Are you planning your wedding at the Reef Long Beach? I am a Los Angeles based wedding photographer who has photographed there before and in this guide, I'm providing everything you need to know about planning your wedding there!

The History of the Reef Long Beach

The Reef Long Beach, established in the 1950s, has been a cherished waterfront destination for generations. Originally built as a fine dining establishment with stunning views of the harbor, The Reef quickly gained a reputation for its exquisite cuisine and elegant ambiance. Over the years, the venue has evolved to become a premier location for special events, particularly weddings, while still maintaining its rich history and timeless charm.

Steps to Plan a Wedding at The Reef Restaurant in Long Beach

STEP 1: Determine Your Wedding Date at the Reef Long Beach

Choose a wedding date that works for you and your partner. Check with The Reef in Long Beach to ensure that the date is available for booking.

STEP 2: Select Your Wedding Package

Review the wedding packages offered by The Reef in Long Beach and select the one that best suits your needs. Each package includes different options such as catering, bar services, floral arrangements, and wedding coordination services.

STEP 3: Select Your Ceremony and Reception Space

Select the indoor or outdoor ceremony and reception space that fits your wedding vision and guest count. The Reef Long Beach offers a variety of options, such as the ballroom, garden terrace, and the rooftop terrace.

STEP 4: Customize Your Menu

Choose the menu for your wedding reception from the options offered by The Reef Long Beach, including hors d'oeuvres, plated dinners, and buffet-style meals. You can customize your menu to include vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free options.

STEP 5: Hire Your Vendors

Hire vendors for photography, floral arrangements, music, and other wedding services. The Reef Long Beach has a list of recommended vendors that have experience working at the venue..

STEP 7: Plan Your Wedding Day

Work with The Reef Long Beach events team to plan the details of your wedding day, including decor, seating arrangements, and other logistics.

STEP 8: Enjoy Your Wedding Day at the Reef Long Beach

On your wedding day, relax and enjoy your special day with your partner, family, and friends. The Reef Long Beach events team will handle the details to ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly.

FAQs for Having a Wedding at The Reef Long Beach

Can I bring my own caterer?

The Reef Long Beach provides in-house catering services, ensuring a seamless dining experience for your wedding. Outside catering is generally not allowed.

Are pets allowed at the venue at the Reef Long Beach?

Pets are generally not allowed at The Reef Long Beach. However, exceptions may be made for service animals. It is advisable to discuss your specific needs with the venue's event coordinator.

How many guests can The Reef in Long Beach accommodate for a wedding ceremony and reception?

The Reef in Long Beach has various event spaces that can accommodate up to 600 guests for a wedding ceremony and reception. The exact number of guests that can be accommodated depends on the specific event space selected and the layout of the event.

What are the menu options for a wedding reception at The Reef in Long Beach, and are there any customizable options?

Long Beach the Reef offers a variety of menu options for wedding receptions, including hors d'oeuvres, plated dinners, and buffet-style meals. They also offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, as well as customizable menus to fit specific dietary needs or preferences.

Photo Locations at The Reef Long Beach

Waterfront Gazebo

The waterfront gazebo at The Reef Long Beach offers a romantic setting for your wedding photos. With the shimmering harbor in the background, this picturesque spot is perfect for capturing intimate moments between the couple and group shots with the wedding party.

Outdoor Terrace

The spacious outdoor terrace provides a breathtaking backdrop for your wedding photos, featuring panoramic views of the Long Beach skyline and the harbor. As the sun sets, the golden hour glow creates a magical atmosphere, perfect for capturing candid moments during the cocktail hour.

The Gardens at the Reef Restaurant Long Beach

Surrounding The Reef Long Beach are lush gardens that provide a serene and picturesque setting for your wedding photos. With a variety of greenery and colorful flowers, these gardens offer a tranquil oasis, perfect for romantic couple's portraits and fun wedding party shots.

Skyline Ballroom at the Reef Restaurant

The Skyline Ballroom, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, offers a striking indoor location for your wedding photos. The room's elegant design and panoramic views of the harbor and city skyline add a touch of sophistication to your images, making it an ideal setting for group shots and couple's portraits.

