Name: Key West Elopement
Brand: Wedy

Question 1

Do I need a permit to elope in Key West?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your ceremony location. Smathers Beach (Key West's most popular elopement beach) requires no permit for ceremonies — it's first-come, first-serve. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park requires a ceremony permit ranging from $15–$750 depending on the site (The Point/R2 package is approximately $750); contact the park directly at 305-292-6713 or fortzacharytaylor.com/weddings-events. Your Wedy planning team can help coordinate permit applications as part of your package planning.

Question 2

How many guests can I have at my Key West elopement?

Accepted Answer

Guest limits depend on the ceremony spot. Smathers Beach can accommodate up to 100 guests but most elopements are 2–25 people. Fort Zachary Taylor's The Point (R2) holds up to 300 guests with exclusive access after sunset; East Beach (R4) works best for groups under 30. For a truly intimate elopement, any Key West spot is comfortable with 2–25 guests — the public beaches are wide enough that small ceremonies feel private. Note: Wedy's all-inclusive packages are designed for intimate ceremonies.

Question 3

When is the best time to elope in Key West?

Accepted Answer

November through April is the ideal window — dry season with mild temperatures in the low 70s–low 80s, virtually no rain, and minimal mosquitoes. December–April is peak season with the best weather but also the highest prices and larger crowds; book accommodations 3–6 months ahead. October and November offer excellent conditions at lower prices — a great shoulder-season value. Avoid June–September: daily afternoon thunderstorms, intense heat and humidity (feels like 95–105°F), and active hurricane season.

Question 4

How do I get a marriage license for my Key West elopement?

Accepted Answer

You apply in person at the Monroe County Clerk's office — the Key West location is at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. Both parties must appear together with valid government-issued photo IDs. The license costs $86.00 (or $61.00 if both Florida residents complete a state-approved premarital course). The best part for out-of-state couples: non-Florida residents face NO waiting period and can marry the same day the license is issued. Florida residents must wait 3 days unless they complete a premarital course. The license is valid for 60 days.

Question 5

How much does a Key West elopement cost?

Accepted Answer

A Key West elopement can range from a few hundred dollars (self-planned with no-permit beach + basic vendor booking) to $3,500–$5,000+ for luxury resort packages. Ceremony site fees range from $0 at Smathers Beach to $750+ at Fort Zachary Taylor. Budget for the marriage license ($86.00), travel, and accommodations — hotels book quickly November–April and rates climb significantly. Wedy's all-inclusive packages bundle photography, officiant, florals, and planning coordination at various price tiers; check the listing for current package pricing.

Question 6

What's included in a Wedy Key West elopement package?

Accepted Answer

Wedy's Key West all-inclusive packages typically include professional photography, an ordained officiant, planning coordination, and floral arrangements. Specific inclusions vary by package tier — some tiers add videography, hair and makeup, or additional ceremony time. Your Wedy planner handles logistics like permit coordination, location scouting, and vendor scheduling, so you can focus on the experience. Check the listing for current package details and pricing.

Question 7

What should I wear to my Key West elopement?

Accepted Answer

Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics — linen, chiffon, and gauze are ideal for Key West's warm, humid climate. Stilettos sink into beach sand immediately; flat sandals, wedges, or barefoot ceremonies are the local standard. For winter elopements (December–February), pack a light wrap for the evening since temperatures can dip into the 60s with cooling breezes. Updos, braids, or secured hairstyles photograph better than loose styles in the consistent coastal wind. If you're planning any water activities on your wedding day, choose quick-dry fabrics.

Question 8

What time should I schedule my Key West elopement ceremony?

