Lightner Museum

engagement ring!) and at the time had the largest indoor swimming pool in the world. How cool is that? It's also situated in the heart of downtown St. Augustine and VERY walkable for wedding guests staying at the Casa Monica or nearby hotels, airbnbs, etc. AND it's just a timeless place that reminds me a lot of my hometown, New Orleans. :) These are just a few of many reasons this venue was a literal dream for my husband and I to say I Do in! It's hard to put into words how appreciative my husband and I are for the Lightner Team - especially Kelly Hale and Brandy Boulette! Kelly is part of the sales team and did a fabulous job answering all the questions we had for her (there were many!) and taking us on a very comprehensive tour of the spaces we could rent - thank you Kelly! Brandy literally made our event happen, is amazing at what she does, and is overall just an awesome person. She knows the Lightner inside and out and will do her best to work with any idea you throw her way - including a traditional New Orleans Second Line from the ceremony to cocktail hour! haha! (Thanks for executing this so well, Brandy. Made me feel like I was back in the Big Easy!) I also want to mention how professional Brandy and her team were with handling Covid-19 concerns and postponements. They created policies and set safety protocols which really helped to put a lot of our guests' minds at ease. While we definitely had our moments of uncertainty, Brandy and her team were always there to help. Again, it's so hard to describe how grateful we are to have worked with this fantastic team at this stunning venue. We are beyond thrilled to have had our big day even in the midst of the pandemic and will cherish that night and all the planning leading up to it, forever.

d here at the Lightner Museum!

our wedding. She was responsive to our emails and attentive to our revisions.

d reception were fantastic. Lyndsey was wonderful, and I appreciated her attention to detail.

and most from out of state. It would therefore not be possible to have most of our guests attend, due to work schedules, to host on any day but a Saturday. Because of our Jewish faith, we cannot host the wedding during Shabbos (Friday sundown - Saturday sundown). We therefore planned an early February wedding because the sundown time would allow us to have our wedding at a reasonable time (6:30pm start time). Due to COVID, they are now working with most couples on a 8-10 week out basis to reschedule their weddings. If you're considering a venue and have never planned a wedding before, you should know how unrealistic that timeframe is. At 8-10 weeks out, your invitations should be out, you should be receiving RSVPs back, working on vendor specifics, have the bride’s dress altered, etc. etc. We approached them to reschedule our Feb. 2021 wedding, as we had been hearing from nearly all of our guests that they would not be able to come, due to travel restrictions and health considerations. As an exception to the 8-10 week policy, they offered to reschedule our event to June of 2021 at the latest, which we appreciated, but due to Shabbos, we cannot have a wedding any later than February, as the sundown time would force us to start our wedding very late in the evening. For example, if it were held in April, we’d have to start at around 8pm; this would mean the event would end at 1:30, well past their cut off time stipulated in the contract. We then asked for a Saturday in late October, or all of November and December, and they offer us the Saturday before or the Saturday after Thanksgiving; no other dates! They know this is not workable for a wedding where everyone is coming from out of state; nobody would come to a wedding right before or right after Thanksgiving. We then asked several times for Saturdays in January or February 2022, both of which would accommodate our guests’ travel needs and our religious needs, but they refused to provide that option, however several asks later, they agreed to provide those options, but insisted on charging an additional $2,000, on top of our already outrageously overpriced venue contract (to the tune of $15,500+ originally). Because it was the only venue my fiancee and I both liked, we begrudgingly agreed to pay the $2,000 additional fee, but they then refused to host our wedding, saying they’re “not a good fit.” They took it upon themselves to cancel our contract, refusing to host our wedding as scheduled or on any other previously offered date. Nobody at this organization answers phone calls or emails without a three day minimum to get back to you. Some emails went a week without a response. If you are considering a St. Augustine wedding, do know that there are many other wonderful options in historic downtown and along the beach (keep in mind Treasury on the Plaza is also operated by this organization, where you’ll have similar poor treatment). You should consider these alternatives if you value good communication, customer service, and/or having your religious needs accommodated. You should also consider these alternatives if you are Jewish as they have proven that they are happy to discriminate against and mistreat Jewish couples without hesitation.

