Elope in Key West: 2023 Guide to Key West Elopement Package

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How to Elope in Key West

Just imagine: You’re barefoot, with your toes in the sand and a tropical breeze blowing past palm trees and through your hair. The sun is starting to set over the ocean, and next to you is your honey. That’s what a Key West elopement is all about. After all, everything is better when you’re in paradise! A Key West elopement can be a wedding and a honeymoon all in one. Key West is famous for beautiful beaches, water sports, and wildlife, but also for its incredible nightlife, history, and Instagram-worthy pastel-colored architecture. In one trip you can take a day excursion to Dry Tortugas National Park, lounge on a white sand beach, swim in crystal clear water, visit Ernest Hemingway’s old Spanish colonial house, and even bike along Duval Street to the southernmost point in the continental U.S.

Whether you’re interested in eloping in the Florida Keys or having a small wedding, we’ve got you covered. This guide will outline the best places to elope in Key West, provide options and pricing for all-inclusive elopement packages, and answer all your questions about everything from getting your marriage license to what time of year is best for an intimate Key West elopement.

Where are the best places to elope in Key West?

Smathers Beach is a Key West favorite, with a half-mile long stretch of beach that’s available and is totally free for your elopement – no permit required! That being said, it is first-come, first-serve, so if you’re looking to avoid crowds, we recommend a sunrise ceremony. If you don’t mind having a few on-lookers in the background, the sunsets here are great, too! There’s plenty of parking on-site to accommodate up to 18 guests, all of whom will share in the excitement as they watch you exchange vows with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop.

Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is the only frost-free, natural conservation habitat, botanical garden in the continental United States, and is one of our favorite locations for a Key West elopement. Not only are there several spots to choose from—including a lakeside terrace, butterfly garden, nature pavilion, and courtyard—but the garden highlights flora and fauna native to the Keys, Cuba, and the Caribbean. The maximum guest count here is 20 and a reservation and rental fee are required ($325 for 10am-4pm or $455 4pm-midnight, with a refundable $300 security deposit). Rentals include an hour before and after for setup and breakdown, as well as an onsite staff person to answer questions the day of. Although Key West can get hot, there’s plenty of shade and privacy to be found at this location.

Just under an hour’s drive from Key West, Bahia Honda State Park boasts palm-lined beaches and crystal clear waters without the crowds. Although there will likely be other visitors, this location can feel incredibly intimate, perfect for your beach elopement! Setup anywhere along the beach you want, just note that the only restrooms on-site are portable. Ceremonies here must be held between the hours of 8am and sunset (guests are asked to leave promptly after sunset) and there is a rental fee of $53.75 for up to 25 guests, good for three hours (with Covid-19, that number is currently 16).

Then, there’s the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservancy – hands down, this is one of Key West’s coolest indoor wedding venues. The walls are made of glass at this conservancy, which is filled with cascading waterfalls, colorful birds, tropical plants, and hundreds of butterflies! The maximum guest count at this venue is 13 people, but you’re guaranteed to have the whole place to yourself. The total reservation cost is $376.25 and includes a ceremony held after 5pm, a bottle of champagne, two keepsake butterfly-embossed glasses, and a butterfly release. You are responsible for reserving your ceremony time and date.

Are you a lover of history? Then West Martello Tower might be the Key West elopement venue for you. This tower was first constructed by the U.S. Armed Forces in 1822 and later was used as a symbol of defiance when Key West was the only southern city allied with the Federal government during the Civil War. The grounds offer a gazebo with shade and ocean views as well as several cozy enclaves, all ideal for an intimate ceremony. West Martello Tower’s rental fee is $455 for two hours from 9:30am-5:00pm, and $520 for all other hours. Since the tower is open to the public from 9:30am-5:00pm, the higher fee buys your privacy. The maximum guest count at this location is 18 people (due to Covid-19, that number is currently 16).

When to Elope in Key West
When is the best time to elope in the Florida Keys?

March through May is a beautiful time to visit Key West, thanks to an average temperature of 75-degrees and low humidity. May is a great shoulder season to visit. If you’re hoping to save money on flights and lodging, as well as avoid crowds, go in the offseason from June to November (prices are lowest in September and November). However, the summer months also tend to be the rainiest and most humid, so keep that in mind when considering an outdoor ceremony. Hurricane season from June through October, and winter tends to be busy in Key West, with higher prices for hotel rooms and flights.

