Dreaming of eloping in the tropical paradise of Key West, but need help finding the best Key West elopement venue for your vision? While this island is known for its breathtaking sunsets, turquoise waters, and unique venues, it can feel overwhelming to find the perfect location without actually stepping foot on the island. That’s where I come in! As a Key West elopement photographer (and Florida native), I’ve complied a list of the best Key West elopement venues. Whether you’re seeking a garden setting, beachfront ceremony, or historic site, you’re sure to find something that will match your dream Key West elopement vision!

Key West Elopement Venues Overview

Key Wests Resorts:

• Casa Marina Key West
• Sunset Key Cottages
• Parrot Key Hotel & Villas
• The Reach Resort

Unique Key West Experiences:

• Private Boat Charters
• Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
• Mallory Square

Key West Parks:

• Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
• Smathers Beach

Key West Wedding Venues:

• Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters
• The Hemingway Home & Museum
• Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House
• The Garden Club at West Martello Tower

Key West Resorts

Casa Marina Key West

Casa Marina Key West Website

The Casa Marina, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, offers a luxurious beachfront elopement experience. The resort’s private beach, lush lawns, and historical architecture make it one of the most desirable venues in Key West. The elegant atmosphere and private beach access make Casa Marina perfect for couples wanting an upscale, secluded ceremony.

Estimated cost:
Elopement packages start at $3,500.

Guests allowed:
Yes, the venue accommodates up to 100 guests.

Pets allowed:
Yes, pets are welcome with prior approval.

Can you stay at the location?
Yes, the resort offers luxurious rooms and suites.

Permit/application process:
Package booking is required, but no additional permit is necessary.

Ready to experience the ultimate in luxury and privacy for your elopement? Let me help you plan an unforgettable day at Casa Marina!

Sunset Key Cottages

Sunset Key Cottages Website

Sunset Key Cottages offer an exclusive private island getaway for couples wanting an intimate and luxurious elopement. Accessible only by ferry, this secluded location boasts pristine beaches and a tranquil atmosphere. The remote location, as well as the exclusivity and tropical ambiance make Sunset Key perfect for couples wanting a private and upscale elopement experience.

Estimated cost:
Packages start at $5,000 including accommodations.

Guests allowed:
Yes, elopement and intimate wedding packages allow up to 20 guests.

Pets allowed:
No, pets are not allowed.

Can you stay at the location?
Yes, the venue offers luxurious cottages for guests.

Permit/application process:
Package booking is required through Sunset Key Cottages, but no additional permit is needed.

Things to know:
Access to the island is via a private ferry.

If exchanging vows on a private island sounds like the dream elopement, then learn how I can help plan and capture your perfect day from start to finish!

Parrot Key Hotel & Villas

Parrot Key Hotel & Villas Website

Parrot Key Hotel & Villas is known for its tropical gardens and laid-back atmosphere. With stunning waterfront views and lush greenery, it’s a great option for couples wanting a private, nature-inspired elopement. The secluded gardens and relaxed island vibe make Parrot Key ideal for couples who want a quiet, beautiful location without the hustle and bustle of downtown.

Estimated cost:
Elopement packages start around $1,200.

Guests allowed:
Yes, the elopement package accommodates up to 10 guests.

Pets allowed:
No, the hotel is not pet-friendly.

Can you stay at the location?
Yes, the venue offers waterfront villas and suites.

If you’re looking for a quiet, tropical retreat for your elopement, then Parrot Key could be the perfect fit. Click here to learn how I can help plan and capture your Key West elopement!

The Reach Key West

The Reach Key West Website

The Reach is a luxurious oceanfront resort offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, a private beach, and tropical gardens for your elopement. Couples love the resort’s private beach and upscale ambiance. It’s perfect for those wanting a blend of beachside beauty and resort luxury.

Estimated cost:
Elopement and intimate wedding packages start at $3,000.

Guests allowed:
Yes, elopement and intimate wedding packages include up to 20 guests.

Pets allowed:
Yes, pets are allowed to stay at the resort with applicable fees.

Can you stay at the location?
Yes, The Reach is a full-service resort with luxurious rooms and suites.

Permit/application process:
No specific permit is needed, but you’ll need to book the ceremony with the resort directly.

Dreaming of this beachfront ceremony with all the luxurious amenities? Let’s start planning your elopement! Let me show you how your Key West elopement can look.

