Your Elopement Can Be Full of History

If you’re reading this blog, it’s likely you’re considering an elopement at the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine, Florida. You’re in the right place! The Lightner Museum, where history, art, and romance seamlessly blend, offers an extraordinary setting for your elopement. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know for a flawless elopement.

Renting the Lightner Museum Courtyard

To capture your elopement at the Lightner Museum, you’ll need a photography permit. Although the museum is open to the public, commercial photography, including wedding photos, requires this permit. Start by contacting The Wedding Authority to book your date and the Courtyard (I will do this for you with my all inclusive package). The total cost, including the courtyard rental and your permit, begins at $925. With your permit approved, you’re all set for a stunning elopement ceremony in the museum’s Courtyard.

St. Augustine Marriage License

The most important part of your elopement day is making sure you have the proper legal documents on hand and that they are valid.

To obtain your marriage license you will need to visit the St. Johns County Clerks office at 4010 Lewis Speedway St. Augustine, FL 32084. You can make an appointment between the hours of 8:00am – 4:30pm and both you and your partner must be present.

Florida residents obtaining their marriage license should be aware that there is a 3-day waiting period from the day you get your license to the day it can be used. If you both attend a premarital course this waiting period is waived and your license is active the day you get it. Florida residence can expect to pay $86 for their license unless they complete the premarital course – then your license fee drops to $61.

Non-Florida residents obtaining their marriage license will no required to wait 3 days to use their marriage license and should expect to pay $86 for their license.

Marriage License Requirements

When applying for your marriage license there are a few requirement that you need to be aware of to insure you have all the proper documentation.

• Both parties need to be present in person when applying for your marriage license.
• You will need to provide 2 forms of identification one being your social security number (you will not need a copy of your social card) and the second being one of the following; – Driver’s license (U.S. state or government) – Passport – U.S. military identification – State identification card (U.S. state or government) – Alien registration card

Who can marry us in Florida and Do I need witnesses

Florida requires you have one of the following officials to preform your marriage and sign your license;

– Ordained clergy

– Elders in communion with a church

– All Florida judges

– Notaries public of the State of Florida

In Florida you do not need any witnesses however you can have up to two different witnesses sign your marriage license if you wish.

*You must turn in your signed marriage license no later then 10 days after your ceremony to the clerks office*

My elopement packages start at 4 hours and can be extended to full day coverage or even multi-day coverage! Below you will see a sample timeline for a 7 hour elopement day and a 4 hour elopement day. You can use these timelines as an example of what your elopement day can look like!

7-Hour Lightner Museum Elopement Timeline:

• Hour 1: Detail & Getting Ready Photos
• Hour 2: First look & head to Lightner Museum
• Hour 3-4: Ceremony & Couples Portraits around St. Augustine
• Hour 5: Head to the beach for Cake & Champagne
• Hour 6-7: Enjoy Cake & Champagne + Sunset couples portraits

4-Hour Lightner Museum Elopement Timeline:

• Hour 1-2: Detail, Getting ready & First Looks Photos
• Hour 3: Ceremony + Courtyard Photos
• Hour 4: Couples portraits around St. Augustine

All-Inclusive Lightner Museum Elopement Package:

Imagine an elopement where all you have to do is show up and enjoy the moment—no stress, no planning, just pure love and celebration. With my all-inclusive elopement package, you can sit back and relax while I handle every detail for you. From securing the perfect venue and arranging your florals to coordinating hair and makeup, officiating services, and setting up a beautiful cake table, I take care of everything. My goal is to create a seamless, stress-free experience so you can focus on each other and the joy of your special day.

Package Includes:

• 7 hours of photography coverage
• Hair and makeup for one
• Florals
• Courtyard rental
• Officiant
• Couple’s cake & champagne
• Cake table setup & chairs
• Customized heirloom album

Starting at $7,500

Ready to make your dream elopement a reality? Let’s start planning today!

Contact me to capture your love story in unforgettable images.