Layce and Cameron’s Anniversary at Galveston Island

Layce and Cameron celebrated their first anniversary with an intimate, elopement-style day on Galveston Island, just a short drive from home. From riding through the historic district in a vintage Model-T golf cart to a quiet beach picnic at sunset, their day was filled with unique moments that perfectly captured their love. With stunning photos by Degrees North Images, they experienced a day that brought back memories of their wedding and set the tone for their future together. Get all the details below.

 Are you ready to plan your adventure? Explore our Texas elopement packages.

About This Anniversary, Elopement Style

Photography by Degrees North Images

“Layce and Cameron wanted to celebrate their first anniversary with an elopement-style celebration for just the two of them. They wanted to do something fun on Galveston Island, since they live about 90 minutes away, so it could be an easy getaway for them.

After they got dressed, we spent some time on the grounds of their beautiful historic waterfront hotel, the Grand Galvez. We rented a Model-T style golf cart (I was their driver) to drive around the island enjoying the historic architecture and the gorgeous spring blooms that blanket the island.

From there went to a trendy upscale restaurant in the historic district called Sugar and Rye, for an early dinner. Afterward, we cruised Galveston Island’s seawall and had plenty of cars beeping with congratulations!

We ended the day on the beach where Layce and Cameron shared personal memories from their first year of marriage, goals for the future, and heartfelt wishes they have for each other. The beach was nearly empty, which gave them so much privacy and special alone time. To close out their day, they had a canopy and picnic area set up to enjoy champagne and snacks and ring in their personal New Year!” [Dawn, the photographer]

Permits and LNT For Your Adventure

“This location did not require a permit. There is no permit required for an elopement on a public beach in Galveston, as long as you refrain from playing loud music, or restricting public access by attempting to rope off any areas. The Galveston Park Board manages special event venues at Stewart Beach, East Beach, and Dellanera RV Park that require a permit to utilize reserved beachfront areas.

Leave No Trace principles are extremely important on Galveston beaches. Our beaches are home to a lot of wildlife like endangered ‘ghost wolves,’ and is one of the major nesting grounds for sea turtles, including the critically endangered Kemp’s Ridley. Pack out everything that you brought in. We don’t use paper confetti, not even the biodegradable kind, but can use natural flowers like rose petals. Any holes that are dug in the sand to secure arches, tents, or furniture must be completely filled in when those items are removed. You may not climb on dunes in most areas, and must stay off of all vegetation.” [Dawn, the photographer]

Learn more about leaving no trace during your adventure. 

Planning a Post-Wedding Adventure

“For our post-wedding adventure, we were deciding what we wanted to do for our 1 anniversary together, and Degrees North images had made a post about needing a couple to model in Galveston on our anniversary. I decided to reach out because I knew it would be fun to be back in our wedding attire a year later.” [The couple]

Top Tips for Couples Planning a Beach Ceremony

“I recommend hiring a professional vendor for most decor. They will know how to properly secure everything to stand up to wind. There is always wind on the beach and some days can bring gusts up to 30 miles an hour. There are many reputable design and rental companies that will set up your decorations and take them down after your event to make sure everything is cleaned up properly.

These companies will also know how far off the water to construct your setup. Tides can change quickly and creep up the beach, leaving your decorations sinking into the sand or at risk of washing away.” [Dawn, the photographer]

Details We Love

“They were really excited to eat at Sugar and Rye. I love being able to see couples have a new experience at our awesome island. They raved about their appetizer and cocktails!

Layce was really so happy to be able to wear her wedding gown again. We spend so much time and money finding the perfect gown it seems like such a shame to only wear it once. We were also able to get some great veil shots using the wind on the beach, which she loved.

I love that they had a unique first anniversary. Taking the time off work to be intentional about coming to the island to have an experience is a beautiful way to start a new year together.” [Dawn, the photographer]

Estimated Cost Breakdown

Are you planning to have a similar adventure? Dawn, the photographer, shares some insight on the cost breakdown:

Lodging | $450
Hair and Makeup for bride and groom | $500
Golf Cart Rental | $275
Dinner |~$200
Beach Location | $0
Flowers | ~$600
Picnic | ~$500
Photography | $2,200
TOTAL approx. ~$4,725

Learn more about elopement costs. 

Memorable Moments During This Anniversary

From the photographer:

“I loved driving them around town in the Model-T golf cart. There were so many people honking and yelling congratulations to them as we made our way between the historic district and the beach. It adds a little something extra and can make you feel like the whole island is cheering for you!”

From the couple:

“Being on the beach. It was memorable by feeling like we were having a second wedding. Everyone around town was congratulating us and we just soaked it all in. I fell more in love with my husband that day. Sharing a special day together. He looked at me the same he looked at me on our wedding day. We have a lot of love for each other.”

Final Words of Advice

From the photographer:

“While Layce and Cameron’s schedule of events was perfect for a spring day, I would recommend something different for anyone wanting to get married May-September when temps can get uncomfortable for a full day of outside activities in wedding clothes. Whether it’s changing clothes in order to stay outside, or spending some intermittent time doing inside activities, there are lots of options.

They were originally scheduled to take a helicopter ride, which was canceled last minute due to forecasted afternoon rain. We rented the Model-T golf cart to fill that space. It’s really important to think about backup plans in case of rain, especially for any weather-dependent activity like helicopter tours, boat charters, hot air balloon, etc.”

Vendors

Photography | Degrees North Images

Lodging |  The Grand Galvez
Hair and Makeup | Salty Skin + Hair
Transportation | Carriage Haus Rentals
Dinner | Sugar and Rye
Ceremony Design, Decor, and Florals | All the Pretty Things HTX
Picnic Set up | Above and Beyond Concierge
Picnic Florals and Disco Balls | All the Pretty Things HTX

Photos From This Anniversary