Erik & Kim’s Key West COURTHOUSE Elopement
Key West has long been a sought-after destination for couples looking to elope, and it’s easy to see why a Key West Courthouse elopement is a popular choice for many couples. With its tropical charm, historic architecture, and endless ocean views, the island offers a romantic and stress-free backdrop for intimate weddings. Whether it’s exchanging vows under the swaying palms, saying “I do” on a secluded beach, or celebrating in one of the island’s charming gardens, Key West makes it effortless to create a meaningful and picturesque wedding day. For Erik and Kim, the choice was clear—they wanted a day that was about them, their love, and the magic of the moment, and Key West delivered in every way.
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Redefining A Destination Island Elopement
Erik and Kim's Key West elopement shows that love can be celebrated with beautiful, personalized moments. Join as we share Erik and Kim's Key West elopement moments, talk about the perfect setting they chose, and explain our approach to capturing the day's true spirit. You'll get to come along for their memorable and effortless elopement, plus glean tips on selecting a spot that fits your style.
Erik and Kim's Key West Elopement Moments
As local Key West photographers, we had the pleasure of capturing a day that felt like a warm embrace, with every moment radiating authenticity. The backdrop of the Florida Keys, featuring sights like the classic Monroe County Courthouse building, created a natural setting for Erik and Kim's celebration.
We met Erik and Kim at the Monroe County Courthouse in the heart of downtown Key West, where they began their journey as husband and wife. We started with portraits outside the courthouse, using its classic facade and towering palm trees as a backdrop before heading inside. There, the couple signed their marriage license, and in a quiet moment of anticipation, prepared for their intimate ceremony. With just the justice of the peace officiating, they exchanged vows inside the courthouse chapel, sealing their commitment with heartfelt smiles and a kiss. The simplicity of the moment was beautiful—just the two of them, focused solely on each other, without distractions.
Reflections on Love and Commitment
After their ceremony, we explored some of Key West’s most picturesque spots, beginning with the Kapok Tree. This massive tree, native to Central and South America, is known for its towering height, thick buttressed roots, and cultural significance in many indigenous traditions. The Kapok Tree in Key West, located near Mile Zero, is one of the island’s most iconic landmarks, standing as a striking testament to nature’s beauty in the heart of the city. Thought to be over a century old, it has become a must-visit location for travelers, with thousands stopping to admire its grandeur each year. Against the tree’s sprawling roots and twisting branches, Erik and Kim’s portraits had an almost storybook-like quality—an ethereal moment captured in time.
Key Highlights of the Day
Inside the courthouse, we took advantage of the elegant staircase, where we created some intimate, beautifully framed images of the newlyweds. This is where having two photographers, even for a small elopement, makes all the difference. With such a short window of time, we were able to capture multiple angles and perspectives simultaneously, giving Erik and Kim a variety of images that tell a fuller story of their day. It also allowed us to seamlessly manage the lighting challenges inside the historic building—while one of us focused on directing the couple and capturing the shot, the other adjusted lighting and settings to ensure each image was perfectly balanced.
The Location for Erik and Kim's Elopement
We spent time going around Key West, exploring its scenic backdrops, visiting recommended elopement venues highlighting the beauty of paradise and hints of spectacular lighting.
Exploring Key West's Scenic Backdrops
We loved capturing Key West’s scenic backdrops, as they provided a perfect setting for wedding photography that any bride would cherish. We made our way to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, a stunning and historically rich location in Key West. This 19th-century fort, originally built to defend the southern coast of the U.S., played a crucial role during the Civil War and remains one of the best-preserved examples of military architecture from that era. Its weathered brick corridors, spiral stairwells, and dramatic iron cannons made for a striking contrast to the softness of Erik and Kim’s newlywed glow. We captured timeless images of them against the fort’s textured walls, blending the weight of history with the lightness of their love.
The diverse locations in Key West offered us a chance to capture authentic love stories in a relaxed setting, blending natural beauty with priceless moments. Every image reflected our personal approach to creating lasting memories in wedding photography, with each scene telling a story of its own.
Recommended Elopement Venues in Key West
Continuing through the park, we ventured onto the nature trail, where the lush greenery framed Erik and Kim in a way that felt both intimate and expansive. We got creative with wide-angle, landscape-style shots to fully capture the beauty of the scenery—tall pines, native flora, and the ocean peeking through in the distance. Then, stepping onto the beach, Erik and Kim strolled hand in hand along the shoreline as the waves lapped at the sand. The simplicity of these moments—just them, the sea breeze, and the golden light—was pure magic.
