Florida Keys Destination Wedding & Elopements

Your Guide to Planning a Florida Keys Destination Wedding or Elopement!

Regarding destination weddings, few places can rival the natural beauty, laid-back charm, and romantic allure of the Florida Keys. This chain of tropical islands offers a picturesque backdrop of turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and stunning sunsets, making any island the perfect spot to say, “I do.” Whether you envision a barefoot beach ceremony or a luxurious waterfront celebration, here’s a guide to help you plan your perfect Florida Keys Destination Wedding.

 

 

1.  Which island is the right one for you?

There are hundreds of islands in the Florida Keys.  Which one is the right one for you?  Here are some things to consider when choosing which island is best for your Florida Keys Destination Wedding!

• Key Largo 
  • Known as the Diving Capital of the World, there is so much to do in Key Largo.  From smaller budgets to unlimited, there are plenty of options.  If you love the water, the scuba diving and snorkeling options are plentiful.  If you and your loved ones love being on the water, this may be the best island for you.  Located about an hour from Miami International Airport, Key Largo is the easiest to access all the Florida Keys islands.  Whether you want to get married on a budget or enthrall your guests with luxury.  Key Largo has it all.  There are plenty of options for a Florida Keys Destination Wedding in Key Largo.  
• Islamorada
  • The next closest island to mainland Florida and to the closest international airport in Miami is the purple island of Islamorada.  With world class fishing, boating, scuba, and snorkeling, the entertainment on the water is abundant.  From luxurius resorts to smaller boutique hotels, there are many wonderful venues on the island for your Destination Wedding or Elopement.
• Marathon
  • Perhaps the most family friendly of all the islands.  Marathon boasts a small town fell in the middle of the Caribbean.  Tons of water activites everywhere.  Family Friendly resorts and hotels.  Plenty of homes to rent either on or near the water.  There is something for everyone.  With beautiful oceanfront parks, Marathon boasts beautiful beaches for a stress free relaxed beach wedding or elopement.  Whether you want something intimate, for just you and your fiance, or jsut the family, we can help.  Tell us about your vision and we will find you the perfect location for your Marthan beach wedding or elopement.
• Key West
  • Known for its vibrant nightlife and historic charm, Key West is the southernmost island, offering everything from iconic landmarks to lively celebrations.

---

2. Select the Perfect Venue

The Florida Keys are home to a wide range of wedding venues, from luxury resorts and boutique hotels to private estates and sandy beaches. Some popular options include:

• Resort Weddings: Many resorts in the Keys offer comprehensive wedding packages, however, this is going to be costly. Each island will have plenty of options form up on high and on down in price.  It will really come down to what your main criteria is for choosing a venue.  The high end resorts will have all of your food and beverage pacakges taken care of.  Some of the smaller resorts, though no less beautiful, will require you to bring in vendors for food, beverage, and all of your wedding ceremony needs.  As is the case with all aspects of planning a ceremony in the Keys, we can help you through it all.
• Private Waterfront Homes:  There are plenty of amazing beautiful private homes that can also be rented for your amazing Florida Keys Destination wedding.  You can rent a home and have a private ceremony right on the water.  Many of these options have plenty of room for the ceremony and reception.  Whether you want a small intiamte gathering or large party, we can help you with finding the perfect spot.
• Beachfront Ceremonies: Public beaches in Key Largo, Marathon, Bahia Honda State Park, and Smathers Beach in Key West provide breathtaking natural settings.
• Historic Sites: For a touch of history, there are sevearl wonderful venues, mostly in Key West that are amazing.  Check out Fort Zachary Taylor, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, or Key West Lighthouse.  All of these offer old world charm set with modern convenience, style, and amenities!
• Private Charters: Exchange vows on a boat or a private yacht for a truly unforgettable experience.

---

3. Navigate Legal Requirements

Getting married in the Florida Keys is relatively straightforward and very simple, but it’s essential to handle the legalities:

• Obtain a Florida marriage license from any county clerk’s office in Florida. There’s no residency requirement, and you can use it in any part of the state.  If you have any questions about the process, you just have to ask us. 
• If you’re not a Florida resident, there’s no waiting period, but all Florida residents have a three-day waiting period.
• Let us get the license for you.  We offer an option, for an additional fee, where we can acquire the marriage license for you before you even touch down in paradise.  For more information about this stress free option, just ask away!