Harbor View Room at the Reef Restaurant

The Harbor View Room, complete with its charming chandeliers and private terrace, is another excellent indoor photo location at Long Beach The Reef. The room's warm ambiance and stunning views create a cozy and intimate setting for capturing memorable moments with your loved ones.

Photo Locations In Long Beach Near the Reef Restaurant

Often times couples want a lot of variety in terms of backdrops for their wedding day photos. For example, for the recent wedding I shot at the Reef Restaurant, the couple wanted to take some portraits at Shoreline Aquatic Park, which is a short drive away from the Reef Restaurant.

Here is a list of five photography locations in Long Beach that can be used for wedding day portraits, along with a description of each location and its distance from The Reef Restaurant. Each of these locations offers unique and beautiful backdrops for wedding day portraits, and they are all located within a reasonable distance from The Reef Restaurant in Long Beach:

Long Beach Museum of Art

The Long Beach Museum of Art is a popular location for wedding day portraits with its stunning oceanfront views and beautiful gardens. The museum is located about 3 miles from The Reef Restaurant.

Rainbow Lagoon Park

Rainbow Lagoon Park is a lush, green park in the heart of Long Beach that offers a beautiful backdrop for wedding day portraits. The park is located about 1.5 miles from The Reef Restaurant.

Shoreline Aquatic Park

Shoreline Aquatic Park is a waterfront park that features a scenic lighthouse, a boardwalk, and beautiful views of the ocean. It is a great location for couples who want a beachy and nautical feel for their wedding day portraits. The park is located about 2 miles from The Reef Restaurant.

Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden

The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is a serene and picturesque location with beautiful Japanese-style gardens, koi ponds, and a waterfall. The garden is located on the campus of California State University, Long Beach, about 6 miles from The Reef Restaurant.

El Dorado Nature Center

The El Dorado Nature Center is a natural oasis in the heart of Long Beach, with miles of walking trails, streams, and wildlife. It is a great location for couples who want a rustic and natural feel for their wedding day portraits. The nature center is located about 5 miles from The Reef Restaurant.

Photography Tips for The Reef Restaurant

Utilize Natural Light

Make the most of the natural light available at the Reef Restaurant Long Beach, particularly during the golden hour just before sunset. The warm, soft light will enhance the colors and create a dreamy atmosphere in your photos. Be sure to discuss the ideal timing with your photographer to capture the perfect shots.

Capture the Skyline

Don't forget to take advantage of the stunning Long Beach skyline in your photos. Whether you're on the outdoor terrace or inside the Skyline Ballroom, incorporate the cityscape into your images to create a unique and unforgettable backdrop.

Embrace the Waterfront

Reef Restaurant Long Beach's waterfront location offers countless opportunities for beautiful photos. From the gazebo to the terrace and even the harbor itself, make sure to incorporate the water into your shots for a captivating and dynamic visual element.

Plan a Photo Timeline

Work with your photographer to create a timeline for your wedding day photos. This will help you make the most of the various photo locations at The Reef Long Beach and ensure that you have enough time to capture all the important moments without feeling rushed.

Wedding Event Spaces at The Reef Long Beach

Getting Ready

The Reef Long Beach offers private bridal and groom suites, ensuring that you and your wedding party have a comfortable and serene space to prepare for the big day. These suites are equipped with ample seating, full-length mirrors, and private restrooms.

The Ceremony

For a breathtaking waterfront ceremony, The Reef in Long Beach CA features a beautifully landscaped outdoor area overlooking the harbor.

Cocktail Hour

Following the ceremony, your guests can enjoy a cocktail hour on the spacious outdoor terrace. With stunning views of the Long Beach skyline and the harbor, this area is perfect for mingling and capturing beautiful photos as the sun sets.

Reception

The Reef Long Beach CA offers two elegant indoor spaces for your wedding reception:

The Skyline Ballroom: A Panoramic Paradise

For couples seeking a grand and elegant setting, the Skyline Ballroom is the perfect choice. Boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, this spacious room offers panoramic views of the Long Beach Harbor and the city's iconic skyline. With a capacity for up to 450 guests, you can host a lavish celebration.

The Harbor View Room: Intimate and Charming

For a more intimate setting, the Harbor View Room is an idyllic option. This cozy space, adorned with beautiful chandeliers and a private terrace, accommodates up to 100 guests. The room's stunning views of the Long Beach Harbor serve as a picturesque backdrop for your special day.

