Henderson Beach State Park Wedding/Event Guide

Beach weddings and other events at Henderson Beach State Park are extremely popular. The park accepts reservations up to 11 months in advance (excluding holidays).

There are 3 areas where an event can be held at the park; The East, Center and West Boardwalk Areas. Pavilions are located at the east and west boardwalks and are reservable subject to the guidelines listed below. We also have 3 time frames during a day that a wedding/event can be held. Time frames are as follows 8AM-11AM; 11AM-3PM, 3PM-Sunset. Only one event may occur in each designated area within the designated timeframe mentioned above. All events must be completely finished by the ending time including break down of equipment. This allows us to accommodate up to 9 weddings/events during a single day.

Wedding rehearsals’, if needed, must be booked when making a wedding reservation. If not you may have to yield right of way to other park guests, or events. All events must be completely finished by the ending time including break down of equipment.

Due to the high visitor attendance No Events/Weddings are accepted for the following Holidays/Holiday weekends: Easter Sunday; Memorial Day; 4th of July; Labor Day and the last weekend in October due to the Destin Festival of Arts.
The park cannot accept groups greater than 150 people due to facility limitations and limited beach access.

PAVILION RESERVATIONS

A pavilion can be reserved from October 1st - April 30th with an additional pavilion reservation fee of $106.00. Pavilion reservations are not accepted between May 1st- September 30th due to high visitor attendance and limited picnic space. During this time no group is allowed to ask anyone to leave the pavilion or attempt to reserve areas for their group’s usage alone. This includes all beaches, boardwalks, restrooms and shower areas that are open to the general public. At Least 24 hours notice must be provided to cancel pavilion reservations.

Event reservations are booked strictly on first come- first serve basis. Reservations or Pavilion bookings are confirmed only after receipt of full payment and paperwork.

AFTER HOURS EVENTS

The Park closes at sunset which varies through out the year. If an Event/Wedding is scheduled for a sunset time frame and the group will remain in the Park after it closes the coordinator of the event is required to hire an After Hours Ranger at a rate of $25.00 per hour (2 hour minimum). Please provide a point of contact for the Ranger at the time of reservation. Cash and Checks payable for an after hours Ranger shall be paid directly to the Park Ranger. Minimum of 24 hours notice is required for cancellation.

ADMISSION FEES

Regular admission fees will be collected for all visitors’ entrance into the park. If a group desires, they can pay for their guest’s entrance fees, as long as this has been pre-arranged with the park. Please contact the Park Office for further information. Admission Fees are as follows: $4.00 for 2-8 persons in vehicle, $3.00 Single Occupant Vehicle, Walkers, bicyclists and extra passengers are $1.00 each.

If a group hires any vendors, wedding coordinators, or other hired services of a business, they are required to provide a General Liability Certificate to the park prior to conducting this business. The vendor will provide this certificate to the park Listing The Department of Environmental Protection 3900 Commonwealth Blvd. Tallahassee, FL. 32399 in the “additional insured” section.
The Policy must carry a minimum of $300,000.00 in Liability Insurance to operate within the State park.

Decorations (nothing may be glued, stapled, or left on the grounds), the actual set-up and takedown are not the responsibility of the Park or its Staff.

Electricity is available only in certain locations of the Pavilions. Check with staff for these locations.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Again, all restrooms, boardwalks, and shower areas are open to the general public. No dressing room is provided for wedding parties. No tents are allowed No pets are allowed on the beach. Always have an inclement weather plan for your wedding i.e. Hurricane season.

For additional questions or to check for available dates and request
agreement forms, please contact the park office at(850) 837-7550 or come by Henderson Beach State Park.