Let’s adventure for your love

You’re probably here because you found your soulmate, he or she popped the question, you said yes to them but not to a traditional wedding. The idea of spending a house downpayment for your friends and family to spend 5 hours with you doesn’t sound too enticing. You prefer an intimate setting, with your 10 favorite closest people and going on an adventure in the warm florida sun on a sailboat, near the beach or your favorite little wine bar. In this blog you’ll learn about

Where to elope in St. Augustine

St. Augustine is small historic coastal town known for bringing people together in the name of love. All of our favorite locations are near or on the water so you can expect lots of warm sunshine with a nice breeze with the occasional summer rainshower (don’t let this scare you away, it can make for some epic photos!)

If you’re looking for a very historic vibe with some greenery the Lightner Museum just might be the location for you. Here you’ll find large castle walls and hallways, a gorgeous museum, and a courtyard filled with a koi fish pond, a gorgeous bridge and lots of greenery there are tons of photo spots within this one location. The Lightner Museum does require a permit, which I will take care of on your behalf to make sure everything goes smoothly.

If being on the water more of what you’re going for? A classic and timeless Florida adventure on a sunset sailboat cruise screams romantic elopement. Just picture it now… a glass of champagne, your new hubby, the warm glow of the sunset and beaming on your skin. On this 2 hour cruise you can bring up to 8 people (me included) along with you to celebrate for around $700. This might be the best option for you if you imagine yourself surrounded by the blue waters, the seagulls squawking, and laughter from your friends and family when you say I Do.

Lastly, (and there are so many more we haven’t even touched on) you have Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. The park openly welcomes couples to come share their vows and achieve their dream wedding photos. The variety you can have for your gallery here is absolutely insane. Here you’ll find a rose garden, small bridges tucked in the tall greenery, oak trees, and just across the street you’ll find the beach with a pale orange sand and rocks that the waves crash against. This beach is know for epic sunsets the set just behind the dunes. Washington Oaks does require a permit if you’re in wedding attire, but that’s no biggie I’ll be sure to take care of that!

When to elope in St. Augustine

St. Augustine is pretty much gorgeous year round! Occasionally you’ll get the weather that drops down in the 30’s to 40’s during the few winter months. This passes pretty quickly!

Generally, here’s what you can expect:

• Spring (March-May): Hot (mid 70s to mid 80s), humid, with higher rain chances towards May.
• Summer (June-August): Hotter (mid 80s to mid 90s), more humid, longer days (~8 PM sunset), and afternoon thunderstorms are like clockwork. If you want a summer elopement, opt for a sunrise ceremony!
• Fall (September-November): Less hot (mid 80s) with lower rain chances after October.
• Winter (December-January): Prime time with the weather! Cooler day time temperatures (low to mid 70s), rain chances are superrrrr low, the days are shorter (~5 PM sunset), the bugs aren’t out as much, and your evenings are cool.

How to elope in St. Augustine

Florida is one of the easiest places to elope. You’ll need to obtain a county marriage license, which in this case would be St. John’s County, you can read more and schedule your appointment online here. To apply for a marriage license, you’ll need your driver’s license or state ID. Both people must be present. Florida does not require blood test or medical exams.

If you’re a non-florida resident you can pick up your marriage license the same day we meet. If you’re a Florida resident you’re required to abide by the 3 day waiting period, make sure you schedule your elopement accordingly if you’re doing it last minute. Once you receive your marriage license you’ll have 60 days to sign it. You’ll need also need two witnesses, I could be one and your pup could be the other, how stinkin’ cute.

Now that you have you marriage license you’ll need someone to it make it official. You’ll can use an ordained minister, other ordained clergy, a judicial officer, clerks of the circuit courts, and notaries public of the state. I’ll be happy to share my favorite officiants with you upon booking.

What you need to elope in St. Augustine

• Tote bag or backpack to carry all of your things
• Sunscreen
• Dry shampoo for you might sweat and your hair needs a touch up
• Pen
• Marriage license
• Bug spray
• Wedding details (veil, rings, jewelry, perfume, wedding shoes)
• Bouquet and bout
• Vow books or letters
• Towel
• Change of clothes
• Your I Do beverage of choice (champagne is fun to pop and spray)

Example Timeline

For a 4 hour elopement:

4:30pm Getting ready together at Casa Monica Hotel, wedding detail photos

5:15pm Grab a drink at the bar, meet family in the lobby head to town center 

5:30pm Family and couples photos

6:00pm Head to marina for sailboat cruise 

6:30pm Boat sets sail, you say I Do, we get couples photos 

8:30pm Exit the boat as a married couple, direct flash champagne pop

Elopement Investment

Think about it, you’re planning your DREAM “wedding” in your dream location, anything you can dream up, you can do! Our couples on average spend around $3,600-$5000 for their elopement in St. Augustine. This does include full planning (and a new bff along the way) along the way!

Ready to start planning your elopement?! Let’s chat!

Vendors to check out:

Hair and makeup: https://hopcraftcollective.com/, https://www.studiobrideartistry.com/, https://www.laurareynoldsartistry.com

Florists: Iron and Clay Flowers, Tru Bloom Designs

Places to stay: Casa Monica Resort and Spa, The Local Inn, St. Francis Inn