Destin / Ft. Walton / Navarre Beach Weddings
Your Destin or Ft. Walton Beach Wedding
They call it the Emerald Coast, and when you see it for the first time, you'll understand why. The water doesn't just look blue or green—it glows. It's the color of sea glass, of mermaid tales, of the Caribbean transplanted to the Florida Panhandle. Standing at the water's edge with the person you love, you'll wonder why you ever considered anywhere else.
The beaches of Florida's Emerald Coast don't just look different—they are different. The water here glows with an almost supernatural green-blue hue that has to be seen to be believed, created by the unique combination of pure white quartz sand and the emerald-colored Gulf.
Destin and neighboring Ft. Walton Beach as well as Navarre Beach sit in the Florida Panhandle, far from the more developed coasts further south. This is "Old Florida" meets Southern hospitality—a place where the beaches are stunning, the seafood is fresh off the boat, and the pace of life encourages you to slow down and savor the moment.
"Our guests kept saying 'I had no idea Florida had water like this.' The emerald color in our photos looks edited, but it's not—that's just what Destin looks like. And the Southern hospitality is real. Everyone we met was so genuinely kind."
— Lauren & Brett, Nov 2025
Why The Emerald Coast
Water Unlike Anywhere Else
The Destin area's emerald waters aren't a marketing gimmick—they're a geological phenomenon. The crystal-clear Gulf currents carry emerald-green waters from the Yucatan, while the pure quartz sand (some of the whitest in the world) reflects light in ways that make the water almost glow. Your wedding photos will look like they've been enhanced, but they won't need to be. See real Emerald Coast weddings in our gallery.
The "World's Luckiest Fishing Village"
Destin earned its nickname through decades of record-breaking catches, and the fishing culture here is real. For couples who love the water, or who have guests looking for pre-wedding activities, the area offers everything from deep-sea charters to calm bay fishing.
Southern Gulf Coast Hospitality
The Panhandle region has a distinctly Southern character that sets it apart from more cosmopolitan South Florida. Expect sweet tea, "yes ma'am," and a genuine warmth from locals who are proud to share their slice of paradise.
What Makes Us Different Here
We Know Each Beach's Personality
The Emerald Coast spans multiple communities, each with its own character:
Destin: More developed, with easy access to shopping and dining
Ft. Walton Beach: Family-friendly with a historic downtown and the famous Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Navarre: Quieter and less crowded, perfect for couples seeking seclusion
Henderson Beach State Park: Protected dunes and pristine sand for a more natural setting
We'll match your vision to the right location and handle all permitting requirements.
Weather Pattern Expertise
The Panhandle's weather patterns differ from Florida's peninsula. We understand the seasonal rhythms here—when afternoon storms are most likely, which months bring the calmest seas, and how to plan around the occasional cool front that dips down from the north.
The Guest Experience
The Emerald Coast delivers a vacation your guests will talk about for years.
On the Water
Dolphin cruises and sunset sails
Deep-sea fishing charters from Destin's famous harbor
Snorkeling trips to the area's artificial reefs
Jet ski rentals, parasailing, and paddleboarding
Local Adventures
The Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival (if your wedding coincides with this June tradition)
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, one of Florida's oldest marine parks
Big Kahuna's Water Park for guests traveling with kids
Dining & Nightlife
Fresh-off-the-boat seafood at Harbor Walk Village
Upscale dining at Destin's growing restaurant scene
Beach bonfires and casual waterfront bars
Make your Destin Beach Wedding a Vacation!
Your Destin Beach wedding guests will love your destination wedding. Between the restaurants, beaches, and shops in Destin, your family and friends will stay happy and busy during their stay. They will remember your Destin Beach wedding for years to come. Because of the location, our Destin Beach weddings are always popular. It is a gorgeous area sure to please every Bride. The best thing about a destination beach wedding in Destin is that it doubles as an extravagant vacation for you and your guests. Not only will they get to join in your big day, they also get to spend quality time with their family and friends as well.
For Every Kind of Celebration
Don’t stress out anymore about planning your Destin Beach wedding. No matter your budget, beach weddings in Destin are always timeless and beautiful. We work with every kind of couple and every kind of budget so we know what you are looking for. Let us worry about supplying you with an abundance of choices within your budget. We are local so we work with every business in town. We know the best of the best and we know what to splurge on and where to save.
We listen to what you want and what is most important to you. After throwing a lot of Destin Beach Weddings we are excited to talk to you about your options and what your options are. Our number one goal is your happiness on your big day. There are so many beaches, which provide amazing wedding venues in Destin. Whether you want to rent a house or condo on the beach, or get married at a resort, we want to make your dreams come true. Our Destin Beach weddings are always elegant.
Practical Details
Starting Investment: Emerald Coast wedding packages start at $999. Because this region is less saturated with wedding vendors than South Florida, your budget often goes further here. Compare packages.
Getting There: Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) is a small regional airport with growing service. Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) in Panama City is about an hour away. Pensacola International Airport (PNS) is about an hour west.
Ceremony Timing: Sunset ceremonies showcase the Emerald Coast's legendary colors. We'll time your ceremony to the exact moment when the light hits the water perfectly.
Guest Count: We coordinate weddings of all sizes here, from elopements to large gatherings. Different beaches suit different party sizes, and we'll guide you to the right fit.
What Are You Waiting For?
Give us a call today! We love to plan weddings in Destin, Florida. The naturally beautiful background and fun beachy vibe of this town is an automatic great wedding celebration. Weddings in Destin, FL are popular because of this. We are easy to reach and here to make all of your wedding dreams come true! 1-800-846-5683
Ready To Start Planning?
What Happens Next
Here's how easy we make this: Request our free brochure, and read over our wedding package and view our amazing beach decorations for the perfect custom look. We'll follow up to learn about your vision. We also welcome your email or phone call to answer any questions and discuss the big day.
Exploring options? If you're drawn to the Panhandle but want to compare, the Gulf Coast beaches near Tampa—like Clearwater and St. Pete—offer a different vibe with easier airport access.
Call us directly: (800) 846-5683
Florida destination weddings made simple and affordable
Fun Facts about Destin & Ft. Walton
The "World’s Luckiest Fishing Village"
Destin is famously known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” due to its abundant and diverse marine life. The city hosts one of the largest fishing fleets in Florida, and its annual Destin Fishing Rodeo, which began in 1948, is one of the longest-running fishing tournaments in the country.
Origins of the Name "Destin"
The city of Destin was named after Captain Leonard Destin, a New London, Connecticut fisherman who settled in the area in the mid-19th century. He pioneered the fishing industry in Destin, and his family continued to play a significant role in the community for many generations.
Emerald Waters
Destin is famous for its stunning emerald-green waters, which are crystal clear and make it one of the most picturesque beach destinations along the Gulf of Mexico.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Fort Walton Beach is known for its family-friendly vibe, with shallow waters, playgrounds, and various family-oriented activities making it ideal for visitors with children.
Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival
The Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival, a long-standing tradition in Fort Walton Beach since 1953, is a fun, pirate-themed celebration featuring parades, fireworks, and a mock invasion. While inspired by the pirate lore surrounding William Augustus Bowles, the festival’s “Billy Bowlegs” character is a playful, fictional figure rather than a direct historical representation.
The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, located in Fort Walton Beach, opened in 1955, making it one of the oldest marine parks in the United States. The Gulfarium has long been a popular family destination, offering visitors opportunities to see and interact with a variety of marine life, including dolphins, sea lions, and other animals. It remains a major attraction in the area, continuing to draw visitors for its educational programs, animal encounters, and shows.
