Are you looking for the perfect place to capture your love story and the magic of your engagement? Look no further than Destin, Florida. With its spectacular white sand beaches, emerald green waters, and picture-perfect landscapes, this coastal paradise is the quintessential backdrop for photos to remember. Here are some enchanting spots to consider for your Destin engagement photos.
Henderson Beach State Park
17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541
Set in the heart of Destin, Henderson Beach State Park offers a variety of natural backdrops for your engagement photo session. Start by capturing your adoration for each other amongst the 30-foot sand dunes, then walk along the wooden path to the beach.
Once you arrive on the beach, the possibilities are endless. To capture playful moments, splash in the waves and do a romantic spin or dip. You can also stroll hand-in-hand along the shoreline or simply gaze into each other’s eyes while standing in the glow of the setting sun.
If you’d like to stick around after taking your photos, grab one of the 60 campsites connected to the beach. They’re located just across the boardwalk, so you can easily access the sun and surf throughout the day.
HarborWalk Village
34 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
HarborWalk Village is the ideal spot for an engagement photo session, followed by date night shenanigans. At this popular waterfront destination, you’ll find everything from charming boutiques and lively restaurants to breathtaking harbor views and exciting water activities galore.
Photo opportunities abound, too. You could start by taking some shots on the boardwalk, with the gorgeous harbor and boats behind you. Or capture some photos near the colorful shops, restaurants, and street performers. The dock is always an excellent choice for romantic pictures, especially as the sun starts to set.
Grab a room at the Emerald Grande Hotel to make a weekend of your engagement photo trip. This all-inclusive resort offers various upscale amenities, including a full-service spa, swimming pools, and a private beach.
On A Sunset Cruise
Destiny Water Adventures
850-988-3073
322 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
If you’ve always dreamed of capturing your engagement photos out on the water, set your sights on a sunset cruise with Destiny Water Adventures. The unique experience offers the ideal blend of romance and adventure, allowing you to create unforgettable memories together.
Each cruise lasts 2 to 3 hours and takes you along the Santa Rosa Sound. This gives your photographer plenty of time to capture truly candid shots that highlight your love and connection. All you have to do is enjoy each other’s company, and the picture-perfect moments will naturally unfold.
You can also get posed portraits on the boat’s deck as the sun goes down. And if you’re lucky, you might even get photobombed by a dolphin or its full pod.
Cerulean Park
45 Watercolor Blvd W, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Cerulean Park offers year-round beauty that will add even more magic to your engagement photos. Located in the WaterColor community, this park has an enchanting footbridge and meandering pathways surrounded by tropical flowers.
Photos taken along the pathways can reflect your exciting journey, while secluded pictures amidst the lush greenery create a sense of intimacy and romance. Just don’t miss the chance to snap some shots near the sparkling water fountain and tiled river.
Monarch butterflies make their appearance at this park more often than not. To get them in your photos, just pose near the milkweeds where they tend to gather. These amazing creatures add a whimsical touch to any photo while symbolizing beauty and transformation.
Destin Jetties
Jetty East, Destin, FL 32541
The Destin Jetties are the ideal spot for engagement photos filled with drama and natural beauty. The rugged rocks, crashing waves, and sweeping coastal views create an intense backdrop for every shot.
For the best results, time your visit for the golden hour, just one hour before the sun sets. As the sun retreats beyond the horizon, it adds a soft glow that takes each picture to the next level. The sky provides a dynamic touch, too, as it lights up in a brilliant array of oranges, pinks, and purples.
Consider experimenting with your scenes while you’re here. Use the rocks to frame your shots and position yourselves to create dramatic silhouettes against the colorful sky. Also, take advantage of the gentle breeze to add movement to your photos. Just be sure to watch your footing as you traverse the rocks, especially if they’re slippery from the sea spray.
Eden State Gardens
181 Eden Gardens Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
The Eden State Gardens boast over 160 acres of stunningly beautiful landscapes that promise to delight at every turn. At the center of it all is the historic Wesley homestead for a touch of Southern charm.
Since there are so many backdrop options across this park, you might want to visit once or twice before scheduling your engagement photo session. If you’d rather just jump into it, some spots you might consider are:
- Along the banks of the Tucker Bayou
- On the Living Shoreline Trail
- Under the Virginia Live Oaks
- In front of the Wesley House
- Near the reflection pond
The ornamental gardens are always a hit throughout much of the year. From October through May, the camellias and azaleas fill the space with vibrant blooms in every direction. But don’t spend all your time there. You’ll also want to snap photos in the butterfly garden, heritage rose garden, and hidden garden.
Baytowne Wharf
9300 Baytowne Wharf Blvd, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
The Baytowne Wharf never fails to impress with its charming architecture, vibrant atmosphere, and breathtaking bayfront views. Plus, the eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and activities allows you to make a full day of your photo session.
To capture memorable photos you’ll love, consider posed or candid shots on the boardwalk, near the carousel, or in front of the clock tower. If you’d like something a bit more unique, consider taking your photos during the evening when twinkling lights are on full display.
Just make sure to check if any events are happening during your planned visit. The holiday season is the busiest, although the Baytowne LIVE summer concert series draws big crowds from April through July.
If any of these spots catch your eye, it’s time to book your photographer and start planning your dream engagement shoot. The effort you put into finding the perfect spot will show in every snap. And your images will be a beautiful reminder of the magic you captured on the Emerald Coast.
