St Augustine Nights of Lights Engagement | Your Ancient City Experience Guide

Nights of Lights in historic downtown St Augustine is a magical time starting on November 19 and ending on January 31. The city is adorned with over 3 million lights and is unbelievably romantic for nighttime couples’ photos. If you get engaged in the fall, on Thanksgiving or on Christmas, you should absolutely do an engagement photoshoot in Ancient City. The vibes can be classic, vintage, old money or chic depending on your style.

Engagement Photo Package

With my engagement photo package, I include up to two locations and two outfits for my couples that are wanting more than one look. We can talk about your overall idea for the shoot, and I am always down to help with outfit decisions.

Photoshoot Locations

I recommend starting 30-45 minutes prior to sunset at one of the nearby historic landmarks before heading to the plaza at dark. We started Alyssa and Chris’s session at The Ice Plant, followed by a few shots in front of the iconic Memorial Presbyterian Church. There are many options depending on the aesthetic we are going for! There’s even a fabulous rustic field just minutes down the road from downtown. Amazing for those golden hour portraits!

After you scroll through their nighttime photos, check out their photos from our previous location before Alyssa changed her outfit from chic to ballroom.

Local Recommendations for Dining/Drinks

After your photoshoot, feel free to stroll the streets with your love and check out other spots like The Forbidden Tonic, Prohibition Kitchen, River + Fort or me and my husband’s personal favorite – OC Whites Restaurant. I also love that it has its own parking lot. See my other blog post for general wining and dining insights in oldest city.

Parking

Parking is no joke in St Augustine – the parking garage (that’s right, we only have one) is a great option but is on the outskirts of town. My favorite streets to park close to St George Street (the busiest shopping and dining street in the heart of downtown) are no doubt Carrera and Valencia streets butting up to Flagler College.

Sightseeing

However, if you are up for a sightseeing experience, park between Cordova and Granada streets and take a walk toward the direction of the Bayfront up (my favorite ever) – Bridge street, then take a left on Aviles and head straight down, you will dead end into the city square – the mecca of lights complete with a giant Christmas tree! Before you exit Aviles Street, stop by for ice cream at Peace Pie or grab a totty at The Forbidden Tonic.

I hope this blog post served as a mini guide to visiting our beautiful city during its peak romantic time.

Enjoy these photos!