How to Get Married in Key West!

Key West is full of Fun and Sun! For couples wanting to get married, the Keys can offer a variety of different wedding styles to fit your dream wedding! Key West is all about location and the Keys can make this day a memorable one for you, your friends and your family!

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Venue: Beach, Charter Boat, Resort/Hotel, Historic Home/Museum
• Invited Guests
• Wedding Vows (if you plan on having your own)
• Wedding Planner, if needed
• Notary or ordained person , if not provided by venue
• Wedding license
• Photographer and Video Services
• Catering
• Tents, if needed
• Room Accomodations
• Flowers and Decor

1. Congratulations!!! First things first....Here are some questions that you should ask yourself while planning: Do you want a civil ceremony or a religious one? Is this a commitment ceremony? Choose who will be conducting your ceremony and book them. Find your dream location and book the date and time! Think about what time of day you want to get married, Morning, Noon, Sunset...

2. Having music while you walk down the aile? A vocalist or violinist may work best for a beach wedding. Will children and pets be allowed or not? Book your photographer/videogropher, make up and hair stylists, flower arrangements and decorations and catering services. Make sure they understand your wants and needs for your special day.

3. The Key West Beaches are a beautiful location. Most hotels offer packages for use of their beach or pier, if private. If a reception will be taking place, they may also have a package for that. The Keys has several upscale restaurants that are more than willing to hold your dream wedding reception. (My two personal favorites would be Manga Manga and Cafe Soleil. Great food and a great personal care by the staff.)

4. The most popular locations are the historic homes located throughout the keys. Hemingway's House is well known for hosting weddings, and there are several other historic homes with lavish gardens that are just perfect for your dream wedding.

5. If you want a fast, quick wedding with just a few friends, there are plenty of notary public's who will perform a small, quaint ceremony on a beach for a minimal fee. Usually, the fee only includes the wedding license and notary public services.

6. There are also several yachts and sun cruises that you can book (usually for up to 60 guests). They offer a chamagne toast, flowers and ceremony in their fees, should you choose to use those services. There are some yachts that can accomodate larger parties and hold receptions. Book these fast as these are the hardest to find.

7. Obtaining a Marriage License in Key West is easy, it only takes 15 minutes at the Monroe County Courthouse. You apply for the marriage license together, cost is $93.50, cash, or check, with a state issued valid photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. If either of you have been previously married, you'll need to know the date the previous marriage ended, whether divorce, annulment or death. There is no requirement for a blood test before getting a license and you can purchase and receive the license on the same day. However, if you are a Florida resident there is a 3 day waiting period from the date of issuance. You can get the license in any county in Florida.

8. Don't forget to book your honeymoon room/suite! Some Historic locations include one night free stay if you use their home (and they have guestrooms, as some homes are just museums and wedding locations like the Hemmingway Home).

9. Visit these websites for more info on venues, cruises, and packages:
   http://www.ezweddingsinparadise.com; http://www.beachsidekeywest.com; http://dangercharters.com/wind_wine.htm
   
   I am not affiliated with any of thes sites. These are just sites I used for my wedding planning.

Tips & Warnings

• Enjoy your day and have fun planning your destination wedding!
• Have drinks at Sloppy Joe's or Fat Tuesday after reception or maybe even before??
• If you are a Florida resident there is a 3 day waiting period from the date of issuance.
• The Key West Clerk of the Court is located at 500 Whitehead Street, in the Lester Building. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can call them at 305-294-4641.
• If having a beach wedding, make sure an aisle runner is laid out for the bride to walk on if the dress has a long train. Sand does not look good on a train and could damage any embroidery or accents the dress may have! Shorter trains are better for beach weddings.

[ursaminor]

on 6/18/2008 I just got married less than two weeks ago in Beverly Hills, CA. It's not that much different. Thanks for an interesting comparison! 5 stars.