e for our ceremony. Flowing draperies and uplighting along with white wire string lights overhead created the mood along with a greenery wall draped with flowers. It was gorgeous. The stunning Grand Lobby was where we hosted cocktails. And the event staff were absolutely fabulous!! They deftly and expertly handled every aspect of the planning and execution of the wedding. Brandy was helpful with advice during many difficult decisions that presented because of the Covid virus. On our wedding day, one guest who needed handicapped parking, was unable to find an available space. Brandy went out, found where they were, and brought them to her assigned parking place and moved her car elsewhere . That’s generosity of spirit! Our guests were so complimentary and effusive about the wedding. It was truly beautiful.

all thoughtful. The entire team at The Lightner was excellent in communication in answering all my questions and concerns. After postponing from March to August the Wedding was able to happen and it was beyond beautiful. The staff managed all vendors and allowed everyone to enjoy the wedding. Family and guests are still talking about the venue. Thank you to Katie, Brandy, Olivia and the entire Lightner Team for making 8/21/20 the Wedding our daughter dreamed of it was absolutely PERFECT!!

breathe of fresh air from the rest of the tours. From the beginning she just got us. We knew instantly the Lightner was the venue for us. Kelly worked with us answering questions, revising the contract, handling insurance questions and every little detail we through at her before we signed. She was very professional and prompt in her responses. If I emailed her, I always heard from within 24 hours. The venue is by far one of the most unique venues in town. The venue is rich in history, has so much charm and character. You can dress up the venue any way you want it and it will just work. The venue is so versatile as well every experience is unique We got married off sight at a church in town, after the ceremony our guests walked across the street to the Lightner Museum. They entered through the courtyard, into the Grand Lobby where they received their first cocktail. There they were able to tour the museum before working their way down into the “pool” for cocktail hour. After cocktail hour everyone went up to the mezzanine level (like the pool deck) as the band announced the bridal party into the pool. It was so neat to be able to look up and see all of our loved ones looking at us as we started our first dance. The space accommodated our 190 attendants comfortable and flowed well. Leading up to the wedding day Katie was fantastic to work with. She arranged walkthroughs for us, helped us with our layout, uplight and design. She was full of wonderful ideas and such a joy to work with. On the wedding day Katie and her team were completely professional, efficient and made everything run smoothly. We did not have to worry about a thing. The staff was very attentive and bent over backwards to make sure we had everything we need - they even had a second drink in our hands just before we finished the one we already had. My husband and I met at and went to Flagler College and it was important for us to tie the Henry Flagler aspect into our wedding day. The Lightner Museum was the perfect fit for us but the Lightner team is truly what made it such a wonderful experience!

wedding factory of a hotel or event venue. If you want a unique and picture-perfect location, there is truly no other option in Florida. Throughout the planning process, Brandy was AMAZING and found creative solutions, making each step as seamless and stress-free as possible. If you cross-reference our wedding date, you will find that our wedding occurred two days before The Lightner closed due to Coronavirus, when CDC limited gatherings to 10 people, and thus our wedding day faced more challenges and cancellations than most. Regardless, Brandy and her team modified plans and delivered a great event. We couldn't be more thankful and couldn't more highly recommend this perfect wedding experience.

reathtaking. After the ceremony, guests were escorted to the courtyard for cocktail hour. After cocktail hour, guests walked through the museum back to the historic pool, where the space was transformed for the reception. The staff at the Lightner work with you and your planner to ensure that everything will go smoothly that day. Everyone can not stop talking about my wedding, and how beautiful the venue was! If you want something different that everyone will remember, book the Lightner Museum for your wedding!

le to see the ceremony in one area, have cocktail hour in another area, get to see the museum and then have the reception allllll in one location. We loved working with Katie and the Lightner team and really couldn't have asked for more on our wedding day.

ager, Katie Noble truly went above and beyond to ensure our day was perfect. We can't thank you enough!

