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When Janeth and Tom decided to elope, they knew St. Augustine was calling their names. Traveling from Canada to Florida, they were drawn to the city’s Spanish architecture, coastal charm, and quiet elegance—but more than that, they wanted their elopement to reflect their journey, their shared memories, and the small details that made their love story unique.
Captured beautifully by Jessica Kent of Wild Tides Photography, their St. Augustine celebration shows exactly why Florida makes such a gorgeous elopement destination.
Ready to discover why Florida is becoming every couple’s favorite elopement destination? From historic St. Augustine to the Keys’ turquoise waters, the Sunshine State offers endless possibilities for your perfect day. Learn more about eloping in Florida.
Meet Janeth & Tom
Photography by Wild Tides Photography
Janeth and Tom’s love story began over batter and burners, flipping crepes side by side at a small food stand. What started as playful banter behind the counter quickly turned into something deeper, a shared rhythm, a growing bond, and a connection rooted in laughter and late-night meals. Food became more than just a shared interest; it became a symbol of their story.
So when it came time to plan their elopement, they knew they wanted to honor where it all began. They envisioned a day that felt flavorful and fun, grounded in intimacy and full of meaning. St. Augustine, with its cobblestone streets, Spanish architecture, and ocean breeze, offered the perfect setting. It was a place they had never explored, but one that felt instantly full of possibility.
Photographer Jessica Kent became more than their photographer that day; she was their local guide, their cheerleader, and the one who helped them see their new favorite city through fresh eyes.
“They were game for anything,” Jessica remembers. “There’s something magical about couples who trust the process completely. We wandered those cobblestone streets like we were old friends, and every corner revealed something new about them and about St. Augustine.”
For Janeth and Tom, that unfamiliar city became the backdrop for the most familiar feeling in the world: choosing each other, one more time, in the most beautiful way possible.
Ready to plan your own sunshine state wedding adventure? Search our featured elopement vendors in the area to get started.
Their Vision & Planning Process
Photography by Wild Tides Photography
Janeth and Tom imagined a day that felt like them—curious, romantic, and fully present. They weren’t interested in checking boxes or following a script. What they envisioned was a day that allowed them to slow down, savor each moment, and let it all unfold naturally.
With Jessica’s help, that vision came to life. As a local expert, she stepped in not just as a photographer, but as a trusted guide. She shared insight on ceremony locations, walked them through the (sometimes tricky) permit process, and helped build a vendor team that elevated the experience while keeping it deeply personal.
Together, they mapped out a route that was both thoughtful and efficient—starting in the historic heart of the city, wandering through some of St. Augustine’s most iconic spots, and ending with vows on a quiet beach as the sky turned gold.
One especially thoughtful choice? Hiring a private driver. It may have seemed like a small detail, but it made a big impact. Instead of worrying about directions, Janeth and Tom got to simply enjoy the ride—hand in hand, fully in the moment. That freedom became one of the most meaningful gifts of the day.
Dreaming of an elopement that feels effortless and authentic? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Elopement.
Getting Ready at the Bayfront Marin House
Photography by Wild Tides Photography
Janeth and Tom began their morning at the Bayfront Marin House, a charming bed and breakfast nestled along St. Augustine’s historic waterfront. The inn’s pastel architecture, breeze-filled balconies, and quiet courtyard created a sense of calm, the kind of place that slows your heart rate before a big, beautiful day. Inside, Janeth sipped coffee while her hair and makeup were done by Beauty by Ashley Taylor, who enhanced her natural glow with soft, romantic tones that perfectly matched the intimacy of the day.
Tom got ready in a separate suite, writing last-minute notes and adjusting his tie as the sounds of the city stirred outside. When it was time for their first look, they met in the garden under a canopy of palms and string lights. The moment felt private and tender, just the two of them sharing an emotional breath before everything began. Janeth held a bouquet from Honeycomb Floral Company, a wild, delicate arrangement that danced with movement and matched the soft color palette of the coast.
Feeling inspired to elope somewhere in Florida? Check out this fun elopement in Key West for more elopement inspiration!
A Castle Tour and a City Made for Love
Photography by Wild Tides Photography
After their first look, Janeth and Tom strolled through the cobblestone streets of St. Augustine toward a quiet creperie tucked among the centuries-old buildings. It was more than just breakfast, it was a sweet return to where it all began. Sharing crepes together, they laughed over the memories of their first jobs and the early days of falling in love. The morning felt lighthearted and grounding, a moment of reflection before stepping into something new.
From there, they wandered hand in hand through the city’s most iconic sites. At the Castillo de San Marcos, they paused to watch sailboats drift by on the Matanzas Bay. Flagler College’s towering spires and intricate tile work gave them a moment to soak in the grandeur of the city’s history. Everything about their route was intentional, not rushed, just two people savoring time together in a place they were discovering for the first time.
That sense of wonder only deepened as they arrived at Castle Ottis. Rising like a fairytale from the trees, the stone castle offered a dramatic contrast to the sunny streets they had just left behind. Inspired by 1,000-year-old Irish abbeys, its dark archways and cathedral-style windows created a breathtaking setting for quiet portraits and deep, lingering pauses.
“We stayed for almost two hours,” Jessica said. “There was so much to explore. It felt sacred like stepping into another world.”
Ready to make it official in the Sunshine State? Browse our complete Florida elopement guide for vendor recommendations, location inspiration, and everything you need to plan your perfect day.
