Terrace or at an off-site location, the Historic Pool can be used as the location for your cocktail hour. Several couples have added lounge furniture to the Pool that can also be utilized later in the evening when the dance party starts.

Are you hosting an intimate wedding? For a guest count under 100, you can host your dinner in the Pool itself!

Regardless of where you choose to begin the day, your guests will find their perfect dance floor in the deep end! How many couples get to say that they had a “pool party” on their wedding day?!

Mezzanine

From the Historic Pool, head up the grand staircases and enter the Mezzanine level. Most often used as a location for dinner service, the Mezzanine can accommodate up to 225 guests for a seated banquet — with room for cake and a buffet. The Mezzanine can also be utilized for cocktail hour for up to 225 guests.

Outdoor Terrace

Begin or end your wedding day on the Outdoor Terrace. Available for your wedding ceremony or grand exit, the Outdoor Terrace is the perfect place to enjoy the Florida weather and take advantage of the incredible exterior architecture of the Lightner Museum.

The Grand Lobby

You might be asking yourself, “Where do my guests go for cocktail hour if I am hosting my wedding ceremony and reception in the Historic Pool?” The Grand Lobby at the Lightner Museum is the perfect answer. The architecture in this space is absolutely breathtaking! The mosaic tile flooring, sparkling crystal chandeliers, and eight massive arched windows make an elegant impression as guests sip on cocktails and wait for the reception to begin.

The Central Courtyard

Did you know the Central Courtyard at the Lightner Museum is actually a part of City Hall? The Courtyard makes for an enchanting Grand Entrance for parties up to 225 guests, and a romantic location for couples photos later in the night! Winter weddings can get some amazing shots with the palm trees all decked out for St. Augustine’s famous “Nights of Lights.”

If you are interested in hosting a small wedding ceremony in City Hall Courtyard in front of the Lightner Museum, The Wedding Authority can assist you with securing a permit from the City of St. Augustine and helping you plan an intimate courtyard ceremony.

Not only are the venue spaces versatile and unique, but the venue itself offers endless locations for photos. Speak to a member of our team about the photo opportunities available in and around the museum. As one of the most picturesque locations in all of St. Augustine, your photographer will find endless options for the perfect portraits!

If you haven’t done so already, we recommend that you also check out our floor plan for the Historic Pool, Mezzanine, and Terrace.

There are so many unique venue spaces within the Lightner Museum for your wedding or special event. Our on-site team, as well as your expert vendors, are here to make the planning easier!