TL;DR: A wedding in Long Beach, CA typically costs $38,000 – $62,000 for 100 guests, with most couples landing around $48,000 all-in. Waterfront venues, LA-area vendor rates, and California service taxes push Long Beach higher than the national average but below downtown LA and Orange County coastal markets.
Useful summary
Long Beach sits in a sweet spot for Southern California couples: you get ocean views, historic venues, and full LA-metro vendor access without paying Malibu or Newport Beach premiums. Expect to spend roughly $380 – $620 per guest once venue, catering, bar, and service fees are included.
The three biggest cost drivers in Long Beach are:
- Venue + F&B minimums — waterfront and hotel venues often require $15K–$30K food-and-beverage minimums on Saturdays.
- Guest count — every additional 10 guests adds roughly $3,800–$6,200.
- Season and day of week — Saturdays from May–October run 20–35% higher than Friday or Sunday weddings in the off-season (December–February).
Variable data table
Typical Long Beach wedding budget for 100 guests:
| Category | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venue (site fee + rentals) | $6,000 | $10,500 | $18,000 |
| Catering + bar | $12,000 | $18,000 | $26,000 |
| Photography | $3,500 | $5,500 | $8,500 |
| Videography | $2,200 | $3,800 | $6,500 |
| Flowers + decor | $3,500 | $6,000 | $11,000 |
| Attire (both partners) | $2,000 | $3,800 | $7,000 |
| Music / DJ or band | $1,500 | $3,200 | $8,000 |
| Stationery + signage | $600 | $1,200 | $2,500 |
| Hair + makeup | $800 | $1,400 | $2,800 |
| Officiant + marriage license | $400 | $700 | $1,200 |
| Planner / coordinator | $1,800 | $3,500 | $7,500 |
| Transportation | $500 | $1,200 | $2,800 |
| Cake + desserts | $600 | $1,200 | $2,500 |
| Total | $35,400 | $60,000 | $104,300 |
Most Long Beach couples don't buy every line at the "average" level — they splurge on two or three categories and keep the rest lean, landing near $45K–$52K.
Local context
Venue types you'll actually see in Long Beach:
- Waterfront and yacht clubs — Hotel Maya, The Grand, Long Beach Yacht Club, Reef on the Water. Expect $8K–$20K site fees plus F&B minimums.
- Historic venues — The Ebell Club of Long Beach, Rancho Los Cerritos, Rancho Los Alamitos. More character, often lower minimums, but more rentals required.
- Downtown hotels — Hyatt Regency, Renaissance, Westin. All-inclusive feel, tighter vendor lists.
- Aquarium of the Pacific — unique buyout option, budget $25K+ for the space alone.
- Backyard / Airbnb weddings in Belmont Shore, Naples, Bixby Knolls — cheaper on paper but rentals, permits, and insurance often add $8K–$15K.
Climate planning: Long Beach averages 345 sunny days a year, so outdoor ceremonies work almost year-round. June gloom (marine layer through mid-morning) is real May–July — plan ceremonies for 4 PM or later. Winds off the harbor routinely hit 10–15 mph in the afternoon, which affects floral installs, hairstyles, and anything lightweight.
Cost drivers specific to the LA metro:
- California sales tax (10.25% in Long Beach) applies to rentals and tangible goods.
- Service charges on catering run 20–24%, usually on top of the per-plate price.
- Parking and valet — most Long Beach venues charge or require it; budget $8–$20 per guest.
- Vendor travel fees are rare since LA/OC vendors cover Long Beach as home turf, but peak-season Saturdays book 10–14 months out.
How to save $5K–$15K in Long Beach specifically:
- Book a Friday or Sunday (saves 15–25% at most venues).
- Go off-peak (January, February, early December).
- Choose a venue with in-house catering to avoid double service fees.
- Cap the bar at beer, wine, and two signature cocktails.
- Keep guest count under 90 — the biggest lever by far.
Internal links
If you're comparing markets or building your first budget:
- The Wedding Budget Guide walks through the category-by-category math.
- The full Wedding Planning Guide covers timeline, vendors, and decisions in order.
- Compare Long Beach against other metros: Houston, Dallas, and Austin typically run 25–40% less for a comparable 100-guest wedding.
Tool CTA
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FAQ
What is the average wedding cost in Long Beach, CA?
The average Long Beach wedding costs $45,000–$52,000 for 100 guests, with a typical range of $38K on the lean end to $62K for a fuller-service wedding. Waterfront and all-inclusive hotel venues push budgets toward the higher end; historic and backyard venues keep them lower.
How much does a Long Beach wedding venue cost?
Venue site fees in Long Beach run $6,000–$18,000, and most waterfront or hotel venues layer on a food-and-beverage minimum of $15,000–$30,000 on peak Saturdays. Historic venues like Rancho Los Cerritos or The Ebell Club often come in under $8,000 for the space.
Is Long Beach cheaper than Los Angeles for weddings?
Yes, typically 10–20% cheaper than downtown LA or the Westside for comparable venues, and 25–35% cheaper than Malibu or Newport Beach. Vendor rates are similar, but venue minimums and site fees are meaningfully lower.
How much should I budget per guest in Long Beach?
Plan on $380–$620 per guest all-in, including venue, catering, bar, rentals, and service fees. Catering and bar alone usually run $180–$260 per person at Long Beach venues once the 20–24% service charge and 10.25% tax are added.
What's the cheapest month to get married in Long Beach?
January, February, and early December are the cheapest, with venues discounting 15–25% compared to peak May–October Saturdays. Weather is still mild (highs in the mid-60s), though sunset comes earlier so ceremonies need to start by 3:30–4:00 PM.
How far in advance should I book a Long Beach venue?
For a Saturday between May and October, book 10–14 months out. Popular waterfront venues like Hotel Maya and The Grand regularly sell out a full year ahead. Friday and Sunday dates, and off-peak months, can often be booked 4–6 months out.
Do Long Beach venues include catering?
About half do. Hotels and waterfront properties like Hyatt Regency, The Reef, and The Grand are in-house catering only, which simplifies planning but locks in pricing. Historic and outdoor venues typically use a preferred vendor list of 3–6 caterers, giving you more flexibility on menu and price.
Sources
- The Knot 2024 Real Weddings Study
- WeddingWire Cost Guide, Los Angeles Metro
- Zola First Look Report 2024
- California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (sales tax rates)
Related
- Wedding Planning Guide
- Wedding Budget Guide
- Average Wedding Cost in Houston, TX
- Average Wedding Cost in Dallas, TX
- Average Wedding Cost in Austin, TX
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