Pack your bags and your sunscreen, lovebirds. Destination weddings are always in style and so is southern hospitality. Combine the two, and find a destination wedding idea that tops our list every time. We’re all about the golden sun-kissed vibes in Key West, a beloved beach town at the furthest tip of Florida. The eclectic residents Key West make the storied city what it is: friendly, rich in history, and ripe with opportunities for adventure (whether you’re a thrill seeker or a more grounded explorer). It’s also an easy wedding location to drive or fly into.
What really makes our seashells shimmer is that it’s an LGBTQ+ inclusive destination for weddings and romance travel. We know how much easier we can breathe when we can see LGBTQ+ couples holding hands and loving on each other all over town. It certainly set me and my wife at ease on our recent visit. And it’s not just our experience. The Florida Keys and Key West Visitors Bureau shares on its site that “Key West’s official motto is One Human Family, adopted in 2000, promoting the inherent unity and equality of all people. In years past, the city and the Florida Keys’ Monroe County helped lead the nation in the fight for same-sex legal rights and marriage equality.”
The oceanfront town is booming with wedding vendors who service all different styles of weddings, from laid-back beach weddings to more formal affairs. The majority of Key West LGBTQ+ weddings tend to be intimate and personal events with fewer than 30 guests, according to the Gay Key West Visitor Center. Below are some of our favorite inclusive wedding pros, locations and accommodations for your intimate Key West LGBTQ+ wedding.
ACCOMMODATIONS
You’ll be charmed at Key West’s iconic Marquesa Hotel. The hotel’s tropical courtyards and sparkling pools are surrounded by lovingly restored historic homes, all with luxury amenities and gorgeous interiors. Located in the most desirable Old Town neighborhood, this quiet oasis is just one block from world-famous Duval Street. Don’t miss out on Café Marquesa, a true island treasure.
WEDDING VENUE
The iconic Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters is the perfect setting for your special event. Opened in 1848, the grounds of Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters are able to accommodate 75-100 guests.
The air-conditioned Keeper’s Quarters, with its wrap-around porch, is an ideal space for wedding parties while the picturesque lofty fig tree is a lovely backdrop for wedding photos or ceremonies. The grounds can accommodate dance floors, tables and caterers with ease. Searching for a photo-worthy scene to take couple shots before or after your wedding? Look no further than the tower’s lower observation deck, complete with panoramic views of the entire island, nearshore waters and the Florida Keys’ majestic sunsets.
The property is centrally located in Bahama Village and is across the street from the iconic Hemingway Home. With the exception of the tower, the property is fully ADA accessible and the Museum Store is equipped with restrooms.
WEDDING PLANNING, PHOTOGRAPHY AND OFFICIANTS
WCO Events is a full-service wedding planning company based in Key West, Florida, that helps their clients create beautiful and unforgettable events.
Renowned for offering a variety of wedding planning and officiating services for destination vow renewals and weddings in Key West, Conch Concierge Weddings provides several different experiences to add a personal touch to the ceremony as well as photography and floral, catering to various budgets.
WEDDING CAKE
Known for its exceptional baked goods and commitment to quality, Moondog Cafe & Bakery is a beloved establishment in Key West. In addition to its beautiful wedding cakes, Moondog Cafe & Bakery also serves scrumptious dishes all day long. Post-wedding brunch, anyone?
This is a sponsored post paid for by the Florida Keys and Key West Visitors Bureau. To market your LGBTQ+ inclusive and affirming business to our audience of LGBTQ+ couples and marriers planning their engagements, weddings and honeymoons, please reach out to us at advertising@equallywed.com.
