Sebago Watersports

Welcome Sunset Sail

Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

After Party

Our Wedding

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

HOW TO GET TO KEY WEST

BY AIR

For those guests traveling from outside South Florida, the most convenient way to get to Key West is by flying directly into Key West International Airport (EYW). American Airlines, Delta, Jet Blue and United provide non-stop service to/from many major airports, including Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Dallas (DFW), Chicago (ORD), Houston (IAH) and New York (LGA and JFK). Key West International Airport is conveniently located right in Key West. Once you arrive, it's a 5-minute Uber, Lyft or taxi ride to most hotels and rentals on the island. You can also choose to fly into Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL) or Miami International Airport (MIA) and drive to Key West via the Overseas Highway (US 1). More on the drive below.

BY LAND

For those guests traveling from South Florida or flying into MIA or FLL airports, you can drive to Key West. This scenic drive down the Overseas Highway (US1) from Miami to Key West has been ranked as one of the most scenic drives in the country. The 113 miles of roadway from Key Largo to Key West include an astonishing 42 bridges, creating a breathtaking series of arches over the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay, and Gulf of Mexico. Plan 3.5 - 4.5 hours for the drive, as traffic can be unpredictable and, at times, move slowly.

GETTING AROUND KEY WEST

WALK OR BIKE

Walking or biking is often the easiest way to get around the small island, especially if you are staying in the historic heart of the island, known as "Old Town Key West". There are bike rental locations available throughout the island as well as directly at many hotels.

GOLF CARTS OR SCOOTERS

Golf carts and scooters are a fun and fantastic way to explore the island. Both can be rented for the duration of your stay from several spots around the island, with prices varying based on the rental type and duration. Please note with golf carts you will still have to find and pay for parking as you explore the island.

UBER, LYFT OR TAXI

Uber, Lyft and taxis are readily available at all hours of the day and night and are an easy way to get around the island. These are your best transportation options to get to the wedding events if you are staying outside of the Old Town Key West area of the island.

CAR RENTAL

Key West is four miles long and two miles wide, so we do not recommend renting a car unless you are driving from Miami / Fort Lauderdale. Parking is limited on the island and can be hard to find most times.

WHERE TO STAY

Key West offers a variety of lodging options - resorts, boutique hotels, bed &amp; breakfasts and vacation home rentals (Airbnb / VRBO). Accommodations located in the historic Old Town Key West area will generally be within walking distance of all wedding events. More affordable lodging options can be found in the "New Town" Key West area, which is just a short Uber, Lyft or taxi ride to the wedding events. We have provided a few suggestions below, but there are many other options available to fit your needs, budget and vacation style.

The Lighthouse Hotel is located directly across the street from the wedding ceremony and reception venue, the Ernest Hemingway Home, a very convenient option for guests. The hotel offers an outdoor heated pool, complimentary continental breakfast, and on-site bar. Clayton and Camilo will be staying at the Lighthouse Hotel and have secured a room block for those of you who would like to stay here as well.&nbsp;To book with the room block rate, please book using the "Ratliff &amp; Velez Wedding Room Block" link below.&nbsp;The link will only allow bookings Friday-Sunday but the Lighthouse Hotel is happy to extend your stay at our reduced rates if you contact them. You can book two nights using the link and then reach out to the reservations desk at (305) 294-9588 or at reservations@Lighthousehotelkeywest.com to add additional nights, or you can just call or email the reservations desk directly to make the booking. You should also call or email if you would like to upgrade your room to a suite. Make sure and mention the "Ratliff &amp; Velez Wedding Room Block" to receive the reduced room block rate. <a href="https://be.synxis.com/?adult=1&amp;arrive=2027-02-12&amp;chain=8708&amp;child=0&amp;currency=USD&amp;depart=2027-02-13&amp;group=RVWB&amp;hotel=45451&amp;level=hotel&amp;locale=en-US&amp;productcurrency=USD&amp;rooms=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ratliff &amp; Velez Wedding Room Block</a>

Lighthouse Hotel - Key West Historic Inns

The Marquesa Hotel is a boutique hotel conveniently located in the center of the historic district of Old Town Key West. The Marquesa compound - with its two locations across the street from each other - offers three sparkling pools and lush interior gardens. Children 14 years and older are welcome at the hotel. The Marquesa is a 10 minute walk to the wedding event locations.

Marquesa Hotel

Casa Marina Key West, part of Hilton's Curio Collection, is a historic 1920s resort offering two oceanfront pools, onsite bars and restaurants, spa, small beach area and typical resort-style amenities. Casa Marina is situated on the Atlantic side of the island. Wedding events will be a 20-30 minute walk or 5-10 minute car ride from the resort.

Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Reach Key West, also part of Hilton's Curio Collection, is located next door to the Casa Marina and is another resort-style option offering an oceanfront pool, onsite bar and restaurant, small beach area and shares spa facilities with the Casa Marina. Wedding events will be a 20-30 minute walk or 5-10 minute car ride from the resort.

