St Augustine is America’s oldest city, and there are many places to take photos each with their own vibe. As a St Augustine wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of exploring many of the city’s most photogenic locations.
In this article, I’ll share my best spots for engagement photography in St Augustine, FL, and hopefully, you’ll have an idea where you want to have yours done.
ROY SERAFIN PHOTO CO.
“Unique works of art that perfectly captures you and your partner.
Historic Locations for Engagement Photos in St Augustine
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
1 South Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, FL
As the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, Castillo de San Marcos offers a unique scene for engagement photos in St Augustine. The weathered stone walls and expansive grounds provide a sense of timeless romance, allowing you to create images that feel both historic and intimate. The fort’s unique architecture and stunning water views make it a photographer’s dream location.
Unique Features:
- Historic architecture dating back to the 17th century
- Expansive grounds with diverse photo opportunities
- Stunning water views of Matanzas Bay
Type of Location: Historic
Permits: Required for professional photography
Least Crowded Day & Time: Weekdays, early morning or late afternoon
Learn more about Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Flagler College
74 King Street, St. Augustine, FL
Flagler College, housed in the former Hotel Ponce de Leon, is a stunning example of Spanish Renaissance architecture and a prime location for St Augustine engagement photos. The intricate details of the building’s facade, the grand courtyard, and the elegant dining hall provide a variety of scenes that will elevate your photography in St Augustine.
Unique Features:
- Stunning Spanish Renaissance architecture
- Grand courtyard with a central fountain
- Elegant dining hall with Tiffany stained glass windows
Type of Location: Historic
Permits: Required for professional photography
Least Crowded Day & Time: Weekends, early morning
Learn more about Flagler College
St Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
100 Red Cox Road, St. Augustine, FL
The St Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum offers a unique place for engagement photos in St Augustine. The iconic black and white striped lighthouse tower, the keeper’s house, and the surrounding nature trails provide a mix of architectural and natural scenes for your photos. The location’s maritime history adds a layer of intrigue to your images.
Unique Features:
- Iconic black and white striped lighthouse tower
- Charming keeper’s house
- Nature trails with lush vegetation
Type of Location: Historic
Permits: Required for professional photography
Least Crowded Day & Time: Weekdays, early morning or late afternoon
Learn more about St Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Mission of Nombre De Dios
27 Ocean Avenue, St. Augustine, FL
The Mission of Nombre de Dios, the site of the first Catholic mass in the United States, offers a serene and historic place for engagement photos in St Augustine. The mission grounds feature a towering cross, rustic church buildings, and well-manicured gardens that provide a peaceful scene for your photography in St Augustine, FL.
Unique Features:
- Towering 208-foot cross overlooking the water
- Rustic church buildings with Spanish architecture
- Well-manicured gardens with tropical foliage
Type of Location: Historic
Permits: Required for professional photography
Least Crowded Day & Time: Weekdays, early morning or late afternoon
Learn more about Mission of Nombre de Dios
St Augustine Historic District
St. Augustine, FL
The St. Augustine Historic District, with its cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial architecture, and hidden courtyards, is a dream location for engagement photos in St Augustine. It’s also home to Aviles Street which is the oldest street in the United States. The district’s old-world charm and romantic ambiance make it the perfect place for capturing your love story through photography in St Augustine, FL.
Unique Features:
- Charming cobblestone streets
- Colorful Spanish colonial architecture
- Hidden courtyards and secret gardens
Type of Location: Historic
Permits: Varies by specific location
Least Crowded Day & Time: Weekdays, early morning
Learn more about St. Augustine Historic District
Museums in St Augustine for Photos
Lightner Museum
75 King Street, St. Augustine, FL
The Lightner Museum, housed in the former Alcazar Hotel, is a stunning location for engagement photos in St Augustine. The museum’s grand lobby, with its intricate architectural details and elegant atmosphere, provides a sophisticated scene for your images. It’s even more spectacular at night during the Night of Lights festival. The museum’s eclectic collection of art and antiquities adds a unique touch to your photography in St Augustine.
Unique Features:
- Grand lobby with intricate architectural details
- Elegant, sophisticated atmosphere
- Eclectic collection of art and antiquities
Type of Location: Museum
Permits: Required for professional photography
Least Crowded Day & Time: Weekdays, during museum hours
Learn more about Lightner Museum
St Augustine Beaches for Engagement Photos
Vilano Beach Pier
260 Vilano Road, St. Augustine, FL
Vilano Beach Pier offers a picturesque place for engagement photos in St Augustine. The long, wooden pier stretches out into the Atlantic Ocean, providing a stunning scene for your images. The pier’s weathered wood and the endless ocean views create a romantic, coastal vibe perfect for St Augustine engagement photos.
