While December brings holiday celebrations, it’s also the perfect time for romance. And guest blogger Maria Hayworth explains why Key West is the ideal setting for a dream-come-true wedding.
Wedding couples in Key West can celebrate their love in casually elegant waterfront settings, historic sites or resorts.
There are many beautiful places to celebrate love with your toes in the sand, but nothing quite compares to a beachfront wedding in the subtropical paradise of Key West. This idyllic island at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys offers an enchanting, laid-back vibe that’s irresistible to couples looking for a memorable and magical destination wedding.
With brilliant sunsets that light up the sky, clear turquoise water as far as the eye can see, and warm, gentle ocean breezes, Key West provides a breathtaking natural backdrop for weddings that are picture-perfect and warmly welcoming to all.
Planning your Sunshine State ceremony is surprisingly simple, with only a few easy-to-meet requirements. You can handle them on your own or let a local wedding planner or resort consultant help with every detail — allowing you and your honey to focus on soaking up the island’s beauty, connecting with your guests, and cherishing every moment of your celebration.
At just four miles long and one mile wide, Key West is brimming with stunning waterfront wedding venues that cater to a range of styles and visions. From luxurious resorts and top-tier restaurants to charming historic hideaways and intimate island nooks, the options are practically endless.
Margaritaville Beach House Key West, directly across from Smathers, is ideal for post-ceremony celebrations.
One of the most popular wedding spots is Smathers Beach, a half-mile crescent of soft white sand adorned with towering palm trees and native greenery. Located along the storied A1A highway, Smathers Beach is Key West’s largest public beach — so it has ample space for weddings large and small, making it an ideal spot to exchange vows with the sand beneath your feet and the ocean stretching out behind you.
For post-ceremony celebrations, look no farther than the Margaritaville Beach House Key West, conveniently located just across from Smathers Beach. A tropical escape with the relaxed, island-chic vibe of the Jimmy Buffett tune it’s named for, the resort offers a range of event spaces — from the lush garden and outdoor Tiki Hut to the laid-back Tin Cup Bar & Chill Veranda and versatile indoor space.
Wedding guests and party members can revel in coastal comfort here, with accommodations that include ocean-view suites and an exclusive bridal suite — so everyone can have a relaxing stay close to the festivities. As well as an authentic island-inspired experience (complete with a gorgeous lagoon pool), Margaritaville also offers wedding and honeymoon packages.
Plus guests can take advantage of complimentary trolley service to the bustling Key West Historic Seaport and downtown area, so you can easily explore the iconic Mallory Square for a sunset toast, stroll along Duval Street for some last-minute shopping, or dive into the area’s many attractions.
Historic sites for ceremonies in the island city include the Truman Little White House, Florida’s only presidential museum.
For couples seeking a more historic or cultural venue, Key West offers several one-of-a-kind spots filled with old-world charm and beauty. Exchange vows surrounded by history and natural splendor at the Truman Little White House, Florida’s only presidential museum, with its shady, manicured grounds. Or say “I do” in the lush, magical gardens of the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, where the legendary American author lived for nearly 10 years.
The Audubon House and Tropical Gardens, nestled in the heart of Old Town Key West, offers yet another option with its rich tropical foliage and historic setting — perfect for couples looking to infuse their day with a touch of timeless romance.
As you begin planning your dream wedding, keep Key West top of mind. With its blend of vibrant history, tropical climate, natural beauty, diverse cultural influences, charming architecture, and unrestrained romantic allure, the island city has made countless dreams come true. This is a place where love stories find a perfect setting, and memories are made to last a lifetime.