How much does a Key West elopement cost?

In addition to the peak tourist season, when flights and accommodations are highest, prices in Key West tend to surge during special events, such as Key West Pride in early June and Fantasy Fest, a street party held annually during the last week of October. Save money by being diligent with your planning, shopping around for accommodation, and eating at more casual restaurants, of which there are plenty. In Key West, “resort fees” are common, so if you’re on a budget, ask about them before booking. A Key West elopement package can save you time and stress by helping coordinate permits, as well as contracting an officiant and photographer for your big day. Our Key West elopement packages start at $550 for a basic ceremony and go up to $2,775 for our premium package, which includes photography, flowers, hair and makeup, and a ceremony coordinator.

What do you need to get married in Key West?

To get married in Key West, you’ll need a driver’s license, state ID card, or valid passport, as well as your social security number if you’re a U.S. citizen (you don’t need the actual card). If you were previously married, you’ll also need to know the exact date your previous marriage was terminated (if it was due to death within the last six months, you’ll also need a copy of the death certificate). Couples are required to show up in person at the County Clerk’s office with their documents in order to obtain a license (Key West is in Monroe County). A Florida marriage license is good for any county in Florida, although once the marriage is solemnized, the license does have to be returned to the county that issued it. The cost of a Florida marriage license is $93.50 (for Florida residents, completing a marriage preparation course will earn you a $32.50 discount). Your license is good for 60 days and must be solemnized by an ordained or licensed clergy, notary public, or justice of the peace.

Can you get married at the courthouse in Key West?

You sure can! To get a marriage license from the county courthouse in Key West, go to 500 Whitehead Street (Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm). Since there’s no waiting period for out of state couples, you can get married the same day as long as you have an officiant present. If you’re a Florida resident, there’s a three-day waiting period on marriage licenses that can only be waived with the completion of a marriage preparation course.

Are there crocodiles or sharks in the Florida Keys?

There are alligators and sharks in the Florida Keys, but they’re not something you should stress about. Monroe County, where Key West is located, has only had 17 unprovoked shark bites since 1882.

What’s the best way to access Key West?

Many people choose to drive to Key West from Miami along U.S. Route 1—don’t worry about directions, you just follow the road until it ends! The total journey takes about three to four hours and requires you to cross 42 bridges (it’s pretty surreal and can feel like you’re driving on water). Buses also run that same route. Alternatively, you can fly directly to Key West International Airport. No matter how you get there, you’ll be glad you made the trip.

What’s the difference between a key and an island?

While islands are formed by volcanic action or part of a rising continental plate, keys form on top of coral reefs and are sandy, low-elevation islands. There are more than 800 keys in the Florida Keys! Although all of them are beautiful, our favorite places to elope are in and around the city of Key West, the beating heart of the Florida Keys.

Article written by

Kiran Herbert

Kiran Herbert is an elopement officiant and writer who takes pride in making all of her ceremonies magical. Kiran grew up around the world but having spent a year living in national parks, she’s convinced that the U.S. is the most beautiful.

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Read the stories of real couples that eloped in Key West!

Emily + Erik

Emily & Erik take destiny to a whole new level. They met when Erik, a fireman, saved Emily’s life from a car crash. How do you top that? They later randomly met each other at a coffee shop and, wait…is this a Love Actually script? The two of them decided to elope somewhere tropical and chose Smathers Beach in Key West, Florida. We love their laid-back style vibe and Emily’s gorgeous tropical flower bouquet in sunshine colors. They exchanged vows on the beach, broke out the champagne to celebrate, and watched the sunset! Read more to see how Simply Eloped helped serendipity along in this love story.

How did you meet? What was your first impression of one another?

Emily: We initially met in 2012 when I was in a terrible car accident. Erik was one of the firemen who responded to the crash and extricated me from my vehicle. We never kept in touch after that. However, six years later, in 2018, we ran into each other at a local Starbucks and immediately recognized each other. We started talking, and to be cliche, the rest is history!

