Beach weddings are becoming more and more popular every year. Couples that truly want a romantic and memorable wedding can have their dream come true with a beach wedding in Key West. The island offers a warm, exotic location with myriad choices for that picturesque background of the blue ocean water.

A beach wedding can be very affordable as well. You won’t have to worry about booking a church – though you may still need a wedding planner since you won’t be familiar with the vendors or locations of an out of town destination. As for the food, you can simply take your guests out to one of the many beachside restaurants that are around the Keys. The food is delicious and can be eaten while watching the beautiful ocean outside. Or your planner can find a caterer to provide the reception on the beach after the ceremony.

As far as traveling goes, the Keys are not that hard to get to. Key West is located at the end of the road of the Florida Keys, an island chain off the tip of southern Florida, just below Miami. Even though they are separate islands, there is direct road access to them through the A1A highway that runs along the coast of Florida. This is perfect for guests that want to drive instead of fly. Of course, you can also fly directly into Key West’s airport.

Another great thing about a beach wedding is that you can wear a simple outfit that is outdoor friendly. Some wedding guests have been known to walk in the sand without any shoes on. This easy going atmosphere allows guests to feel comfortable as they watch you take your wedding vows with the person you love. Most brides will still want to do something special with their hair, though – and this article on the 5 Best Hollywood Hairdos for a Key West Destination Wedding has great videos to illustrate how to get the glamorous look a bride wants and stay cool.

Key West is also full of great tourist attractions and it allows couples and their guests to have a great vacation before the honeymoon.

There are watersports – fishing, diving, sailing and more – and world renowned watering holes such as Sloppy Joe’s Bar, made famous by author Ernest Hemingway who lived in Key West in the 1930s.

Tour train and trolleys provide an overview of the historic museums, quaint architecture and other attractions of the Southernmost City.

Beaches are the only great “waterfront” locations for a ceremony – there are wonderful terraces overlooking the ocean at many of the island’s resort hotels, and there are many opportunities for getting married at sea. You can hire a luxury catamaran or a sailing sloop for six. The choices are almost limitless.

And if tropical gardens are more your style, there are so many beautiful homes where you can tie the knot amidst a lush jungle. The Hemingway House, the Audubon House and the Oldest House and Gardens all offer a beautiful garden setting with the backdrop of a stately historic home. The ceremony and reception can be held in one place. The Southernmost House and the Key West Garden Club at West Martello Tower combine the best of all worlds – a garden setting with a waterfront location.