USA
Destination Wedding in the Florida Keys
Escape to America's Caribbean, where laid-back island vibes meet legendary sunsets at the southernmost point in the continental US.
Start PlanningHighlights
- Southernmost point in continental US
- No waiting period for visitors
- Legendary Key West sunsets
- Laid-back island atmosphere
- Drive-to tropical destination
- Hemingway-era charm
Overview
Why Choose Florida Keys?
The Florida Keys offer something unique among American destinations—a true tropical island experience accessible by car. This 120-mile chain of islands stretching from Miami to Key West creates a world apart, where the pace slows, the waters turn impossible shades of turquoise, and every evening ends with a celebration of sunset. Key West, at the chain's end, is the crown jewel—a place where Hemingway wrote, pirates once roamed, and today's visitors find a charmingly eccentric town of Victorian architecture, tropical gardens, and an anything-goes spirit. The daily sunset celebration at Mallory Square captures the Keys' essence: street performers, local artists, and crowds gathered simply to applaud as the sun touches the Gulf of Mexico. Between Miami and Key West, the Upper and Middle Keys offer their own character—world-class diving at John Pennekamp State Park, sportfishing in Islamorada, and quiet retreats on islands most tourists pass by. For couples seeking tropical romance without international travel, the Keys deliver genuine island spirit with American convenience.
Timing
Best Time to Get Married
The Florida Keys enjoy a tropical maritime climate with mild temperatures year-round. The dry season from November through May offers ideal conditions, while summer brings heat, humidity, and hurricane season.
Dry Season
November - April
Ideal conditions with temperatures of 21-26°C, minimal rainfall, and comfortable humidity. Peak wedding season with the best weather guarantee.
Spring
April - May
Warming temperatures (24-29°C) with continued dry conditions. Excellent value as crowds thin before summer.
Summer
June - August
Hot and humid (29-32°C) with daily afternoon thunderstorms. Brief but intense rain typically clears for evening celebrations.
Hurricane Season
September - November
Peak hurricane risk (especially September), heavy rainfall, and highest humidity. September best avoided entirely.
Planning Ahead
Legal Requirements
Florida offers straightforward marriage requirements, and out-of-state residents enjoy no waiting period. Marriage licenses are valid statewide, so you can obtain one anywhere in Florida for a Keys ceremony.
Pro Tip
Out-of-state couples can obtain licenses immediately with no waiting period. Florida residents face a 3-day wait unless they complete a premarital course, which also reduces the license fee.
What You'll Need
- Valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID, state ID)
- Social Security Number required for US citizens
- No waiting period for out-of-state residents
- Marriage license fee: $93.50 (Florida residents who complete premarital course: $61)
- License valid for 60 days after issuance
- No witnesses required at ceremony
Venues
Popular Venue Types
Waterfront Resorts
Properties like Ocean Key Resort, Pier House, and Hyatt Centric Key West offer celebrations with legendary sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico.
Beach Venues
Southernmost Beach Resort, Playa Largo, and Atlantic-side properties offer white sand and turquoise waters for classic tropical ceremonies.
Private Islands
Exclusive options like East Sister Rock Island offer ultimate privacy—arrive by boat for a ceremony surrounded by nothing but sea and sky.
Yacht Weddings
Charter vessels offer unique celebrations on the water—sunset cruises, ceremony at sea, or dockside receptions with nautical atmosphere.
Historic Properties
Key West's Victorian inns, Hemingway-era estates, and tropical garden venues offer Old Florida charm with lush landscaping.
Marina Venues
Waterfront locations with yacht backdrops, like Opal Key Marina, offer nautical elegance and casual island atmosphere.
At a Glance
What Makes It Special
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