Starter Tips for Your Wedding and Honeymoon in The Florida Keys

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Discover the Keys to an Idyllic Wedding and Honeymoon

The Florida Keys are synonymous with natural landscapes, luxury accommodations, and memorable experiences, all within easy reach from the mainland. Each of the five main regions—Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys, and Key West—offers its own flavour, with options for relaxation, adventure, and immersion in local culture.

How to Plan Your Florida Keys Wedding From the UK

Planning a destination wedding can always feel daunting at first, but a click to The Florida Keys & Key West website will get you on the right track. But before you click away, we'd like to share a few steps to get you started.

• Think of the style you want: Key West is known for landmark venues and lively nightlife, while Islamorada and Marathon offer more serene, seaside settings, ideal for more close-knit ceremonies.
• Consider a local wedding planner: Hire a Florida Keys wedding planner who masters the local offerings and can handle logistics, from permits to flowers, while you focus on enjoying your day.
• Browse venues: Options range from traditional beach front resorts with all the amenities to memorable options like underwater ceremonies.
• Plan for the weather: The tropical climate is generally sunny, but like with any wedding plan, a plan B - an indoor space or tent - is a good idea in case it rains.

Your Well-Organised Escape in 3 Steps

Now that your wedding plans are underway, let's highlight a few steps to help you plan a successful honeymoon.

1. Time your visit

While The Florida Keys are warm year-round, your experience may vary with the seasons. Winter to early spring is the most popular time to visit. You'll enjoy pleasant, cooler temperatures, snowbirds and low humidity. The ideal time for outdoor activities. For a quieter experience, late spring and summer bring a laid-back atmosphere with fewer crowds, although temperatures and humidity rise, and afternoon showers are common. Knowing the seasonal flow will help you make the best plans.

2. Choose your island

Each of the islands offers a unique ambience. Knowing your options can help you decide if you’d prefer a one-island stay or a multi-island itinerary that blends different experiences:

• Key Largo is known for its underwater attractions. The island is home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park in the U.S. Here, you can snorkel or dive along colourful coral reefs. If you consider yourself purely a land animal, glass-bottom boat tours are a great way to view the reefs.
• Islamorada is for those who enjoy water sports and small-town charm. The island offers scenic waterfront dining, galleries, and an impressive art scene, making it an appealing spot if you want to enjoy a vibrant yet low-key community atmosphere.
• Marathon is home to family-friendly attractions and a relaxed pace, with its sandy beaches and spots like the Turtle Hospital, which rescues and rehabilitates sea turtles. Bahia Honda State Park, known for its blue waters and soft sands, is a must-visit here, especially if you want to be surrounded by natural landscapes.
• Big Pine Key & the Lower Keys offer a quieter, more nature-focused experience, including the National Key Deer Refuge. This area is ideal for enjoying secluded beaches, kayaking, and nature trails, far from the crowds.
• Key West has a livelier, more eclectic energy. Known for its historic sites and colourful architecture, Key West has a more urban feel. Popular spots include the Hemingway Home and Museum, lively Duval Street, and the nightly Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square.

3. Find accommodation that will pamper you

• Explore island-specific options: Different islands, from Key Largo to Key West, offer one-of-a-kind options, from diving resorts in Key Largo to boutique hotels in Key West.
• Look for honeymoon packages: Some resorts offer honeymoon specials that include romantic add-ons like couples’ spa days or sunset cruises.
• Consider eco-friendly lodging: Many hotels focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices, perfect if you value green travel.
• Enjoy waterfront access: Resorts with private beaches or dock access allow easy access to water activities.
• Stay at all-inclusive resorts: Go for the royal honeymoon treatment. Some resorts include dining, activities, and transport, giving you more time to relax.

You can check your full range of options by visiting The Florida Keys & Key West website.

Activities to Enrich Your Honeymoon in the Keys

Besides watching the sunset over the water, you'll be spoilt for activity choices in the Keys. Start your first day as newlyweds with a private sunset cruise departing from Key West or Islamorada. If you're travelling with your family, you can opt for a larger, shared cruise.

On the culinary front, The Keys are known for fresh, locally sourced seafood and a fusion of Caribbean and Floridian flavours. Many local eateries emphasise sustainable seafood. And, of course, don’t miss the chance to try Key lime pie, a regional speciality!

Exploring the area's natural beauty would complete your adventure. Go hiking, kayaking, and birdwatching. Visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, walk the trails of Bahia Honda State Park, or take a guided eco-tour by kayak through the mangroves. These outings will create shared memories in the outdoors.

Start Planning Your Escape to the Florida Keys

There's no better moment than the present to start taking steps towards making your destination wedding dreams come true. Visit fla-keys.com/weddings for everything related to venues, travel details, and booking tips that will help you craft a wedding + honeymoon experience in The Florida Keys you'll cherish always.