An Insider-Tell-All
Key West, Florida, is truly a dream destination for couples seeking a romantic, intimate elopement. With its sun-kissed beaches, charming historic properties, and luxurious hotels, this island paradise offers many enchanting settings perfect for eloping.
Eloping is quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to get married, and it isn’t hard to see why. A destination elopement allows you to create an experience that is 100% what you want, with no pressure or expectations from family or guests. It is less expensive, and it allows you to easily combine your wedding and honeymoon with the adventure of a lifetime.
Key West is a wonderful place to elope — it’s tropical, adventurous, and offers luxury that is unmatched around the US. Let’s explore the best spots in Key West to say “I do” in style and intimacy.
Best Key West Elopement Locations
Key West Beaches for Breathtaking Vows
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Beach
Fort Zachary Taylor is not just a beach; it’s a scene straight out of a romantic movie and is a perfect place for a Key West elopement.
Known for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic sunsets, this historic beach offers a serene and beautiful backdrop for your elopement. The beach is located inside a state park, giving you a relatively private milieu compared to more crowded public beaches. It is also an easy cab ride (or bike ride if you are feeling super casual on your wedding day) from Old Town.
But Fort Zachary Taylor is more than just beaches. There is a small forest of pine trees lining the beach, a field that sometimes displays beautiful golden grasses, and an old fort, which dates back to the mid-1800s. Having access to the forest and the fort gives you a nice diversity to your wedding photographs. And we can’t not mention the rock formation that jets into the ocean. It’s a great place for a scenic photograph.
If exchanging your vows on the picturesque rock formations as the sun dips into the Gulf of Mexico sounds like what you are looking for, then consider Fort Zachary Taylor for your Key West elopement —a magical moment guaranteed!
Note: A permit and fee are required to host any sort of wedding or elopement at the park, so plan appropriately.
Smathers Beach
Smathers Beach is Key West’s largest public beach, famous for its soft white sand and palm-lined coast.
Offering a quintessential beach wedding experience, Smathers provides a lively yet spacious environment. With plenty of room to find a quiet spot, it’s ideal for those who dream of a beach wedding but also want the amenities of urban convenience close by and a lower price tag (can you say – free!).
The drawbacks of this public space are just that — it is public. This half-mile stretch of sand can be packed at certain times of year (think spring break in particular). And you can’t really reserve a space too far in advance so flexibility is a must.
Note: Smathers Beach is public and no permit or fees are required.
Historic Key West Properties with Timeless Charm
The Hemingway Home
For literature lovers and history enthusiasts, the Hemingway Home is truly a spectacular venue. Formerly the residence of the famed American writer Ernest Hemingway, this stunning property boasts lush gardens and iconic Spanish Colonial architecture. The home is not only a museum but also a romantic venue that breathes life into history and romance into your cherished wedding images.
The venue offers everything from 100+ people weddings to intimate elopements. And while elopements are held while the venue is open, you are granted a small garden where your vows can be exchanged in relative privacy.
So if saying your vows surrounded by the whispering palms and the descendants of Hemingway’s six-toed cats sounds like what you are looking for, then the Hemingway House may be exactly what you need.
Audubon House and Tropical Gardens
The Audubon House offers a glimpse into the rich history of Key West with its beautifully restored structure and breathtaking gardens. Named after John James Audubon, who once visited the property and whose work is displayed throughout, it features a variety of tropical plants and is a sanctuary for butterflies and exotic birds.
The garden’s vibrant flowers and greenery serve as natural decor for your wedding, ensuring stunning photos. The ambiance here is imbued with romance and tranquility, perfect for a classic garden elopement in Key West.
Key West Hotels That Exude Elegance and Privacy
Casa Marina Resort
The Casa Marina Resort has an impressive history dating back to the 1920s. The elegant property exudes an old-world charm combined with modern luxury that easily makes it one of the most famous and sought-after hotels on the island.
The resort’s stretch of sandy beach and majestic palm trees provide a stunning setting for a seaside ceremony. And you can easily spend your honeymoon lounging around the multiple pools while sipping a drink from their poolside bar, reading in a hammock, or walking the private beach. And let’s not forget about the sunset – the sunsets here are definitely worth hanging around for.
Combining your Key West elopement and your honeymoon in one of their recently remodeled suites is an easy decision.
The Gardens Hotel
Often referred to as Key West’s hidden gem, The Gardens Hotel is ideal for couples looking for a more secluded and intimate venue with easy access to Key West’s famed Duval Street. Set in a beautifully restored historic home, the hotel features several private cottages set amid an enchantingly lush, tropical garden. It has been frequently deemed one of the prettiest hotels in Key West by major publications like the New York Times.
The venue is particularly well-suited for smaller elopements, providing an intimate setting that feels both exclusive and welcoming. The attentive staff and exceptional service at The Gardens ensure that every detail of your special day is taken care of, allowing you to focus solely on your partner and the joy of the moment.
Eloping in Key West not only offers a beautiful escape but also simplicity and intimacy that large weddings can seldom match. Each location mentioned here provides not just a venue but an experience — an experience that helps create a deeper story of your relationship and your vision for your life together. Whether it’s the historic allure, the serene beaches, or the luxurious accommodations, Key West makes each wedding uniquely personal and utterly unforgettable.
Why Elope in Key West?
Furthermore, Key West is not just about the places but the vibe of the island itself. It’s laid-back yet vibrant, isolated yet inviting—a magical contradiction that enhances the romance and allure of an elopement.
Final Thoughts
Choosing Key West for your elopement combines the allure of an exotic destination with the convenience of a domestic location. Each of these venues offers something special that can make your elopement not just a mere ceremony, but a cherished memory that lasts a lifetime. Whether it’s the historical resonance of Hemingway’s home, the natural beauty of Fort Zachary Taylor beach, or the exclusive luxury of Casa Marina, your Key West elopement will be nothing short of perfection.
