Destination session · St. Augustine
St. Augustine: photos where Spanish Florida began
Narrow streets, wooden balconies and a coquina-stone fort on the bay. A city founded by Spain in 1565, perfect for a session with roots.
Living history on every corner
St. Augustine is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Its historic district keeps its colonial layout, and the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century Spanish fort, is a national monument.
The Castillo
Coquina walls, sentry boxes and open lawns on the bay: textured backdrops with a horizon.
Colonial streets
Pedestrian lanes, gates and balconies that look straight out of a Spanish town.
On the bayfront
The seawall and the historic bridge add water and sky to close out the session.
Sessions that connect with your roots
Quinceañera
A Hispanic tradition celebrated in Florida's oldest Spanish-founded city: photos with special meaning for the whole family.
Sweet 16
Colorful, characterful streets for an editorial look that mixes classic and modern.
Engagement and wedding
Strolls through the lanes and the seawall at sunset: a romantic getaway that shows in every photo.
Maternity
A long gown against old stone walls makes portraits that feel strong and tender at once.
Family
A family history weekend, with photos that tell where you come from.
A well-planned photo weekend
- 01
Planning call
We go over looks, number of guests and a photo route through the city, and check the current rules for each spot.
- 02
Travel and quote
St. Augustine is too far for a comfortable day trip. Our team travels from Miami; travel is on request and is itemized in your quote.
- 03
Lodging
We recommend staying in or near the historic district, so you can walk to the spots and skip the parking hunt.
- 04
Session day
We start early, ahead of the crowds, and follow a walking route with direction for every pose.
Light and season in North Florida
The narrow streets give open shade, and the bay faces east, which makes sunrise special here.
- Sunrise: golden light on the fort and bay, with nearly empty streets.
- Late day: soft shade in the lanes and warm tones on the facades.
- Season: spring and fall are usually pleasant; winter can be chilly and summer hot and stormy.
What to wear in a colonial city
Gray stone and colorful facades pair well with rich tones and classic silhouettes.
- Gowns in red, wine, royal blue, gold or white.
- Short or bustled trains: there are cobblestones and busy pedestrian streets.
- In winter, an elegant coat or shawl for between shots.
- Flat, comfortable walking shoes; the photo shoes travel in the bag.
Permits and route, sorted by us
The Castillo is a federal site, and large groups, such as a full quince court, may need a National Park Service permit. Some downtown buildings and courtyards are private and have their own rules. We confirm everything when you book.
- If your group is large, we apply for the permit with the lead time required.
- We build the route only around spots where sessions are allowed.
- Any fee or permit is listed separately, in writing, in your quote.
- We coordinate hair and makeup as part of the travel plan.
Make the most of the drive
In one visit you can combine the fort, the downtown streets and the seawall. If you head home through Central Florida, you can add a garden in the Orlando area.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need a permit to shoot at the Castillo de San Marcos?
Can we do it as a day trip from Miami?
Can we shoot at any building downtown?
What if it rains?
A photo weekend in St. Augustine?
Choose your session in the quote builder, pick St. Augustine as your location, and we'll send a travel plan with a written price.