The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton

Southernmost Beach Resort is another resort option on the Atlantic side of the island. This resort features resort-style amenities and a small private beach. Wedding events will be a 15-25 minute walk or 5 minute car ride from the resort.

Southernmost Beach Resort and Guesthouses

Located directly on Duval Street in Old Town Key West, La Te Da welcomes adult guests only. This boutique historic hotel offers a pool, restaurant, bar and nightly drag cabaret shows. La Te Da is located less than 1000 feet from the wedding ceremony and reception venue, the Ernest Hemingway Home. If you want to experience some of Key West's vibrant and unique culture, La Te Da may be just the place for you.

LA TE DA Hotel - Adults Only

The Mermaid &amp; The Alligator is an intimate, adults-only bed and breakfast with nine unique rooms in a Victorian Home tucked away in the heart of Old Town Key West, Florida. A full breakfast is served each morning, along with an afternoon happy hour. The B&amp;B is located just 3 blocks off Duval Street, with wedding events a 10-15 minute walk away.

The Mermaid & The Alligator

The Ocean Key Resort &amp; Spa is a waterfront resort-style hotel located at the end of Duval Street on the Gulf of Mexico side of the island. In addition to the typical resort-style amenities of pools, restaurants and bars, this resort features the Sunset Pier bar with spectacular sunset views. The resort is also conveniently located adjacent to Mallory Square. Wedding events will be a 10-20 minute walk or 5-10 minute car ride from this resort.

Ocean Key Resort & Spa

The Marker Key West Harbor Resort is located adjacent to Key West's historic seaport. The resort offers 96 rooms, three pools and onsite restaurant and bar. The resort is a 1 minute walk from the welcome sunset sail and a 20 minute walk or 10 minute car ride from the Ernest Hemingway Home.

The Marker Key West Harbor Resort

This hotel is located in the "New Town" area of Key West on the Gulf of Mexico. Wedding events will be a 10-15 minute car ride from this hotel.

Courtyard by Marriott Key West Waterfront

The Hilton Garden Inn Key West is located in "New Town" Key West and offers a large outdoor pool, restaurant, outdoor pool bar and available downtown shuttle service. Wedding events will be a 15-20 minute car ride from this hotel.

Hilton Garden Inn Key West

This Key West Fairfield Inn &amp; Suites by Marriott hotel is located in "New Town" Key West and offers a large outdoor pool with poolside cabanas, a daily hot breakfast, and free WiFi. Wedding events will be a 15-20 minute car ride from this hotel.

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Key West

Renting a house or condo may be more conducive to your vacation style. Key West offers plenty of home and condo rental options in both Old Town and New Town Key West. Please see the websites below: https://www.airbnb.comhttps://vrbo.comhttps://vacationhomesofkeywest.com/ https://www.rentkeywest.com/

Home Rental

Travel & Lodging

Key West has a rhythm all its own and we love it... backyard roosters, sun-faded streets, live music spilling out of bars, fresh seafood, and margaritas or mojitos enjoyed with friends before noon. We've rounded up our favorite spots to eat, sip, stroll, and get into just the right amount of trouble.

ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS

Duval Street is the main thoroughfare, stretching just over 1.25 miles through the heart of Old Town Key West. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and bustling nightlife - world class restaurants, bars and live music greet you at every corner. (and yes, Key West is open container!)

Duval Street

This is the storied Key West residence of famed American author Ernest Hemingway in the 1930's. We highly recommend visiting our wedding venue during operating hours to tour the home and see the writing nook where the author wrote many of his best novels while living here, including “A Farewell to Arms,” "To Have and Have Not," and “For Whom the Bell Tolls.”

The Hemingway Home and Museum

The Conch Train Tour is an authentic way to experience the history and culture of Key West. This 90-minute fully narrated tour covers around five hundred years of local history and over one hundred points of interest.

Conch Train Tour

Mallory Square is one of the best spots to watch the sunset. There is a sunset celebration every night with street performers and art vendors. Also, enjoy the street carts and shops in the area.

Mallory Square

This is the spot that marks the southernmost point of the continental US! Go snap your pic in the morning to beat the long line.

Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A.

Take a walk among hundreds of free flying butterflies, exotic birds and 2 glorious flamingos inside this glass-domed tropical butterfly habitat.

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Under doctor's orders, President Harry S. Truman sought refuge in the warm Florida sun during the winter of 1946. He fell so much in love with the historic Key West home in which he took residence that he returned every year through 1952, giving it the nickname "The Little White House."

Truman Little White House

Southpoint Divers is a PADI 5-Star dive center and is our favorite dive shop on the island. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is the only living coral barrier reef in the United States. The Vandenberg wreck is the second largest artificial reef in the world.

Southpoint Divers

Don't scuba dive? You can still get out and explore what's under the water on a snorkeling trip with Sebago Watersports.

FOOD & DRINK

Food

Pepe's CafePepe's is the oldest eatery in Key West and the second oldest in the State of Florida. Pepe's is a great place to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Blue HeavenBlue heaven offers a unique outdoor dining atmosphere. We highly recommend their breakfast/brunch (and their key lime pie!).

