How to Elope in Key West

If you’re looking for how to elope in Key West, then look no further! You’re probably here because you and your partner decided that Key West had the perfect mix of tropics, party, and adventure that you were looking for in your Florida elopement, but now you have no idea what’s next or what you need to do. Am I right? That’s where I come in!

I’ve created this guide to tell you the where’s, the when’s, and the how’s for eloping in the Florida Keys and Key West! If you’re looking for the best information from a Florida native who has photographed dozens of Florida elopements, then you’re in the right place! Let’s dive on in!

In this How to Elope in Key West blog, we will cover:

• Where to Elope in Key West
• When to Elope in Key West
• How to Elope in Key West
• What to do during your Key West Elopement
• What to Bring to Elope in Key West
• Example Timeline 
• Key West Elopement Packages

Where To Elope in Key West

Once you have your marriage license (skip to the bottom of how to get legally married in Key West), you can elope almost anywhere! Keep in mind that there may be permits needed from county to county, park to park, or location to location. It’s important that you find a Florida elopement photographer who can help you navigate these waters (pun intended) and suggest locations that fit your vision!

Here are some of my favorite elopement spots in Key West:

• Smathers Beach – With its white sands and turquoise waters, this beach is a popular spot for weddings and elopements. This location is free with no permit requirements and easy to access!
• Fort Zachary Taylor State Park – This park offers a picturesque setting with its historic fort, beaches, and nature trails. This location requires a permit.
• Hemingway House – The lush gardens and historic architecture of this property make for a romantic setting for an elopement. This location must be booked in advance.
• Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory – Surrounded by beautiful butterflies and tropical foliage, this venue offers a unique and intimate setting for an elopement. This location must be booked in advance.
• West Martello Tower – This historic landmark, surrounded by beautiful gardens and ocean views, provides a stunning backdrop for an elopement.
• The Reach Key West – This oceanfront resort offers beautiful ceremony locations, including their private beach and oceanfront terrace. This location must be booked in advance.
• Audubon House and Tropical Gardens – The stunning gardens and historic home provide a romantic and elegant setting for an elopement. This location must be booked in advance.
• Key West Lighthouse – This historic lighthouse, located on the waterfront, offers a beautiful setting for an intimate elopement. This location must be booked in advance.

Want some guidance on finding the perfect Key West elopement location? Check out these Key West elopement packages and let me show you how I can help you plan and capture your elopement vision! 

When To Elope In Key West

Key West is pretty much tropical all year round except for the three days of winter we may or may not have. Don’t be fooled though. Florida gets occasional cold fronts in the winter months that will drop Key West into the 50s for a few days.

Generally, here’s what you can expect:

• Spring (March-May): Hot (mid 70s to mid 80s), humid, with higher rain chances towards May.
• Summer (June-August): Hotter (mid 80s to mid 90s), more humid, longer days (~8 PM sunset), and afternoon thunderstorms are like clockwork. If you want a summer elopement, opt for a sunrise ceremony!
• Fall (September-November): Less hot (mid 80s) with lower rain chances after October.
• Winter (December-January): Prime time with the weather! Cooler day time temperatures (low to mid 70s), rain chances are superrrrr low, the days are shorter (~5 PM sunset), the bugs aren’t out as much, and your evenings are cool.

Keep this in mind before setting a date! Florida’s hurricane season starts in June and goes all the way until November. If you plan to elope during this time, plan an early summer (June/July) as hurricane activity picks up later in the season between mid-August and mid-October. If you want to elope during this time, travel insurance is a must!

If you want to avoid crowds, plan your elopement during an off-season non-holiday weekend, or during the week. In the Florida keys, some popular times to avoid for increased travel costs and tourists are lobster mini season (July), opening weekend of Lobster season (early August), and Fantasy Fest unless, of course, that’s your plan (late October). 

Those are only a few of the high tourism times, but check your elopement date for any large events that might be happening. Huge events draw large crowds that can double, triple, or even quadruple the hotel costs in the area.

We can’t forget about our mortal enemies, the Florida mosquitos and no-see-ums. These biting insects are TERRIBLE in the hot summer months. If you want to avoid getting eaten alive, look to get married during the late fall/winter months (November through February).

