Are you considering a beach elopement in Galveston? I’m here with more inspirational ways to make the day have big wedding vibes without the big wedding chaos.
If you caught this summer elopement where the couple and I explored downtown Galveston and liked the concept, but maybe prefer less cityscape and more seascape, then this is for you!
This shoot exemplifies Galveston Island’s relaxing small town feel and playful beach vibes. Galveston is a Gulf Coast gem with miles of coastline, beautiful historic architecture and tons of activities, and that’s all before we get to the food!
For this inspiration shoot we planned out a slow and intentional day. Ashley and Marino got ready at the Carr Mansion, a historic bed and breakfast, that survived The Great Storm in 1900. Angela from AK Styles pampered our couple with hair and makeup. I love that Angela encourages grooms to have their hair and makeup done. She can do as much or as little as you like so you look your best and feel photo ready. And she has everything you need to keep shine down and be protected from our sunniest summer days.
The bride’s gown from Renegade Bridal’s upcoming elopement line Wanderwilde featured a custom floral pattern. This gown was designed to move with the body it’s on for comfort that still looks elegant! It was perfect for an island elopement! Once the couple was dressed, they spent some leisure time around the mansion and relaxing on the porch waiting for a late afternoon ceremony time.
From here we headed to an east end beach right next to The Preserve at Grand Beach. All the Pretty Things designed a three piece floral arrangement to serve as a ceremony backdrop. We wanted something bold and bright that would pop off the ocean backdrop. They went with bright oranges and pinks with palm fronds and pampas grass which stood out so well and still complimented the floral pattern in Ashley’s dress. After the ceremony Ashley donned a gorgeous flower crown.
Ashley and Marino love the beach so this setting was very natural and comforting to them. Many of Galveston’s beaches don’t require permits for an elopement, so that provides a lot of location options! Couples just need to be aware that glass containers aren’t allowed on the beaches and since the beaches are public, they can’t rope off any areas to control people walking past. Generally people are very respectful of beach weddings and steer clear of your ceremony, but may hang back to congratulate you after your I dos. For couples wanting a private space reserved, there are certain beach locations that can be rented.
After some time on the beach we headed to BLVD. Seafood. This island favorite serves up a casual atmosphere with upscale meals. Reservations are recommended for dinner and weekend meals. All of the food we ordered was beautifully presented and, more importantly, delicious. Be sure to order the traditional bread pudding for a sweet ending to a savory meal! If couples are not big fans of seafood, Galveston has a full range of dining options from traditional American, bbq, Tex-Mex, Italian, and anything else you can think of!
After dinner we walked to the beach to take in the sunset. The sun sets over land turning the sky over the Gulf to a dreamy watercolor rainbow. This is my favorite time to walk along the water and get the most whimsical photos.
Galveston really is an idyllic location for eloping couples that want small town charm with a lot of personality.
Below you’ll find the specific itinerary we used for this shoot. Elopement day schedules are extremely malleable and give us a lot of planning freedom. When you book your elopement photography with me, one of the services I provide is location and activity suggestions. From there we create your unique timeline ensuring you have ample time for traveling between locations and fully enjoying each activity you plan.
7 HOUR ITINERARY
1:30 arrive at Carr Mansion
1:30-3:15 hair and makeup for the couple
3:15-3:40 getting dressed
3:40-4:25 portraits around the Carr Mansion
4:25-4:45 drive to ceremony location
4:45-5:45 beach ceremony
5:45-6:00 drive to dinner
6:00-7:15 dinner at BLVD Seafood
7:15-7:20 walk to the beach
7:20-8:00 enjoy sunset on the beach
7:36 sunset
8:00- 8:30 enjoy a stroll along the Seawall
8:30- back to the Carr Mansion
Elopements are about planning a day centered around celebrating your relationship, and your dream day is waiting for you!
Getting Ready Location – Carr Mansion
Hair and Makeup – AK Styles Hair and Makeup
Gown – Renegade Bridal
Floral Design – All the Pretty Things HTX
Couple – Ashley and Marino
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