A Florida Keys Wedding Photographers “Guide to The Keys”.
From Key Largo to Islamorada to Key West – How to plan for perfect Destination Wedding photos.
Key West, Key Largo, Islamorada, and Marathon – the four major keys that make up the popular destination wedding location of the Florida Keys. With over 800 keys in total stretching over 180 miles, The Florida Keys is the perfect getaway giving you major Caribbean vibes without actually leaving the USA. In fact, at the southernmost point of Key West, your only about 90 miles away from Cuba.
The Florida Keys see’s hundreds of weddings each year, from Destination brides as far as Canada and New York escaping the cold weather to local Floridians looking for a unique change of scenery without venturing too far. From formals black tie events with the famous Key West sunset as a backdrop, to more casual flip-flop and BYOB beach/backyard BBQ vibes, and everything in between, we have seen it all as Florida Keys Weddings are concerned.
I am thrilled to be able to share my experiences and unique insight into planning your wedding in the Florida Keys. In this guide, I have covered most everything I believe the savvy needs to know or may want to know when planning for their wedding in one of the aforementioned Keys. From how to get there, what to do when you do get there, and everything in between.
Time of year
So when’s the best time of the year to jump the broom, or tie the knot in South Florida? As a long time Floridian, I’ll tell you it’s just about the same weather year round, HOT! Of course, this is what draws most couples to Miami/South Florida in the first place. It is, however, important to consider some stipulations in our near-perfect year-round climate.
Florida Summer vs Florida Winter
While we don’t exactly really have “winter”, its kind of a continuous summer kind of a place.. some months are certainly wayyyy hotter than others. June, July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures well into the 90s Feranhiet. These high temperatures in combination with our extremely humid year-round air can certainly be less than pleasant for an outdoor afternoon event. To combat this heat, you could consider planning your outdoor ceremony closer to the time of the sunset, when it’s a bit cooler. Fans and refreshments for your guests are also a great idea.
The cooler months in Florida tend to be December, January, and February. Temperatures closer to the 70’s, 80’s tend to be the norm this time of year making it most comfortable for outdoor festivities.
They don’t call Florida the sunshine state for nothing.
We certainly have many many sunny days. We also, however, have rainy days as well. We even have an entire “season” dedicated to the rain… hurricane season. We tend to see the most amount of rain during the summer months between June and September. Don’t, however, let this scare you away. It tends to be mostly sunny, this is, however, it’s just something to consider.
Most wedding venues always have an entire alternative back up plan in the event you toes in the sand ceremony gets rained out. We like to think rain on the wedding day is extra good luck.. and in any event, the sun will always come out again. Eventually 🙂
Bride and Groom after ceremony at Dream Bay Resort
See more from their Wedding in the blog Dream Bay Resort Key Largo Wedding
Getting there
Miami International Airport is about 160 miles from key west and with moderate traffic takes about 4 hours to get from the airport to Key West. Many opt for this options, as although its a long journey.. its a pretty easy ride. There are many cool places to stop on the way down including little shops, fishing spots, restaurants, and you get a chance to drive over the famous & mile bridge.
Key West also has their very own airport. To fly from Miami International Airport takes about 1 hour, and will cost you about $200 round trip.
Wedding Decor and Favors
Planning a destination wedding in South Florida gives you the opportunity to get creative with your wedding decor. You can get away from the more formal wedding decor and traditions and set a more tropical, relaxed atmosphere. Whether your style is more DIY, or you plan on hiring one of our local planners or decor teams. The options are plentiful.
Wedding Decor by Cate Tenopir at Key Largo Lighthouse‘s Hidden Beach.
Decor by Marta Villar Floral Designs at Privat Home in Tavernier, Florida Keys.
Florida Keys Flavor
Your decor, guest favor, and food are great ways to implement a little Key West Flavor. I mean, who doesn’t love a good key lime pie. or how about a nice coconut shrimp? Additionally, seashell covered table decor and ornaments are perfect to set the beach/Caribbean vibes ambiance.
Things to see and Do
Whether you are a destination bride, visiting us from afar, or a native Floridian, there are many interesting things for you and your guests to see and do in Florida. Also, many really cool places to sneak away and get some awesome photos.Some of the more popular places include the following.
Any beach with a sunset view
Cuban Cofee Queen
Southernmost point
Mallory Square
Ernest Hemingway House
Dry Tortugas National Park
Jennifer and Gerro tied the not at the Westin Key West also known as Margaritaville Key West Resort before taking their guest on a sunset cruise on the ocean. I absolutely love these sunset images we got as we were walking the dock to board the yacht. Docks like these are common throughout the Kets and are an absolutely stunning backdrop for photos.
Cassie and her beau jumped the broom at Fort Zachary Beach in Key West. Also known as Fort Taylor Beach, this historic state park offers (in my humble opinion), some of the most stunning views of the sunset. In addition to the sunset views, there are also rocks and trees that offer variety in terms of scenery.
Just be careful when planning to visit here for photos, however. Just behind the beach public park area frequented by locals and tourist alike for BBQ’s which is not so beautiful as the views this location offers.
Jump on a historic Key West Trolly with yall your bridal party and/or guests, for a tour around the town. A stop can include places nearby, but not close enough to walk that your guests will love to see. One such location is the Southernmost point.
The Cuban Cofee queen is another popular location for great photos. Its a popular local restaurant with a really cool wall that wishes you “Greetings from Key West”.
Built in the 1840’2, the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens is another local staple. You can have your entire wedding help there, go just to take photos, or visit this unique site. Feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you view the antique furnishings and artwork of Key West’s most affluent of the mid 19th century.
Steps away from the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens, you will find Mallory Square. This site is the location of the city’s annual Sunset Celebration, considered one of the main attractions of the town.
Couple Kiss atop Audubon House and Tropical Gardens, Key West followed by dancing in Mallory Square.
Miami is also not far away to take a trip another day with lots of beautiful photos spots and cool things to do.
If you are planning your Destination wedding in the Florida Keys, contact us today! We’d love to photographer your event.
