With walkable brick-lined streets, charming architecture, pristine beaches and water
views galore, St. Augustine exudes romance. Perhaps that’s why many couples choose
the “Nation’s Oldest City” to celebrate a new (and BIG!) relationship milestone: getting
married! Because many couples are seeking out more intimate ceremonies, we’ve
compiled a lovely list of St. Augustine micro wedding and elopement venues.
What is a Micro Wedding?
A micro wedding is a smaller scale ceremony (and/or reception) with no more than 50
guests, says wedding planner Kristina McCurry. Her St. Augustine based company,
McCurry Events and Consulting, coordinates weddings of all sizes, including large
celebrations (hundreds of guests), as well as micro weddings, minimonies (less than 10
people) and elopements (just the couple, with or without wedding party).
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“Micro weddings and/or minimonies give the couples the ability to have all of the same–and sometimes more–personalized details as bigger weddings. I love being able to create ‘out-of-the-box’ ideas for couples who have a guest count small enough to be creative in venue selection,” McCurry tells us.
She shares, “I've planned micro weddings in St. Augustine on a sailboat, at a bed-and-breakfast, and even where we had a cocktail hour at a favorite local pub. The possibilities really turn unique with a more intimate guest count.”
St. Augustine Micro Wedding and Elopement Tips
Opting for a micro wedding, minimony or eloping can minimize many aspects of
planning. However, there is still planning to be done. Here are few tips:
- Ponder the guest list. Decide who you really want to attend your wedding. Do you envision just the two of you, immediate family, close friends, extended family,
your many circles of friends, neighbors, colleagues, etc. This number is an
important variable when contemplating a St. Augustine micro wedding. - Seek out expertise. Planners can help streamline the entire process, says
McCurry, who works with upwards of 20 couples per year. So, book a wedding
professional early on if desired. - Say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to details. You can take or leave any aspect of tradition. Think
about bouquets/flowers, cake, gown/attire, hair/make-up, invitations, music, party
favors, photography/videography, transportation, etc. When decisions are made,
secure appropriate vendors and, if applicable, budget for deposits. - Get your marriage license. Couples getting married in St. Augustine should
apply for a marriage license in person at St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit
Court and Comptroller (or any clerk of court in Florida for that matter). Do review all requirements outlined on their website.
Places to Elope in St. Augustine and Micro Wedding Venues
With a plethora of churches, historic sites, bed-and-breakfasts, beaches, romantic restaurants and so on, the possibilities for St. Augustine micro weddings and elopement venues are never-ending… just like your love. Here’s a round-up of expert-approved venues:
9 Aviles
9 Aviles St., St. Augustine, FL 32084
With a balcony, grand double doors and chandeliers, this ceremony and reception site exudes romance. It has the capacity for up to 64 guests (so that's a bit more generous than standard micro wedding size if needed).
If you have an eye for detail, you’ll appreciate the online descriptions of the “Intimate Aviles Package.” This includes explanations of choices about linens, glass chargers, napkins and rings, water goblets, flatware, candles, plates, easels, table displays, and more.
Bayfront Marin House
142 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Because you want the best for your better half, know that Bayfront Marin House was rated #1 waterfront hotel in St. Augustine by TripAdvisor visitors. Directly across from the Matanzas River and featuring a sweet gazebo, options cater to the most intimate of elopements (3-10 guests); and then up to 60 people for micro weddings.
This bed-and-breakfast has 17 onsite rooms so, in addition to the many wonderful wedding details, you really can get the whole package here — for yourself and your guests.
Casa De Solana Bed and Breakfast
21 Aviles St., St. Augustine, FL 32084
If a cobblestone courtyard with a pergola, foundation, and photo spots aplenty speaks to you, then speak now… or forever hold your peace. Casa De Solana only needs 48 hours to pull off an epic elopement ceremony. For planned micro weddings, this 10-room inn is an ideal venue for parties of 12 to 30 guests. Note that mid-week weddings are also an option.
Peña-Peck House
143 St. George St., St. Augustine, FL 32084
Fit for a king and queen, the Peña-Peck House is the only residence to have been built by the order of a King of Spain, Ferdinand VI. The lush garden is ideal for your love to bloom, with options for day-before rehearsal, day-of ceremony and, if desired, reception.
The Peña-Peck House is a St. Augustine micro wedding venue that typically accommodates parties of either up to 25 guests or up to 50 guests.
The Peña-Peck House is also one of our must-see spots during a St. Augustine day trip from Orlando.
Pillar’s Castle
16 May St., St. Augustine, FL 32084
If you've dreamed of getting married at Walt Disney World, you may want to consider this St. Augustine venue for your own Cinderella story as an option too.
Book Pillar’s Castle, a luxury rental home built more than 100 years ago by sculptor C. Adrian Pillars. If a private gathering is your top priority, you’ll be tickled pink (yes, the exterior of this venue is pink) to host friends, family and new in-laws here.
This 5,272-square-foot home has four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a grand hall, stained glass windows, a fireplace and outdoor courtyard. Since this is a home rental rather than an event venue, either you or your wedding planner will need to coordinate all vendors.
Raintree Restaurant
102 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine, FL 32084
From first dates to special occasions to the big wedding day, couples love Raintree Restaurant.
For St. Augustine micro weddings, Raintree Restaurant offers tons of choices, including a interior space within this Colonial Victorian home. Or, for sunshine and rainbows at Raintree, outside space in the courtyard is nice.
If food is a priority, note that Raintree Restaurant outlines its wedding menus online for your planning ease.
St. Augustine Historical Society
14 St. Francis Street, St. Augustine, FL, 32084
Want a picture-perfect wedding? Opt for the Oldest House Gardens or Llambias House Grounds at the St. Augustine Historical Society. The open green space, large whimsical trees and white buildings are breathtaking (but not as breathtaking as the bride-to-be of course.)
For this St. Augustine micro wedding, picture long white benches and stunning arches. A blissful atmosphere for wedding bliss!
St. Augustine Sailing
3076 Harbor Dr., Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Nauti couples can tie the knot aboard a love boat! St. Augustine Sailing has three wedding package choices so lovers can easily coast along with micro wedding planning.
This ranges from just the bride and groom to up to 30 mates. Packages include an officiant, bouquet/boutonniere, cake and sparkling wine, with plenty of enhancements. Such add-ons could include food and bar options, photography and even an overnight stay on the vessel.
Ximenez-Fatio House Museum
20 Aviles St., St. Augustine, FL 32084
Ximenez-Fatio House Museum has held weddings since 1834, so this place has a long-lasting history of love. In fact, this place self-describes itself as a quiet and effortless wedding venue with timeless romance.
The outside oasis boasts lush banana plants, a rainbow of hibiscus flowers and many varieties of sweet-scented citrus. Doesn’t that sound fabulous for the apple of your eye?
To get the ball rolling with your old ball and chain, this venue has a wedding planning partnership with Endless Possibilities.
More St. Augustine Micro Wedding and Elopement Venues
- Anastasia State Park
- Carriage House
- Castle Otttis
- Chatsworth Publik House
- Chez L’Amour
- Flagler College
- Inn at Camachee Harbor
- Schooner Freedom Charters
- St. Francis Inn
Feature image of couple, Kathleen and Kyle Foster, at Casa De Solana Bed & Breakfast; courtesy of McCurry Events & Consulting. Additional credits for feature image–Photographer: The Capps Co; Rentals: St. Johns Illuminations Event Rentals and Luxe Party Rentals; Floral: Parkers Events
