Live Your Best Lives
  1. Travel FAQs
  2. United States
  3. Florida (FL)
  4. Florida Keys
  5. Key West

Key West Wedding - Beach / Sunset - September

Hi everyone! My fiancé and I are frequent visitors to Key West, going every September for our weekly stay at The Banyan. This September we wanted to do something different...and get married! :)

Does anyone have any recommendations? We were thinking a small beach wedding and/or sunset cruise wedding, about 6-10 people at most. I know the websites and vendors to check, but just curious if anyone can speak to a prior experience...good, bad, indifferent...just looking for some insights.

Thanks in advance for any assistance!

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Key West is a fantastic choice for a small, intimate celebration, and September can be beautiful with fewer crowds, though you will need to be mindful of the possibility of afternoon showers and hurricane season. Planning a wedding for 6–10 people gives you lots of flexibility and many personalized options.

Here are some options and considerations based on experiences from other couples:

  • Beach Weddings: Several couples have had very positive experiences with small beach weddings at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, Smathers Beach, and Higgs Beach. Fort Zachary offers a beautiful, slightly more secluded setting, while Smathers is the largest and most classic beach backdrop. Higgs Beach has a nice pier and facilities. Make sure to check for permits as Key West requires a wedding permit for public beaches.
  • Sunset Cruise Weddings: A few people have done sunset weddings on private charters or smaller sailboats. Options like Fury Water Adventures or Sebago Watersports offer packages where you can have a captain officiate or allow your own officiant on board. The views are incredible, and it creates a very intimate, memorable experience. Keep in mind that weather can be unpredictable, so a backup plan is essential.
  • All-Inclusive Packages: Some couples have opted for local wedding planners or boutique hotels like The Banyan, Ocean Key Resort, or Pier House. They can coordinate officiants, flowers, photography, and small receptions. This is especially convenient if you want a low-stress experience, and many planners are very familiar with small, intimate ceremonies.

Practical tips based on prior experiences:

  • Book early, especially for September, even though it’s off-season, because small venues and private charters fill quickly.
  • Consider a backup location for rain—many planners suggest a hotel veranda or a covered beach area.
  • Hire a local photographer familiar with the lighting at beaches and sunsets; Key West sunsets are famous but can be tricky to capture without experience.
  • Check on local regulations and permits. Public beaches require a permit and may limit decorations, amplified music, or chairs, while private resorts are more flexible.
  • Sunset timing is key. September sunsets in Key West are roughly 7:30–7:45pm, so plan your ceremony 30–45 minutes prior to ensure the best light and enough time for photos.

Overall, both small beach weddings and sunset cruise weddings have received excellent feedback. Beach weddings are relaxed and picturesque, while sunset cruises provide a unique, intimate, and memorable experience. For your group of 6–10, either option can work beautifully, and hiring a local planner or coordinator can take the stress out of the details.

More Key West Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

beach

Popular Destinations

Wushen Banner
Zhouzhuang
Qiqu Mountain
Ten thousand mu of poplar forest

Popular Travel Questions