Grand Galvez: A Haunted Wedding Venue full of Ghostly Tales

Photo: Courtesy of Grand Galvez/Seawall Hospitality LLC | Venue: Grand Galvez | CVB: Visit Galveston

The historic Grand Galvez, one of our favorite Galveston wedding venues, isn’t just known for its stunning architecture and beachfront views, it’s also known as one of the most haunted hotels in Texas. With over a century of ghostly tales woven into its walls, the Grand Galvez offers an unforgettable setting with a thrilling twist. We asked Melissa Hall, the “Ghostess of Grand Galvez,” to share some of the eerie and unforgettable encounters she and guests have experienced over the years. From phantom brides to helpful spirits, the Grand Galvez’s supernatural residents make it a venue like no other. Keep reading to learn about some of the most infamous ghosts… if you dare!

Two ghosts highlighted outside the Grand Galvez on a stairwell. — Photo courtesy of Melissa Hall

Melissa Hall, the Ghostess of Grand Galvez. — Photo courtesy of Melissa Hall

Audra: The Lovelorn Bride

Audra’s story is a haunting and timeless tale that embodies the Grand Galvez’s romantic yet mysterious aura. In the 1950s, Audra checked into Room 501, eagerly awaiting her fiancé, working as a mariner, to return from sea so they could marry. Each day, she’d climb to one of the hotel’s turrets, gazing out at the waves, hoping to see his ship. But her dreams were shattered when she was told that his ship had been lost in a storm. Heartbroken, Audra ended her life in that very turret. In a tragic twist, her fiancé had actually survived, only to return and discover her heartbreaking fate.

Today, guests report eerie occurrences in Room 501. The room phone rings when no calls have been made, and the key card sometimes fails to work, displaying “Expired 1955”. Guests have even felt the pressure of something invisible sitting beside them on the bed, as though Audra herself is keeping them company. There are also reports of a woman walking the halls and whimpering sobs near the elevator.

Historic photo of the exterior of Grand Galvez — Photo: Courtesy of Grand Galvez/Seawall Hospitality LLC

Historic photos of the Grand Galvez — Photo: Courtesy of Grand Galvez/Seawall Hospitality LLC

The Spirit Who Smooths Out Dresses

While Audra’s tale is the most famous, other spirits add to the charm of the Grand Galvez. One particularly beloved spirit is a former employee known as Mr. Stanley, frequently spotted in photos. Melissa recalls, “I’ve been fortunate enough to capture seven photographs of Mr. Stanley, with one compelling image showing him gently smoothing a bride’s dress, ensuring that every detail was flawless for her grand entrance.” It’s a heartwarming reminder of his devotion to the hotel.

Sister Katherine and the Playful Spirits

The Grand Galvez is also home to Sister Katherine, a nun who perished in the catastrophic 1900 storm that devastated Galveston. It’s said that whenever a storm approaches, her spirit appears on the grounds, pacing protectively along the southern lawn. “It seems that Sister Katherine has found her way to the Galvez, continuing her eternal mission to safeguard the children who have made this grand establishment their home. Her watchful spirit adds a layer of warmth and protection to the hotel, enriching the fabric of its haunted yet heartwarming legacy,” Melissa shared. Guests and staff have also heard childlike giggles and seen small handprints reappearing on glass doors and even whispers of “ice cream” near the spa—a playful throwback to the former soda fountain that once occupied that space.

Historic photos of the interior of Grand Galvez, a haunted hotel in Galveston. — Photo: Courtesy of Grand Galvez/Seawall Hospitality LLC

Historic photos of the Grand Galvez, a haunted hotel in Galveston. — Photo: Courtesy of Grand Galvez/Seawall Hospitality LLC

The Skeptics and the Unexpected Encounters

Melissa’s tours draw skeptics and believers alike, but she finds that even the most doubtful visitors leave with chills. “The skeptics on my tours are truly the most fascinating participants,” she says. “All I ask is for them to come with an open mind, and that’s when the magic begins.” Many skeptics have left her tours as believers, often experiencing the unmistakable chill of a ghostly touch or hearing the faintest of whispers in the hall.

Hauntingly Beautiful: A Venue Like No Other

So, if you’re drawn to both romance and a touch of the supernatural, the Grand Galvez is a venue that truly has it all. As Halloween casts its spell, the Grand Galvez invites you to experience its haunted history firsthand, where stories of love, loss, protection, and playfulness come alive. Whether it’s Audra in Room 501, Mr. Stanley helping a bride, or Sister Katherine on the lawn, you might just find a ghostly friend by your side!