Unique Key West Experiences

Private Boat Charters

For couples seeking a truly adventurous and intimate elopement, a private boat charter is a perfect way to exchange vows surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of Key West. With a range of vessels from sailboats to luxury yachts, you can say “I do” with the sun setting on the horizon or anchored near a secluded sandbar. Here are two of my favorite options for couples wanting a more curated experience:

Fountaine Pajot Elba 45
Marquis 72′ Luxury Yacht

Estimated cost:
Charter costs vary depending on the type of boat and duration. Most elopement packages start around $2,000 for a few hours.

Guests allowed:
Yes, but depends on the boat size.

Pets allowed:
Some boat charters allow pets.

Can you stay at the location?
Maybe, depends on the charter. If not, there are plenty of nearby accommodations.

Permit/application process:
No permits are needed, but advanced booking and ceremony permission with the charter company is required.

Things to know:
Eloping on a private boat comes with it’s fair share of challenges. Check out my guide on how to plan a boat elopement!

If an adventurous, intimate boat elopement sounds perfect, let me guide you through planning the ultimate private boat experience. Click here to learn about the Key West elopement experience!

Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory

Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory Website

If you’re looking for a magical and totally unique elopement location, the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory offers a ethereal setting surrounded by tropical butterflies and exotic birds. Couples love the enchanting environment and the opportunity to exchange vows surrounded by hundreds (maybe even thousands) of butterflies.

Estimated cost:
Elopement packages start at $500.

Guests allowed:
The venue allows up to 20 guests.

Pets allowed:
No, pets are not allowed inside the conservatory.

Can you stay at the location?
No, but there’s tons of nearby accommodations.

Permit/application process:
Advance booking is required through the Conservatory.

Things to know:
Elopements are only offered after business hours (after 5:30 PM). The venue’s indoor garden greenhouse ensures your ceremony is protected from the weather, making it a great year-round option.

If eloping at the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory sounds like a literal dream, then let me show you how I can help put it all together for you (and capture epic photos)!

Mallory Square

Mallory Square website

Known for its nightly sunset celebration, Mallory Square is a vibrant spot for a Key West elopement. The waterfront location provides stunning sunset views and a bustling atmosphere, perfect for couples who want a lively ceremony and don’t mind a crowd. Couples enjoy the energy of Mallory Square, especially if they’re looking for a sunset ceremony.

This location doesn’t specifically state if there’s a way to reserve this location. If you’re interested in eloping here, it would be best suited for couples wanting quick vows, no set up, and few (if any) guests.

Pets allowed:
Yes, pets are welcome in the square.

Can you stay at the location?
No, but nearby hotels are within walking distance.

Things to know:
The sunset celebration can attract large crowds, so it’s best to plan your ceremony earlier in the day for more privacy.

If you’re dreaming of an elopement on Mallory Square, but have zero idea how to start, then let me how you how I can help plan and capture your Key West elopement!

Key West Parks

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Website

This beautiful state park combines Key West’s natural beauty with historic charm. Couples can elope on the sandy beach or among the Civil War-era fort ruins. The park offers a more secluded beach setting, surrounded by towering Australian pines and historic brick buildings.

Estimated cost:
Elopement ceremony packages start around $650.

Guests allowed:
Yes, the park can accommodate up to 100 guests.

Pets allowed:
Pets are allowed in the park but not on the beach.

Can you stay at the location?
No, but there are many nearby accommodations.

Permit/application process:
A special use permit from the park is required for ceremonies.

Things to know:
Packages are only offered right before sunset and this location is off the beaten path from Duval.

If you need some help putting the pieces together for your Key West elopement, then click here to read about how I can help you plan and capture your Fort Zackary Taylor State Park elopement!

Smathers Beach

Smathers Beach is one of Key West’s most iconic elopement spots, stretching along the southern edge of the island. Its soft white sand, turquoise water, and tropical vibes make it a top choice for beach-loving couples.

Estimated cost:
There is no site-fee for Smathers Beach.

Guests allowed:
Yes, the beach can accommodate up to 50 guests.

Pets allowed:
Yes, pets are welcome, provided they’re leashed.

Can you stay at the location?
No, but there are tons of nearby hotels.

Things to know:
This is a first come, first served location, which means there may be other couples getting married at the same time and there will be plenty of beach go-ers. Since there is no reservation for this location, you can’t secure a spot, but there are plenty of areas on the beach to have your ceremony.

