Why Celebrate Your Reception or Rehearsal Dinner in St Augustine?
The night before your wedding (or the evening of) is one of those rare times when all your favorite people are in the same place, relaxed, and ready to celebrate. And when that place happens to be St. Augustine? You’re surrounded by cobblestone streets, ocean breezes, and some seriously good food.
Here is my no-nonsense guide for 10 favorite reception and rehearsal dinner venues in St. Augustine, with local insight, fun quirks, and a few ideas to make your night extra memorable.
1. Odd Birds Lounge
If your perfect night is full of laughter, clinking glasses, and that effortless “let’s just hang out” energy, Odd Birds is your place. The courtyard is lively and open-air, while the inside has a moody, cozy vibe — so you get the best of both worlds.
Style: Eclectic cocktail lounge with a private speakeasy style reception room.
Brief History: Started as a pop-up and became a local go-to for creative drinks and bold flavors.
Location: Just over the Bridge of Lions on Anastasia Island.
Capacity: About 50-75 for a seated dinner.
How to Reserve: Message their events team for private or partial space rentals.
Why Have Dinner Here: It’s all about fun, movement, and mingling.
Signature Pick: Their “Birds of Paradise” cocktail with fresh ceviche.
Local’s Tip: Invest in a DJ and decorate the space with your own vibe and mood or better yet, hire a setup designer.
2. Chez L’Amour
For candlelit elegance that feels like a little piece of Paris, Chez L’Amour hits the mark. You can almost forget you’re in Florida once you’re inside.
Style: Romantic French bistro.
Brief History: A newer favorite that’s already made a name for itself with refined menus and intimate atmosphere.
Location: In uptown, 10 minute walk from downtown.
Capacity: 50-75 guests.
How to Reserve: Book the private dining space well ahead of time (especially during Nights of Lights).
Why Have Dinner Here: Timeless romance in a unique setting.You will wow your guests especially if you set up with a DJ and some awesome lighting.
Signature Pick: Champagne toast followed by duck confit.
Local’s Tip: Make time for a short post-dinner stroll — the nearby streets are gorgeous for nighttime photos.
Seasonal Photo Tip: Winter Nights of Lights here are magical — bring a wrap or jacket for portraits outside.
3. Cortesse’s Bistro
If your love language is carbs and good wine, this is your spot. Cortesse’s has that “come as you are, stay as long as you like” charm, with food that makes you close your eyes on the first bite. And their courtyard is a lush garden escape with those“Are we in Italy now?” feels.
Style: Cozy Italian with coastal touches.
Brief History: Family-owned and known for their handmade pasta and fresh seafood.
Location: Just outside the busiest part of downtown next to the Library. Short 7 min drive from downtown.
Capacity: 40–50 guests.
How to Reserve: Call to arrange a family-style dinner, it’s what they do best.
Why Have Dinner Here: It’s like an intimate dinner party, but you don’t have to do the dishes. They also have a signature piano bar!
Signature Pick: Antipasto board and a bottle of Chianti for every table.
Local’s Tip: Order extra bread, you’ll want it for every sauce.
Seasonal Photo Tip: Late summer light streams beautifully through the windows for warm, cozy group shots.
4. Roosevelt Room
Think “downtown loft meets swanky cocktail bar.” Roosevelt Room is modern eclectic and is perfect for the intimate candlelit romance long tail dinners that Pinterest swoons over.
Style: Industrial chic with a warm edge.
Brief History: A stylish Prohibition era style hangout for both locals and visitors, with a killer cocktail menu and live music.
Location: Right on St George Street.
Capacity: 60–70 guests.
How to Reserve: Private buyouts available; weekdays are budget-friendly.
Why Have Dinner Here: It’s a blank canvas, you can dress it up or keep it casual.
Signature Pick: Citrus-infused old fashioned with braised short rib.
Local’s Tip: Build in a cocktail hour, they have a dance area and a gorgeous staircase for a photo opp.
5. 9 Aviles
If you’ve dreamed of a candlelit dinner in an old European city, this is as close as you’ll get without boarding a plane.
Style: Boutique historic venue with brick walls and warm lighting.
Brief History: Located on Aviles Street, one of the oldest streets in the U.S.
Location: Heart of historic downtown, right next to the main square.
Capacity: 50-80 guests.
How to Reserve: Call directly; they’re flexible with outside catering.
Why Have Dinner Here: It’s intimate, atmospheric, and perfect for small groups.
Signature Pick: Tapas-style dinner with sangria.
Local’s Tip: Plan for a group photo right outside on Aviles Street, this area is stunning.
Seasonal Photo Tip: Spring evenings here are perfect for soft, romantic light.
6. Casa Monica Resort & Spa
When you want your dinner to feel like a royal banquet, Casa Monica is your answer.