The Reef Long Beach Wedding Cost

While the exact cost will depend on your chosen package, date, and guest count, wedding packages at The Reef Restaurant typically start at around $80 per person.

What’s Included in the Cost?

The cost of your wedding package at The Reef Restaurant typically includes the venue rental, catering services, setup and cleanup, tables and chairs, linens, flatware, glassware, and a dance floor. Additionally, the venue provides a dedicated event coordinator to assist you throughout the planning process, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. Some packages may also include extras such as complimentary cake cutting, a champagne toast, and a discounted rate for a rehearsal dinner.

The Reef Long Beach Venue Capacity – Accommodating Your Guests

The Reef Long Beach can comfortably accommodate weddings of various sizes, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations. With a range of indoor and outdoor event spaces, this versatile venue can host up to 450 guests for a seated dinner and up to 600 guests for a cocktail-style reception.

Pros of Having a Wedding at The Reef Long Beach

Breathtaking Waterfront Views

The views of this place are absolutely spectacular, especially within the ceremony & cocktail hour sites. Your guests will have a view overlooking the water, with all of the city lights in the background. The open views of the Queen Mary, Queensway harbor and Long Beach skyline are just breathtaking. It's really special. The restaurant front is also super beautiful with koi ponds and a waterfall.

Customizable Wedding Packages

The Reef Long Beach offers a variety of wedding packages to suit different budgets and preferences, allowing you to tailor your wedding experience to your unique vision.

Dedicated Event Coordinators

Having a dedicated event coordinator on hand ensures a seamless and stress-free wedding planning experience. The Reef Long Beach's professional team will work closely with you to bring your dream wedding to life.

Delicious Food

As a wedding photographer, I've had a ton of wedding dinner and I can confidently say that The Reef Restaurant in Long Beach serves really delicious food that stands out from other wedding food.

All Inclusive

Personally, I love venues that are pretty all inclusive because it simplifies things so much for couple. There are SO MANY aspects when it comes to planning a wedding that a lot of people don't think about - tables, chair, the dance floor, silverware, flatware, linens, lighting, etc. I love it when venues provide all of these things, so that the couple doesn't have to worry about bringing them in.

A Reef Restaurant, Long Beach Wedding will include the following:

• Aisle markers and Aisle Runners
• Altar/Arch
• Audio equipment
• Centerpieces
• Chairs & Tables
• Chair covers
• Dance floor
• Decor
• Lighting

Cons of Having a Wedding at The Reef Long Beach

Limited Availability

Due to the popularity of The Reef Long Beach as a wedding venue, securing a booking on your preferred date may be challenging. It is advisable to plan well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Weather Dependence

For couples opting for an outdoor ceremony or cocktail hour, the weather can be a potential concern. While The Reef Long Beach offers indoor alternatives, some couples may prefer to have backup plans in place for poor weather.

Hotels near The Reef Long Beach and Their Distance

Hyatt Regency Long Beach – 0.9 miles

This luxurious hotel offers comfortable accommodations and is less than a mile away from The Reef Long Beach, making it a convenient option for your wedding guests.

The Westin Long Beach – 1.0 mile

Located just a mile from the venue, The Westin Long Beach offers upscale accommodations and modern amenities, ensuring a pleasant stay for your guests.

Hotel Maya – 1.2 miles

This unique boutique hotel offers a blend of luxury and local flair, located only 1.2 miles from The Reef Long Beach. Its waterfront setting makes it an attractive option for wedding guests seeking a memorable experience.

Courtyard by Marriott Long Beach Downtown – 1.4 miles

For guests seeking a more budget-friendly option, the Courtyard by Marriott Long Beach Downtown is located just 1.4 miles away from

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Amber & Mark's Wedding Day

Below are some photos from Amber and Mark's wedding day at the Reef in Long Beach. We started the day with photos taken at Shoreline Aquatic Park, which is about 7 minute drive from the Reef Restaurant. I really loved this combination for photos. The Shoreline Aquatic Park allowed us to get a lot of outdoor images with greenery and water in the background.

The ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception were held at the Reef Restaurant.