Destination Debrief: St. Augustine, the Wedding Edition

Our Weekend Itinerary

• Day 1: We started our wedding weekend with a beach day for early guests. This gave our guests a chance to relax and enjoy the East Coast's beautiful waves and clear waters. This truly sets the tone for a dreamy weekend. Before the evening’s events, my husband and I enjoyed a private dinner at The Drunken Horse, a wine bar serving both modern and French cuisine. We then walked to our official welcome event at the River and Fort rooftop. There, our guests savored cocktails while taking in views of the Bridge of Lions and the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.

• Day 2: The bride and groom had a spa day at Poseidon, which is near the Casa Monica Hotel & Resort. The men had lunch, drinks and cigars at The Ice Plant. Our rehearsal dinner took place at The Columbia, Florida’s oldest restaurant, where we enjoyed a personalized menu of Spanish-Cuban cuisine.

• Day 3: We were pleasantly surprised to discover that St. Augustine is a sought-after destination for weddings, offering numerous unique venues. We chose The White room, a historic site that provided our guests with breathtaking water views as they celebrated our special day. The party continued with a party at Meehan's Irish Pub. It is a nice place by the water that was once the home of the first president of the Florida National Bank.

Additional Locations for Wedding Events

• The Chatsworth Pub: A cozy English pub that offers high tea, making it a great spot for a bridal luncheon. The Chatsworth is also known for their over-the-top cocktails, ideal for an after-party.

• San Sebastian Winery: Alongside tours and tastings, this winery has a rooftop restaurant and bar called La Cocina. With live music on the weekends, it's an excellent location for a welcoming gathering.

• The Tini Martini Bar: A charming martini bar with a romantic veranda, perfect for intimate parties.

• St. Augustine Distillery: This distillery is below The Ice Plant. It has bourbon barrels and a dark interior, so it's the perfect place for a groomsmen's party.

• Colonial Oak Music Park: Situated on St. George Street, this park is built around a majestic 300-year-old oak tree adorned with lanterns and string lights. The St. Augustine Seafood Company provides food and a full-service bar to complement the live music, making it ideal for large gatherings.

• River and Fort Restaurant: While we enjoyed the rooftop and lounge for our welcome event, this stunning building offers local seafood, steaks, wine and craft cocktails. They do accommodate large parties and private events for those looking to delight their guests with coastal cuisine.

• Kookaburra Coffee: A St. Augustine must-have! This Australian coffeehouse has multiple locations throughout St. Augustine. The Aussie iced is a must-have! We treated our bridal party to their specialty coffees on the morning of the wedding.

• Whetstones Chocolates: A local chocolate shop that offers tasting tours and treats to go! Whetstones can accommodate large orders for those looking for a unique St. Augustine wedding favor.