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Beginner November 2020

Seeking "alternative" venues in Socal

Katie, on October 30, 2019 at 4:56 PM Posted in California Planning 0 15

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My dude said yes this spring and I'd love to have our space-themed wedding in Long Beach or close by, but am having a heck of a time finding a good venue. Most of the usual wedding venues are outdoor, crazy expensive, ugly/industrial looking, in run-down areas, have zero parking, or don't allow outside catering. We want to forego flowers to instead hire lots of lights to recreate an observatory feel. When guests walk in, my fondest wish is for them to think "my god, it's full of stars"

So I need a space I can project lights onto the ceiling and walls. You'd think it would be easier to find a big white room lol! I went ahead and hired a planner to help me with this but even she is finding it a challenge. She's advised me that the local "alternative" spaces don't rent out more than a year in advance, which is making me nervous.
Does anyone have any experience with alternative venues like art galleries, studios, etc? Anyone done big lighting? Any tips? Am I worried for nothing?

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15 Comments

Latest activity by Molly, on March 9, 2020 at 5:02 PM

VIP September 2019
Lauren · on October 30, 2019 at 5:10 PM
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Many wedding venues and hotel banquet halls are neutral in color so that each event can be decorated according to the theme. They can all probably be piped and draped to help with the projected light. Many golf courses in the area also have tented outdoor areas for weddings that might work for what you are describing.
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Beginner November 2020
Katie · on October 30, 2019 at 5:17 PM
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Thank you! Looking to keep this as indoor as possible. I'm not fond of the outdoor tent look. The "wedding" venues and hotel type options have not worked out so far as they have all required they we use their catering. The search continues!
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Legend July 2019
MrsD · on October 30, 2019 at 5:40 PM
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What about the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park? Or a campground, and rent out the whole campground for a true "under the stars" evening?
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Beginner November 2020
Katie · on October 30, 2019 at 7:02 PM
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I'll look into the Science center! Thank you! I did exhaust all actual planetarium options first lol! None allowed for private events, sadly. I'd rather have my event indoors, and I'd have to drive pretty far to get many actual stars anyway since the light pollution down here is outrageous
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Dedicated June 2019
Ocbride2019 · on November 2, 2019 at 2:03 PM
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Check this list out: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16oLyBviL6fA8uKD0Kgfhh48uFtNEMksZuHirgjyjNXk

One of the places on that list is Orange Coast College Planetarium. There’s also some other unique venues on there.
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Super November 2021
Arkilia · on November 2, 2019 at 7:32 PM
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Have you looked at Loft seven, Millwick, Hudson Loft, Or 440 Seaton
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Beginner November 2020
Katie · on November 19, 2019 at 5:53 PM
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BLESS YOU FOR THIS!!!
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Dedicated June 2019
Ocbride2019 · on November 19, 2019 at 7:12 PM
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I hope you find some contenders on there!
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Legend March 2017
Pirate & 60s Bride · on November 23, 2019 at 3:53 PM
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What about the California Science Center in LA? Or Long Beach Aquarium (I’ve seen cool wedding photos there)?
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Legend March 2017
Pirate & 60s Bride · on November 23, 2019 at 3:57 PM
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Lyons Air Museum or Marconi Car Museum would be cool too.
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Beginner November 2020
Katie · on November 25, 2019 at 1:03 PM
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So the OCC Planetarium is pretty much EXACTLY what I dreamed of for our wedding. I seriously cannot thank you enough. I didn't even know it existed. And it is so NEW and clean and lovely, and the staff is so great. They've only had one ceremony there so far, and no receptions yet, but OH WOW am I ever ready to make our dreams come true in SPACE now Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU, Ocbride2019!!!!!! I was seriously starting to give up and to settle for something that would have taken a LOT of work and extra $$$$ to make spacey. With this venue, I almost don't have to decorate at all!!!! Thank you again!!!!!
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Dedicated June 2019
Ocbride2019 · on November 25, 2019 at 1:19 PM
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Aww you’re so sweet! I’m so happy that list worked its magic for you! I know that exact feeling when I found our dream venue! I was intrigued by it when I first saw it, but ultimately went with a different theme. Please update us with photos of the wedding! I’d love to see how it turns out!!!

PS, if you’re looking for affordable hair and makeup that isn’t cookie cutter bridal makeup, please consider KimandGlitter MUA (on the spreadsheet). She posted my HMU on her website portfolio and let me tell you, she does beautiful work! She’s also the most affordable artist around!
Feel free to PM me if you need any other recommendations!
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Beginner November 2020
Katie · on November 25, 2019 at 4:30 PM
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Thanks for the H/MUA tip! I'm not sure about my head/face yet lol. Considering going blonde this year to see how I like it. Am legit also considering a wig just so it is perfect and I don't have to deal with my own hair which is honestly hit or miss most days.
Since it will be a while before I have any photos, just know that a custom version of this little beauty is in the works so I will be feeling like a space queen
star cape
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Dedicated June 2019
Ocbride2019 · on November 25, 2019 at 4:38 PM
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OH that’s gorgeous! I’m sure Kim could give you a look that would be stunning with that! She works primarily in styled/creative shoots and music videos, so she’s definitely not afraid to go outside the box! She gave me unlimited trials with my package, so I’m sure you two could come up with a show-stopping look! You can check out her portfolio here (she’s divided her portfolio into style tabs) https://www.kimandglitter.com/
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VIP September 2020
Molly · on March 9, 2020 at 5:02 PM
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Do you have any observatories there? I live in Nor Cal and we have one that is dome shaped that does a full show on the ceiling of a tour through space.
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