Historic Charm, Modern Beats
Crafting an Unforgettable Wedding Reception at 9 Aviles in St. Augustine
From "I Do" to Dance Floor: The Heart of Your Celebration
Your ceremony is intimate and emotional—the moment you officially commit to each other surrounded by your closest loved ones. But let's be honest: the reception is where the real party begins. It's where your guests truly relax, where speeches bring tears and laughter, where toasts are raised, and where the dance floor becomes the stage for some of your wedding day's most memorable moments.
In St. Augustine, you have the incredible advantage of marrying against one of America's most romantic historic backdrops. But here's the challenge many couples face: How do you honor that timeless elegance while still throwing an absolutely unforgettable party?
At 9 Aviles Wedding Venue, we've perfected the answer. Our historic venue on America's oldest street doesn't just provide a beautiful setting—it delivers a complete reception experience that seamlessly blends historic charm with modern celebration features your guests will be talking about for years to come.
9 Aviles: Where Timelessness Meets Tailored Celebration
A Historic Setting That Breathes Romance
Located on Aviles Street—the oldest continuously occupied European settlement street in the United States—9 Aviles is steeped in over 450 years of St. Augustine history. Our venue's authentic coquina walls, exposed beams, and thoughtfully preserved architectural details create an atmosphere of timeless elegance that feels both sophisticated and warmly inviting.
But here's what sets us apart: "historic" at 9 Aviles doesn't mean stuffy or outdated. It means character, authenticity, and unforgettable ambiance—the perfect foundation for a celebration that feels both meaningful and fun.
Intimate Scale, Maximum Impact
With capacity for up to 50 guests, 9 Aviles is purposefully designed for intimate celebrations. This isn't a massive ballroom where your 40 guests feel lost in empty space. Every corner of our venue is utilized, creating a reception atmosphere that feels vibrant, full of energy, and deeply personal.
Your guests won't be scattered across a cavernous room—they'll be immersed in your celebration, dancing shoulder-to-shoulder, sharing stories at beautifully set tables, and creating the kind of close-knit party atmosphere that only an intimate venue can provide.
The Unforgettable Reception Experience at 9 Aviles
This is where 9 Aviles truly shines. We've invested in creating a reception experience that rivals any modern venue while maintaining the irreplaceable charm of our historic setting.
Premium Sound & Professional Dance Lighting System
This is our secret weapon and what truly sets 9 Aviles apart from other historic St. Augustine wedding venues. We don't just have a basic sound system—we've invested in a professional-grade audio and lighting package that transforms your reception into an unforgettable dance party.
Our exclusive setup includes:
- 9 ceiling-mounted LED bars and 3 movable floor LED bars for dynamic, programmable lighting effects
- 6 Freedom Flex up-lights that can be customized to match your wedding colors
- 2 Intimidator Spot moving heads for dramatic effects and spotlighting special moments
- 2 Electro-Voice 1200w speakers and subwoofers delivering crystal-clear, powerful sound
- Low-lying fog machine and laser cubes for that show-stopping first dance or dramatic entrance
The result? A reception that looks and feels like a high-end nightclub experience—but in the intimate, elegant setting of a 112-year-old historic building. Your guests won't just attend your reception; they'll experience it.
The Perfect Soundtrack: Expert DJs Who Know Your Venue
Great equipment means nothing without someone who knows how to use it. That's why we maintain a carefully curated list of approved professional DJs and MCs who have extensive experience with our venue and equipment.
Our preferred partner, COS Celebrations Event Group, has worked countless weddings at 9 Aviles and understands exactly how to:
- Read your crowd and keep energy levels high throughout the evening
- Seamlessly coordinate with our sound and lighting system for maximum impact
- Respect the historic ambiance while creating a genuinely fun party atmosphere
- Handle all MC duties, from introductions to coordinating key moments like toasts and cake cutting
Host Bar Advantage: Your Drinks, Your Way
Unlike many venues that require you to purchase alcohol through them at marked-up prices, 9 Aviles operates on a "host bar" model. This means:
- You purchase your own alcohol from any licensed retailer, often saving hundreds (or thousands) of dollars
- Complete beverage personalization—serve exactly what you and your guests will enjoy
- Professional bartending service from our approved vendors handles everything else: glassware, mixers, garnishes, ice, setup, and cleanup
Our preferred bar service, Toast With Cocktails, ensures your guests enjoy expertly crafted drinks all evening while you maintain budget control and beverage choice freedom.
Seamless Flow, Unforgettable Ambiance
From Cocktail Hour to Last Dance
The layout of 9 Aviles naturally supports the perfect reception flow. Your celebration transitions smoothly from:
- Ceremony in our beautifully decorated main space
- Cocktail hour as guests mingle and toast your new marriage
- Seated dinner with your closest family and friends
- Dance party that kicks off the celebration in earnest
All of this happens within a single, cohesive space that feels intimate and connected—no awkward transitions between different rooms or outdoor areas.
The Aviles Decor Package: Elegant Simplicity
Because our venue is inherently beautiful, you don't need elaborate decorations to create a stunning reception atmosphere. Our Aviles Decor Package provides everything you need: elegant linens, thoughtful centerpiece options, ambient candlelight, and tasteful accents that complement rather than compete with our historic architecture.
The result is a reception space that feels both refined and welcoming—perfect for an intimate celebration where the focus remains on what truly matters: you, your partner, and your loved ones.
A Grand Finale: Memorable Wedding Exits on America's Oldest Street
Your reception doesn't end when the music stops—it culminates in a final moment that's pure magic. At 9 Aviles, couples have the unique opportunity to exit onto historic Aviles Street itself, creating photo opportunities and memories that simply can't be replicated anywhere else.
Popular exit ideas include:
- Sparkler send-offs creating a tunnel of light as you walk down the oldest street in America
- Horse-drawn carriage departures through St. Augustine's historic district
- Vintage car getaways perfectly suited to our historic setting
- Simple romantic walks down cobblestone streets lit by gas lamps
These aren't just exits—they're the perfect cinematic ending to your unforgettable St. Augustine wedding reception.
More Than Just a Venue: Your Partner in Creating the Perfect Celebration
At 9 Aviles, we don't just hand you the keys and wish you luck. As a family-owned and operated venue, owners Dave and Christy are personally invested in making your reception everything you've dreamed of.
Expert Day-of Coordination
Our in-house coordination ensures seamless transitions from ceremony to dinner to dancing. We handle all vendor coordination, timeline management, and problem-solving so you can focus entirely on celebrating.
Curated Vendor Partnerships
Our approved vendor list features professionals who know our venue intimately and have proven track records of excellence. This means better service, smoother coordination, and often better pricing due to established relationships.
Personalized Attention
From your initial consultation through your wedding day, you'll work directly with Dave and Christy. They'll help you understand how to maximize our space, make the most of our features, and create a reception timeline that feels natural and fun.
Your Historic St. Augustine Wedding Reception Awaits
At 9 Aviles, you don't have to choose between historic elegance and modern celebration. We deliver both—creating wedding receptions that honor St. Augustine's timeless romance while incorporating the premium sound, lighting, and service features that make your party truly unforgettable.