Planning a Galveston Wedding or Elopement

－It’s hard to imagine that Galveston is one of the most popular beach wedding destinations in southeast Texas. But it is! Couples love the laid-back atmosphere and the fact that it’s located on the Gulf of Mexico. It has a warm climate that makes it a great place for outdoor weddings, and it’s just a short drive from Houston, making it an easy choice for brides and grooms who want to get married close to home.  

If you need help planning your wedding or elopement on this little bit of paradise, keep reading. 

Best beaches for a Galveston beach wedding, micro-wedding, or elopement 

Here are the best beaches for a Galveston elopement or intimate, micro-wedding: 

• Surfside Beach in Freeport, TX is popular for it’s photo-worthy beach. Tons of engagement photos and Galveston elopements take place. 
• Sea Isle Beach stays pretty clean and is a great alternative to East Beach. If you or your partner love to fish, it’s known for that as well.
• Poretto Beach, a popular beach on Galveston Island for weddings is clean and mostly quiet. 
• Crystal Beach is located off the Bolivar Peninsula can get pretty eventful depending on the date.
• East Beach is one of the largest beaches on the island. It’s definitely more busy and is known for hosting special events. 

When a permit is needed for Galveston beach weddings:

• restricting access to certain beach areas for setting up arches, chairs, and tables
• loud music or speaker, DJ

Galveston Wedding Venues

Here are just a few benefits of booking a wedding venue versus a beach wedding

• Parking is available and reserved exclusively for your guests as opposed to the public.
• Guest accommodations may include bridal and groom suites for wedding prep and getting ready.
• Personalized service areas for your DJ, catering team, and other wedding vendors.
• Private restrooms for your wedding party and guests.  

Here’s a list of unique wedding venues in Galveston to consider 

• The Lyceum
• Peanut Butter Warehouse 
• The Trolley Station 
• Galveston Railroad Museum

Other Wedding Venues in Galveston

Menard House

Galveston Tremont House, also known as  Tremont Hotel Galveston

Hotel Galvez / The Grand Galvez, a Galveston beach wedding venue

San Luis Resort

Wedding Catering and Bartending Services in Galveston

Catering

• Coastal Catering – I absolutely LOVE his steak and hors d’oeuvres. This is a great option for couples wanting non-seafood options for guests who are allergic to shellfish.
• Benno’s Cajun Seafood

Bartending 

• Palace Party Beverage Co.
• Franny’s Bartending
• Bling & Buckles Events
• Southern Spirit Events

Bridal Hair and Makeup Artists in Galveston

• Jeannette with Katy Mobile Studio
• Kaddy with KH Beauty
• Giselle with Bella Expressions

Other cities to elope in Texas

Everything’s bigger in Texas. I’ve already mentioned some cities to elope in Texas already. But here’s a quick list to get your gears turning.

• 6 reasons you should elope in Houston
• Austin
• San Antonio
• Fredericksburg
• Corpus Christi

Several of these cities make great weekend road trips too!

Eloping in Galveston

With its historic, laid-back, and beach-town feel, I can see why couples consider eloping in Galveston.

If you’re considering eloping, check out this post on how to elope in Texas. 

For larger events, you may only use East Beach, Sea Wolf Park or Stewart Beach. A private reception after eloping is another great choice for celebrating with family.

More Info/Resources

For more information, call Galveston’s Park Board at (409) 797-5172 or visit the website.