A simple and timeless way to get married in the heart of historic St. Augustine
For couples who want a wedding day that feels simple, meaningful, and focused entirely on the moment, a St. Augustine courthouse elopement can be one of the most romantic ways to get married.
At the St. Johns County Courthouse, couples can exchange vows in a setting that feels understated and timeless- and then step outside into one of the most charming historic cities in the country.
Without the structure of a traditional wedding timeline, the day becomes less about production and more about celebrating the moment together. Sometimes courthouse elopements happen spontaneously, and sometimes they’re thoughtfully planned celebrations with portraits, cocktails, and dinner afterward.
Either way, they often become some of the most joyful and intimate wedding days to photograph.
If you’re still exploring small celebrations in the area, you may also enjoy reading How to Plan an Intimate Wedding in St. Augustine.
Why Couples Love Courthouse Elopements
Courthouse weddings have a kind of timeless simplicity.
There’s no elaborate production or long list of traditions- just two people making a promise to each other.
Many couples choose courthouse elopements because they want a day that feels relaxed and personal. Instead of managing a large event, they spend the day together wandering through the city, celebrating with drinks or dinner, and enjoying the experience of getting married.
For destination couples visiting St. Augustine, courthouse ceremonies can also be a beautiful way to turn a trip into something unforgettable.
If you’re considering other ceremony locations around the city, you can explore them in Where to Elope in St. Augustine.
The St. Johns County Courthouse
The St. Johns County Courthouse is located just north of historic downtown St. Augustine within the county’s government complex. While it isn’t directly in the historic district, it’s only a short drive from the city’s most charming streets and waterfront views.
The courthouse itself is beautifully understated and offers several architectural details that photograph surprisingly well.
You’ll find:
• elegant Spanish-style arches
• warm stone walls
• classic Spanish tile roofing
• a quiet cobblestone courtyard tucked within the buildings
The simplicity of the architecture reflects the timeless character of St. Augustine without feeling overly formal. After the ceremony, many couples choose to head into the historic district for portraits among the cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and centuries-old buildings that make the city so distinctive.
In many ways, the courthouse ceremony becomes just the beginning of the day- with the rest of St. Augustine waiting to be explored together.
What a Courthouse Elopement Looks Like
Courthouse ceremonies are typically quick and straightforward, which leaves plenty of time to turn the rest of the day into a celebration.
A typical courthouse elopement timeline might look something like this:
Arrive for your courthouse ceremony
Exchange vows inside the courthouse with a small group of guests or just the two of you.
Downtown portraits
After the ceremony, we can wander through downtown St. Augustine for portraits among the historic streets and architecture.
Cocktails and celebration
Many couples finish the day with cocktails at one of the small downtown bars followed by dinner at one of the city’s incredible restaurants.
The result feels less like a traditional wedding and more like a romantic date day that ends in marriage.
Marriage License Information
Couples planning a courthouse wedding will need to obtain a marriage license through St. Johns County before their ceremony.
The process is handled through the county clerk’s office. Because requirements can occasionally change – especially for out-of-town couples – it’s always best to check the official county website for the most current details and documentation requirements.
Once the license is obtained, courthouse ceremonies can be scheduled directly through the clerk’s office.
Best Photo Locations Near the Courthouse
One of the best parts of eloping at the courthouse in St. Augustine is how close it is to some of the city’s most beautiful portrait locations.
Some favorite nearby spots include:
• Aviles Street, the oldest street in the United States
• the St. Augustine Bayfront overlooking the water
• quiet cobblestone streets throughout the historic district
• charming storefronts along San Marco Avenue
• hidden courtyards tucked between historic buildings
These locations add incredible variety to a gallery and create portraits that feel timeless because of the city’s architecture and history.
If you want to explore even more portrait locations around the city, you can also visit Best Places for Wedding Photos in St. Augustine.
Expanding Your Elopement Day
One of the best things about a courthouse ceremony is the freedom it gives you afterward.
Because the ceremony itself is simple and quick, many couples choose to expand the day by exploring other parts of St. Augustine.
Some couples head toward Vilano Beach for sunset portraits, while others wander through the historic district before celebrating with dinner downtown.
You can explore some of the most popular ceremony spots in 5 Best Places to Elope in St. Augustine.
Tips for Planning a Courthouse Elopement
A few simple tips can make the day even more enjoyable:
• mid-day or late afternoon appointments work well for portraits afterward
• spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather
• comfortable shoes help when walking through downtown streets
• celebrate afterward with cocktails or dinner at a favorite restaurant
Courthouse weddings are meant to feel easy and relaxed- and St. Augustine offers the perfect setting to turn that simplicity into something memorable.
Is a Courthouse Wedding Right for You?
Courthouse elopements are perfect for couples who:
• want a stress-free wedding day
• prefer intimacy over a large event
• love historic cities and architecture
• enjoy the idea of celebrating with dinner and drinks afterward
• want portraits that feel timeless and romantic
For many couples, it becomes one of the most meaningful ways to start their marriage.
St. Augustine Courthouse Elopements
A courthouse ceremony in St. Augustine offers something beautifully simple: the chance to focus entirely on the moment you say yes to forever.
With historic streets, waterfront views, and incredible restaurants nearby, the city turns a quick ceremony into a full day of celebration.
If you’re planning a courthouse elopement and want photography that captures the experience naturally and artfully, you can inquire here to begin planning your celebration.
FAQ: St. Augustine Courthouse Elopements
Can you get married at the St. Johns County Courthouse?
Yes. The St. Johns County Courthouse offers civil wedding ceremonies for couples who have obtained a valid marriage license through the county clerk.
How long does a courthouse wedding ceremony take?
Courthouse ceremonies are typically brief and simple, often lasting only a few minutes. Many couples choose to spend the rest of the day exploring downtown St. Augustine and celebrating afterward.
Where can we take photos after a courthouse wedding?
Downtown St. Augustine offers beautiful portrait locations just steps from the courthouse, including Aviles Street, the bayfront, cobblestone streets, and historic architecture throughout the city.
Can you invite guests to a courthouse wedding?
Yes. Couples can bring a small number of guests depending on courthouse guidelines, which makes it a great option for intimate celebrations.
Explore More St. Augustine Elopement Locations
If you’re planning an intimate wedding or elopement in St. Augustine, these guides may help you explore other beautiful ceremony locations around the city:
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