Say “Yes” to Key West for your Engagement Photos!

Engagements

May 19

So, you're engaged! Congratulations!!!

Whether you're basking in the festive afterglow or already feel like there are a million preparations filling up your to-do list, you may be thinking about celebrating this special time with an engagement shoot. With so many tasks on your plate, it’s important to slow down and enjoy these moments. It’s even better if you capture those moments as photos to cherish for a lifetime, and it’s BEST if those photos are taken in Key West!

Maybe you’re planning your wedding in Key West, or maybe the Conch Republic is an island you’ve always wanted to visit (do I hear “pre-wedding getaway?”). Or, maybe your destination wedding is at an even farther locale but you’d like tropical engagement photos in Key West for your wedding invitations. No matter what, this colorful paradise is an ideal place for your engagement shoot!

Everything that makes Key West perfect for a fun and relaxing vacation or beautiful wedding makes it conducive for stunning photos leading up to your big day. I have been a Key West wedding and engagement photographer for over a decade, and the exotic beauty here has never lost its allure.

Because no two couples are the same, my engagement photography sessions can be completely customized to suit your tastes and personal aesthetics. My personal favorite is capturing a legendary Key West sunset as the backdrop. It’s tough to beat the breathtaking lighting of the golden hour!

After getting to know you as a couple, I would love to suggest some locales that complement your personalities and give you amazing photos to treasure for years to come. If your wedding will be here, we could shoot at or near your wedding venue. Or, we can go to some completely different locations! Through the years, I have scoped out countless photogenic settings, ranging from classic to historical to quirky. Here are some of my go-to spots that showcase Key West for engagement photos!

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Ft. Zach for short, this 87-acre park is full of idyllic scenery. First, there’s the red brick, Civil War-era fort itself. Its contemplative arches, spiral staircases, and impressive cannons make for jaw-dropping photos. The park’s beach is one of Key West’s best and perfect for sunset shots and romantic silhouettes. For the sure-footed, the nearby rocky outcropping can give your photos a rugged and adventurous flair. Finally, there are palm trees at the water’s edge to capture Key West’s tropical vibe, as well as paths through a pine grove for serene ambiance.

Key West Bight Marina

Located in Key West’s historic seaport, the marina can lend its many vessels as the setting for your photos! Especially if you two are nautical enthusiasts, the collection of sailboats and their towering masts make for romantic, stunning photos, especially during sunset! We can also capture an intimate moment of you two sitting or walking together on the dock.

Postcard Mural & Mac’s Sea Garden

The great thing about this spot is that there are several perfect backdrops within a few feet of each other! The postcard mural on the side of Cuban Coffee Queen is quintessential; couples often use a photo with this background for their wedding thank you notes! Next door is Mac’s Sea Garden, a shop with vivid buoys and a rustic wood exterior that are ideal for nautical-themed photos. Right on the corner is a vintage truck, and around the corner there’s a colorful signpost that shows the distance to a plethora of locations. Cuba’s only 90 miles away!

B. O.’s Fish Wagon

About a block away from Mac’s Sea Garden is B. O.’s Fish Wagon, which provides not only delicious seafood but also a one-of-a-kind backdrop for photos! This down to earth, open-air shack looks like it was built by a very creative castaway fisherman. Another vintage truck, covered in stickers, completes the funky setting!

The Key West Shipwreck Museum

This attraction commemorates a key part of the island’s history, and I love the building itself for photos in front of large rustic doors. The simple yet elegant background highlights the most important thing - you! There are several other fun backdrops here on Wall Street, including several kitschy shops and a landlocked replica of a wreckers sloop

Higgs Beach Pier

Sand, sea, and sky meet at this picturesque pier! Especially if your wedding venue is the nearby Casa Marina, I love taking romantic photos at this location. You can walk along it, strike a pose, or even… jump off! Of course, we should probably plan ahead a bit if you’re interested in doing that!

There are plenty more locations for taking photos that feature Key West’s island spirit! The above are just a few of my favorites, and if you’re interested in an Around Key West session, we can decide on your favorite landmarks as well as places that complement your wedding’s theme. I can’t wait to work with you on capturing these treasured tropical memories!