Accepted Answer

For the iconic Key West sunset, plan your ceremony 60–90 minutes before sunset to capture the best golden light — winter sunset is around 5:30–6:00 PM, spring sunset is 7:30–8:00 PM, and summer sunset is 8:00–8:15 PM. Fort Zachary Taylor's The Point (R2) faces west and offers spectacular sunset views. If you prefer sunrise, Smathers Beach faces east over the Atlantic — summer sunrise is around 6:30–6:45 AM, winter sunrise is 7:15–7:30 AM. Sunrise ceremonies are the best way to beat the heat, humidity, and cruise ship crowds.

Question 9

Where should I stay near Key West for my elopement?

Accepted Answer

Key West's Old Town (the historic district) is the best base — it's walkable to beaches, restaurants, and the courthouse, and you may not need a car at all on your wedding day. Boutique B&Bs and historic inns in Old Town offer the most romantic atmosphere. Luxury options include The Reach, Casa Marina, and Sunset Key Cottages, which offer premium getting-ready suites. Book 3–6 months ahead for December–April dates — the best properties sell out quickly. For a more private feel, Airbnb/VRBO vacation homes with private pools are popular for small wedding parties.

Question 10

Do I need to bring my own officiant to my Key West elopement?

Accepted Answer

No — Florida is very permissive about who can officiate. Ordained ministers, judges, notaries public, and online ordinations from organizations like the Universal Life Church (ULC) or American Marriage Ministries (AMM) are all legally accepted in Florida and Monroe County. No officiant registration is required. A friend or family member can get ordained online and legally perform your ceremony. Wedy's packages include a professional ordained officiant, so you don't need to arrange one separately.

Question 11

Do I need witnesses for my Key West elopement?

Accepted Answer

No — Florida does not legally require any witnesses for a marriage ceremony. You and your partner, along with the officiant, are all that's needed for a valid legal ceremony. The officiant must return the completed marriage license to the Monroe County Clerk within 10 days of the ceremony. This makes Key West ideal for a truly private, just-the-two-of-you elopement.

Question 12

What are the best Key West elopement ceremony spots?

Accepted Answer

Smathers Beach is the most popular — a wide, palm-lined Atlantic beach with no permit required, great for sunrise ceremonies before the crowds arrive. Fort Zachary Taylor's The Point (R2) is the most dramatic, with sunset views where the Atlantic meets the Gulf behind a Civil War-era fort. West Martello Tower (Higgs Beach) offers a unique lush tropical garden inside historic brick ruins. For a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, Dry Tortugas National Park — 70 miles offshore and accessible only by ferry or seaplane — is where Fort Jefferson rises out of crystal-clear water with no other land in sight.

Question 13

What should I know about cruise ships affecting my Key West elopement?

Accepted Answer

Cruise ships dock at Key West's port almost daily from October through April, and on heavy days (3–4 ships), 10,000+ tourists can flood public beaches and Old Town from 8 AM–5 PM. Check the Key West cruise schedule at keywest.com when planning your ceremony timing. The best strategy: schedule your ceremony at sunrise before ships dock, choose a permit-required venue with exclusive access (like Fort Zachary Taylor at sunset), or time your ceremony after 5 PM when day-trippers have returned to their ships.

Key West Elopement

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Key West Elopement — Essential

Key West Micro Wedding — Classic

Key West Elopement — Classic

Key West Elopement — Essential

Key West Micro Wedding — Classic

Key West Elopement — Classic

Ceremony & Reception Locations

Smathers Beach

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park — The Point (R2)

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park — East Beach (R4)

West Martello Tower / Garden Club of Key West

Smathers Beach

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park — The Point (R2)

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park — East Beach (R4)

West Martello Tower / Garden Club of Key West

Smathers Beach

Seaside Ceremony

Wedding + Reception

Luxe Elopement

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Seaside Ceremony

Wedding + Reception

Luxe Elopement

Meet Your Planner

Choose Your Vendors

Show Up & Celebrate

How ItWorks

Pick Your Package

Meet Your Planner

Choose Your Vendors

Show Up & Celebrate

Traditional Planningvs Wedy

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Florals

Hair & Makeup

Videography

Luxe Picnic

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How It
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