Nestled along the emerald shores of the Gulf of Mexico in the heart of Destin, Florida, Henderson Beach Resort blends the coziness of a coastal cottage with luxury on a grand scale.  It is the perfect escape for those seeking a setting for an idyllic beach destination wedding or a romantic getaway. The exterior of the resort is reminiscent of Nantucket with its grey shingles and white trim and the interior décor is soothing with its pale beachy palate of blues and greens.  

Hospitality from the heart welcomes you from the moment you first arrive and are ushered to your beautifully appointed guest room or suite with breathtaking views of the gardens or sea.  There has been a careful eye for detail with a Starbucks coffee station on every floor, luxury amenities and uber-comfy beds that beckon you to retreat in your room. But you will also find that there are many activities right outside your door including pools with lazy rivers (one adult only), yoga, lawn games, painting classes, stand-up paddle board and, of course, the resort is only steps from a pristine beach. When the time comes for a bit of pampering, Henderson Beach Resort has a world-class spa that offers a range of treatments and therapies to rejuvenate your body and soul. 

Foodies will not be disappointed with Henderson’s culinary offerings. Chef Tyler Simmons oversees the preparation of the restaurants and catering including Primrose, the resort’s signature restaurant which features local coastal cuisine. Sea Level, Horizons, Sprinkles Café and The Rooftop round out the options to grab a cocktail, lunch or small bite so there is something for everyone.

We were fortunate and delighted to interview and gain insight from a bride, Micah who (along with her husband Alex) chose Henderson for her destination wedding. With many options for venues, we asked her why Henderson Beach Resort was their first choice, and here is what she said: 

“When the time came for securing a venue, I knew I wanted to get married in the Destin, FL area because my husband and I grew up spending summers there together. I toured multiple venues and decided on Henderson because of the intimacy I felt as soon as I walked in the doors. It was a resort yet still had a quaint atmosphere. I loved how many ceremony and reception options there were to choose from and the accessibility that my guests would have by staying at the venue was huge. It was extremely handicap accessible for all my grandparents, and the fact that they wouldn’t have to get in a car to drive to the ceremony and then the reception space was huge. The selling factor was when I met with the Henderson staff and knew how well they would take care of me on my big day.”

Vendors: Photographer: Leslie Hollingsworth; Venue: Henderson Beach Resort; Signage: The Wedding Swap; Planning: Molly Heinrichs of Champagne Pop Events

Micah and Alex were not disappointed. “One of my most special moments was actually the day after my wedding when my husband and I walked down to the lobby and saw all of our family and friends visiting on the sunset terrace. We spent hours visiting and talking about the highlights from the day before. That was such a special moment that I will never forget”.

Micah’s advice for a couple planning a destination wedding? “My biggest piece of wedding advice while planning a destination wedding is to choose your vendors that not only would be great at what they are being hired to do but those that you fully trust. Weddings are tough, and planning a wedding that is not close to you can be even trickier. But if you hire vendors that you trust will make your vision, come to life, it will make the planning experience that much better.”

From its picturesque location, coastal charm and 5-star amenities, Henderson Beach Resort ensures that every detail of your stay, whether it is a destination wedding, honeymoon or romantic getaway is picture-perfect.