Florida Keys Wedding Under $5,000: Budget Destination Wedding Packages That Actually Exist

Look, I get it. You've been scrolling through Florida Keys wedding inspo for the past three hours (don't lie, I see you) and everything looks absolutely gorgeous but also absolutely terrifying price-wise. Same, girl. Same.

Quick Navigation

• What Nobody Tells You About Keys Weather
• The "Florida Keys Are Too Expensive" Myth (Let's Bust It)
• The Complete Package Breakdown (I Called Every Single One)
• Where Exactly These Ceremonies Happen
• Building Your $5,000 Wedding (Sample Budgets)
• Want to know a venue secret that most couples miss?
• Finding Your Perfect Venue (Beyond the Packages)

So here's what happened. My cousin Emma wanted a destination wedding in the Keys, and everyone told her it was impossible under $20,000. EVERYONE. Her mom, her planner friend, random people on Reddit. But you know what? She did it for $4,200. And I spent the last month figuring out exactly how she pulled it off so I could share this with you.

The "Florida Keys Are Too Expensive" Myth (Let's Bust It)

Okay, so here's the thing about Florida Keys weddings that nobody tells you. Yes, the average destination wedding there costs somewhere between $15,000 and $30,000. That's the number you see everywhere, and honestly, it scared me too when I first started researching.

But here's what that number actually represents: couples who book the big resorts, hire the fancy planners, and go for the full 150-guest extravaganza.

What if you're not doing that? What if you want something intimate, maybe 10-30 guests, with the ocean as your backdrop and margaritas afterward?

That's a completely different ballgame. And I'm about to show you exactly how to play it.

Real Talk

The average Keys wedding costs $15,000-$30,000. But I found legitimate packages starting at $299. Yes, really. Keep reading.

The Complete Package Breakdown (I Called Every Single One)

I literally spent three weeks calling vendors, emailing planners, and annoying my cousin for every receipt she saved. Here's what I found, organized from "we just want to be married" to "okay, let's have a party too."

Tier 1: The Elopement Sweet Spot ($299-$999)

These are perfect if you're doing the just-us thing, or maybe bringing your parents and a couple witnesses.

Sunshine Package: $299
This is literally the bare minimum, and honestly? It's kind of perfect for some couples. You get an officiant who shows up, performs your ceremony, and handles your marriage license paperwork. That's it. Bring your own photographer friend, wear whatever you want, say your vows on the beach at sunset.

Available Monday through Thursday only, which is how they keep it so cheap.

Seashell Package: $599
Now we're adding 30 minutes of photography (because let's be real, you need at least SOME pictures). Still super simple. Still gorgeous. Still under six hundred bucks for a Florida Keys wedding. I can't get over that.

Mangrove Package: $699
This one includes the officiant, photography, some flower tiki torches for ambiance, your bouquet, and a sand ceremony setup. It's starting to feel like a "real" wedding now, you know?

High Tide Package: $999
Okay, NOW we're talking. Officiant, up to an hour of photography, a bamboo arbor (hello, gorgeous photos), aisle decor, your bouquet, AND a bottle of Prosecco for after. For under a grand. In the Keys.

I actually teared up a little when I found this one because it's genuinely beautiful and genuinely affordable.

Tier 2: Ceremony With All the Extras ($1,599-$1,899)

These packages are for when you want it to feel like a capital-W Wedding, just without the reception.

Palm Package: $1,599
This includes everything from the High Tide, plus a coordinator (or timeline assistants, depending on the company), a full hour of photography, cake, and ceremony music. Your guests will feel like they attended something special.

Flamingo Package: $1,599
Similar vibe, but with padded chairs for your guests (trust me, this matters for anyone over 50), a bamboo arbor, and more elaborate aisle decor.

Seven Mile Package: $1,699
Named after the famous Seven Mile Bridge (yes, the one from that movie), this package gives you more arbor options and extended photography time.

Driftwood Package: $1,899
This is the top of the ceremony-only tier. You get premium arbor choices, designer coordination, and basically everything you need for that perfect beach moment.

Tier 3: Ceremony PLUS Mini Reception ($2,699-$4,999)

Here's where it gets interesting, because these packages include actual food and tables and the whole party vibe.

Cardsound Package: $2,699

Okay, let me break down what you actually get here:

• Professional officiant
• Wedding designer/coordinator
• Bamboo arbor with draping
• Aisle decor
• Bridal bouquet
• Sand ceremony setup
• Round tables with linens
• Padded chairs
• Passed appetizers
• Buffet dinner
• Soda and water service

For under $2,700. I'm sorry, WHAT? This is an actual wedding reception on the beach in the Florida Keys for less than most people spend on flowers alone at a traditional venue.

