11 Best Places to Propose in the Keys & Unique Proposal Ideas
So you’re on the hunt for the best places to propose in the Keys. You’ve finally found the right person, and it’s time to propose. Now that you’ve decided to ask the love of your life to spend a lifetime with you, you find yourself askink an even more important question: How and where should you do it?
As frequent wedding photographers in the keys, my team and I are constantly seeing proposals and thought we’d make some make deciding a on wherre and how to propose in the keys a little easier, from a photographer’s perspective.
Why the Keys are a Great Place to Propose
If the sandy beaches, sunny weather, and beautiful waters aren’t enough to convince you that the Florida Keys is one of the best places to make your proposal, the Keys is also filled with lots of history and adventure for those seeking it. If you want sand in your toes and the sun in your eyes as you get down on one knee, the Florida Keys should be your top choice.
Unsure how you’ll do your marriage proposal? Florida offers a variety of romantic locations. Whether you’re looking for an ideal spot for an intimate proposal or going big with a grand gesture for an unforgettable experience, you can be sure the Sunshine State has something in store for you.
Outdoor Places to Propose in the Keys
If an outdoor scene fits your idea of a perfect proposal, you won’t find a shortage of picturesque spots in Keys. From beach proposals to romantic sunset walks at a pier, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for a proposal. Here are some of the best places to propose in the Keys.
Key West Lighthouse
938 Whitehead Street, Key West
Style: Outdoor, Historic, Small
If you’re in the military or the Navy, you may have heard about the Key West Lighthouse. Built in 1848, this piece of history stands today as a sentinel of the sea. For over a hundred years, it helped sailors navigate the shallow reef-laden waters around the keys. It now serves as a museum for Florida’s rich naval heritage and has turned into a beautiful spot for a romantic proposal. Lighthouses are classically romantic which is why we recommend this as one of the best places to propose in the keys.
Website: kwahs.org/key-west-lighthouse-keepers
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
601 Howard England Way, Key West
Style: Military, Historic, Outdoors,
Continuing our theme with another destination originally made by the navy, this fort is both a feat of engineering and a unique spot to propose. Built before the American Civil War, the fort served as a bastion of defense for sailors and armed forces well into the Spanish-American War. Walk the corridors and get a glimpse of the lives of the men and women who served and protected the waters along the Keys. The fort now offers activities for tourists and has become the primary choice for couples who enjoy snorkelling, scuba diving, paddling, bird watching, and hiking, to name a few. To make for an unforgettable proposal, you can even find a secluded spot and share a romantic moment before pulling out the engagement ring.
Website: floridastateparks.org/fort-zachary-taylor-historic-state-park
Phone: 305-292-6713
Bahia Honda Park
36850 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key
Style: Beach, Outdoor, Camping
Feeling like crystal clear waters and pristine beaches are more to your liking? The Bahia Honda Park is essentially an island with nothing but! If you’re looking for a romantic beachfront proposal, simply look no further. With clearwater palm-lined beaches, warm salty sea breeze, and bright sunny weather year-round, it’s no mystery why this park is a favorite among couples.
Website: floridastateparks.org/BahiaHonda
Phone: 305-872-2353
Lovers Key Park
8700 Estero Blvd., Bonita Springs
Style: Beach, Outdoor, Camping
Often referred to by locals as a hidden gem in the Keys, you can easily find a quiet spot after a romantic walk along Lovers Key Park’s clearwater beaches. The name easily sums up why this location has been a consideration in many proposal plans. Kayaking and camping are also offered on the island.
Website: floridastateparks.org/Lovers-Key
Phone: 239-707-6328
Bakers Cay
97000 Overseas Highway Key Largo
Style: Resort, Indoor, Outdoor, Hotel
If you want to spend a day at the beach swimming and basking in the sun but still want to get back to a luxurious hotel room at the end of the day, Baker’s Cay is your solution. After spending a lovely afternoon at the beach, you can easily get in a shower and cozy up in bed after you’ve popped the question. The resort also offers parasailing, deep-sea fishing, and scuba diving.
Website: bakerscay.com
Phone: +1 305-852-5553
Indoor Proposal Spots in the Keys
There are a ton of places to pop the question in the Keys, and some may opt to go for a more private setting for a proposal. If you’re undecided about how you’ll do it, you may want to check out some indoor spots for a more intimate engagement. Here are some great indoor options.
Butterfly Café
2600 Overseas Highway, Marathon
Style: Cafe, Indoor, Resort, Intimate
An elegant dining experience paired with a tropical ambiance topped off with exquisite Mediterranean cuisine, Butterfly Cafe in Tranquility Bay can make for a memorable proposal. The arboretum-like tree-lined landscape surrounding the cafe also offers a unique backdrop for a proposal photographer to capture your precious moments.
