Unique Elopement Venues in Key West

When it comes to places to elope in Key West, you’ll see tons of lists with the same locations over and over. And while those locations are great, there’s still TONS of other amazing elopement venues in Key West that get overlooked.

As an elopement photographer who’s helped dozens of couples create fun and unique elopements in Key West, I’ve complied a complete list of the most unique elopement venues and places to elope in Key West. This resource has all the typical elopement venues on the island as well as some options you may have not even considered! Let’s jump in.

What are the best elopement venues in Key West?

When it comes to the best elopement venues in Key West, it will really depend on your vision, what you want included in the experience, and what you want as your backdrop! There are TONS of options in Key West from beaches, parks, historical buildings, true wedding venues, hotels, and so much more. Inside this blog, I’ll help guide you through how to choose the best place to elope in Key West for you and your partner.

How to choose the best place to elope in Key West?

There’s a wide variety of locations on the island with different vibes. So before you dive into all the options, let’s talk about how you decide which location is right for you and your partner. Start off by asking yourselves these questions:

• Do you want to elope on a beach? Or would you like non-beach locations?
• How intimate do you want your ceremony to be? Super secluded or open to people being around?
• Are you thinking about a morning or evening ceremony?
• What kind of activities do you want to include as part of your day (boating, bar hopping, snorkeling, sunset cruising)?
• Do you want the entire day to be walkable or are you open to exploring the island by golf cart/moped/bike/car?

Once you’ve got those answers, it’ll be much easier to narrow down the options!

Tips for finding the best elopement venue in Key West

Here are my top tips for finding the perfect venue for your vision:

• Get super clear on what you’re looking for. If you want the beach, tropical gardens, or urban landscapes, know what you want before diving into the list to avoid overwhelm. You can start by creating a list of priorities for your venue. Do you want the beach? Are you looking for somewhere with accommodations for your guests? Does it need to be walking distance from Duval Street? Try ranking everything from most important to least important to make it easier when you’re narrowing down the options.
  
• Know your budget. Whether you want something free, more economical, or you’re willing to splurge, know how much you’re willing to spend before reaching out to venues.
  
• Understand your guest list and venue capacity. Not all venues are created equally. Some will allow only a few to no guests for elopements whereas larger venues will have capacity for a full blown wedding. It’s also important to know if you’ll require chairs or special accommodations for certain guests.
  
• Learn the permitting or application process. Depending on where you book, there may be a permitting and/or application process. Just because a location is free doesn’t mean there isn’t a permit required! Always ask site management about what’s required before getting your heart set on a location. Nothing is worse than being kicked out for not applying for a permit ahead of time.
  
• Be flexible. There’s a chance that a location won’t check every single box of your perfect elopement venue checklist and that’s okay! As long as you have what’s most important to you covered (see first tip above!), then that’s all that matters.

Unique Places to Elope in Key West

Private Catamaran, Yacht, or Charter Boat

Eloping on a boat in Key West is perfect for couples that total privacy and/or to be adventurous for their elopement. It’s also one of the most unique places to elope in Key West. Boat elopements are totally private (since you’ll book the entire vessel for your elopement) and offer the flexibility to include any sort of adventures want throughout your time like snorkeling, island hopping, wildlife watching, etc. This is also a great option if you’re inviting a few guests to celebrate with you, but keep in mind that there are United States Coast Guard limitations for how many people can be aboard.

Things to Know:

• No permits are needed, but advanced booking and ceremony permission with the charter company is required.
• There are tons of boat types to choose from. Make sure you pick one that aligns with your invite list and the types of activities you plan to do throughout the day. Talk with the captain about your plans before booking.
• If you plan on fishing, some charters require permits or follow fishing seasons. Check with your charter captain to coordinate the fishing seasons.
• Charter costs vary depending on the type of boat and duration. Most private charters start around $2,000 for a few hours.
• Eloping on a private boat comes with it’s fair share of challenges. Check out my guide on how to plan a boat elopement!

Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory

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 green garden space and the opportunity to exchange vows surrounded by hundreds (maybe even thousands?) of butterflies.

Things to Know:

• Advance booking is required through the Conservatory for a private ceremony. Elopement packages start at $500. However, if you want to take photos at the conservatory, you can come during regular business hours for no fee as long as you aren’t disrupting other guests.
• 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.

