When you mention wedding venues in the Florida Keys everyone wants to see a white sand beach, tropical flowers as an accent, and the Caribbean waters. As a wedding photographer in Key West, I am afforded the luxury of getting to work at all of the venues, and see what each one has to offer. I think that is part of the draw to being a wedding photographer, as I like to create a completely different image at the same venue, time and time again.
For me an ideal venue is one that has water, tropical greens, and an open area to shoot from. You can have a wide open space, which affords you functionality, but it needs to have substance. Now take that same open space, add in some foliage and voila. With the right photographer, the components will blend, and the magic will happen.
Fort Zachary Taylor
Fort Zachary Taylor is a favorite among locals, vendors, couples, and this photographer. The park has the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico as the backdrop. You get all sorts of boat traffic which makes for picturesque Florida Keys wedding imagery. Sailboats, sunsets, and newlyweds. Sounds like a recipe for success to me. Fort Zachary Taylor has a few different ceremony locations which vary from the point and sunset, to a private secluded beach and area surrounded by sea grape trees. Make sure to ask about doing your reception inside the fortress. You will thank me later!!
Smathers Beach
Smathers Beach is always an option for anyone wanting to fore-go the site fee’s that can be associated with venues in Key West. It provides many different options and setups for your ceremony. Get there early as there are no reservations for stairwell locations. This is also the location for the Sheraton Suites, which is right across. With them you never have to worry as they have people staking out the sites early on in the day.
Lighthouse Court Hotel
Lighthouse Court Hotel is a quaint and intimate venue. Nestled under the massive Banyan tree of the Key West Lighthouse, this provides a great venue for smaller, intimate ceremonies without the hassle of a big production. The focus of this venue is always on the couple, and the relaxing atmosphere that it provides
Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa
Waterfront, All-inclusive, Sunset. Those three words are very powerful in the wedding industry. With the Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa you are able to host your entire wedding party, keep everyone close by, and be steps from Duval. You cant get much more close to the water than this.
Truman Little White House
The Truman Little White House is just that. Its Harry S. Truman’s Key West version of the White House in Washington, DC. Its definitely a Presidential affair, and you can just feel the historical and vintage energy that this venue features.