Lightner Museum Courtyard in St Augustine: Wedding Photos & Cost

The Lightner Museum Courtyard is a gorgeously green unique venue in the middle of city downtown that has a lot to offer to a couple looking for a St Augustine elopement that has both historic and garden elements and is reasonably priced. This guide lays out the logistics and cost of having a ceremony there with a focus on getting you the best wedding photos.

The large courtyard is comprised of a koi pond with a pretty stone bridge and a luxurious expanse of palm trees and other luscious greenery. Especially mesmerizing during St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights but gorgeous for a ceremony all year long.

Ceremony Logistics + Cost

What you should know is that the Lightner Museum Weddings are handled by a different team than the Lightner Courthouse Micro Weddings. The Wedding Authority is in charge of arranging and booking the courtyard area.

Their courtyard ceremony packages include one 1 hour use of the courtyard, City of St. Augustine required permits and insurance, Ceremony Director, and seating. They have packages designed for a private ceremony up to 100 guests. Expect to spend between $1000-$3000 depending on your number of guests and other specifications.

You can book directly with the Wedding Authority on their website but for best photos, make sure you scroll down on this page for timeline assistance first.

Getting Ready + Reception Venues Ideas

The package can be custom tailored to include bridal suites so you can get ready on site and for those classy “bride puts on dress” photos. I highly recommend adding this option.

There is no reception areas for the courtyard package, but I have a few suggestions on where you can take your family and friends after to party the night away.

In the photos of Madeline and Max at the bottom of this post, the featured reception venue is 9 Aviles, located centrally on one of the most famous and beautiful streets of downtown St. Augustine.

Here is the guide with other rehearsal dinner and reception spots. Happy planning!

Photography Recommendations + Timelines

If you are getting eloped/married in the hot months of spring, summer or early fall, you might want to schedule your ceremony later in the day closest to sunset for the best lighting and lower humidity.

If you are getting married in the middle-late fall or winter, the timing of the ceremony is not as important because the sun is not as harsh.

If you are not sure, my recommendation is to decide on your date, email or call the Wedding Authority to check their available times and then get with your photographer to work out a timeline based on whether or not you plan on taking get ready photos prior to the ceremony and whether or not you are planning to take bridal portraits around downtown afterward.

Sample Timeline of Summer:

6:30 PM Ceremony

7:00 PM Family Photos

7:30 - 8:30 PM (or whatever time sunset is) Bridal Portraits at Lightner Museum and Downtown

As you can see, the time of the ceremony is 2 hours prior to sunset. I highly recommend this window for most optimal wedding photography lighting and cooler air.

Sample Timeline of Winter (including getting ready and reception):

2:00 PM Getting Ready

3:30 PM Ceremony

3:45 PM Family Photos

4:00 - 4:30 PM Bridal Portraits at Lightner

4:30 - 5:00 PM Bridal Portraits Downtown

5:15 - 10 PM Reception

St. Augustine Wedding Vendors

Between hair, makeup, flowers, props, set up, music, dresses and cake - there is a lot to do when planning a wedding. I created a North Florida Vendor page just to help you find the best vendors in St. Augustine no matter your needs.

Of course, I recommend hiring a skilled local photographer who will minimize your stress leading up to and on the day of your wedding for the best experience! :) I am here to guide you for amazing photos!

Below, enjoy a sample sneak peek of Madeline + Max’s beautiful and unique, vintage and Italian inspired micro wedding!