Mallory Square

Known for its nightly sunset celebration, Mallory Square is a vibrant spot for an elopement. The waterfront location provides one of the best sunset views on the island. Mallory Square is perfect for couples who want a easy, set-up free, and permit-free ceremony location with only a few guests and don’t mind a crowd. Heads up: the nightly sunset celebration can attract large crowds, so it’s best to plan your ceremony earlier in the day for more privacy.

Duval Street

Looking for a truly Key West experience? You can elope right on Duval Street with no permit needed. This is perfect for couples who want a quick ceremony and instant celebration with drinks, music, and don’t care about having privacy. You can easily go from your ceremony to having a celebratory cocktail in seconds. There’s so much to do and see along Key West that you’ll have an adventure at every turn.

Things to Know:

• Since you’re eloping in the middle of the action, expect some curious onlookers, hi fives, free drinks, and plenty of photo bombs.
• Even if you don’t want a Duval Street ceremony, it’s a great option for post-vows for some celebration!

Key West Parks & Outdoor Spaces

Smathers Beach

Contrary to popular belief, the Florida Keys do not have long stretches of beach. However, Smathers Beach has an expansive shoreline to satisfy anyone wanting a beach ceremony! It’s perfect for couples who love palm tree lined beaches and don’t mind a few people around. But because this is one of the few beaches in Key West, it’s quite popular. Meaning there could be other weddings happening or beach goers sunbathing during your ceremony.

Things to Know:

• Smathers does not require a permit (or entry fee); however, that means the spots along the beach are first come, first served. This location is ideal for couples that don’t need a set up and aren’t inviting any guests.
• There may be other couples getting married and 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.
• During sargassum season (summer months), you’ll have seaweed wash on the beach (as you can see in some of the photos below).

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is perfect for couples who want a a little more privacy than what would be offered at Smathers Beach. This beautiful state park combines Key West’s natural beauty with historic charm. The park offers a more secluded beach setting, surrounded by towering Australian pines and historic brick buildings. Since this beach is off the beaten path and requires a fee to enter, the number of visitors will be lower than Smathers; however, there is no reserved site for elopement ceremonies.

Things to Know:

• There is a wedding permit/reservation required regardless of how many guests you will (or will not) have. Ceremony packages start at $150 and are based on the party size.
• There’s no reserved site for elopement ceremonies.

Key West Wedding Venues

Key West Garden Club at West Martello Towers

Tucked inside a Civil War-era fort, The Garden Club at West Martello Tower is home to tons of tropical plants and foliage. The venue is perfect for nature-loving couples looking for a more secluded elopement location. It’s easy to miss as you’re exploring Key West, which makes it one of the best options for a more private ceremony. The garden has tons of different pockets which help to make your ceremony feel even more private. A wedding permit is required for an elopement ceremony through the Key West Garden Club.

Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters

For couples seeking a more historic venue setting, the Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters offers just that. Exchange vows with panoramic views of the island after climbing to the top of the lighthouse. The property is centrally located in Bahama Village and is across the street from the Hemingway Home. Advanced booking is required with the Key West Art & Historical Society. 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.

The Hemingway Home & Museum

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 a tropical garden offering a romantic and historic setting for your elopement. Elopement packages start at around $1,250 per hour and are only available Monday through Thursday. Heads up – The Hemingway Home is home to many, many cats (they pretty much run the place), which might make or break your elopement vision!

Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House

Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House Website 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 ever-changing exhibits, making it an elegant backdrop for an elopement. A reservation is required through the Key West Art & Historical Society. While use of the gallery spaces is limited due to exhibitions, the veranda and sculpture garden are offered for your elopement.

Key West Resorts

Casa Marina Key West

The Casa Marina, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, offers a luxurious beachfront elopement experience. As one of the few resorts with a private beach, this location makes it one of the most desirable venues in Key West. The luxe coastal atmosphere make Casa Marina perfect for couples wanting an upscale, secluded ceremony. If you want to elope here, you’ll have to arrange it through their event planning department. Elopement packages start around $3,500.

Sunset Key Cottages

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 private beaches and a totally intimate atmosphere. Elopement packages start at $5,000 and include up to 20 guests.

Parrot Key Hotel & Villas

Parrot Key Hotel & Villas is known for its tropical gardens and laid-back atmosphere. With stunning waterfront views and tropical plants, it’s a great option for couples wanting a private, nature-inspired elopement. Elopement packages start around $1,200 and include up to 10 guests.

The Reach Key West

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. Elopement and intimate wedding packages start at $3,000 and include up to 20 guests.

Need help finding the best place to elope in Key West?