Best Restaurants for a Romantic Post-Elopement Dinner in St. Augustine, FL
- Amanda Provenzano
- Jul 6
- 5 min read
After you've exchanged your vows, celebrated with a few happy tears, went on a little adventure, and soaked in the fact that you're officially married...
What's next?
One of my favorite things about elopements is that the day doesn't have to end after your ceremony or portraits!
If you're still planning your day, you might enjoy reading my St. Augustine Elopement Timeline: 4, 8, and 12 Hour Example Days, where I walk through what a relaxed, experience-focused elopement can look like from start to finish!
Instead, you get to slow down, relax, and celebrate in whatever way feels most like you. And for a lot of couples, that means sitting down for an incredible meal together.
Whether you're dreaming of an elegant candlelit dinner, fresh seafood by the water, rooftop cocktails overlooking the bay, or a cozy restaurant tucked away in historic downtown, St. Augustine has so many amazing places to celebrate your first meal as newlyweds.
Choosing where to celebrate afterward is just one piece of planning your day! If you're still deciding where to exchange your vows, here are my Top 5 Places to Have Your Elopement Ceremony in St. Augustine.
Here are some of my favorite restaurants for a romantic post-elopement dinner in St. Augustine!
Collage Restaurant
If you're envisioning an intimate, upscale dinner after your elopement, Collage Restaurant is always one of my first recommendations.
Tucked away in the heart of historic downtown, Collage is known for its cozy atmosphere, exceptional service, and beautifully prepared seafood, steaks, and international-inspired dishes. It feels elegant without being overly formal, making it the perfect place to slow down, order a bottle of wine, and relive every moment of your wedding day together!
Perfect for:
Elegant downtown elopements
Couples looking for a fine dining experience
Romantic evenings in the heart of St. Augustine
Tip: Make reservations well in advance, especially if you're eloping on a weekend or during peak tourist season!
Cap's on the Water
Located just outside of historic downtown, this local favorite overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway and offers fresh seafood, beautiful outdoor seating, and one of the most romantic sunset views in the area.
Cap's on the Water is the perfect place to kick off married life with amazing food and an unforgettable view!
Perfect for:
Beach elopements
Sunset celebrations
Couples who love fresh seafood and waterfront dining
If you're planning a sunset ceremony before dinner, you may also enjoy my guide on Sunrise vs. Sunset Elopements in St. Augustine, where I compare both options to help you decide which fits your vision best!
Casa Reina
If you're looking for incredible food paired with one of the best views in St. Augustine, Casa Reina is such a fun place to celebrate after your elopement.
Located at the foot of the Bridge of Lions, Casa Reina serves delicious Mexican and Latin-inspired cuisine in a beautifully restored historic building. Their rooftop seating overlooks Matanzas Bay and downtown St. Augustine, making it an amazing spot to toast to your new adventure together!
It strikes the perfect balance between romantic and relaxed, making it ideal for couples who want a fun atmosphere without sacrificing beautiful scenery.
Perfect for:
Rooftop dining
Waterfront views
Margaritas and handcrafted cocktails
Sunset celebrations
Tip: If the weather is nice, request rooftop seating for one of the best views in the city!!
Columbia Restaurant
If you're looking for a restaurant that's full of history and old-world charm, Columbia Restaurant is a wonderful place to celebrate your first meal as newlyweds.
As Florida's oldest restaurant, Columbia offers beautiful Spanish-inspired architecture, warm hospitality, and a menu featuring favorites like their famous 1905 Salad, fresh seafood, paella, and sangria.
It feels timeless, which makes it such a fitting place to continue celebrating after an intimate wedding day in historic St. Augustine.
Perfect for:
Couples who love history
Spanish and Cuban-inspired cuisine
A relaxed but elegant atmosphere
Tip: Order a pitcher of sangria to share while celebrating your wedding day!
Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille
If you're looking for a lively but romantic atmosphere, Harry's is another amazing option.
Located in the heart of downtown, Harry's combines New Orleans-inspired flavors with one of the prettiest courtyards in St. Augustine. The string lights, greenery, and brick walkways create such a fun atmosphere for celebrating after your ceremony.
After dinner, you're just steps away from the historic streets, making it easy to continue exploring together!
Perfect for:
Historic downtown elopements
Couples wanting a relaxed, celebratory dinner
Great food and handcrafted cocktails
Tip: Ask for courtyard seating if it's available. It makes the experience even more romantic!
Ice Plant
For couples who appreciate craft cocktails and unique restaurants, Ice Plant is always one of my favorites.
Located inside a beautifully restored historic ice plant, the atmosphere is unlike anywhere else in St. Augustine. The unique design, locally sourced ingredients, and creative cocktail menu make it feel elevated while still being relaxed.
It's the perfect place for couples who love trying something a little different!
Perfect for:
Cocktail lovers
Foodies
Unique date-night experiences
Catch 27
If fresh, locally caught seafood sounds like the perfect way to celebrate your wedding day, Catch 27 is definitely worth considering.
Located in the historic district, this cozy restaurant focuses on fresh local ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere that feels intimate without being overly formal.
It's a great choice if you're looking for incredible seafood while keeping the evening relaxed and laid-back.
Perfect for:
Seafood lovers
Casual but memorable celebrations
Couples exploring downtown after dinner
Should You Make Reservations?
Absolutely!
St. Augustine is one of Florida's most popular destinations, and many of its best restaurants book up quickly, especially on weekends, holidays, and during Nights of Lights.
If you already know your elopement date, I always recommend making dinner reservations well in advance. It's one less thing to think about, and it allows your day to flow seamlessly from your ceremony into your celebration!
Make an Evening Out of It
One of the best parts about eloping is that there isn't a strict schedule waiting for you.
After dinner, you could:
Walk along the bayfront.
Grab ice cream from one of the local shops downtown.
Watch the boats drift through Matanzas Bay.
Pop a bottle of champagne back at your Airbnb.
Ride horseback on the beach at sunset.
These fun moments often become some of the most meaningful memories from the entire day!
Your Celebration Doesn't End After "I Do"
One of the biggest misconceptions about elopements is that they're over as soon as the ceremony ends.
In reality, that's often when the best part begins.
Your elopement day is about so much more than exchanging vows. That's one of the reasons I love elopements so much. They give you the freedom to build a day that's completely your own. If you're still deciding whether an elopement is right for you, you might also enjoy reading Why Eloping in St. Augustine Might Be the Most Romantic and Fun Thing You'll Ever Do! Your elopement is about celebrating, exploring somewhere beautiful, slowing down, having fun, and soaking in every moment together.
Whether you're sharing a candlelit dinner at Collage, watching the sunset at Cap's on the Water, sipping rooftop cocktails at Casa Reina, or wandering downtown after dinner, your post-elopement celebration is another chapter in your story.
And honestly, I think that's one of the most beautiful parts of eloping!
Let's Plan an Elopement Day You'll Never Forget!
One of my favorite parts of helping couples plan their elopement is creating a day that feels like an experience from beginning to end.
From choosing the perfect ceremony location and building a relaxed timeline to recommending some of my favorite restaurants in St. Augustine, I'm here to help you create a wedding day that feels intentional, joyful, and completely true to you!
If you're dreaming of an intimate St. Augustine elopement, I'd love to help bring your vision to life.
Whether you're just starting to plan or already know exactly what your dream day looks like, my Ultimate St. Augustine Elopement Guide is a great place to begin planning every detail.
Reach out here and let's start planning a day you'll never forget!
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