A Sunset Ceremony on Vilano Beach
Photography by Wild Tides Photography
As the sun began its slow descent toward the horizon, Janeth and Tom arrived at Vilano Beach, where Honey Event Co. had transformed a quiet stretch of shoreline into an elegant coastal sanctuary. A minimalist arch framed the ocean beyond, gently swaying in the breeze. Soft pillows, layered rugs, and textured throws invited everyone to settle in, while a thoughtfully curated charcuterie spread added both beauty and abundance to the scene. Everything felt intentional, yet effortless—a reflection of the couple themselves.
With bare feet in the sand and salt air swirling around them, Janeth and Tom stood before the waves and exchanged personal vows. Their words were tender, vulnerable, and completely their own—spoken softly as the surf hummed behind them. When Tom blinked back a few tears, joking about “sand in his eyes,” it was one of those unscripted moments that says everything. Honest. Human. Real.
After sealing their vows with a kiss, they popped champagne and shared a slice of pastel-hued cake from Kristen’s Cupcake Café. Nestled together in their picnic setup, just the two of them and the ocean breeze, they watched as the sky melted into soft tones of rose, peach, and lavender.
Permits & Leave No Trace in St. Augustine
Photography by Wild Tides Photography
Eloping in St. Augustine is refreshingly straightforward, but a little advance planning goes a long way. The good news? Many intimate ceremony spots don’t require permits at all, as long as you’re keeping things simple without any structures or large setups.
For beach ceremonies and some public spaces, you’ll want to check permit requirements through the county. Jessica always encourages her couples to do their homework early.
“St. Augustine is such a beloved destination,” she explains. “We always want to leave it better than we found it—that means packing out anything you bring and being mindful of crowds and local guidelines.”
Timing Your Perfect Day
Fall through early spring offers the sweet spot for St. Augustine elopements. You’ll enjoy cooler temperatures, fewer afternoon thunderstorms, and that gorgeous golden light that makes every photo magical. Plus, planning a sunrise or weekday ceremony gives you a more intimate experience, especially on popular beaches where tourists tend to gather later in the day.
Florida Marriage License Essentials
Getting legally married in Florida is refreshingly simple:
- Marriage license costs $86
- Three-day waiting period after applying
- 60 days from issuance to make it official
- You’ll need one witness and an officiant
Florida recognizes several types of officiants, including notaries, ordained ministers, judges, and clerks of circuit courts. Many of our featured Florida vendors can actually officiate your ceremony too, which makes coordination even easier.
Learn more about leaving no trace during your elopement.
Photography by Wild Tides Photography
Tips for Planning Your Own St. Augustine Elopement
Janeth and Tom’s beautiful day offers plenty of inspiration for couples considering a similar intimate celebration in this historic city. Their photographer also shared some valuable insights for making the most of a St. Augustine elopement:
Time your season strategically
As their photographer advises, “Plan to elope here in the fall, winter, or early spring. Florida gets very hot and if we’re going to be exploring the city (aka walking around outside) then the last thing anyone wants is to be drenched in sweat during their day! The summer is also our rainy season so the risk of thunder storms is much higher.”
Leave room for spontaneity
St. Augustine’s charm lies in its walkable streets and hidden corners. Build buffer time into your schedule so you can wander and discover together without feeling rushed.
Incorporate personal touches that matter to you
Whether it’s sharing breakfast at a favorite spot or choosing flowers with special meaning, these small details become the memories that last.
Lean on local expertise
Your photographer and other vendors know the area’s best-kept secrets, ideal timing, and how to work with the unique lighting and atmosphere St. Augustine offers.
Don’t limit yourself to traditional expectations.
As their photographer puts it, “Don’t limit yourself to what an elopement day is ‘supposed’ to be! Elopements can take place anywhere and you can spend your day however you want. That’s the beauty of an elopement!”
The magic of Janeth and Tom’s day came from their decision to slow down, stay present, and focus on what truly mattered to them. Their elopement succeeded because it felt authentically theirs, and that’s the most important advice of all.
Explore more places to elope in Florida!
Final Reflection
Photography by Wild Tides Photography
Janeth and Tom’s elopement wasn’t just a beautiful day in a breathtaking place—it felt like a window into who they are and what matters most to them. From the quiet courtyard where they saw each other for the first time, to their vows by the sea, every part of the day felt intentional. Personal. Honest.
They began with crepes, a nod to where their story started. They wandered cobblestone streets like locals, taking in the beauty around them with open hearts. They paused in silence inside a castle, soaking in the stillness. And as the sun dipped low, they found themselves on a peaceful beach, wrapped in golden light.
What made it so special wasn’t the setting or the details, though those were stunning. It was how they showed up in every moment—present, joyful, and grounded in gratitude. This wasn’t about tradition. It was about making something entirely their own. And in doing that, they created more than a day—they created a memory they’ll carry with them, one that reflects their love just as it is: true, intentional, and entirely theirs.
Vendor Team
Photography | Wild Tides Photography
Planning + Picnic Design | Honey Event Co
Florals | Honeycomb Floral Company
Cake| Kristen’s Cupcake Cafe
Beauty | Beauty by Ashley Taylor
Getting Ready Venue | Bayfront Marin House
Castle Venue | Castle Ottis
Paper Goods | Petite Paperie Design Co
Photos from this Elopement
