River House is a beautiful waterfront venue in the heart of St. Augustine that has plenty of open space and spectacular views of the Matanzas River. With both indoor and outdoor spaces that you can use for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, it’s a versatile venue with a personality that can still accommodate and showcase your unique wedding vision. River House Events is a gorgeous place to say “I do” and begin the next chapter of your life.
River House Events is uniquely owned by a nonprofit organization, the St. Johns County Council on Aging. Throughout the week, the building is an active senior center that hosts classes and programming for St. Augustine residents and guests, and on the weekend, it becomes a beautiful event venue. Proceeds from the venue rentals help to fund the nonprofit’s mission, so your money goes to helping a great cause!
The building itself was constructed in 2009 using money acquired from a donor. Today, its gorgeous views overlooking the Matanzas River, St. Augustine Lighthouse, and Bridge of Lions make it a beautiful place for community gatherings and special events.
River House Events became home to a variety of beautiful event spaces used for unique wedding celebrations. All of them have been attentively decorated by an interior designer whose vision has blended new charm and Old World character. Using a color palette of soft, muted gold and sage, the entire venue has an upscale yet comfortable setting.
The bridal party can get ready for the day in the Private Gathering Space, which has floor-to-ceiling mirrors, lounge seating, and a private bathroom. There’s also plenty of natural light throughout the afternoon, perfect for getting ready photos. Grooms typically get ready in The Board Room, complete with a large rosewood table, leather chairs, a full-length mirror, and a flat-screen TV.
The River House Events Terrace is the perfect place for a gorgeous wedding ceremony. On the shores of the Matanzas River, you’ll say “I do,” standing in front of a breathtaking waterfront view. It’s the perfect place for a romantic vow exchange, as well as a festive outdoor cocktail hour. The Terrace also connects to The Library through beautiful French doors, offering another alternative for a cocktail hour. A cozy fireplace, built-in bookcases, and button-tucked leather sofas all contribute to a sophisticated, more formal aesthetic.
The Grand Ballroom also makes a wonderful space for a celebratory reception. With room to accommodate 240 guests and a dance floor, this elegant space is perfect for keeping the party going all night long. Romantic drapery and strings of lighting hang from the ceiling, creating a festive and elegant atmosphere for a wedding.
River House Events has so many unique and beautiful spots that are perfect for beautiful wedding photos. From the gorgeous riverfront views to the beautiful architecture, there is always a stunning backdrop to use in your pictures. But inside, the cozy library makes perfect more formal portraits. Meanwhile, large windows with natural light will let us take plenty of action shots throughout the day.
When you host a wedding at River House Events, you can choose from several packages that include varying perks and amenities for a ceremony and reception. While you can use your own vendors for florals, photography, and entertainment, you will need to use a caterer from their list of required vendors for all of your food and beverage needs. While there will be two staff members onsite for your event, they don’t help with the setup and teardown of your event, so you will want to highly consider hiring a day-of-coordinator to help make sure everything runs smoothly.
River House Events is a beautiful waterfront option for a St. Augustine wedding, and all of your venue fees go to a great cause within the community. As your photographer, I’ll make sure every tender moment and celebratory memory becomes a beautiful picture that you’ll treasure forever. If you’re ready to say “I do” to our partnership, just reach out – I’ll be ready!