Beach Wedding Events

Beach Wedding Rules and Regulation Policy

Purpose:

To provide guidelines and expectations to individuals and businesses that obtain beach wedding permits.  The City of Key West requires a permit to conduct a wedding on Smathers Beach.

Policy:

City beaches are to be kept clean at all times.  The recipient of a beach wedding ceremony permit is responsible for ensuring that no arches, chairs, fences, ribbons, bubble bottles, beverage containers, cigarette butts, decorations, or other wedding paraphernalia remain on the beach after the wedding.

Only real, undyed flower petals shall be allowed on the beach for use at beach weddings.  Fake flower petals made of silk, plastic, nylon, or other non-natural materials shall not be permitted.

Restrictions:

The following are not allowed on the City's beach per City Ordinance:

• No open flames, glass, alcohol, fireworks, pets, or animals are permitted.
• No lit Chinese lanterns or balloons are allowed to be used or released.
• Due to environmental concerns, no helium balloons, rice, birdseed, confetti, or streamers are permitted.
• No generators or motor vehicles are permitted on the beach.
• No beach access, pathway, or sidewalk shall be obstructed for access by the general public.
• No vehicles are allowed on the beach at any time.
• No alcohol is permitted on the beach at any time.
• No cigarette smoking or vaping on the beach at any time.

Permits:

The Special Events Manager must receive all beach wedding permit applications at least 14 business days prior to the requested wedding date.  Applications submitted with fewer than 14 business days' notice may be considered, but are not guaranteed approval.  Approval of the requested wedding date is at the City Manager's discretion.  Dates may be unavailable if they conflict with a major special event (such as the Fourth of July) or if the City is under a tropical weather watch or warning. 

Services are provided at no cost to Key West, Florida, residents who provide proof of residency within the city limits. This exemption does not apply to Key West Wedding planners. 

Size of Gathering and Fee Schedule:

Taxes and surcharges are not included in the flat rate shown.

• 1-25 people = $150.00 flat fee
• 26-50 people = $250.00 flat fee
• 51-100 people = $350.00 flat fee
• 101 people or more = Submit a Special Event Application
• No cost to Key West, Florida, residents who provide proof of residency within the city limits. This exemption does not apply to Key West Wedding planners. 

Cancellation Policy:

All cancellations must be submitted in writing.  

• 30 days or less prior to the event permit start date as listed on the application = no refund
• 31-90 days prior to the event permit start date as listed on the application = 50% refund
• 91 days or more to the event permit start date as listed on the application = 100% refund

Refunds will be processed using the original method of payment.

Location: Smathers Beach

Turtle Nesting Season:

From March through October, sea turtles lay eggs on the beach areas in the City of Key West, and hatchlings emerge 5-60 days later.  Hatchlings' survival relies on keeping the beach clean, flat, and dark between dusk and dawn, when they head towards the water, looking for reflections of stars and the moon on the water.  Any artificial lighting visible to the hatchlings will disorient them.  No lights (tiki torches, string lights, lamps, etc.) are allowed on the beach after sunset during the turtle nesting season.  Leaving the sand flat is the best practice during the season.  Holes and mounds can cause nesting mothers or hatchlings to get stuck. If they become stuck after the sun rises, they will likely perish.  The City's dedicated Sea Turtle Nesting Season Awareness webpage is available by clicking here.