If you’re not sure what your next steps are for your Smathers beach elopement and need some guidance, then let me show you how I can help put all the pieces together and capture some epic photos!

Key West Wedding Venues

Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters

Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters Website

For couples seeking a more historic and unique setting, the Key West Lighthouse offers a unique backdrop. Exchange vows with panoramic views of the island after climbing to the top of this iconic lighthouse. The property is centrally located in Bahama Village and is across the street from the Hemingway Home.

Estimated cost:
Sunset lighthouse experience starts at $650. Packages provides exclusive access to the Lighthouse grounds and Keeper’s Quarters for 90 minutes to watch the sunset. Other options may be available upon request.

Guests allowed:
Yes, up to 8 guests are allowed.

Pets allowed:
No, pets are not permitted.

Can you stay at the location?
No, but many nearby accommodations are available.

Permit/application process:
Advanced booking is required with the Key West Art & Historical Society.

If you’re needing some help creating your dream Key West elopement, then let me show you how I can help dream it up (and give you some expert guidance)! Click here to learn more about my Key West elopement experience.

The Hemingway Home & Museum

The Hemingway Home & Museum Website

For literary lovers and history buffs, The Hemingway Home & Museum is one of the most iconic elopement venues in Key West. This beautiful Spanish Colonial mansion, once home to the legendary writer Ernest Hemingway, is surrounded by tropical gardens, towering palm trees, and charming courtyards, offering a romantic and historic setting for your Key West elopement.

Estimated cost:
Elopement packages start at around $1,250 per hour (Monday through Thursday).

Guests allowed:
Yes, the venue can host up to 100 guests.

Pets allowed:
No, pets are not allowed on the property.

Can you stay at the location?
No, but it’s located close to many hotels in Old Town Key West.

Permit/application process:
Reservations are required, but no additional permit is needed.

Things to know:
The Hemingway Home is home to many, many cats (they pretty much run the place), which might make or break your elopement vision!

If you want someone to capture your dream Hemingway Home elopement (and maybe some fun adventures afterwards), then click here to learn about my Key West elopement experience!

Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House

Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House Website

The Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House, referred to as the ‘crown jewel’, is a beautiful and historic venue that offers a unique blend of art, culture, and history. Conveniently located in Old Town, this iconic red-brick building dates back to the 1800s and is filled with intriguing exhibits, making it an elegant backdrop for an elopement. The venue’s courtyard and sweeping architecture provide a stunning and sophisticated atmosphere for your ceremony.

Estimated cost:
Inquire with the venue for pricing.

Guests allowed:
Yes, the venue can accommodate up to 100 guests in the courtyard.

Pets allowed:
No, pets are not allowed inside the museum.

Can you stay at the location?
No, but the venue is located in the heart of Old Town Key West, with plenty of nearby accommodations.

Permit/application process:
A reservation is required through the Key West Art & Historical Society, but no additional permit is needed.

Things to know:
While use of the gallery spaces is limited due to exhibitions, the veranda and sculpture garden are offered for your elopement.

If you want someone to capture your dream Custom House elopement (and maybe some fun adventures afterwards), then click here to learn about my Key West elopement experience!

The Garden Club at West Martello Tower

The Garden Club at West Martello Tower Website

Located in a historical Civil War fort, the Key West Garden Club offers lush tropical gardens and historical charm. The mix of blooming flowers, stone pathways, and ocean views makes this a hidden gem for intimate elopements. The venue is especially popular for nature-loving couples looking for a secluded elopement location.

Estimated cost:
Elopement packages start at $450 per hour.

Guests allowed:
Yes, elopements can host up to 10 guests.

Pets allowed:
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed here.

Can you stay at the location?
No, but there are several nearby boutique hotels for accommodation.

What’s included with the package?
Packages typically include use of the garden, ceremony setup, and an event coordinator.

Permit/application process:
No specific permit is required, but advanced reservations and a rental agreement with the Garden Club are necessary.

If you want someone to capture your dream Key West garden elopement (and maybe some fun adventures afterwards), then click here to learn about my Key West elopement experience!

If you’re considering eloping in Key West, these venues offer incredible options to suit any vision. Whether you’re dreaming of a sunset beach ceremony or a private garden setting, Key West has something for every couple. If you need help planning your Key West elopement, reach out, and let’s make your day epic!

Key West Elopement Photographer – at your service