Key West Florida Elopement on 35mm Film

The second I stepped into Old Town for this Key West, Florida elopement, I knew it was going to feel different. I had been dropped off somewhere near a convenience store so that I could buy replacement batteries for my cameras (thanks analog cameras) and then walked two blocks over to see Houston, waiting on the porch of the Old Town Manor. It was a gorgeous, Victorian style home turned inn. Maria and Houston had their closest people fly in from Wisconsin, San Fran, and even Argentina. And somehow the whole morning felt unhurried, like we had all the time in the world.

The inn was surrounded by lush green and roaming roosters (yes, actual roosters just doing their thing). I about cried when I saw a mama hen crossing right in front of us on the porch with her baby chicks following (I was 3 months post partum at the time, moms get me haha!). Afterwards, we walked about five minutes to the Monroe County Courthouse where the process was suuuper chill and easygoing.

Shot entirely on 35mm film, Maria wore a 1913 bat engagement ring that I was obviously obsessed with (for Goth purposes, of course), and it felt like we had stepped straight into another era. Vintage, romantic, warm, and a little dreamy in that old-Florida way!🖤

Key West Florida Elopement Photos on 35mm Film at Old Town Manor

We started the morning at Old Town Manor, which felt like a whole other world. I was also greeted by the cutest little dog who lived with the owner at the manor. Built in 1886, the place has original cypress doors, worn wooden floors, and that curved staircase that looks like it’s held a hundred love stories.

Maria and Houston shared their first look just inside the entryway, soft window light spilling in while everything slowed down for a second. With the day being shot entirely on 35mm film, the textures felt rich just like the lace on Maria's sleeves, the way Houston nervously fixed his hair, the stillness before the day really began.

After that, we wandered through the manor and onto the porch with its rocking chairs and palms swaying overhead. It was lush, historic, a little wild in that old-Florida way. Even the house cat made an appearance. The whole morning felt intimate and transported, like something pulled straight out of the 1920s but happening in real time!

A Walk Downtown For a Monroe County Courthouse Ceremony in Old Town Key West

Before we made our way to the courthouse, Maria had one requested stop, Tropic Cinema. The colors, the old storefront, the way it sits right in Old Town… it just made sense with their whole dreamy, vintage-on-film vibe.

Then we walked over to the Monroe County Courthouse for their ceremony. It was the definition of a true elopement-style micro wedding. Just parents, siblings, and grandparents standing close. No big production or distractions. Just them saying their vows in the most easygoing, super chill setting. It felt simple in the best way, and you could feel the love in the air (along with the crazy high humidity that was still somehow pleasant?). It was warm, intimate, and very them.

Planning Your Own Key West Florida Elopement?

If you’re planning your own Key West Florida elopement, the little spots we hit this day were perfect for something intimate and easy going. Old Town Manor, Tropic Cinema, the Monroe County Courthouse. Everything felt easy, historic, and beautifully low-key. And if you’re anything like Maria and Houston and want your day captured entirely on 35mm film? Every setting translated so well on film. The texture, the warmth, the way the light hits those old buildings. It just works.

While I’m based in Las Vegas, I absolutely love traveling to photograph couples like this. Couples who care more about a day that feels true to them than performing for anyone else.

If you want to learn more about me, you can head to my about page. And if I sound like your Key West Florida elopement photographer (or wherever your love story is taking you) you can inquire through my contact page. In the meantime, feel free to wander through more stories here on the blog!

Love From Maria & Houston:

“We are blown away by the photos! They are so beautiful!!

Thank you for capturing our day in such a sweet way, and for making the whole process so easy. We keep going over the gallery and finding new favorites. 🌷

We can’t wait to work with you again in June!”

Cruz Valentin Photography | Destination & Key West Florida Elopement Photographer

Photography details:

35mm film

Vendors:

Dress: wild honey goods: Location and Inn: Old Town Manor | Photographer: Cruz Valentin Photography