Find Your Happily Ever After on Florida’s Historic Coast

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Contact: Barbara Golden
Phone: 904-669-8142
Email: BGolden@FloridasHistoricCoast.com

St. Augustine, Fla. (June 21, 2023) – There’s no telling how many marriage vows have been spoken in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches. With a European history dating back to 1565 and human occupation leaping back even further (current archaeological evidence places it at 12,000 years ago), the number could be well into the millions. Generations of loving promises have etched their mark into the area. Perhaps that’s why Florida’s Historic Coast is home to thousands of weddings each year, from small elopements to lavish ceremonies of more than 1,000 guests.

In 2022, the St. Johns County Clerk of Courts issued 2,324 marriage licenses. Florida marriage licenses are good for 60 days. Once issued, Florida residents must wait three days before becoming married, unless they attend premarital counseling. There is no waiting period for non-residents. With marriage license in hand, there’s no shortage of wedding venues in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches. As one of the only Clerk of Court offices in Northeast Florida that performs marriage ceremonies, even the local government offers an intimate marriage service, having performed 1,521 ceremonies this past year.

For couples looking for a traditional religious service, there are many unique houses of worship from which to choose. Ponte Vedra has been home to the quaintly historic Palm Valley Baptist Church since 1903. St. Francis in-the-field Episcopal Church is a gorgeous, modern church, with wide, vaulted ceilings. It can host services in the main sanctuary or in the outdoor Hope Pavilion. The green-topped towers of the Memorial Presbyterian Church are iconic in St. Augustine. Featuring exquisite architecture, the church was built by Henry Flagler as a memorial to his daughter. It has a large sanctuary, with space for 450 people. The First Congregation Sons of Israel is the oldest synagogue in St. Augustine. With gorgeous, vaulted ceilings and rich wood accents, it’s an intimate space for a ceremony under the chuppah. For a Catholic ceremony with a beach spin, the St. Jude Celebration Hall at Saint Anastasia on St. Augustine Beach is perfect, with plentiful parking, Spanish architecture, and scenic ponds.

Soon-to-be newlyweds with extensive guest lists need not be concerned, as Florida’s Historic Coast has venues that can accommodate a large and lavish event. Built in the Mediterranean Revival style, the 77,000 square-foot Clubhouse at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra isn’t just for golf enthusiasts. It’s one of the largest spaces, able to accommodate 1,000 guests, but just as delightful for a handful of a couple’s closest friends and family. Marsh Creek Country Club offers a classic country club-feel, surrounded by the beauty of historic oaks and salt marsh. With space for 200 guests, it has a variety of indoor and outdoor settings, each equally charming.

Unique stories deserve a unique space to celebrate! St. Augustine Sailing has a fleet of luxury sailing yachts, ready to cast off the lines, set the sails, and create a dreamy setting for marriage vows. Their boats are perfect for smaller wedding parties of 12 or less. St. Augustine Sailing offers a host of upgrades and services, such as private chef experiences, overnight stays, and, of course, sailing. Connoisseurs of art deco architecture will immediately fall in love with The Treasury on the Plaza. Originally a bank in downtown St. Augustine since 1927, a massive renovation provided modern upgrades while maintaining the historic feel. With the bar located in the original bank vault, it’s a special space not found anywhere else.

Capturing the delicate balance between farm life and elegance, Chandler Oaks Barn is situated on 20 acres on the outskirts of St. Augustine. Friendly farm animals roam manicured pastures while the shiplap barn, set amongst ancient oaks, exudes Southern charm.

Another downtown St. Augustine wedding locale that is popular amongst brides and grooms is The White Room. This full-service events space is located in the heart of the historic district and features sweeping views of the bayfront. Built in 1888 and transformed into a venue in 2006, The White Room property offers The Grand Ballroom and The White Room Loft & Rooftop, which can accommodate between 50 to over 400 guests in total. There is also The Villa Blanca, which is perfect for on-site ceremonies before heading to one of the reception areas.

With its dynamic history, it’s no wonder Florida’s Historic Coast offers venues with amazing historical significance. History buffs will be enchanted by the thought of a ceremony at the St. Francis Barracks. Situated in downtown St. Augustine, the structures were hand-built out of coquina by Franciscan friars between 1724 and 1755. They were converted to military barracks by the British in 1763 and to this day serve as a military installation for the Florida National Guard. The wedding space consists of a verdant lawn overlooking the bayfront and an indoor space that’s part modern event hall and part historic museum. Also fashioned out of coquina, the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is a stunning location that cannot be replicated. Couples can tie the knot on the expansive lawn, next to the oldest masonry fort in the nation, constructed in 1672 by the Spanish.

And who could forget the beach?! Florida’s Historic Coast boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From small, barefoot ceremonies to bespoke, candle-lit processions, the beaches can transform into the perfect venue. The Serenata Beach Club is a full-service oceanfront oasis that hosts both indoor and beach events for 160 guests. Located in Ponte Vedra, their secluded beach services offer privacy and luxury all at once. Further south on St. Augustine Beach, the Guy Harvey Resort offers all of the amenities to ensure everyone has a blast. Their beach weddings can seat 130 guests, while their indoor rooms host between 60 and 130.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to finding your happily ever after on Florida’s Historic Coast. For images to accompany postings click here.


Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida’s Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra Beach, and 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches. For more information, call 1.800.653.2489 or go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com. Check us out on social media Instagram @FloridasHistoricCoast @ViajaSanAgustin Facebook.com/OfficialStAugustine and Facebook.com/ViajaSanAgustin and Twitter @FlHistoricCoast