Capturing the Essence of the Day
I believe the right photographer makes all the difference. I captured a genuine toast, a charming balcony moment, and details like a sailboat backdrop that matched each budgeting need. My photos highlighted the day’s catering delights and inspired moments, helping you make the most of every photography opportunity. Explore my insights to see why these details matter so much.
Importance of Choosing the Right Photographer
Selecting the right photographer truly makes a difference in how you remember your ceremony. We have seen firsthand how capturing intimate moments brings an authentic feel to the experience, all while ensuring details and logistics flow smoothly.
We believe that a skilled photographer understands the nuances of every ceremony and the importance of choosing the best locations to frame your story. With our own experience on cherished days, we aim to guide couples toward capturing moments that truly reflect their love, whether they are celebrating by the coast or near iconic spots.
Unique Settings for Memorable Photos
To end their day, we made a stop at Uva Wine Bar on Simonton Street, a cozy and sophisticated spot where they toasted to their new life together. We captured some detail shots of their wedding rings, glistening against a backdrop of deep red wine and warm candlelight.
Making the Most of Photography Opportunities
During Erik & Kim’s special day, we made sure to use every photography opportunity at my disposal to create a collection of memorable shots. We frequently adjusted my camera settings to capture dynamic moments during the wedding, ensuring that each image reflected the vibrant spirit of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean.
Key West Elopement Photography
We know that an elopement means a personalized approach, insight and advice to help the day go smoothly, and guidance and direction so that all a couple needs to do is arrive and we will handle the rest. Luxury means making your special day memorable and stress-free.
Customizing the Perfect Elopement Package
No two elopements are exactly the same, which is why when you're traveling to a destination like Key West to sign your marriage license and have your ceremony at either the courthouse or with your toes in the sand, you should seek to customize to your needs. We cater every photography collection with not only the initial timeline in mind, but also with an inspiration board of example photos from our portfolio, which helps the couple dream about their wedding day in the Florida Keys. Some elopements are short sets of vows on the beach, complete with a fully designed wedding album. Some are all-day soirees depicting the couple's romance and story all around the island.
Elopement PERSONAL TOUCHES
We have found that adding personal touches to your ceremony can make your Key West elopement feel truly yours. We suggest including a custom vow exchange or a small ritual that reflects your journey together, which brings a relaxed and authentic vibe to the celebration.
In our experience, integrating elements that represent your story helps create lasting memories and a more intimate ceremony. We recommend talking with your officiant or photographer to incorporate details that showcase who you are as a couple, making the day feel both personal and unique. Some officiants will blow a conch shell, some have a signature signoff they do a the end of the vows, and some - like in Kim and Erik's case, have their couple sign a special guestbook.
Frequently Asked Questions About Key West Elopements
What Makes Key West a Great Elopement Destination?
We have found Key West to be a warm and inviting destination that naturally supports intimate elopements with its relaxed coastal vibe and scenic backdrops. The mix of vibrant local culture and stunning natural views makes it an appealing choice for couples searching for a unique setting to celebrate their love.
Our experiences in Key West have proven that every corner reveals a special detail that adds to the day’s charm, prompting us to share what stood out for us when planning our photography sessions:
Cozy beach scenes that offer a genuine feel
Historic landmarks that bring local flair
Intimate spots ideal for quiet moments
A friendly community that supports every celebration
This list reflects the elements that consistently create a memorable elopement experience in this beautiful locale.
How to Choose the Right Elopement Photographer?
Take time to review portfolios and talk with photographers about their style and work experience to know if they capture genuine elopement moments. Ask for recommendations from couples who have tied the knot in Key West, and check if the photographer has a relaxed yet creative style that fits your love story:
Reviewing past elopement sessions in Key West
Discussing the vision for your special day
Ensuring the photographer is comfortable and flexible with the plan
We also focus on clear communication and trust because simple, honest interactions really set the mood for capturing real emotions. Our first-hand experience tells us that a reliable photographer will guide you through every step in a laid-back and supportive way.
Photographers: Karrie Porter and Mark Funkhouser