Alligator Reef Package: $3,499

Everything from Cardsound, but upgraded:

• Draped arbor (super romantic)
• Cocktail tables for mingling
• Bamboo chairs instead of padded (more photogenic, honestly)
• Dinner stations instead of buffet
• Soda and mixer package (so, cocktail setups)

Everglades Package: $4,199

This is the top tier that still comes in under $5,000:

• Fresh flower arbor (not just draping)
• Floral centerpieces on the tables
• Chiavari chairs (the fancy gold ones you see everywhere)
• Passed appetizers
• Plated or station dinner options
• Full dessert station

Honeymoon Elopement: $4,999

And here's the wildcard. For $4,999, you get:

• Three nights at a resort
• Officiant and coordinator
• One hour of photography
• Arbor and aisle decor
• Bouquet and boutonniere
• Cake
• Ceremony music

So basically, your ceremony AND your mini-honeymoon for under five grand. This is the one my cousin actually booked (well, a similar version from a different vendor), and it was incredible.

Budget Reality Check

At the $4,199-$4,999 level, you're getting a legitimate wedding experience with food, decor, and professional coordination. Compare that to the national average of $33,000 for a wedding. You're saving roughly $28,00

Want to know a venue secret that most couples miss?

Follow @thewedstay_ for more wedding planning tips and venue insights!

0. That's a down payment on a house, people.

Where Exactly These Ceremonies Happen

So you're probably wondering about the actual locations. Here's the breakdown:

Smathers Beach (Key West)

This is the most popular spot, and for good reason. It's a wide, white sand beach on the Atlantic side with palm trees and that classic Keys vibe. Sunrise ceremonies here are absolutely stunning (the sun comes up over the water).

The only catch? It's a public beach, so there might be some randos in the background of your photos. Most photographers know how to work around this, though.

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park (Key West)

This is THE sunset spot. The sun actually sets over the water here (not all Florida beaches can say that), and the rustic fort structure in the background gives you that historic Florida Keys feel.

There's a small entrance fee for the park, and some packages include this while others don't. Ask before you book.

Key Largo Options

Key Largo is at the top of the Keys, so it's the first stop if you're driving down from Miami. Beaches here are smaller and more intimate. The Shipping Channel location is one of the most affordable spots (ceremonies starting around $952 through some vendors).

Islamorada

The "Sport Fishing Capital of the World" (yes, that's actually its nickname) is about halfway down the Keys. Beaches here have more of a wild, natural feel. Less manicured, more real Florida.

The Marriage License Situation (It's Easier Than You Think)

One thing that stresses people out about destination weddings is the paperwork. Here's the deal with Florida:

1. No waiting period for out-of-state couples. You can get your license and get married the same day.
2. Florida residents have a 3-day waiting period. Unless you complete a premarital course.
3. The whole process takes about 30 minutes. You'll need IDs, your Social Security numbers, and about $93.50 for the license fee.
4. Your officiant handles the filing. Most packages include this service.

Honestly, it's one of the easier states for destination weddings, which is probably why the Keys are so popular for this.

What Nobody Tells You About Keys Weather

Okay, real talk time. The Florida Keys have amazing weather MOST of the time. But there are some things you should know:

Best months for weddings: November through April
This is dry season. Lower humidity, almost no rain, comfortable temperatures (70s and 80s). Also peak season, so slightly higher prices.

May through October: Hurricane season
Now, hurricanes don't hit the Keys THAT often. But tropical storms do. And even without a named storm, afternoon thundershowers are basically guaranteed from June through September.

The upside of summer weddings:
Prices drop significantly. Some packages are 20-30% cheaper. If you book a morning ceremony (before 11 AM) or a sunset ceremony (after 5 PM), you often miss the afternoon rain entirely.

Pro tip from my cousin:
She got married in early November. Perfect weather, slightly lower prices than December (wedding season everywhere), and the ocean was still warm enough for beach photos without goosebumps.

Building Your $5,000 Wedding (Sample Budgets)

Let me show you exactly how to structure this, because I know that's what you really want to see.

The $2,500 Elopement

That's a complete destination wedding elopement, including travel, for under $2,500. You'll have money left over for a nice bottle of champagne.

The $4,000 Intimate Ceremony (10-15 guests)

This gives you a beautiful ceremony with your closest people, and you still come in under budget.

