Hawks Cay Resort in Duck Key, Florida is welcoming an increase in wedding bookings as hundred of couples book their nuptials at the luxury resort every year. The resort has three full-time members of staff who are on hand to organise destination weddings for couples who come from all over the country.
One of the wedding coordinators, Joni Dooley-Barkley, explained why the property is so popular.
"We are able to provide a Caribbean-like setting without leaving the U.S., and since no passport is required, it is easier for more guests to attend," Joni said.
Wedding packages can be tailored to meet the couples' needs and ceremonies of all sizes can be arranged for Florida weddings, from small and intimate events for up to 10 guests, to extravagant weddings for up to 350 guests.
Joni talked about the unique destination weddings that the resort has catered for in the past.
"When an Indian couple requested an elephant for the groom to ride in on, as is traditional in their culture, we had to work out a compromise," she said. "But everyone was happy in the end. The groom ended up arriving on horseback, with the guests following behind, making a parade-like entrance to the waiting bride."
Hawks Cay Resort is located on 60-acres and is situated 90 miles from Miami's International Airport, halfway between Miami and Key West. The property has 177 guest rooms and suites, and 225 two and three bedroom individually owned villas that face the harbour and marina. The resort boasts the only on-site dolphin research facility in the continental United States - Dolphin Connection.
Staff members have even helped couples plan romantic proposals for loved up couples. These include one staff member holding up a card saying "Will You Marry Him" during a dolphin encounter, and another couple got engaged when they went scuba diving and a ring was hidden in a conch shell on the sandy bottom.
As well as proving a venue for weddings abroad, the resort is a great setting for engagements, rehearsal dinners, and relaxing honeymoons. Newlyweds are also offered a gift certificate that allows them to come back and enjoy a free weekend stay on their anniversary.
Tropical weddings can take place on a private sandy beach at sunset; under a decorated wedding gazebo; on a deck overlooking the Dolphin Connection; and onboard Hawks Cays' luxury catamaran.
One of the wedding coordinators, Joni Dooley-Barkley, explained why the property is so popular.
"We are able to provide a Caribbean-like setting without leaving the U.S., and since no passport is required, it is easier for more guests to attend," Joni said.
Wedding packages can be tailored to meet the couples' needs and ceremonies of all sizes can be arranged for Florida weddings, from small and intimate events for up to 10 guests, to extravagant weddings for up to 350 guests.
Joni talked about the unique destination weddings that the resort has catered for in the past.
"When an Indian couple requested an elephant for the groom to ride in on, as is traditional in their culture, we had to work out a compromise," she said. "But everyone was happy in the end. The groom ended up arriving on horseback, with the guests following behind, making a parade-like entrance to the waiting bride."
Hawks Cay Resort is located on 60-acres and is situated 90 miles from Miami's International Airport, halfway between Miami and Key West. The property has 177 guest rooms and suites, and 225 two and three bedroom individually owned villas that face the harbour and marina. The resort boasts the only on-site dolphin research facility in the continental United States - Dolphin Connection.
Staff members have even helped couples plan romantic proposals for loved up couples. These include one staff member holding up a card saying "Will You Marry Him" during a dolphin encounter, and another couple got engaged when they went scuba diving and a ring was hidden in a conch shell on the sandy bottom.
As well as proving a venue for weddings abroad, the resort is a great setting for engagements, rehearsal dinners, and relaxing honeymoons. Newlyweds are also offered a gift certificate that allows them to come back and enjoy a free weekend stay on their anniversary.
Tropical weddings can take place on a private sandy beach at sunset; under a decorated wedding gazebo; on a deck overlooking the Dolphin Connection; and onboard Hawks Cays' luxury catamaran.
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