How did you propose or accept the proposal?

Emily: In true Emily & Erik fashion, it was very casual. One day, during happy hour, Erik told Emily that he thought she should pick herself a ring. So, a ring she picked, and four months later, we eloped!

Where did you choose to elope, and why did you choose that destination?

Emily: We chose to elope in Key West, Florida. It looked absolutely beautiful and tropical and was somewhere we had always wanted to go together. We also picked this location because it seemed like the perfect place to get married and spend our honeymoon.

What did you do before the wedding? How did you get ready? How did you feel in the moments leading up to your elopement?

Emily: Erik & I spent the morning before our elopement eating brunch together and exploring the Ernest Hemingway House. My hair and makeup were done by a local artist booked through Simply Eloped. Erik sat by the pool and drank a few beers while Emily was getting ready. We were both excited in anticipation of our ceremony. We also felt so relaxed because everything was taken care of by Simply Eloped. All we had to worry about was making sure we got to the beach on time!

How was your experience with Simply Eloped?

Emily: It was great! It was so easy and appropriately described as ‘simple.’ We simply picked the location and services we wanted online, and the rest was taken care of for us! The communication with Simply Eloped was great through e-mail, and everyone was very helpful and responsive! We absolutely LOVED the officiant and photographer Simply Eloped booked for us. Our elopement honestly could not have been more perfect.

How did you choose to celebrate your elopement?

Emily: After our late afternoon elopement, we had a beautiful sunset dinner at Latitudes on Sunset Key. The food was delicious, and the sunset was spectacular. It was the perfect way to celebrate our elopement with just the two of us, complete with complimentary champagne and dessert from the restaurant. We then spent an additional five days in Key West after our as our honeymoon. We absolutely loved Key West and have already planned our next trip back!

What words of encouragement do you have for those considering eloping?

Emily: DO IT! It was absolutely stress-free, and I simply cannot describe how special our day was with just the two of us. It was truly magical.

What attracted you to the venue you chose for your elopement? What were your favorite parts about eloping there?

Emily: We were attracted by Key West’s beachy, tropical vibes. It feels like a true Caribbean getaway without having to leave the US. Our favorite part of the location was the laid-back vibe, the beautiful weather, and all of the fun activities Key West has to offer!

How would you describe your elopement venue to someone who has never been there?

Emily: Key West is tropical, beachy, beautiful, and laid back.

Officiation by: Aaron Wechter
Photography by: Filip Konecny
Hair & Makeup by: Lorri Bolander
Planning by: Simply Eloped
Venue: Smathers Beach, Key West, Florida

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Lucia + Anthony

High school sweethearts, Lucia & Anthony, fell in love with each other more than a decade ago and have stayed that way ever since! They both knew they were not the large wedding couple, and looked for a non-traditional way to marry that required very little planning on their part. They found that by eloping at West Martello Tower in Key West, Florida. Inside the historical fort, the tropical gardens were the perfect setting for Lucia & Anthony to promise their lives together in front of family and friends. Read more to see how the proposal involved pyjamas and why they chose Simply Eloped as their wedding planner!

When did you first fall in love? How did you know?

Lucia: I first fell in love with Anthony the summer before my junior year. I knew it was love when I realized how comfortable I was with him. We could literally be doing anything and I would be happy.
Anthony: I first fell in love with Lucia in the summer of 2010. I realized it when being away from her became the worst thing.

How did you propose or accept the proposal?

Lucia: I knew something was up when Anthony offered to wash the dishes after dinner. I was in my pyjamas when Anthony asked me to come to the side of the bed. He started to say some super sweet things and, the next thing I knew, he was on one knee. We don’t keep secrets well between each other but he totally got me.
Anthony: I proposed in our bedroom. I waited for Lucia to get home from work and after she was settled into her pyjamas. I got on one knee, told her how much I loved her, and asked her to marry me.

What do you love about your partner?

Lucia: I love that Anthony is a kind-hearted person who has always supported me. He is just an overall very caring person.
Anthony: I love Lucia’s self-determination and her intelligence.

What is the greatest strength of your relationship?

Lucia: The greatest strength of our relationship is that we can handle anything as long as we are together.

