This tool looks at the rental fee charged by the venue as well as extras, taxes and gratuities. It does not include additional fees for services like flowers, music, catering, officiating, tent rental, chairs, etc.
As one of the oldest wedding officiating groups in Key West, Aarons Key West Weddings can help you hold down the cost of your wedding but showing you which venues and vendors offer the best value. Contact us at Steve@aaronsweddings.com for more information or with questions on your upcoming event.
Beach Weddings:
Weddings on the beach are one of the most popular choices in Key West. Demand has grown so much that the City of Key West now requires a beach wedding permit for ceremonies on Smathers Beach, so the city can manage the impact of weddings on other beachgoers. The fee is modest, especially given that Key West is one of the top destination-wedding locations in the country.
Other popular beaches include:
- Fort Zachary Taylor State Park – base wedding fee of $800, which includes park admission for up to 30 guests.
- Higgs Beach – currently free, but recently taken over by the City of Key West; a fee may be introduced soon.
- Dog Beach and Lagerheads – free, though both are small, and Lagerheads is often crowded and not ideal for a wedding.
One additional consideration: Sargassum seaweed has recently accumulated on Key West’s east-side beaches, creating an unsightly backdrop and unpleasant smell. Ask your wedding officiant for the current seaweed conditions before booking a beach wedding in the Florida Keys.
Boat Weddings:
Weddings on the beach are one of the most popular choices in Key West. Demand has grown so much that the City of Key West now requires a beach wedding permit for ceremonies on Smathers Beach, so the city can manage the impact of weddings on other beachgoers. The fee is modest, especially given that Key West is one of the top destination-wedding locations in the country.
Other popular beaches include:
- Fort Zachary Taylor State Park – base wedding fee of $800, which includes park admission for up to 30 guests.
- Higgs Beach – currently free, but recently taken over by the City of Key West; a fee may be introduced soon.
- Dog Beach and Lagerheads – free, though both are small, and Lagerheads is often crowded and not ideal for a wedding.
One additional consideration: Sargassum seaweed has recently accumulated on Key West’s east-side beaches, creating an unsightly backdrop and unpleasant smell. Ask your wedding officiant for the current seaweed conditions before booking a beach wedding in the Florida Keys.
Public Venues:
There are a number of public venues where weddings take place in Key West. These range from “the courthouse steps”, public parks, on the dock, etc. These venues are generally free of charge but might not give you the privacy or luxury feel found in other venues.
Guest Houses and Resorts:
Nearly every resort and guest house in Key West offer wedding hosting. Popular locations include Sunset Key, the Casa Marina Hotel, the Pier House, Ocean’s Edge, Beachside, the Wyndham Grand, the Southernmost Hotel Collection, La Concha Hotel, and more. There are also a number of guest houses that host weddings, places like the Mermaid and the Alligator, Orchid Key Resort, The Banyan Resort, The Curry Mansion, and many more. These venues range in price from just a few hundred dollars to over $6,000 for base rental, with the requirement of using their caterer, their wedding planner, their photographer, etc.
Bars and Restaurants:
Don’t overlook one of the many bars and restaurants located in Key West. Places like the Hogs Breath Saloon, Sloopy Joes Bar, Conch Republic Seafood, A&B Lobster House, Blue Heavan, Salute’, Louie’s Backyard, Bagatelle, and many more. The advantage in many of these venues is that the venue won’t typically need a separate caterer, since there’s typically a kitchen on site. Many of these locations will give you the venue for free simply based on your spending for food and beverage. The size of the event and attendees will determine the final price.
Other Considerations:
Depending on the size of your wedding, expect additional costs for flowers, a rehearsal dinner location, catering, chair/dance floor/tent rental, an officiant, a photographer, a DJ or band, guest favors, and more. Typical starting prices:
- Florida marriage license: $86 (required, and the least of most couples’ expenses)
- Simple bridal bouquet: from $100
- Beach flower arch: from $1,000
- Chair rental: from $4/chair, plus a delivery and pickup fee
- Officiant: from $300 for a basic ceremony
- DJ: from $500 (live bands cost more)
- Photographer or videographer: from $400 for an hour or so, each
- Catering: from $50/person, unless serving finger food only
Bars can be run as either cash bars or open bars, depending on your budget.
Final Thoughts:
Planning a destination wedding is work, depending on the number of guests. For small elopements it will be easy but for larger events with bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents, etc. it’s best to work with a wedding planner. The extra cost of having a local manager of the process oftentimes can save you money versus trying to do it on your own. And the savings in stress, makes the value of a great planner worth every penny.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Key West wedding cost?
Costs vary depending on venue, guest count, and vendors.
Do I need a permit for a beach wedding?
Some beaches require permits, while others have different rules.
Can you help recommend vendors?
Yes. We work with trusted local vendors and venues.
Can you help with small elopements?
Absolutely, from simple ceremonies to larger celebrations.
Contact Us
If you’d like personalized recommendations or help planning your Key West wedding, contact Steve at Steve@aaronsweddings.com.
Disclaimer: Prices and venue policies mentioned in this guide are estimates and may change. Please confirm current pricing directly with the venue or vendor before booking.
