Let’s be honest; not everyone wants a huge guest list for their wedding. And a lot of the information you see on the internet is about just that — it’s about planning a huge celebratory soiree. There are very few tips for a Key West elopement floating around out there in the internet. But we here at Plan Your Key West Wedding understand this frustration and know that sometimes a smaller, more intimate vibe is exactly what you are dreaming about.
Big weddings are great, they really are. But they require a lot more planning, a lot more logistics, and usually a lot more money. Elopements are more intimate, less time-consuming to plan, and are usually more cost-effective.
If you are looking for a less stressful, more intimate wedding, an elopement in Key West is precisely what you need. This idyllic destination offers a captivating blend of tropical beauty, mesmerizing sunsets, and a vibrant atmosphere that guarantees an intimate and unforgettable experience.
But as with all weddings, even though it is smaller and easier, there is still stuff to learn, things to do, and plenty to not forget. So, how do you get the elopement experience you deserve? Here are some tips to make your work much more manageable, giving you the magical experience you desire.
The Best Tips for Your Key West Elopement Wedding
Planning your elopement can be daunting, especially if you go blind without knowing what to do or where to start.
Need help figuring out where to start? This guide will give you a clue about how to embark on your planning.
Tip 1: Set a budget
Let’s face it; elopements are much easier on your pockets than typical weddings. However, they do come with their fair share of costs. So, what do you need to do?
You need to sit down and talk it through with your partner. Decide what you need and how much you would ideally spend on the wedding. Prioritize your needs (what you absolutely must have) and your wants (what you would like but don’t have to have) and then set a budget that works well for you.
Tip 2: Get your Permits
You must ensure your marriage will be legally recognized. So, find any permits or legal requirements you may need to fulfill for your Key West elopement.
Do you need a license or certificate? How long before you get the certificate? Must you have witnesses, and if so, what conditions must they satisfy?
If you are coming in from another state or another country, make sure you decide if you are having the legal ceremony in Key West or if you are going to have the symbolic one here. There are many pros and cons to having a symbolic ceremony rather than going through the entire legal process (but this is for another blog).
These are just some of the questions you need to keep in mind. But basically, getting your legal ducks in a row and being absolutely clear on what steps you need to follow is imperative.
Tip 3: Find Local Vendors
Want to have the perfect elopement wedding? Then, start booking your vendors early.
Key West is a popular destination, with many couples lining up to finally tie the knot. Hence, getting your vendors in advance will make the process easier and less stressful.
And book local. We always recommend booking local vendors for your experience. They know the area, the weather, the secrets… and will use all of this to help give you the best experience ever.
Find your florists, caterers- anyone you need for your ceremony, right here on PYKWW.
Tip 4: Don’t Skip Planning
Elopements allow you to be whoever you want on your big day. Whatever you want to do is entirely up to you. You can stick to traditions or put on a whole different show altogether.
One thing is for sure; you can’t just not plan an elopement ceremony or just show up and wing it. You need to put in the time and effort to make it special and personal. Leaving the actual ceremony plans to the last minute will be stressful and overwhelming – and chances are good that it won’t feel as special.
What will you wear? Will you have flowers? Who will officiate? And what types of vows will you recite?
And past the ceremony, put some thought into where you want to have your reception dinner. Whether you are having dinner alone or with your guests, make sure that you reserve a space at one of our many local restaurants.
It’s important to put all of these into consideration and, even though it is a small wedding, we still recommend hiring a wedding planner.
Tip 5: Schedule Around-town Photography Sessions.
Do you want to remember your special day for years to come? Of course, you do.
And what better way to relive the day’s moments than looking through your wedding photos?
Key West is a magical place with picturesque spots perfect for wedding photos. Schedule around-town photography sessions with your photographer to capture some of the island’s unique charm with you at the center of it. These are popular with most local photographers and if you book one they will take you around the island stopping at both landmarks spots and secret spots to get the most memorable images for your wedding gallery.
Tip 6: Keep a Key West Mentality
If you were looking for a relaxing experience, you picked the perfect location. Key West is known for its laid-back and carefree mentality. All you have to do is let loose, relax, and embrace the island.
And while being laid-back does not mean avoiding planning your perfect elopement, it does mean that you need to keep perspective while planning your wedding. Even the best-laid plans may need some adjusting, make sure you give yourself the freedom and permission to pivot and make adjustments as you need. And don’t stress if you do… it’s still going to be the perfect day when you and your partner finally make that forever commitment.
Tip 7: Consider an Elopement Package
Want to remain stress-free throughout the planning process? Consider booking an elopement package. The all-inclusive options will cater to your needs — from photography, to decor, location, and anything else, an all-inclusive elopement package could be exactly what you need for the most enjoyable experience.
Most planners offer all-inclusive elopement packages (or they can create one easily). Just start reaching out to planners to see what they can do for you!
Tip 8: Have a Backup Plan
While Key West is famous for its sunny skies, planning is essential in case of sudden weather changes.
The first step is to know your season. If you plan to get married from May – October, your chances of coming across rain is higher than if you get married from November – April. Regardless though, Key West is in a sub-tropical climate and rain is possible at any time, any day, so a little bit of thinking ahead is necessary.
You must have a backup plan in case of rain.
That backup plan could be as simple as “move the wedding to another time” (if you and your vendors are flexible). It could mean finding an indoor space to use instead. Or it could mean finding a large banyan tree to shelter under (if the rain is mild enough).
The only wrong backup plan is not having one and then going into panic mode when the weather doesn’t cooperate. So, think ahead and make some plans.
Tip 9: Plan Activities for Yourself and Any Guests
While eloping usually means a small guest list, if you have a few close friends or family members joining you, you could plan fun activities for them to enjoy during their stay in Key West.
There are so many fun and unique activities to experience while on our lovely little island. Consider snorkel tours, jet skiing, literary tours, and more.
Tip 10: Consider a Off-Season Wedding
Do you prefer a more intimate and private experience? While Key West rarely has a super slow season, there are times that you know will be more busy than others. Key West can get pretty crowded during high season (November – March) and also during any of the many special events held on the island (think boat races, film festivals, and Fantasy Fest).
Unless you love being in the thick of it all, look at what is going on in town before making any solid plans. The easiest way to see events is to check out this events page.
Getting booked on an off-season could get you the ideal private experience you’re looking for and can also be less expensive.
Your Key West Elopement
There’s no doubt that Key West offers the perfect blend of romance, relaxation, and adventure for your elopement.
Your next step is to start planning your elopement and see your dreams come to life.
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