Need help figuring out the best time to elope in Key West? Let me help guide you!

How To Get Legally Married In Key West

Florida is one of the easiest states to elope! There are two easy steps for making it legal in Key West! 

You’ll first need to apply for a marriage license at the Monroe County clerk of court. You can pre-apply online before you arrive. If you’re a non-Florida resident, you can pick up your marriage license the same day you plan to sign it! If you’re a Florida resident, there’s a 3-day waiting period. The cost of the license is around $80 (+tax).

To apply for a marriage license, you’ll need your driver’s license or state ID. Both people must be present. Florida does not require blood test or medical exams.

Once you have your marriage license, you can elope anywhere in Florida within 60 days. Check with the Clerk of Court before making plans to ensure you have all your ducks in a row. Completed marriage licenses must be returned within 10 days of the ceremony.

Now that you have your marriage license, you’ll need someone to make it official. This can be any ordained minister, priest, rabbi or other ordained clergy, judges of the state of Florida, or Public notaries of the state of Florida. Don’t want to hire an officiant? Find a Florida elopement photographer who’s a Florida notary and can make it legal while you’re out adventuring. One less person to worry about!

Heads up – there are two spaces for witness signatures on the Florida marriage license. However, this is not a requirement of the state. Buttttt did you know that your dog can sign in this spot? Heart. Melted.

Need help figuring out what you need and when you need it for your marriage license? Let’s start planning your Key West elopement!

What To Do For Your Key West Elopement

Key West is so much more than a tropical oasis! With a never ending supply of warm weather and sunshining days, adventuring outdoors comes easy in this island. While I have a running list of things to do for your Florida elopement, here are a few of my favorites for Key West elopements:

• Go horseback riding on the beach followed by a luxury picnic
• Sunrise ceremony over the ocean followed by outfit change into swimsuits for fishing and shotgunning
• Rent a charter boat, pop champagne, then meet friends and family for brunch
• Play video games, eat pizza, and jump in a pool
• Island hop, mix cocktails, eat PubSubs, and jump in the water
• Cruise around, drink beers, and visit a boat access only bar
• Take a seaplane to the Dry Tortugas

There’s endless opportunities to make your Florida elopement exactly how you want it with YOUR kind of adventure!

Need help brainstorming ideas? Let’s create something epic together!

What To Bring To Elope in Key West

Florida can be a finicky bitch. One moment its all sunshine and rainbows and the next minute it’s a torrential downpour. I want to ensure that my couples are fully prepared for whatever Florida may throw at us. Depending on the time of year and the weather, here’s a quick list of all the things to have handy for your Key West elopement:

• Marriage License
• Pen
• Backpack
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Umbrella
• Rain coat
• Snacks
• Water
• Towel (if we plan to get into the water)
• Change of clothes (if you tend to sweat)
• Some form of celebratory drinks for post I do’s!

Example Timelines

If you’re wondering how your all day Florida elopement could look, here’s an example timeline for an all day elopement! 

12:00 – 1:00 PM Getting ready at hotel 
1:00 – 1:15 PM First look in lobby
1:15 – 1:30 PM Travel to ceremony location
1:30 – 1:45 PM Ceremony
1:45 – 2:00 PM Travel to Duval Street
2:00 – 4:00 PM Walk around and explore Duval Street
4:00 – 4:30 PM Travel to portrait location
4:30 – 5:30 PM Sunset portraits at Mallory Square
5:30 – 6:00 PM Travel to dinner
6:00 – 7:00 PM Enjoy dinner
7:00 – 7:30 PM Travel to hotel
7:30 – 8:00 PM Jump in pool! 

Key West Elopement Packages

This day is all about you. Your decision to elope means that you value the intimate moments and want to truly enjoy getting married. Your day should reflect what you value as a couple and the things you enjoy doing together. When you’re planning your elopement, be sure to find an elopement photographer that takes badass photos and helps bring your ideas to life. If you feel like we vibe, check out my Key West elopement packages  about how we can make your Key West elopement happen!