coastal weddings BEST OUTDOOR DESTINATION Kemper Park’s Garten Verein provides a gorgeous backdrop for your special day. This dancing pavilion offers sweeping panoramic views of the park and the surrounding area. A favorite for weddings and receptions, it adds instant romantic ambiance to any event. Book early; reservations are taken up to a year in advance. 2704 Avenue O For bookings, call 409765-7834 BEST TROPICAL LOCALE Think Pirates of the Caribbean meets stately New England seaside resort, and you’ll have the Mermaid and Dolphin. Tucked away from the ocean, this tropical paradise sports lush gardens, elegant surroundings and a five-star experience. There’s the formal Grand Ballroom, dating back to 1889, an on-site wedding chapel, and gardens and verandahs, all available for wedding rentals. 1103 33rd St 409-762-1561 BEST ON-THE-WATER EXPERIENCE
Couples who marry on board “The Colonel,” a historic, triple-deck paddle-wheeler, do so amid the nostalgic luxury of a bygone era. Plush carpets, stunning fabrics, wide open-air decks and private dining rooms offer several backdrops for tying the knot. Private parties of 100 or more may book this floating palace for day or evening cruises. Departures from Moody Gardens; for booking details, call 409-740-7797 BEST INTIMATE SPOT If you’re looking for something small and cozy, the Michel B. Menard House is the place for you. Galveston’s oldest home lends itself beautifully to smaller weddings and receptions, in a Greek-revival setting that perfectly captures the city’s history. In addition to the antique-filled interior, the grounds feature a gazebo and stunning landscaping. 409-762-3933
Opposite page, Galveston’s Kempner Park. Top, The Menard House was built in 1838 and is the oldest home on the Island. Middle, The magnificently renovated Custom House is available for a variety of functions. The secondfloor courtroom provides an ideal setting for seated dinners as well as buffets or receptions. Bottom, left, St. Joseph Church, the oldest German Catholic Church in Texas and and the oldest wooden church building in Galveston. GULFSCAPES.COM WINTER 2010 | 75