Key West Destination Wedding Venues & Planning Guide
Plan your dream Key West destination wedding. Sunset venues, historic gardens, tropical ceremony spots, and permits, everything for your Florida Keys wedding weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why have a destination wedding in Key West?
- Key West offers a uniquely festive atmosphere, Caribbean-style sunsets, Victorian architecture, lush private gardens, and waterfront views that no other Florida city can match. The island's walkability, abundance of hotels, nightlife, and cultural events make it easy for guests to fill an entire weekend with memorable experiences beyond the wedding itself.
- What are the best Key West wedding venues?
- Top Key West wedding venues include: Casa Marina (Waldorf Astoria) for grand beachfront receptions; Hemingway Estate for intimate garden ceremonies; The Marker Hotel for waterfront elegance; West Martello Tower for historic garden ceremonies; and private sunset cruise charters for on-the-water ceremonies.
- What is the Key West sunset wedding tradition?
- Key West's Mallory Square Sunset Celebration is a famous nightly event that draws hundreds of visitors. While you can't hold a private ceremony at Mallory Square during the celebration, many Key West venues time their ceremonies to catch the same sunset light, typically 5:30-7:30 PM depending on the season.
- Do Key West weddings need a permit?
- Ceremonies at private venues (resorts, estates, restaurants) typically do not need separate permits, the venue handles all city requirements. Ceremonies on public beaches or in city parks require a Special Event Permit from the City of Key West (00-$400). Allow 30-60 days for permit processing.