Website: tranquilitybay.combutterfly-cafe/
Phone: 305-289-7177
Casa Morada
136 Madeira Road Islamorada
Style: Resort, Indoor, Beach
Few things in life come close to vacationing at a resort on a tropical island. Why not put a cherry on top of your trip by getting engaged? Scenic lush greenery surrounds the resort next to the National Marine Sanctuary. Paddle boards, kayaks, and bicycles, you get to choose how you want to explore the Keys. The botanical portion would be a wonderful spot for a marriage proposal.
Website: casamorada.com
Phone: +1 (305) 664-0044
Chesapeake Beach Resort
83409 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada
Style: Resort, Indoor, Outdoor, Hotel,
Another great resort option is Chesapeake Beach Resort. This upscale beachside hotel is a favorite among tourists and vacationing locals thanks to its cozy tropical vibes and proximity to the water. If your Keys proposal goes off without a hitch, the resort also makes a great wedding venue.
Website: chesapeake-resort.com
Phone: 305-664-4662
Waterfront Proposal Locations
Amara Cay Resort
80001 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada
Style: Resort, Indoor, Outdoor
Arma Cay Resort is another great resort proposal pick. Surrounded by beautiful beaches, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear waters, this hotel and resort features over eight unique wedding and proposal spots. After a romantic sunset walk around the resort grounds, you’ll easily find good locations to propose.
Website: islamoradaresortcollection.com/amara-cay
Phone: (888) 317-0889
Southernmost Beach Resort
1319 Duval Street , Key West
Style: Historic, Resort, Indoor, Outdoor
Another prime Key West proposal spot opportunity can be found in Southernmost Beach Resort. Part of Key West’s historic district, staying at the newly renovated Southernmost Beach Resort pairs modern luxury with tradition. Some parts of the resort have been built almost a hundred years ago. Enduring buildings and old structures have always attracted young couples, this may be connected to a desire to want their relationship to last. A proposal in this charming resort will definitely be a unique experience.
Website: southernmostbeachresort.com
Phone: 800-354-4455
Little Pearl
15 Peaks Center Lane, Asheville
Style: Indoor, Restaurant, Cozy, Intimate
Little Pearl is another entry for the best places to propose in the Keys. This cozy little restaurant is nestled away from the busy tourist-packed center of Key West and offers a full four-course dining experience as well as an escape from the hustle and bustle of beaches and resorts. They specialize in modern fine dining cuisine with a focus on seafood.
Website: littlepearlasheville.com
Phone: 305-204-4762
Unique Proposal Ideas in the Keys
If you’ve reached this point and still haven’t found the perfect places to propose in the Keys, maybe a few choices that are a bit less traditional can give you a few ideas. Here are some of the other ways you can propose in the Keys.
Helicopter Tour
Go on an aerial tour around Florida’s Keys and take in the beauty of the small islands from the air. You can fly over reefs and look out for dolphins, sharks, manatees, and much more. Even if you don’t plan on proposing on the ride, you can still get a bird’s eye view and it may help you find unique spots and the best places to propose in the Keys.
Private Sailing Trip
Chartering a sailboat to sail off into the tropical waters is on my personal bucket list, and you’d have to be quite the prude to pass off this chance. If sailing together wasn’t romantic enough, throw a proposal in! Picture it: going on a breathtaking sunset sail, taking in the sunset views, with a bottle of champagne and the sunset to keep you company.
Dry Tortugas
The Dry Tortugas provides some of the most unique proposal opportunities in the Keys. Once a prison, the Dry Tortugas is now a well-known tourist attraction. You can even propose after going on a tour around Fort. Jefferson. Dry Tortugas also offers a fun boat ride that takes guests around reefs and introduces them to wild marine life.
Beach Picnic
Looking for a traditional way to propose in the Keys? Why not go for a picnic at the beach? You can never go wrong with a classic. You can pick any beach and transform it into one of the best places to propose in the keys.
Spa Day and Proposal
One way to make your proposal unforgettable is by treating you and your partner to a day of relaxation at a spa. If you’re staying at one of the many resorts, book a spa day and allow yourselves to get pampered. After a day of blissful relaxation, top it off with a lovely proposal.
Proposal Vendors
Florists
Key Largo Flowers and Gifts
- Website: keylargoflorist.com
- Instagram: @keylargoflowersandgifts
- Address: 99551 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo
Floral Fantasy of the Keys
- Website: floralfantasyweddings.com
- Instagram: @floralfantasyweddings
- Address: 86002 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada
Flowers by J & J
- Website: keysflowers.com
5800 Overseas Hwy, Marathon
