Florida Keys Destination Wedding Guest Guide: Travel, Lodging & What to Expect
Everything your Florida Keys wedding guests need to know — how to get there, where to stay, what to pack, activities to enjoy, and what to expect at a Keys destination wedding.
You've chosen the Florida Keys. Now your guests — who may never have been to the Keys — need to understand what they're signing up for. A destination wedding asks more of guests than a local event: they're traveling, booking flights, taking time off work, and spending real money on accommodations. The least you can do is make it easy.
How to Get to the Florida Keys
By air: The closest major airport to the Florida Keys is Miami International Airport (MIA). Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) is also an option. Key West has its own airport (EYW) with direct service from several cities including New York, Atlanta, and Charlotte.
By car: The Florida Keys are accessible via US-1 (the Overseas Highway), which begins at Florida City, about 50 miles south of Miami. The drive from Miami to Islamorada takes about 90 minutes. Key West is 3.5 hours from Miami under normal conditions. Guests should allow extra time on Fridays, which see heavy southbound traffic.
Lodging Recommendations
Book early. Florida Keys lodging books out months in advance, especially during peak season (November–April). As the couple, you should:
- Reserve a room block at a hotel near your venue as early as possible
- Provide 2–3 lodging options at different price points
- Give guests a clear deadline for room block reservations
- Note: many resorts in the Keys have minimum night stays (often 2–3 nights)
What to Pack for a Florida Keys Wedding
For the wedding events:
- Resort formal or tropical formal attire (unless specified otherwise)
- Comfortable shoes — outdoor reception venues can have grass, sand, or dock planking
- Wrap or light jacket for evening air conditioning inside venues
General Keys essentials:
- Reef-safe sunscreen (required at many Keys reefs and beaches)
- Insect repellent (especially for waterfront evenings)
- Water shoes if planning any snorkeling or kayaking excursions
Activities and Excursions
- Snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park — the only living coral reef in the continental US
- Sunset catamaran cruises — almost every Keys island has a sunset sail option
- Fishing charters — the Keys are world-famous for tarpon, bonefish, and offshore sport fishing
- Kayaking in the backcountry — guided tours through mangrove tunnels and tidal flats
- Dolphin Research Center (Grassy Key, Marathon)
- Key West Day Trip — even if your wedding is in the Upper Keys, a day trip to Key West is worth it
Planning your full weekend program? Use our Multi-Day Timeline Builder to create a shareable weekend schedule you can post on your wedding website or include in your guest information packet.
Frequently Asked Questions for Florida Keys Wedding Guests
How early should I arrive for a Florida Keys wedding weekend?
If the ceremony is Saturday, arrive Thursday evening or Friday morning. This gives you time to settle in, join the welcome dinner, and actually experience the Keys rather than spending your entire trip at the wedding events.
Is there rideshare (Uber/Lyft) available in the Florida Keys?
Lyft and Uber have limited availability in the Keys, especially in the Upper Keys and Marathon. Key West has more reliable rideshare options. Plan on renting a car or using the couple's recommended shuttle service.
What is the dress code for a Florida Keys wedding?
Always defer to what the couple specifies. Common dress codes for Keys weddings are "resort formal" (tropical prints, linen, sundresses welcome), "beach formal," and "casual elegant." Heels on outdoor grass, sand, or docks are challenging — consider block heels, wedges, or dressy flats.
How expensive is the Florida Keys for a wedding guest?
Budget 50–$350/night for a hotel room during peak season. Restaurants range from 5 casual tacos to $80+ per person for fine dining. A long weekend (Thursday–Sunday) might cost a guest $800–,500 in lodging, food, and activities, plus travel costs.