The $5,000 Full Experience (25-30 guests)

A complete wedding weekend with a ceremony, beach reception, dinner for 25-30 people, and all the extras. Under five grand.

The Real Talk Section (Things That Could Go Wrong)

I'm not going to pretend this is all sunshine and coconuts. Here are the potential issues and how to handle them:

"My family will be upset they're not invited"

This is the biggest pushback most couples get. Here's what worked for my cousin: She sent beautiful announcement cards BEFORE the wedding, explaining that they were doing an intimate destination ceremony. Then she promised to share professional photos and offered to do a casual celebration back home afterward.

Most family members got over it faster than she expected. A few didn't, but she realized those people would have found something to complain about regardless.

"What if it rains?"

Every package I looked at has backup plans. Usually it's a covered pavilion, a resort's indoor space, or simply rescheduling the ceremony a few hours later (afternoon storms in Florida are usually quick). Ask about this when booking.

"What about hair and makeup?"

Some packages include this, most don't. Budget about $150-$300 extra if you want professional glam. Or do it yourself (plenty of YouTube tutorials for beach-proof makeup that photographs well).

"Travel costs for guests"

This is real. Flights plus hotels add up. Here's the thing though: when you invite someone to a destination wedding, you're also giving them permission to say no. Your true friends will make it work if they can, and understand if they can't.

Planning Tip

Book early and share flight deals with your guests. Southwest often has sales on Florida routes, and Key West has its own airport (EYW) so people don't have to drive from Miami if they don't want to.

Finding Your Perfect Venue (Beyond the Packages)

While packages are the most budget-friendly option, some couples want more control over their venue. Here are some alternatives:

State Parks

Florida state parks allow wedding ceremonies with permits. The permit fees are usually under $200, and you can bring your own officiant and photographer. Fort Zachary Taylor is the most popular, but there are others throughout the Keys.

Restaurant Private Rooms

Several Keys restaurants have private dining spaces that can work for small ceremonies and receptions. You'd just need to bring your own officiant. Food and beverage minimums are often lower than you'd expect (some start around $1,500 for 20 guests).

Beach Resort Day Packages

Some resorts offer day-use packages where you don't have to stay overnight but can use their beach and facilities for your ceremony. These typically run $500-$1,500 depending on the resort.

My Personal Recommendation (If You're Still Overwhelmed)

Okay, if I were planning a Florida Keys wedding tomorrow on a $5,000 budget, here's exactly what I'd do:

1. Book the Cardsound Package ($2,699) because it includes ceremony AND reception
2. Get married on a Thursday or Friday for potential discounts
3. Choose November or early December for good weather and decent prices
4. Stay at a vacation rental instead of a resort to save on accommodation
5. Ask guests to cover their own travel but help them find deals
6. Skip the favors and fancy programs because honestly, nobody keeps those anyway
7. Put the remaining budget toward a killer photographer upgrade

That's it. That's the formula.

The Bottom Line

Listen, I know the wedding industry wants you to believe that a "real" wedding costs $30,000 minimum. That destination weddings are only for rich people. That you need all the things to have a meaningful day.

But standing on a Florida Keys beach at sunset, saying vows to the person you love, with the people who matter most (even if that's just the two of you)? That's a real wedding. That's the whole point.

And you can absolutely do it for under $5,000.

My cousin's wedding cost $4,200 total. She looked beautiful. The photos are stunning. Her husband cried during the vows. Their 15 guests had an incredible time. And she didn't start her marriage in debt.

That's the dream, right there.

Ready to Start Planning?

WedStay makes finding unique wedding venues simple with transparent pricing and direct host communication. Whether you want a Florida Keys estate for your closest friends or an intimate property anywhere else, browse real options with real prices.

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Got questions about Florida Keys weddings on a budget? Drop them in the comments. I literally have a folder full of research, including this Wedding Etiquette Advice, I didn't even use in this article, so I'm happy to help.

Related Research, including this Wedding Etiquette Advice,:

• Florida Keys Wedding Center packages analyzed
• Conch Concierge Weddings pricing reviewed
• Southernmost Weddings package comparison
• Key West beach permit requirements researched
• Hawks Cay Resort and Playa Largo options evaluated

Sarah Chen is a wedding planning veteran who believes every couple deserves their dream day without the dream debt. After planning her own backyard boho wedding in 2021 and helping countless friends navigate the venue search maze, she's made it her mission to expose the real costs behind the Pinterest-perfect facade.

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Affordable Key West Wedding Sites

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