Planning your dream wedding and can’t decide between a city celebration or a tropical getaway? This guide breaks down exactly what you need to know about Miami weddings and Florida Keys weddings. Living right between both worlds, I’ve photographed everything from glamorous Miami city weddings to relaxed Key Largo weddings under the palms. If you’re looking for insight from a local Florida Keys wedding photographer, this blog will help you figure out which setting feels most like you.
Living in Homestead means I really do get the best of both worlds. I’m a Miami-Dade girl at heart (just a quick drive north to places like Miami Beach, Coral Gables, or Coconut Grove) but I’m also only about 35 to 40 minutes from Key Largo, the first island of the Florida Keys. I love that I can head in either direction and know I’m going to end up somewhere beautiful, photographing a wedding, an engagement session, a proposal, or a family celebration.
People often ask me how far I’ll travel for weddings, and my answer is always simple: I go wherever I’m paid to go! Over the years, I’ve photographed both Miami city weddings and Florida Keys weddings, and they each have such different energy. If you’re a couple trying to decide between the two, this post will help you figure out what fits your vibe best.
Miami & City Weddings
As a Miami wedding photographer, I love how dynamic city weddings can be — there’s always movement, architecture, and light to play with. Every backdrop tells a story. Miami weddings usually mean bigger guest counts and a lot more moving parts, which is part of what makes them so fun! The city brings this energy that shows up in the size of the guest list, the venues, and the celebration itself. Couples here have endless vendor options — from florists and planners to caterers and designers — and the entertainment scene is on another level. Think Brazilian dancers, hora loca performers, live bands, and DJs who keep the dance floor packed until 2 a.m.
Getting Ready
In Miami, the morning often feels like an event of its own. Brides get ready in luxury hotel suites overlooking Biscayne Bay, chic boutique hotels in Coral Gables or Coconut Grove, or even stylish family homes filled with memories. Big windows, modern design, and those sleek city backdrops make for beautiful, editorial-feeling photos.
Ceremonies & Venues
You can find just about anything in Miami — from traditional ceremonies in beautiful churches or temples to all-in-one venues where everything happens under one roof.
Indoor/Outdoor Options
Glamorous ballrooms, rooftop terraces, waterfront gardens — there’s truly something for every vision. And yes, valet parking is almost always part of the experience.
Guest Experience
A Miami wedding feels grand. Guests can extend their stay at luxury hotels, explore world-class dining, visit art galleries, or enjoy the nightlife and beaches. It’s the perfect city getaway wrapped into a celebration.
Extended Celebrations
Many couples add welcome cocktails on South Beach, rehearsal dinners at trendy restaurants, or after-parties in Miami’s nightlife scene. These gatherings tend to be larger and more high-energy than what you’d find in the Keys.
Noise Rules
Outdoor weddings in Miami are sometimes affected by sound ordinances, especially near residential areas. A lot of venues keep music going until around 11 p.m., so it’s always good to confirm your venue’s cut-off time. Most receptions are held indoors, which means you can party late, but it’s always still a good idea to double-check your venue’s rules.
Florida Keys Weddings
Now, let’s talk about the Keys. The vibe here is completely different. It’s slower, more intimate, and so full of warmth. As a Florida Keys wedding photographer, I love how natural light and scenery set the tone here: swaying palms, turquoise water, and golden sunsets. Whether it’s a Key Largo wedding or one further down the islands, there’s this effortless beauty that makes every photo feel timeless.
Honestly, 99% of the weddings I photograph in the Florida Keys are destination weddings. Couples fly in with their closest family and friends, and from the moment everyone arrives, it feels like vacation mode kicks in.
Getting There
Most guests fly into Miami International or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International and take the scenic drive south on the Overseas Highway. There’s also Key West International Airport (EYW), which offers direct flights from major cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, New York, and Chicago.
Intimate Vibes
Weddings in the Keys are smaller. Sometimes it’s just the couple eloping, other times there’s only around 100 guests. That intimacy gives the whole experience a relaxed, personal feel that city weddings can’t quite replicate.
All-in-One Venues
Most couples get ready, say their vows, and celebrate their reception all at the same resort. It makes everything easy — for guests, vendors, and for you.
Guest Experience
What I love most is how naturally a Florida Keys wedding blends into a full vacation. Guests spend their days lounging by the pool, kayaking, and exploring nearby islands. By the time the big day arrives, it already feels like one big family celebration.
Entertainment & Experience
Music here usually leans more chill. There are DJs, small live bands, or even steel drums for that tropical touch. Some couples bring performers from Miami, but many keep it simple and let the setting do the talking.
Extended Celebrations
Because it’s a destination wedding, the celebration often stretches out over several days. Think welcome dinners under the stars, sunset cocktail parties, or a laid-back brunch the morning after.
Noise Rules
Many Florida Keys wedding venues have sound ordinances too, especially since ceremonies and receptions often happen close to guest rooms. Most wrap up music by 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends, just something for you to keep in mind while you plan out your timeline.
Which is Right For You?
Miami weddings bring the glamour, energy, and variety of the city, which is perfect if you dream of a big celebration with all the details and endless entertainment. Florida Keys weddings, on the other hand, are all about intimacy, relaxation, and connection. It’s more like a getaway where you can slow down, breathe, and celebrate surrounded by your favorite people.
In the end, it’s not about which one is better, really. It’s about which one feels most like you. And whether you’re saying “I do” under the palms in Key Largo or dancing the night away in a Miami ballroom, I’d love to capture every moment of it.
Ready to start planning your day? Let’s connect! I’m here to photograph your love story in Miami, the Florida Keys, or wherever your journey takes you.