Unique Features:
- Long, wooden pier stretching into the Atlantic Ocean
- Weathered wood with a rustic charm
- Endless ocean views for a romantic, coastal vibe
Type of Location: Beach, Pier
Permits: Not required for professional photography
Least Crowded Day & Time: Weekdays, early morning or late afternoon
Learn more about Vilano Beach Pier
St Augustine Pier
350 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine, FL
The St Augustine Pier, located at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park, is a popular spot for engagement photos in St Augustine. The pier’s classic design and the surrounding beach offer a quintessential coastal scene for your photography in St Augustine, FL. The pier’s lively atmosphere and stunning sunsets make it a favorite among couples.
Unique Features:
- Classic pier design with a lively atmosphere
- Surrounding beach with soft sand and ocean views
- Stunning sunsets for romantic, golden hour photos
Type of Location: Beach, Pier
Permits: Not required for professional photography
Least Crowded Day & Time: Weekdays, early morning or late afternoon
Learn more about St Augustine Pier
Washington Oaks Garden State Park
6400 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast, FL
Washington Oaks Garden State Park, just north of St. Augustine, is a dream location for engagement photos. The formal gardens, filled with native and exotic plants, provide a romantic, elegant backdrop. But there’s more! The park’s coquina rock formations along the Atlantic coast add a rugged, natural contrast that’s perfect for adventurous couples. Imagine exploring the rocks hand in hand, waves crashing behind you, as your photographer captures that magical moment. If you’re looking for a location that offers both ocean views and gardens, Washington Oaks Garden State Park is the place for you.
Unique Features:
- Formal gardens with diverse native and exotic plants
- Coquina rock formations along the Atlantic coast
- Blend of elegance and rugged natural beauty
Type of Location: Garden, Beach
Permits: Required for professional photography
Least Crowded Day & Time: Weekdays, early morning or late afternoon
Learn more about Washington Oaks Garden State Park
Waterfront Locations for Engagement Photos
The St. Augustine Municipal Marina
111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL
The St. Augustine Municipal Marina offers a picturesque waterfront place for engagement photos in St Augustine. The marina’s docks, lined with boats of all sizes, provide a nautical scene for your images. The nearby seawall and the Bridge of Lions create additional opportunities for stunning photography in St Augustine, FL.
Unique Features:
- Picturesque marina with docks and boats
- Nearby seawall for water views
- Bridge of Lions in the background for iconic St Augustine engagement photos
Type of Location: Waterfront
Permits: Not required for professional photography
Least Crowded Day & Time: Weekdays, early morning or late afternoon
Learn more about The St. Augustine Municipal Marina
Bridge of Lions
Bridge of Lions, St. Augustine, FL
The Bridge of Lions, an iconic landmark in St. Augustine, offers a stunning scene for engagement photos in St Augustine. The bridge’s Mediterranean-style architecture and the sweeping views of Matanzas Bay create a romantic and sophisticated place for your photography in St Augustine, FL. The nearby Plaza de la Constitución provides additional photo opportunities with its lush gardens and historic monuments.
Unique Features:
- Iconic Mediterranean-style bridge
- Sweeping views of Matanzas Bay
- Nearby Plaza de la Constitución with gardens and monuments
Type of Location: Waterfront
Permits: Not required for professional photography
Least Crowded Day & Time: Weekdays, early morning or late afternoon
Learn more about Bridge of Lions
Gardens & Parks for Engagement Photos in St Augustine
Magnolia Ave
Magnolia Avenue, St. Augustine, FL
Magnolia Ave, a scenic street lined with towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss, is a picturesque location for engagement photos in St Augustine. The avenue’s natural canopy creates a romantic, dreamy atmosphere perfect for capturing intimate moments. The soft, filtered light that streams through the moss-covered branches adds a magical quality to your photography in St Augustine, FL.
