August 17, 2021

Destination Wedding Tips & Trends from our Key West Harbor Resort

women celebrating with drinks

Congratulations to the bride, groom, and close family and friends who are traveling far to celebrate your special day. Let’s find out what’s trending when it comes to wedding planning and the big advantages of having a beautiful destination wedding on a smaller scale and a stress-free wedding weekend from afar - It’s romantic, intimate, and so lovely.

Smaller Weddings on The Rise

Covid has hit us hard, and when it comes to wedding planning, the bride and groom have had to make many adjustments and alterations, including date, location, and even the list. Warm weather locations able to host outdoor events are trending in the wedding industry, and small weddings are on the rise in Key West. Here are tips and trends to get you in the stress-free zone when it comes to pre and post-wedding ideas and unique outdoor venues to welcome your guests, Say I Do, and bid farewell in paradise.

Focus on the Guest Experience And Location.

It’s time to celebrate and vacay with your favorite people and those nearest and dearest to your heart. One of the most important things to do and remember when planning your dream wedding in Key West is to make sure to focus on friends and family. Remember they’ve traveled far to celebrate with you, so make this travel experience easy for them - Tip #1 - pick a hotel and location close to all the action.

ocean with ships sailing

Not to brag, but that’s where we can boast about our location and being so close to everything. Our Key West Harbor Resort is steps away from all the action and a marina filled with tall ships, schooners, yachts, fishing charters, catamarans, and sunset charters ready to set sail for adventure. World-class restaurants, bars, and eclectic cafes, and the nightly celebration we call Sunset are nearby. Now you know how close we are to everything you and your wedding party will want to see and do while visiting as they don’t have to go far to experience the best of Key West!

“Destination Wedding for Friends - Had a wonderful week at The Marker! Love the pools, porch, close to waterfront bars and restaurants! Fishing and sunset sailing cruise close by too!” ~ John W. via TripAdvisor

Stress-Free Pre and Post Wedding Ideas

Welcome Parties, Garden Parties, and Farewell Brunches

Keeping you and your guests happy is what we strive for, and we know they have traveled far to celebrate. One way to eliminate stress for all is to have your welcome party at the hotel/resort you and your guests are staying in. (Tip #2) For example, a wonderful way to say thanks for coming to our Key West wedding is by hosting a welcome party in our beautiful gardens.

garden pathway and cottage

There’s no need to transform the outdoor event spaces as there’s no shortage of beautiful lush green palm trees and tropical decor.

Here are some other wedding party ideas: consider hosting a bridal luncheon garden party for your BFFs and bride squad. We’ve got the venues for small gatherings, intimate private dinners by the pool, and locations for the farewell brunch.

Dining near pool at night

Our private gardens and intimate poolside settings create the perfect backdrop for your small celebration. Our unique outdoor spaces fit small size celebrations and wedding groups of up to 50 people.

Want to learn more about hosting a wedding event at our property? Consult our sales team to start the conversation.

Create Your Own Adventure For Your Guests

enjoying in middle of the ocean

Tip #3 - Explore, dream, discover, and create your own adventure. As couples spend more time on experiences, one thing is for sure - Key West is at the top of the charts when it comes to exciting things to do and see by land and sea.

Here’s one way to create a unique experience for your out-of-town guests and wedding party - book a private charter. Create your own adventure on a fully private chartered boat and spend the day watching dolphins, snorkeling, and sunset. Not interested in the private charter, no worries, as there are many water adventures, tours, and sails. Connect with our on-site concierge to find out more and secure your day at sea.

boarding area

Tip #4 - Make sure to have downtime for guests to explore the area on their own. As we mentioned above - location, location, location. Your guests won’t have to go far to seek adventure as everything is steps away.

Tie the Knot

couple on fury adventures ship

Photo credit: Fury Water Adventures

Wedding on a Boat

As we said above, small weddings are on the rise, and here’s another idea and a unique wedding venue for you to tie the knot. Charter a boat and say I Do on the calming Gulf waters of Key West Harbor with the backdrop of a spectacular, stunning sunset. A beautiful and memorable way to start your next chapter together surrounded by friends and family. Learn more about Key West Wedding Ceremonies at Sea.

MiniMoon for the Mr. & Mrs

The last tip for the newly married couple is to extend their trip and stay a little longer. Tip #5 - Mini-moon for the happy couple - it’s a trend as well. The guests have bid farewell, and now it’s time for you to relax and enjoy some quiet time together as Mr. and Mrs. We think a little alone time and romantic post-wedding escape is well deserved.

No matter what day of the week you decide to have your wedding, (another trend - weekday weddings are a thing) we look forward to welcoming you and your guests to the big celebration and vow to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Read more about Simple Elegant Weddings in Key West, and make sure to ask about our All-Inclusive Wedding package.

To love, laughter, and their happily ever after. #lovethemarker