ithout a hitch! Every detail was well thought out and executed flawlessly. The staff was incredibly attentive and knew what we wanted, before we even knew (food from our buffet, a drink or glass of water, etc.)! They were truly a godsend! We had our ceremony in the "Grand Lobby" (which I would highly recommend, it was GORGEOUS!), and then moved through the museum to the "pool area" for cocktail hour, dinner and the reception. The space held our 165 guests well, and everyone was comfortable throughout the night. The acoustics of the building itself, made for a great sound from the band, and we enjoyed dancing the night away under the fun string lighting! If you're looking for a venue that's iconic, unique and functional, then this is definitely where you want to be! :)

tory the building had. The staff was AMAZING from Kelly who gave us our first tour, Brandy who helped to get out planning rolling, and to Katie who made our vision become reality. The staff was extremely helpful, professional, and was readily available to answer our questions and address our concerns. We wanted our open bar to reflect as many local tastes as possible and these ladies bend over backwards to make this happen. Our guests fell in love with the venue as much as we did as we danced the night away. We would highly recommend this venue and its staff for your wedding or any event in the St. Augustine area!

was really special too! I would highly recommend this location!

the staff. They did everything in their power to make sure we were happy with everything and that things went off without a hitch the day of. It was such a pleasure working with everyone especially Katie. My husband is a government employee and unfortunately we were affected by the government shutdown that took place earlier this year right smack in the middle of our planning. Katie and the Lightner team worked so well with us it made it possible to continue planning. That's something that really meant a lot to us and we'll never forget. Thank you Katie and the Lightner team for being so wonderful, caring, attentive, and professional. We love you!

t place to show off St. Augustine. The venue staff was so attentive and helpful with every detail. They were prompt with emailing you back and made everything go so smoothly. They were so helpful to my mother-in-law who was planning this from out of town. I would highly suggest working with the venue staff over anywhere else. They know what they’re doing!! If you’re looking at the Lightner for your wedding or rehearsal dinner, do it! You won’t regret it.

ing with Christina and Katie was great. Katie worked so well with me, our day of coordinator, and photographer to make sure the day ran smoothly and accommodate our requests. We had our ceremony and reception on the ground floor of the historic pool and it felt like a different room before and after they turned it over. Having the reception on the ground floor made it feel so much more intimate and helped everyone to be more involved (I was also grateful to avoid stairs). We took our first look photos on the third floor of the historic pool and got to take fun photos with the wedding party in the old spa in the museum. I love how our wedding photos in the courtyard and hallways came out. They also just renovated the bridal suite and it's beautiful! My bridesmaids and I got great shots there as well (and some pre-wedding snacks and champagne). I absolutely recommend the Lightner Museum.

. We are still getting compliments from family and friends and all of them say the exact same thing..."That was the best wedding I've ever been to!" You will not regret having your wedding here, I promise!

o helpful and encouraging and loving and made me feel so exited and taken care of consistently throughout my wedding planning experience and on my big day. They helped turn my wedding reception into an unforgettable vision and a night I will never forget. All my vendors and theirs were coordinated so effortlessly and the night went so perfect. I can't say thank you enough!!! For the most amazing BEST night of my entire life <3

ng (date, time, esthetic) around the Lightner Museum. From the moment you walk in everything feels elegant, timeless, and grandeur. Not sure how you could ever go wrong with that, but to top it off, the staff is so courteous, professional, and helpful. They know everything there is to know about planning a wedding in Historic St. Augustine and are happy to help you every step of the way. A huge shoutout to Katie Noble who indulged our every whim and dealt with my large family and their many opinions. She handled the evening with grace. We had 250 out of town guests and every single one of them has mentioned how impressed they were with the whole weekend. If you’re looking for a night you won’t ever forget, book the Lightner Museum. We don’t ever get tired of looking at our pictures or video, and know we will be returning soon to visit. Love this place!

helped make the event effortless.

ion to help us feel comfortable planning things from so far away. She is very detail oriented and always on top of her game. She made things very clear and easy to understand. We were able to trust and rely on them without hesitation. As for the venue itself, it was more than a dream come true. We loved utilizing the entire space, allowing our guests to flow through each floor to take in the beauty of the building. All of our guests were in awe of the space. The Lightner allows for so many great photo opportunities, providing vibes from vintage to whimsical, to magical. We couldn’t have asked for anything more, choosing the Lightner was the best choice we could’ve made for our wedding day.

hey browsed the exhibits during cocktail hour and then the reception in the historic pool was both beautiful and so much fun! Thank you to the whole team at Lightner for making our wedding so perfect!