Why did you decide to elope?

Lucia: We decided to elope because we didn’t want a traditional wedding, and don’t have the skills to plan one LOL – props to those people because it just wasn’t in the books for us.

How did you find Simply Eloped?

Lucia: We found Simply Eloped by searching elopement packages offered in Florida.

How did you know Simply Eloped was the right fit for you?

Lucia: We knew that Simply Eloped was right for us because the process seemed painless. We are all about ease when it comes to planning. It was nice to find an informative yet organized company when it came to the communication/planning piece.

What attracted you to the venue you eloped at?

Lucia: We both agreed on West Martello Tower. Key West is only around five hours from where we live, so we definitely wanted to plan something close to home. The tower looked beautiful, and we really enjoyed the thought of our ceremony surrounded by gorgeous flowers. We also liked the idea of it being outdoors with the ocean nearby.

What did you do before the wedding? How did you get ready? How did you feel in the moments leading up to your elopement?

Lucia: We didn’t want to see each other a few days before the wedding, so I stayed with some family about an hour away from the Keys. I didn’t travel to Key West until it was time for hair and makeup. I made my way to the ceremony after, and I was very excited, to say the least!
Anthony: I was more excited than nervous to see Lucia. I was staying with my Dad in Key West, and we explored the area for a few days before the wedding.

Tell us about your experience with Simply Eloped leading up to and on your wedding day.

Lucia: Our experience with Simply Eloped will be something we remember for the rest of our lives. We look back on the day, and both agree that it was simply perfect. Every detail went according to plan, and it was all so easy. We will never forget getting to our dinner afterward and just having the biggest smiles. It was simply a perfect day.

How did you celebrate after your elopement?

Lucia: We celebrated by hanging out with family. We also stayed in Key West for a few days afterward and did some exploring together.

What words of encouragement do you have for those considering eloping?

Lucia: If you are looking for something simple, beautiful, and memorable, look no further and book your date. You won’t regret it!

Officiation by: Aaron Wechter
Photography by: Olesya Marshall
Hair & Makeup by: Lorri Bolander
Flowers by: Petals & Vines
Planning by: Simply Eloped
Venue: West Martello Tower, Key West, Florida

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Nikki + John

Nikki & John were not in the market for love, but it found them anyway! They had planned to elope in Barbados until Covid interrupted. Nikki had her heart set on a beach wedding, though, so they started searching for the perfect spot in the United States. A Key West elopement checked all the boxes with sandy beaches, plenty of palm trees, and blue skies. Ok, so usually blue skies. Nikki & John wed in an intimate seaside ceremony just before a huge Florida storm. But they say they wouldn’t change a thing, and we can see why. The photos tell the story of the two of them laughing and loving their way through the raindrops on Smathers Beach (we love the umbrella shots). Find out more about their unique wedding and how Simply Eloped was there for them every step of the way. (They gave us a 10/10, and we are blushing…)

How did you meet? What was your first impression of one another?

John: We met through Tinder. Neither one of us was really looking for anything serious, but here we are. I don’t feel like I really gave off the best first impression, but it must not have been too bad. I was definitely excited to see what the future holds.

Nikki: We met on Tinder. I definitely wasn’t looking for my husband. My first impression was how nice he was. I’ve never been treated so well. I fell fast because I just felt that it was too good to be true. It wasn’t.

How did you propose or accept the proposal?

John: It wasn’t much of a proposal. I had purchased the ring and was bringing it home, and apparently was a little too obvious with it. And so I had to come up with something on a whim. I proposed right then and there. Out of nowhere, our dog started barking(unusual for her). It was almost like she was telling her to say yes.

Nikki: I was not expecting it AT ALL. It was a normal day, and I was caught so off guard. I kept saying, “what’s happening, what is that, what???” It was sweet. He’s not a nervous person, but he seemed a little nervous.

Where did you choose to elope, and why did you choose that destination?

John: Initially, we chose to elope in Barbados. However, due to Covid, we had to push it back a year and find a location within the States. We decided on Key West and wouldn’t change anything about how we did it!

Nikki: We needed to stay in the country because of Covid, so we picked Key West. It was beautiful. I wanted a beachy/tropical wedding, and it checked that box.

