If you’ve ever lived in Miami, you know the rhythm — it’s fast, exciting, and full of energy. But when it comes to weddings, that same energy can feel… a little hectic. After years of photographing both city and Florida Keys weddings, I’ve noticed a big shift: more and more Miami couples are packing up their wedding plans and heading south — straight to the islands. And honestly, I completely get why.
I’m a Miami girl myself — raised in the city, surrounded by its skyline, noise, and motion — but my backyard has always been the Florida Keys. It’s the little escape so many of us love. The minute you cross that bridge and hit Key Largo, something in you slows down. You breathe differently. You start to smile more. And that’s exactly what my couples want on their wedding day — a moment that feels easy, natural, and full of love.
Miami weddings have their charm — the architecture, the glamour, the energy of the city. But they can also come with their fair share of chaos. Most city weddings happen across multiple locations — getting ready at home, ceremony at a church, reception at a different venue. That means traffic, valet parking, and keeping track of timelines while juggling guests and logistics.
Why City Weddings Feel So Different
For many couples, that constant movement makes the day feel like a marathon. I’ve seen brides rushing from one place to another, worried about delays, guests getting lost, or hair and makeup running behind. It’s exciting, yes, but it’s also stressful — especially when what you really want is to just enjoy the moment.
Why Miami Couples Fall in Love with the Florida Keys
For couples who live in South Florida — Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach — the Florida Keys have always been the go-to escape. Weekends down south, fishing trips, family gatherings, or just a quick getaway. There’s a sense of peace the moment you leave the mainland, and that’s exactly the feeling couples want for their wedding.
Choosing a Florida Keys wedding feels like pressing pause. No flights, no airports, no complicated travel plans. You just drive a few hours and suddenly you’re in a whole new world — one filled with palms, ocean breezes, and sunsets that stop you in your tracks.
Many of my Miami couples tell me the same thing: they want the luxury and style of a city wedding, but with the laid-back soul of the islands. They love good shoes and fashion, but they also love barefoot walks on the beach and dancing under the stars. They don’t want stress — they want an experience.
If you’re still deciding between a city or coastal celebration, check out my post on City Weddings vs. Florida Keys Weddings
The Keys Turn a Wedding Day Into a Wedding Weekend
One of the biggest reasons couples choose the Keys is that it’s not just a wedding day — it’s a wedding weekend. Guests arrive early, everyone stays at the same resort, and it instantly feels like a mini-vacation for everyone. There’s usually a welcome dinner, a relaxed pool day, the wedding itself, and a brunch the next morning. By the time the ceremony happens, everyone already knows each other.
It changes the energy completely. People are more relaxed, more open, more connected. You feel it in the photos too — laughter comes easier, hugs last longer, and those in-between moments that I love to capture happen naturally.
Venues like Baker’s Cay Resort, Cheeca Lodge, Islander Resort, Playa Largo Resort, and Coco Palm make it easy to turn your wedding into an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re planning a tropical cocktail hour by the water or a black-tie reception under the palms, the Keys somehow make both feel effortless. If you want a closer look at some of my favorite island celebrations, you can see a few beautiful Baker’s Cay weddings here and more Cheeca Lodge moments here
Why I Love Photographing the City Girl Who Marries in the Keys
This part feels personal — because it’s me. I’m a city girl at heart, but I love the Keys with everything in me. And I’ve realized that many of my brides are just like that too.
She’s the Miami girl who loves her heels and her hair perfectly done. She appreciates good light, style, and a bit of glam — but she also loves the ocean breeze, the green palms, and sand between her toes. She wants her wedding to feel elegant, but not uptight. She wants it to be fun, relaxed, and full of heart.
That mix — city sophistication with island soul — is exactly why I love photographing Miami couples in the Keys. It’s where both worlds meet.
Thinking about planning your own Florida Keys wedding? Let’s connect — I’d love to help capture your story.
Ready to start planning your dream wedding? Take a peek at my wedding photography collections to see what’s included.
If you’re planning your Florida Keys wedding, make sure to check out the Monroe County Clerk of Court website for marriage license details before your big day. https://www.clerk-of-the-court.com/
