As a bride-to-be dreaming of gorgeous save the dates, you already know you are in love with St. Augustine’s Historic District. From the iconic Bridge of Lions to the Spanish-colonial architecture of the Cathedral Basilica, this charming coastal town oozes old-world romance. Amidst the cobblestone street on Aviles Street, grand live oaks dripping with Spanish moss, and breathtaking views of the Matanzas Bay. This is the fairy-tale setting you’ve been envisioning for engagement photos that exude vintage elegance.

Capturing Your Love: Our Favorite Photo Spots

As an engagement photographer in St. Augustine, I have a few favorite spots that are perfect for capturing your love. The Lightner Museum, with its opulent architecture and historic details, provides a gorgeous backdrop for romantic photos. Its courtyard, in particular, is stunning.

Another favorite is Flagler College, a former luxury hotel now a college campus. Its red brick buildings, archways, and towers feel straight out of a fairytale. For a classic St. Augustine look, head to George Street or Aviles Street, two of the oldest streets in the U.S. Lined with cobblestones and historic buildings, every corner is photo-worthy.

If by change you’re still reading but not into the historic city, the beaches along St. Augustine Beach or Anastasia State Park are beautiful, especially at sunrise or sunset. The dunes, sea oats, and crashing waves provide a peaceful yet dramatic setting for your photos.

With so many possibilities, every couple is sure to find locations that capture their unique love story. I love helping soon-to-be newlyweds discover and photograph places meaningful to them, creating images you’ll cherish for years to come. St. Augustine is a special place, and I feel lucky to call it home and share its beauty with couples on their engagement shoots.

Book Enough Time for your Engagement Session

As a professional photographer who spends a lot of time in historic St. Augustine, I always recommend booking at least 1.5 to 2 hours for engagement sessions. St. Augustine has so many amazing photo spots, you’ll want enough time to get a variety of shots. Personally, I love capturing casual, romantic moments in addition to the standard posed photos.

Spending more time also means we can explore more locations. Some of my favorite spots in St. Augustine include the cobblestone streets, the Lightner Museum courtyard, Flagler College with its red brick architecture, and even a sunset photo on the beach. If we only had an hour, we’d have to choose one or two locations and miss out on capturing your engagement story in all these scenic places.

Booking extra time for your session also means we can go at an easy pace, without feeling rushed. We’ll have breathing room in the schedule for wardrobe changes, and just enjoying this experience together. An engagement shoot should be fun, not stressful! I find that couples who book longer sessions end up with engagement photos they absolutely love because we had time to get comfortable, creative and adventurous with poses and settings.

Trust me, you won’t regret booking a longer engagement session. The extra time will allow us to create gorgeous, high-quality engagement photos in St. Augustine. These images will be cherished for years to come, so make the investment in extra time – your future selves will thank you!

Best Time To Book An Engagement Session in St. Augustine

As a St. Augustine engagement photographer, I highly recommend booking either an early morning or sunset session to capture the historic city at its most magical.

Sunrise Sessions

Rise and shine for a sunrise session! Arrive before dawn to snag one of the coveted parking spots near the Castillo de San Marcos or Flagler College. The soft glow of sunrise illuminates the cobblestone streets and Spanish architecture. You’ll enjoy smaller crowds (or none at all) and cooler weather, perfect for cuddling up together.

Golden Hour

For a warm, dreamy shoot, schedule an evening session during the golden hour before sunset. The low angle of the sun casts a golden glow over everything it touches. Head to the Bridge of Lions or St. Augustine Beach for a gorgeous sunset backdrop. Be prepared to walk a bit from where you parked to reach the prime photo spots. The golden hour only lasts around 30 minutes, so we’ll work quickly to get lots of stunning shots before the sun dips below the horizon.

Booking an early morning or sunset session is ideal for an engagement shoot in St. Augustine. You’ll beat the biggest crowds, enjoy the best lighting, and snag photos with a timeless, romantic quality. As an engagement photographer, I aim to capture this special season of your relationship and provide you with images you’ll cherish for years to come.

You’re more than welcome to bring your fur baby along to your engagement session!

Other things to know about an engagement session in St. Augustine

I’m Phavy, an engagement and wedding photographer based in St. Augustine. As your photographer, I want to make sure you have an amazing experience during your engagement session. Here are a few extra tips to keep in mind:

Choose outfits that reflect your style

Pick outfits that show your unique style as a couple. St. Augustine has beautiful scenery, so outfits that are flowy or incorporate natural, earthy tones work great. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so also wear comfortable shoes! Many of my future brides have opted for thicker heels.

Be prepared for different weather conditions

St. Augustine’s weather can be unpredictable. As your photographer, I will check the forecast ahead of time and let you know if we need to reschedule. However a little drizzle won’t hurt (as long as it’s not storming). I can work with any weather to get stunning photos, so don’t stress if it’s not perfect outside!

Bring your props and sentimental items

If you have any props, decor or sentimental items you want to incorporate, bring them along! Things like love letters, champagne, or your pet. I can photograph any meaningful details to make your pictures even more personal.

Relax and have fun!

The most important thing is to relax, be yourselves and have a great time. Your joy and natural chemistry will shine through in the photos. Laugh together, kiss, hug and just enjoy this experience of being newly engaged in a place you both love! Pretend I’m not even there and call it a date night (or day date)

Conclusion

So there you have it – a behind-the-scenes peek at our enchanting engagement session in historic St. Augustine! From the Spanish-inspired architecture to the moss-draped oak trees, this charming coastal city was the perfect romantic backdrop. As we strolled hand-in-hand through the cobblestone streets, the camera captured our joy and excitement for this new chapter ahead. Now when I look through these photos, I’m transported back to that magical afternoon. The dazzling sunlight, John’s adoring gaze, my giddy smile – all those details vividly preserve this moment in time. I hope revisiting these images fills you with the same delight it brings me. St. Augustine will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Contact me now for your Engagement Session in St. Augustine, Florida

Phavy Photography (phavyphotos.com)
St. Augustine Engagement and Wedding Photographer
E-mail: contact@phavyphotos.com
Phone: 904-228-1350
Instagram: 904photographer
Facebook: facebook.com/phavyphotos

Inquire here.