Sunset Key Cottages
Opal Collection4.6933 reviews
via Google
Private island cottages accessible only by ferry, the most exclusive wedding venue in Key West with dramatic Gulf sunset views.
See weddings at the resortWhy it fits you
You get that boho, romantic, tropical feel without the planning feeling too heavy, and guest logistics stay manageable. Legal ceremonies are available too, with November and December lining up best.
Budget snapshot
$18K-$55K estimate
Based on Key West average ($18K-$55K) for a 30-80 guest wedding
What drives this estimate
- Guest count: a 30-80 guest party - more guests means more catering and room nights
- Resort tier: mid properties; all-inclusive vs à la carte swings this the most
- Season: peak months (November) cost more than shoulder season
Best timing
Best
NovemberDecemberJanuaryFebruaryMarchApril
Avoid
JuneJulyAugustSeptember
Key West has elevated tropical storm risk from August through October. Consider travel insurance and a shoulder-season date.
Weather: Open-Meteo Historical Weather API (2019-2023 averages). Updated 2026-04-15.
Your Winter window in Key West, month by month
December
72-75°F
4 rain days
no storm riskJanuary
69-73°F
4 rain days
no storm riskFebruary
72-75°F
2 rain days
no storm riskYour guests (Mixed US guests)
Flight time
~4.5h
Avg flight cost
~$350
Hotel/night
~$350
Guest burden
7/10
easy for guests
Visa
No visa required
Legal requirements
Legal ceremony availableKey West follows Florida state marriage law: couples need a valid government-issued photo ID and Social Security number. No waiting period for non-Florida residents and no blood test required. Marriage license is valid for 60 days from issue date. Florida residents must wait 3 days after issue (waivable with a premarital course). License fee is approximately $86.
Marriage laws and document requirements change. Confirm with your planner or the country's consulate before you book.
Your planning timeline
- Step 112 mo
Lock your destination + book a planner
- Confirm destination and rough date
- Book a local wedding planner
- Set the guest list and budget
- Step 210 mo
Save-the-dates + start your room block
- Send save-the-dates (guests need lead time to book travel)
- Start a hotel room block for group rates
- Step 38 mo
Legal paperwork
- Research marriage requirements at your destination
- Decide: legal ceremony abroad vs legal at home
- Step 46 mo
Book your core vendors
- Photographer, florist, officiant
- Tasting / menu planning
- Step 54 mo
Details + guest logistics
- Invitations
- Welcome bags, transfers, excursions
- Step 62 mo
Confirm everything
- Final headcount to resort/vendors
- Confirm legal documents and travel insurance
- Step 71 mo
Final month
- Pack documents (apostilles/passports)
- Reconfirm vendors and timeline
Where couples stay in Key West
A feel for the resort scene - nothing to book yet. Most couples pick their resort with their planner's help, about 10 months out.
The five-star shortlist
The flagship properties for a luxury Key West wedding. Each link goes to the resort's own wedding pages, not a booking site.
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
Independent4.6446 reviews
via Google
Private island reached by boat; weddings for up to 60 guests or full-island buyouts.
See weddings at the resortGroup rates, comp nights + perks at these properties
Five-star resorts negotiate wedding room blocks privately; the real numbers never show up on booking sites. We pull rate and perk proposals for your date and guest count, free. Resorts pay us a commission; you and your guests never do.
Unlock rates with a free 15-min consultMore couple favorites
The Reach Key West
Boutique3.91,189 reviews
via Google
Curio Collection resort directly on the beach with dedicated wedding coordinators and stunning sunset ceremony spots.
View resortCasa Marina Key West, Curio Collection
Resort3.74,523 reviews
via Google
The 1920 Flagler grande dame; oceanfront lawn and historic ballrooms on Key West's largest private beach.
View resortVetted vendors in Key West
Request an intro and they reach out to you - free, no obligation.
Caterer
Catered Affairs of Key West
Wedding catering in Key West. Custom menus featuring local cuisine and international options for destination celebrations.
Request introOfficiant
Conch Concierge
Licensed wedding officiant in Key West. Symbolic and legal ceremonies performed in English and Spanish.
Request introTransportation
D.B. Taxi
Airport transfers and guest shuttle service in Key West. Private vans, group buses, and hotel-to-venue transportation for destination wedding parties.
Request introCaterer
Destination Catering & Events
Wedding catering in Key West. Custom menus featuring local cuisine and international options for destination celebrations.
Request introWedding Planner
Destination Wedding Studio
Full-service destination wedding planning in Key West. Coordinating ceremonies, vendors, and logistics so couples can enjoy every moment.
Request introDJ / Entertainment
DJ Aaron Moore Key West Wedding/Event DJ
Wedding DJ and entertainment in Key West. Keeping the dance floor alive from ceremony through last dance.
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