Getting married in Galveston? A guide to my favorite wedding venues on the island
It comes as no surprise that weddings in Galveston, Texas have gained popularity in recent years. The proximity to Houston yet ability to feel “destination”, as well as the coastal vibes and newly renovated venues, are just a few of the things that are drawing engaged couples down to the island. As a planner, I love the historic charm and character that the venues provide, which we don’t see as much in our Houston counterparts. I also love that we’re naturally inclined to create a full weekend experience out of hosting events in Galveston due to the nature of the location.
Below, I am going to highlight some of my favorite venues to plan for our couples at — showing that the possibilities are endless and there is a little something for everyone down in Galveston!
Photo by Ashlen Sydney Photography
The Grand Galvez
“The Queen of the Gulf” — and for good reason! I love the coastal charm, historic significance, and elevated experience that the Grand Galvez provides. This hotel has multiple event spaces, which really allows you to customize the flow of the event to meet your needs. Whether you’re getting married in the Oleander Garden, hosting a stunning cocktail hour on the Centennial Green (pictured for a ceremony) or dancing the night away in one of the two ballroom spaces (each with their own distinct design features and charm) you and your guests will love the memorable experience and high level of service the hotel provides. While the venue gorgeous design features and personality on its own, I have found it to be a versatile canvas for our couples, catering well to many different wedding day design styles and vibes.
Photo by Sara Abdulaziz Photography
Photos by Christina Elliott Photography
The Tremont Hotel
Just steps from The Strand, the Tremont House is another memorable option (and newly renovated one) for hosting your wedding weekend. A unique feature about this hotel is that the event spaces are across the street, and therefore fully separate from the rest of the hotel, providing privacy for your event in an otherwise public setting (this is important when getting married at a hotel!) The lower level of the event space is perfectly suited to your cocktail hour needs, while the large ballroom on the upper level can accommodate an expansive reception, and be flipped from your ceremony set-up. This ballroom needs a little more in the way of decor to truly transform it, but when done right, you can create a one-of-a-kind experience for you and your guests. This choice is perfect for a large event and for a couple that really wants to lean into decor to create a unique event design.
The Galveston Railroad Museum
Now for this one, I need you to use your imagination with me! Picture this: you want to get married somewhere that doesn’t scream “wedding venue” and create a cool, memorable event experience for your guests. Your ceremony either takes place offsite (my recommendation) or on the concrete patio behind the indoor museum. Cocktail hour takes place among the railroad cars, with drinks served from the outdoor concession stand, highboy and bistro tables scattered throughout the space, and custom details and decor to capture the vibe of your event. From there, we welcome guests into the indoor museum space that has been fully gutted. We have brought in furniture rentals (tables, chairs, banquettes, etc) to create a layout that balances form and function and with a fresh approach. The indoor news stand has been transformed to serve as your reception bar, and your eye is drawn up with the use of florals, greenery or draping in the rafters of the ceiling, or on the ledges created by the architecture of the museum. The historic space is fully reimagined to meet your design vision, and your guests are blown away by the inventive experience you have created for them!
(‘picture’ based on real life experience, but there are many different ways to get from point A to B! This is a fun one to dream and scheme!)
Photos by Via Imagery
A few more faves?
Photo by Courtney Leigh Photography
1880 Garten Verein: The once ‘dancing pavilion’ for the historic Galveston garden club is dripping in character. I love the green tone of the space and the decorative moldings, but especially love how the circular space is conducive to a unique yet functional reception floor plan. It is also a perfect location for a ceremony (what our clients previously rented for) allowing you to create a multi-location event experience.
The 1874 Guest House (pictured): My jaw is on the floor every time I am at this seriously stunning property (immaculate is not a big enough word to capture the beauty!) Designed by mother-daughter design duo, Alayna Louise Interiors , this property is straight out of Architectural Digest and is a true masterclass in pattern mixing, antique sourcing, and maximalist yet traditional style. This space is best suited to an intimate ceremony on the turf lawn, or as the perfect getting ready location for your bridal party.
The Bryan Museum: The Gazebo and Conservatory spaces within the historic Bryan Museum are perfect spots for hosting a mid-size ceremony and reception. The Conservatory especially gives off a “green house” vibe and is naturally inclined towards an elegant, classic event. I also think it’s a space that could benefit from a design with depth, texture, and color, whether you’re going for an elevated garden-party or something leaning more towards old world charm. It is a perfect blank (but not boring) canvas!
Hotel Lucine: I am dying to plan and design a wedding here! This upscale, coastal motel would be the perfect spot for an intimate cocktail hour and wedding reception (I think ceremony would be best offsite!) Imagine transforming the pool deck, which overlooks the Seawall, with long tables, stunning linens, and lush florals. Transform the bar to reflect your personal style and play up the personality of the venue. Following a two (+) course meal, you and your guests get to dance the night away under the stars and with the sound of the gulf nearby. This would also be an excellent rehearsal dinner location.
Like I said before, there really is a little something for everyone down in Galveston! Whether you’re planning a coastal, colorful wedding at The Galvez, or an elegant, elevated reception at The Bryan Museum, or something totally out of the box at The Galveston Railroad Museum, Galveston Island is your oyster for creating a fully memorable wedding weekend experience!
-LNC
If you found this to be helpful — let me know! And if you’re ready to partner with LNC Weddings + Events to intentionally plan your Galveston wedding or event, inquire here. I can’t wait to be in touch with you!