Public Event Information (including beach weddings)

All groups of 20 or more wishing to gather or hold an event of any nature on city-owned property are required to secure a Park Event Permit through the Destin Parks & Recreation Department. Examples include, but are not limited to: weddings, anniversary parties, family reunions, company picnics, sporting events and private parties. For more information about City of Destin event permits, please call the City of Destin Parks & Recreation Department at (850) 837-4242. 

Beach wedding permits are only available for The Shore at Crystal Beach Park and June White Decker Beach Park - maximum of 25 people.  Beach access points are not available for permits. To inquire about renting the Clement Taylor Park pavilion, call the Destin Community Center at (850) 654-5184.

The city maintains 18 parks throughout the city including eight waterfront parks (view our parks now). Okaloosa County has one public beach in Destin at James Lee Park with a pavilion and minimal parking. Henderson Beach State Park is also located in Destin on Hwy. 98 and offers pavilions, abundant parking and wedding coordination. There are also a number of hotels and condominiums in Destin that offer wedding planning services.

Marriage licenses must be obtained from the Okaloosa County Clerk of Courts. 

Okaloosa County requires a wedding permit to be obtained from the county for all weddings taking place on county-owned property regardless of the number of attendees. An event permit is also required for any non-wedding organized public gathering of 50 or more people. For more information about Okaloosa County wedding and event permits, please call the Okaloosa County Public Parks Department at (850) 689-5790.