5 Splendid Ways to Take Advantage of Nights of Lights When Planning a Holiday Wedding in St. Augustine

St. Augustine’s magical holiday celebration runs from November through January!

On November 17th, holiday season officially kicked off in St. Augustine with the annual Light Up! Night –the official opening ceremony which takes place across the street from The Treasury on the Plaza in the Plaza de la Constitución. Every year, the nation’s oldest city is adorned with over two million twinkling white lights for Nights of Lights. This unique spectacle has been named by National Geographic as one of the top 10 places to see holiday lights in the world.

With the holidays being such a magical, romantic season in St. Augustine, it’s no surprise that many couples choose to say “I do!” during this time of year.  The city truly shines and the weather is beautiful. Additionally, brides and grooms will find no shortage of exciting things going on for guests to enjoy while in town for a wedding.

Bow Tie Photo

Wiler Weddings

Ashley Steeby Photography

There are so many fantastic opportunities to incorporate the Nights of Lights festivities into your wedding celebration. Here are 5 splendid ways to take advantage of Nights of Lights when planning a holiday wedding in St. Augustine:

1. Wedding Photos During Nights of Lights

The dreamy lighting displays spread across approximately 20 city blocks of historic downtown St. Augustine. From the grand facade of the Lightner Museum, to the iconic Bridge of Lions, and all of the quaint cobblestone streets in between, there is no shortage of picture-perfect locations. The glow of millions of white sparkling lights creates a dazzling backdrop for wedding portraits after the sun goes down.

Life and Love Studios

Tribble Shoot Photography

Angelita Esparar Photography

Angelita Esparar Photography

2. Horse and Carriage Rides

Carriage rides amidst the magical glow of the historic district make the perfect exit from your wedding reception, or even as a fun romantic outing while you are in town checking a few items off of your wedding planning to-do list. Reservations are available through Southern Carriages or Country Carriages.

Lisa King Photography

Richard Fleming Photography

3. Group Nights of Lights Trolley Tours

Are you looking for something fun and festive to do with your bridal party after your rehearsal dinner? Old Town Trolley’s famous Nights of Lights Tour promises caroling, complimentary hot cider, and homemade cookies! Ripley’s Big Red Christmas Train also offers a Nights of Lights Tour with a VIP option to book in advance and skip long lines. 

Monarch Studio

VisitStAugustine.com

4. Private Water Tours

The reflection of the twinkling lights off of the water along the Matanzas River creates a dreamy sense of romance. A local favorite, the Schooner Freedom offers private charters for pre- and post-wedding get-togethers. Florida Water Tours offers private tours for 14+ guests with catering available.

Tony Giese Photography

5. Nights of Lights Food and Drink Experiences

Many of St. Augustine’s local bars and restaurants get in on the festive holiday spirit for Nights of Lights. Nights of Pints, a bar-hopping special event offered by four St. Augustine breweries, makes the perfect post-wedding or bachelor/bachelorette party activity for beer lovers. For those who prefer a delicious martini, bayfront cocktail bar Tini Martini Bar has one of the most spectacular lighting displays in the downtown area. Looking for the perfect restaurant to host a pre- or post-wedding meal? The Columbia, The Bayview Room at A1A Ale Works, Harry’s Seafood, and Michael’s Tasting Room are located right in the downtown historic district.

Casablanca Inn & Tini Martini Bar

The Columbia on St. George Street

A1A Ale Works

Whether you are hosting a wedding or just looking for a little holiday magic, Nights of Lights is a can’t miss event. We hope that you have the opportunity to come and enjoy the beauty of the nation’s oldest city during this special time of year!

Rob Futrell Photography