Style: Moorish Revival luxury hotel.
Brief History: Built in 1888 and restored in the ’90s, it’s dripping with historic detail.
Location: Right in the center of downtown next to the Lightner Museum.
Capacity: 40–150 depending on the space.
How to Reserve: Through their catering and events team.
Why Have Dinner Here: If you love elegance and drama, this is it.
Signature Pick: Champagne tower and decadent dessert buffet.
Local’s Tip: Sneak away for portraits on their grand staircase — it’s iconic.
7. The Reef
Dinner with the ocean as your soundtrack? Yes, please.
Style: Beachfront dining.
Brief History: A long-time favorite for seafood lovers in Vilano Beach.
Location: 10 minutes from downtown over the Vilano Bridge.
Capacity: 80–100 upstairs.
How to Reserve: Book with their banquet manager early, especially for sunset.
Why Have Dinner Here: Nothing beats ocean breezes and sunset views.
Signature Pick: Local oysters with sauvignon blanc.
Local’s Tip: Arrive a little early to grab pre-dinner beach portraits.
Seasonal Photo Tip: Summer sunsets here are pure magic.
8. Columbia Restaurant
This place is a sensory experience — colorful tiles, rich flavors, and the hum of a place that’s been loved for over a century.
Style: Historic Spanish-Cuban restaurant.
Brief History: Founded in 1905 in Tampa; St. Augustine location has been charming guests for decades.
Location: Historic district near the bayfront.
Capacity: 25–100 guests.
How to Reserve: Through their events coordinator.
Why Have Dinner Here: It’s flavorful, lively, and full of history.
Signature Pick: 1905 Salad and tableside made sangria.
Local’s Tip: The private rooms feel worlds away from the main dining bustle.
Seasonal Photo Tip: Winter lighting inside is warm and rich — perfect for cozy group photos.
9. Michael’s St. Augustine
A dinner here feels like an edible love letter, every course is thoughtful and beautiful.
Style: Fine dining with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
Brief History: Known for its award-winning wine list and chef-driven menu.
Location: Center of Downtown.
Capacity: 30–40 guests.
How to Reserve: Call to set up a custom tasting menu.
Why Have Dinner Here: For couples who see food as the highlight of the night.
Signature Pick: Chef’s tasting menu with wine pairings.
Local’s Tip: Let the chef surprise you — the seasonal specials are incredible.
10. The Oldest House
If you love history and want a blank-slate space to make your own, The Oldest House is it.
Style: Historic home and a lush green garden courtyard with large mossy oak trees and nested between colorful historic buildings.
Brief History: Built in the early 1700s, it’s the oldest surviving Spanish colonial house in the city.
Location: Just south of downtown.
Capacity: Up to 75 outdoors.
How to Reserve: Through the St. Augustine Historical Society.
Why Have Dinner Here: You can customize everything — from the food truck to the décor.
Signature Pick: Pizza or taco truck with local craft beer.
Local’s Tip: Watch the clock, there’s a noise ordinance, so plan acoustic music, soft jazz and lawn games.
Seasonal Photo Tip: Fall evenings give you that perfect soft glow on the historic walls.
Why Have a Photographer at Your Dinner?
Some of my favorite wedding weekend photos happen at these dinners, your best friend’s laugh mid-toast, your dad dancing with your mom, your niece sneaking a second cupcake. It’s the relaxed, unscripted stuff that tells the real story. And trust me, you’ll want to remember it.
Fun Extras to Make the Night Unforgettable
- Dinner Games: Shoe Game, Wedding Trivia, Table Bingo
- Sweet Treats: Luli’s Cupcakes, Creme de la Cocoa, Chocolate Turtle
- Photo-Worthy Moments: Oyster roast (Aunt Kate’s Catering), hand-rolled cigars (St. Augustine Cigars), champagne tower at sunset
Alternative Celebration Ideas in St Augustine
- Private BNB Dinner: Rent a stunning vacation home and hire a private chef for a truly personalized evening.
- Rooftop Cocktails & Tapas: Enjoy sweeping views of the city while mingling over small bites.
- Historic Courtyard Party: Bring in string lights, live music, and locally inspired catering for a magical outdoor dinner.
Tips From Past Couples
- Keep the speeches short and heartfelt to maximize time for mingling.
- Choose a menu that reflects your personalities or shared travels. BONUS: Create a special atmosphere with unique table centerpieces.
- Plan for sunset or nighttime portraits nearby — the city comes alive after dark.
Ready to Plan Your St. Augustine Celebration?
Whether you’re dreaming of a beachside feast, a courtyard dinner under string lights, or a grand ballroom reception, St. Augustine has the perfect spot waiting for you. I’d love to help you capture every toast, laugh, and late-night dance move, the moments that make your wedding weekend truly yours. Let’s make sure you can relive them for years to come.
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