Unique Features:
- Towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss
- Romantic, dreamy atmosphere with soft, filtered light
- Intimate, natural place for St Augustine engagement photos
Type of Location: Garden
Permits: Not required for professional photography
Least Crowded Day & Time: Weekdays, early morning or late afternoon
Learn more about Magnolia Ave
Alpine Groves Park
2060 State Road 13, Switzerland, FL
Alpine Groves Park, located just outside St. Augustine, offers a tranquil and scenic place for engagement photos. The park’s sprawling grounds feature a historic farmhouse, rustic barn, and beautiful gardens, providing a variety of scenes for your photography in St Augustine, FL. The serene atmosphere and natural beauty of the park make it a perfect location for St Augustine engagement photos.
Unique Features:
- Historic farmhouse and rustic barn
- Beautiful gardens with diverse flora
- Serene, tranquil atmosphere surrounded by nature
Type of Location: Park
Permits: Required for professional photography
Least Crowded Day & Time: Weekdays, early morning or late afternoon
Learn more about Alpine Groves Park
Unique Places to Take Photos in St Augustine
Alligator Farm
999 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine, FL
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park offers a unique and adventurous place for engagement photos in St Augustine. The park’s lush vegetation, historic structures, and, of course, the alligators themselves provide an unforgettable scene for your photography in St Augustine, FL. The park’s rustic charm and the thrill of being surrounded by wildlife make it a one-of-a-kind location for St Augustine engagement photos.
Unique Features:
- Lush vegetation and historic structures
- Alligators and other wildlife for an adventurous scene
- Rustic charm and unique, thrilling atmosphere
Type of Location: Wildlife
Permits: Required for professional photography
Least Crowded Day & Time: Weekdays, during park hours
Learn more about Alligator Farm
Fountain of Youth
11 Magnolia Avenue, St. Augustine, FL
The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park offers a unique and historic place for engagement photos in St Augustine. The park’s 15 acres are home to the Spring House, where Ponce de Leon is said to have discovered the mythical Fountain of Youth. The park’s lush gardens, peacocks, and the historic Discovery Globe provide a variety of interesting scenes for your photography in St Augustine, FL.
Unique Features:
- Historic Spring House and Discovery Globe
- Lush gardens and roaming peacocks
- Unique, mythical atmosphere tied to St. Augustine’s history
Type of Location: Unique
Permits: Required for professional photography
Least Crowded Day & Time: Weekdays, during park hours
Learn more about Fountain of Youth
World Golf Village
1 World Golf Place, St. Augustine, FL
The World Golf Village, home to the World Golf Hall of Fame, offers a unique and sophisticated place for engagement photos in St Augustine. The village’s grand architecture, manicured gardens, and the iconic Tower of the Four Winds provide a variety of elegant scenes for your photography in St Augustine, FL. The village’s golf course and the nearby Renaissance Resort offer additional photo opportunities for golf enthusiasts.
Unique Features:
- Grand architecture and manicured gardens
- Iconic Tower of the Four Winds
- Golf course and Renaissance Resort for golf enthusiasts
Type of Location: Unique
Permits: Required for professional photography
Least Crowded Day & Time: Weekdays, early morning or late afternoon
Learn more about World Golf Village
Palencia Club
600 Palencia Club Dr, St. Augustine, FL
The Palencia Club, a country club in St. Augustine, is a great place for engagement photos. The club’s Mediterranean-style architecture, grand ballroom, and stunning golf course views provide a variety of elegant scenes for your photography in St Augustine, FL. The club’s upscale atmosphere and attention to detail make it a perfect location for sophisticated St Augustine engagement photos.
Unique Features:
- Mediterranean-style architecture and grand ballroom
- Stunning golf course views
- Luxurious, upscale atmosphere with attention to detail
Type of Location: Private Estate
Permits: Required for professional photography
Least Crowded Day & Time: Weekdays, early morning or late afternoon
Learn more about Palencia Club
What’s the best time of day for a photo shoot in St. Augustine?
Golden hour is ideal. Early morning an hour after sunrise to just before 11am or late afternoon one or two hours before sunset provides soft, flattering light.
How long should our engagement photo session last?
Most sessions last about 1-2 hours. This gives you enough time for outfit changes and different locations.
What should we do if it rains on our scheduled photo shoot day?
Discuss a backup plan with your photographer. Many offer rescheduling options.
How can we make our engagement photos unique?
Try doing an indoor photoshoot at a local brewery like the ice plant, doing the session at night, or incorporating the kinds of things you regularly do on date nights (ice cream, a picnic, a drive). You can also bring in props, bring a pet, or dress up a bit. Check out my entire guide to what to wear to an engagement session.
