A Guide To Finding the Perfect Wedding Venue
So you want to have your dream wedding at a stunning, tropical destination? Then look no further than the island of Key West. There are so many different types of wedding venues in Key West that it is hard to find a reason NOT to get married in this fabulous paradise.
This beautiful destination offers a great blend of tropical allure, breathtaking sunsets, and a lively ambiance that promises an intimate and unforgettable experience. The island is filled with vibrance while maintaining its laid-back, carefree vibe. Key West has a rich history rivaled only by its beautiful water and beaches and infamous Duval Street.
Whether you want a beachfront affair, a garden ceremony, or a historic backdrop to your wedding, the island has it all. Key West truly is the perfect wedding location.
We at Plan Your Key West Wedding are here to help you find the perfect wedding location.. In this guide, we’ll give you details on the best types of wedding venues in Key West and the ideal locations.
Different Types of Wedding Venues in Key West
Key West is home to the most romantic and picturesque spots. Let’s dive into their different themes to help your wedding vision come to life.
Historic Venues
Are you looking for the perfect blend of history and romance, the old and the new?
Key West’s historic locations like Hemingway Home and Museum and the Audubon House and Gardens are two of the many venues that will fit your needs.
The Hemingway, former home to legendary author Ernest Hemingway, boasts a rich history and breathtaking beauty. A wedding here allows you to step back in time and relive the life of one of the greatest writers in American history. And who knows, delving into Hemingway’s works may inspire your own words for some personally written wedding vows.
The venue also offers the perfect enchanting effect to immerse your guests in your wedding fairytale. Additionally, the Spanish architecture of the mansion and the iconic six-toed cats create the ideal historic backdrop for your big day.
The Audubon House and Gardens is another historic site that’s worth your time. Your wedding here will feel like a trip to the 19th century into a world of maritime pilots and wreckers. The venue is the perfect mix of ancient and modern, with the new restorations adding a touch of elegance to the rich heritage.
These are just a few of the wedding venues that offer a stunning and unforgettable backdrop that explore Key West’s enchanting history.
Oceanfront Venues
Has it always been a dream of yours to have a beachfront wedding? Key West is your dream come true with its beachfront locations, including Casa Marina, the Reach, and Southernmost on the Beach. These locations offer any couple idyllic ocean views and soft sands for their wedding.
Casa Marina is perfect for a peaceful beach wedding with a calm ambiance. They have the largest private beach in Key West, offering an upscale experience with all the perks of a clear beachfront.
The Reach, on the other hand, is the casual alternative to Casa Marina. It offers excellent accommodations and lets you easily access Duval Street and the upfront beach property. Their pool and beach will give you and your guests a great spot to relax and unwind.
Down the road, you’ll find the Southernmost on the Beach where you can enjoy both the ceremony and the reception outside under the pristine blue skies of Key West. This fun venue offers wide variety of
And if a resort isn’t in your budget but you’re still dreaming of a beach wedding, Key West does allow smaller ceremonies to be held at Smathers Beach.
Boutique Hotels
Want to have a more intimate wedding experience?
Then you should consider boutique hotels in Key West like Old Town Manor, Orchid Key Inn, and the Garden Hotel. These stunning hotels offer great personalized experiences you wouldn’t usually find in larger resorts. Their private spaces provide the perfect backdrop for both your wedding reception and ceremony.
Another great part about booking a smaller, boutique hotel in Key West for your wedding is that, if you plan enough in advance, you can reserve the entire hotel for yourself and your guests. It will become a private island resort just for your people.
Most small hotels in Key West offer a pristine tropical vibe and a private pool in an intimate setting.
Regardless, celebrating your big day in any of Key West’s boutique hotels will make your day an intimate and memorable affair.
Parks and Gardens
Believe it or not, all Key West sites and scenes can make the perfect wedding venue. Want a classic park wedding? Key West has options for you, including Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and the Key West Garden Club.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is a good choice for couples seeking a unique experience. It’s the perfect place to bird-watch with your partner while in for a swim. The landmark is rich in history and provides couples with the ideal romantic setting.
Would you prefer a more tropical vibe at your wedding? Try out Key West Garden Club. It has tons of different plant and flower species in its gardens. Not to mention, its gardens overlook the water, giving you breathtaking views of the ocean and nature.
Fun and Funky Bars & Restaurants
Are you looking to have a funky time while celebrating your wedding?
Then check out the fun and funky bars in Key West. Some bars like Aqua, Mangoes, and First Flight — among others — offer the option to rent out the establishment for private parties.
Restaurants and bars are certainly not the most conventional place for a Key West wedding but they can be fun, intimate, and memorable.
Ceremony on the High Seas
If getting married on one of the seven seas sounds like a dream come true, consider hiring a local charter company to take you and your guests on the adventure of a lifetime.
From sunset cruises that second as a ceremony and reception to sandbar elopements, you’ll find most charter companies willing and ready to accommodate your wildest of dreams. Danger Charters is one of the oldest and most reputable companies in Key West. Their upscale, historic schooners are beautiful and elegant, lending quite a romantic aire to your nuptials.
The Appledore is another schooner that will captivate and intrigue. She is a true snowbird and divides her time between Key West and Maine so make sure you contact them and plan ahead for when she will be in port.
These are just a few of the many companies that provide sailing services in Key West. You can also talk to some of the bigger catamaran companies in town — like Fury and Sebago. These are larger companies with catamarans instead of sailboats and you may find their boats to be more what you are looking for.
Start Looking at Key West Wedding Venues
There are so many different types of Key West wedding venues out there, it can be difficult to know where to start. Having an idea of what you want is the best place to begin and hopefully this guide gave you some good starting places and ideas for where to start looking.
Are you convinced yet that Key West has the perfect wedding venue for you? Start browsing our recommended venues today!