Key West Yacht Elopement | Kristen + Tyler

Kristen and Tyler’s yacht elopement down in Key West was the true definition of eloping. With only the ocean as their witness, these two tied the knot aboard a luxe catamaran…and then made the announcement to their family over FaceTime right afterwards. It was…a total dream boat kinda day. Pun intended.

And from looking at these photos, you’d never know that the plan almost didn’t happen. Just a few days before their elopement, the boat company wanted to cancel based on the “unfavorable” weather conditions. But it’s quite common for Florida to change the weather forecast on a dime so canceling a few days out? Not on my watch.

After giving this couple some guidance on how to handle the situation, what questions to ask, and what to say, the company decided not to outright cancel, play the weather by ear closer to their elopement date, and they ended having the day of their dreams! Side note…the weather was perfect outside of a little wind on open ocean.

It’s goes to show you that hiring an elopement expert in the area you want to elope can be the difference between your dream elopement day and a wedding day you settled for. As an elopement photographer serving the Florida Keys and Key West, it is my mission to help couples to create these types of elopements and be there for them if the plan needs pivoting.

Ready to see how the day unfolded?!

Jump to what you're looking for…

• Their Key West Yacht Elopement
  • Details & Getting Ready Together at Marquesa Hotel
  • Car Photo Op at the Marina
  • Ceremony & First Dance on the Bow
  • Cake and Champagne on the Back Deck
  • Making Their Announcement
  • Hanging & Portraits
  • Pizza & Cocktails on Duval
• Planning Your Own Yacht Elopement?
• Vendor Team
• Key West Yacht Elopement Photography
• Key West Yacht Elopement Photographer

Their Key West Yacht Elopement

Tyler and Kristen’s day included SO many fun adventures, but was mainly focused on getting married just the two of them on a private catamaran! They were inspired by another catamaran elopement I had captured a few years ago and had their heart set on getting married on the water. 

When it came to planning their elopement, the day’s vibe was chill. They described their vision as “we just want the day as chill as possible. Honestly, we want it to feel like any other day. We want to have fun in our little way without the pressure of putting on a show. We have a calm quiet little life in Arizona and I want it to be an extension of that.”

Heard. Here’s how it all came together.

Details & Getting Ready Together at Marquesa Hotel

Tyler and Kristen got ready together in their cozy room at The Marquesa (one of my favorite places to stay on the island). Using the tropical foliage and bright lighting of the space, we made quick work of their details while they finished getting ready. Kristen and Tyler were snapping polaroids between putting on the finishing touches their outfits before we headed to the marina.

Car Photo Op at the Marina

Before setting sail on the catamaran, Tyler had booked a vintage car company to come take photos of them in their wedding day best. We found the perfect spot on the marina that allowed them to have the yachts in the background with enough privacy to enjoy these moments. I was LOVING how the bright blue of the car popped against the overcast day. It was also a nice tipping of the hat to the wedding tradition of “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”.

Ceremony & First Dance on the Bow

As we headed out on the catamaran, we were hit with some gusty winds on open ocean. The captain was able to find a nice cut for Tyler and Kristen to avoid the wind while they exchanged vows on the bow of the boat. Jumping right into their first dance, they enjoyed a private moment and soaked it all in.

Cake and Champagne on the Back Deck

An elopement day wouldn’t be complete without champagne and cake! Kristen and Tyler opted for a heart shaped Just Married cake to cut on the back deck of the yacht. After toasting to the day and enjoying their first bite as husband and wife, they brought their glasses to the front deck to enjoy a quiet moment to themselves).

Making Their Announcement

After enjoying those first moments as husband and wife, Tyler and Kristen FaceTimed their families from the boat. This was truly iconic because none of their family had any idea that they were getting married. Everyone was thrilled and I can still here all the excitement their families showed as they announced their wedding!

Hanging & Portraits

The rest of the time on the catamaran was filled with golden hour portraits, sipping champagne, snapping polaroids, and really just hanging out together as a married couple. It the relaxing and chill time they needed as they geared up for Duval Street.

Pizza & Cocktails on Duval

Once we hit land, it was to Duval Street. Both New York natives, they wanted to find some slices on the strip as a tribute to their home state. We stopped by Angelina’s for some slices before grabbing cocktails at General Horseplay. We used the urban vibe of Duval Street and the dark lighting of General Horseplay to create those fun yet intimate moments.

Planning Your Own Yacht Elopement?

If you love the idea of eloping on a yacht, but need a little help figuring out all the logistics, then I would love to show you how it can all come together!

As an elopement photographer serving the Florida Keys and Key West, I specialize in helping couples create their dream elopement experiences by providing expert and local guidance. I help with everything from location researching, timeline creation, permit guidance, and vendor recommendations (like finding the right boat for your day!). I’m here to make sure your day feels like the most epic date night you’ve ever had.

Vendor Team

Photographer: Anna Holden Photo
Accommodation: The Marquesa
Hair & Makeup: Casa Salon
Florals: Love in Bloom
Cocktail Bar: General Horseplay
Pizza: Angelina’s

Key West Yacht Elopement Photography

Key West Yacht Elopement Photographer