No stretch of Florida delivers “private island” energy quite like the Keys. Turquoise water, mangrove-lined shorelines, and a slower pace than the mainland make Key Largo and Key West two of the most requested elopement destinations we work with. Here’s where to actually go, what each spot costs or requires, and what to know before you book anything.
Key Largo
Far Beach at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
An oceanside beach inside the state park, capped at 25 guests, with a site fee around $81 including park entrance. It’s one of the more reliably beautiful, low-hassle options for a small ceremony.
Harry Harris Beach & Park
Available weekdays only, 8am to sunset, with no decorations allowed and a strict cap of 10 guests. This is about as intimate and unfussy as an elopement gets – good for couples who want zero production value and just want it done simply.
Kona Kai Resort
A private, boutique resort setting with lush tropical grounds – the kind of backdrop that needs almost no additional decor because the property itself does the work.
Lover’s Point at Largo Resort
A dedicated elopement spot with Florida Bay views, separate from the resort’s full wedding venue – built specifically for small, private ceremonies of 2 to 20 guests.
Key West
Smathers Beach
Key West’s largest beach and its most iconic elopement backdrop – soft white sand, palm-lined shoreline, and no permit or entry fee required for small gatherings. Because it faces south, it works for both sunrise and sunset ceremonies.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
A historic state park beach on both the oceanside and bayside, capping at 50 guests. You’ll need to apply for a permit directly, with site fees ranging from $15 to $500 depending on your setup.
Sunset Pier / Mallory Square area
For couples who want their elopement wrapped into Key West’s famous nightly sunset celebration – livelier and more public than Smathers or Fort Zachary, but unmatched for atmosphere if you don’t mind an audience.
Choosing Between Key Largo and Key West
Key Largo tends to be quieter, more private, and closer to the mainland – a shorter drive if you’re flying into Miami. Key West has more built-in atmosphere and infrastructure (officiants, photographers, and venues used to elopements) but comes with more tourists, especially around sunset. If privacy matters more than convenience, lean Key Largo. If you want the full “Keys experience” with restaurants and nightlife nearby, Key West wins.
What to Book in Advance
Permits for state park beaches (Fort Zachary Taylor, John Pennekamp) need to be secured ahead of time, not on arrival. Photographers who specialize in Keys elopements get booked out weeks ahead during peak season (November through April). If your date is flexible, weekday ceremonies at spots like Harry Harris Beach avoid weekend congestion entirely.
Planning Your Keys Elopement
Every location above has different rules, fees, and guest caps – mixing them up is the most common planning mistake we see. For the full legal process behind the ceremony itself, see How to Elope in Florida: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide and the Florida marriage license guide.
If you’d rather skip the permit research and vendor coordination, our elopement planning services cover the Keys end to end – see our Key Largo and Key West pages for more.