What attracted you to the venue you chose for your elopement? What were your favorite parts about eloping there?

John: She wanted a beach/tropical ceremony.

Nikki: I wanted a beach ceremony 100%. Smathers Beach was beautiful! The sand, the stairways, and the palm trees. Perfect. It really felt like we were on an island, not Florida.

How would you describe your elopement venue to someone who has never been there?

John & Nikki: Key West is a small island with water everywhere you look. It’s beautiful no matter where you’re looking. Smathers Beach is a very pretty beach with rocks, tall grass, palm trees all over. If you want a tropical vibe, it was perfect, especially for a small elopement.

What did you do before the wedding? How did you get ready? How did you feel in the moments leading up to your elopement?

Nikki: My hair and makeup were done with vendors through Simply Eloped. They were amazing. The weather was iffy all day, so I stressed about that, but once the moment came, I wasn’t nervous at all. We’ve been together for so long that I felt so ready.

How was your experience with Simply Eloped?

Nikki & John: It was great. We’re so glad Simply Eloped took care of everything for us. All we had to do was take out a marriage license, which was also very easy and took no time. All the vendors were great. 10/10

How did you choose to celebrate your elopement?

John: Good ole Taco Bell since most of the island lost power due to storms.

Nikki: So, funny story, we got through our ceremony and very shortly after there was a huge storm and we got soaked while taking photos. Half the island lost power, so we didn’t have a ton of options. We went to Taco Bell and went back to the hotel. But it fitted for us. Haha.

What words of encouragement do you have for those considering eloping?

Nikki & John: Do it! It comes down to you and what will make you happy. You won’t be any more or less married if you choose to have a traditional wedding or if you elope. We wouldn’t have done a thing differently. It was perfect. Plus, you have a wedding and honeymoon all in one!

Officiation by: Aaron Wechter
Photography by: Filip Konecny
Hair & Makeup by: Roberta Andre
Flowers by: Petals & Vines
Planning by: Simply Eloped
Venue: Smathers Beach, Key West

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When to Elope in Key WestWhen is the best time to elope in the Florida Keys?

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Can you get married at the courthouse in Key West?

Are there crocodiles or sharks in the Florida Keys?

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What’s the difference between a key and an island?

Kiran Herbert

Reading corner

Small Beach Weddings: 4 Tips You Need To Know

Your Guide to Eloping in the Florida Keys

How to Make An Elopement Special: 6 Fun and Easy Details

101 Elopement Dresses That Are Completely Show-Stopping

35 Dreamy Beach Elopement Ceremonies We're Completely In Love With

Eloping vs Wedding: What's the Difference?

How did you meet? What was your first impression of one another?

How did you propose or accept the proposal?

Where did you choose to elope, and why did you choose that destination?

What did you do before the wedding? How did you get ready? How did you feel in the moments leading up to your elopement?

How was your experience with Simply Eloped?

How did you choose to celebrate your elopement?

What words of encouragement do you have for those considering eloping?

What attracted you to the venue you chose for your elopement? What were your favorite parts about eloping there?

How would you describe your elopement venue to someone who has never been there?

When did you first fall in love? How did you know?

How did you propose or accept the proposal?

What do you love about your partner?

What is the greatest strength of your relationship?

Why did you decide to elope?

How did you find Simply Eloped?

How did you know Simply Eloped was the right fit for you?

What attracted you to the venue you eloped at?

What did you do before the wedding? How did you get ready? How did you feel in the moments leading up to your elopement?

Tell us about your experience with Simply Eloped leading up to and on your wedding day.

How did you celebrate after your elopement?

What words of encouragement do you have for those considering eloping?

How did you meet? What was your first impression of one another?

How did you propose or accept the proposal?

Where did you choose to elope, and why did you choose that destination?

What attracted you to the venue you chose for your elopement? What were your favorite parts about eloping there?

How would you describe your elopement venue to someone who has never been there?

What did you do before the wedding? How did you get ready? How did you feel in the moments leading up to your elopement?

How was your experience with Simply Eloped?

How did you choose to celebrate your elopement?

What words of encouragement do you have for those considering eloping?

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