Shayla and Layne wanted a really laid back, casual Galveston Beach sunset engagement session. Since their wedding venue, The Tasting Room, is a bit more modern and formal they wanted to embrace some time together with a free-flowing and natural vibe. The beach was an easy choice and after sharing some of my favorite options with them, they chose Murdochs.

Galveston Beach at Murdochs

The beach between Murdochs and Pleasure Pier is a great choice for a few reasons. The first is that it’s super easy to get a variety of photos. We can get a pure water background, the pier with it’s colorful rides, and unobstructed shore views just from this spot. The second is that we can go underneath both piers to get some cool images with the pillars and waves coming in. This is also an awesome respite from the sun on hot summer days and easy cover for days with passing rain. And third, the watercolor sunsets are just as delicious here as any other beach on the island.

We met up in the evening just early enough to still catch the super glowy, warm sun. We started out at Murdochs using the pier as shade before making the short walk to the beach under Pleasure Pier to get some photos with the water splashing on the large concrete pillars. While we explored these two areas the sun was slowly sinking behind the buildings and starting to cast the softer light that can make the prettiest sunsets.

This sunset did NOT disappoint! As we started making our way back toward Murdochs the sky over the Gulf started washing into the most glorious watercolor sunset and we had a full moon to boot! All three of us were in awe and I was so happy for Shayla and Layne to have this special moment. With the warm breeze grazing past us, the pastel rainbow sky, the full moon and lapping waves, these two danced, laughed and walked the beach. I stayed at a distance to catch the epic scene while they enjoyed the view and each other.

Check out these other Galveston engagement session photo locations.