Moondog CafeOne of Key West's top breakfast spots and just down the street from the Hemingway Home.

Two Friends Patio RestaurantCasual location for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Live music seven days a week and karaoke late night.

Eaton Street Seafood MarketBest lobster roll in Key West, but don't sleep on the fish sandwiches made to order.

B.O.'s Fish WagonThis rustic eatery specializes in fish sandwiches and Key West charm.

First Flight Island Restaurant &amp; BreweryLocated in the birthplace of Pan American World Airways, this casual restaurant and brewery is open for lunch and dinner.

Louie's BackyardLouie's Backyard is a great choice for an upscale waterfront lunch or dinner on the Atlantic side of the island. Head to the Afterdeck Bar if you just want to sip a cocktail right on the water.

A&amp;B MarinaA&amp;B Marina is home to several great restaurants, including Alonzo's Oyster Bar, A&amp;B Lobster House, and Bel Mare. These are all great options for dinner with a marina view.

Santiago's BodegaOur favorite tapa's restaurant in Key West. Delicious food and a great vibe.

Drink

The Green Parrot BarOur favorite bar on the island. Sloppy Joe’sA Key West institution. Not to be missed. Captain Tony's SaloonThe original Sloppy Joe's. Irish Kevin'sLive music and rowdy times. Hog's Breath SaloonBetter than no breath at all... Sunset PierBest views of sunset. Chart Room BarA hidden gem. Known to be where Jimmy Buffett played his first paid gig in Key West. Schooner Wharf BarA piece of old Key West. Waterfront and live music. Bourbon Street PubGay video and dance bar. 801 Bourbon BarGay bar and drag shows. Vinos Wine BarEnjoy a glass of wine on the porch facing Duval Street and watch the crowds go by. Willie T'sOutdoor patio bar where people are known to sing along with the live music.

Things to Do

When should I arrive in Key West?

If possible, please plan to arrive Thursday or early Friday to join us for the Welcome Sunset Sail. If other commitments or travel delays prevent you from attending, not to worry, as we look forward to celebrating with you on our big day!

How long should I plan to stay in Key West?

We will be staying in Key West through Monday, February 15th. If your schedule permits, we would love for you to join us for the long weekend to keep the celebration going. In addition to being Valentine's Day, Sunday, February 14th is Super Bowl LXI and we plan on organizing a location for everyone to gather and watch the game. Monday, February 15th is the President's Day federal holiday.

WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY TRAVEL ACCOMMODATIONS?

We recommend booking your stay as soon as possible, as prime locations on the island tend to book up quickly, especially over a holiday weekend.

Where should I stay?

Check out the Travel &amp; Lodging page of this website for some suggested places to stay, but there are many more options to choose from on the island if the suggestions don't fit your travel needs, style or budget.

Do I need a rental car?

You really don't! Key West is extremely walkable. There are also bike, scooter, and golf cart rentals that are fun ways to get around the island. Ubers, Lyfts and taxis are also readily available. If you’d like a rental, or are driving your personal vehicle, we recommend double checking that your lodging accommodation has available parking. Street parking can be hard to find at times on the island.

What will the weather be like?

February in Key West typically means pleasant, sunny, dry weather with average highs in the mid-70s and lows in the mid-60s, perfect for outdoor activities, though occasional cold fronts can bring cooler days and chilly nights. Please check the weather forecast before packing.

Will the wedding be indoors or outdoors?

The ceremony, cocktail hour and reception will all be outdoors, held in the beautiful gardens and grounds of the Hemingway Home. The reception area will be covered in case of rain.

Are kids welcome?

As much as we love your little ones, due to limited capacity at the Hemingway Home, our wedding will be adults-only. If you'd like to bring your kids along with you on your trip to Key West, Anchored Hearts is a licensed, insured, and highly rated babysitting service for vacationing families: https://www.ouranchoredhearts.com

Can I bring a plus-one?

Plus-ones will be specifically listed on the invite if included. Due to limited capacity at our venue, we can only allow the individual(s) named on your invitation. Please reach out if you think we have missed someone.

What should I wear to the Welcome Sunset Sail?

Resort casual attire is recommended. There won't be an opportunity to swim, so you don't need to bring a swimsuit.

What should I wear to the wedding ceremony and reception?

The recommended attire for our wedding is "Tropical Chic". Think of it as island cocktail attire - sophisticated, yet relaxed. We recommend light, breathable fabrics to stay cool, especially if the weather is warm. Ladies, think elegant, flowy dresses, skirts, pantsuits or chic jumpers, and gentlemen, linen or lightweight pants with a dress shirt or blazer—no shorts, please. Comfortable shoes are encouraged as the celebration will be in the gardens and grounds of the Hemingway Home.

Clayton & Camilo

Clayton & Camilo

C&C

Welcome Sunset Sail

Wedding Day

6:00 PM–6:30 PM

Ceremony

6:30 PM–7:30 PM

Cocktail Hour

7:30 PM–10:00 PM

Reception

10:00 PM

After Party