Aquarium of the Pacific 100 Aquarium Way • Long Beach • CA 90802

You're exchanging vows in a place like no other: Behind you, slivers of light filter down through a soaring expanse of liquid turquoise, illuminating tall flowing sea plants and the iridescent sea creatures that are your audience. As your senses take in the enveloping hush and the gentle sway of the blue water, you feel at once serene and enlivened.

Such is the magical effect of the brilliant three-story kelp exhibit, the ceremony site of choice at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. Receptions can be held in this area as well, or in many other spaces at the facility. Smaller parties, rehearsal dinners, and bridal showers often take place upstairs at the Veranda Roof Top, a popular spot where gorgeous sunsets are a regular occurrence. Here, the scent of the ocean is carried on the breeze, along with the calls of exotic birds from nearby Lorikeet Forest, an outdoor aviary that mimics the lush coastal lowlands of Australia.

Larger events unfold in the Great Hall, a generous space featuring multiple skylights and an enormous suspended blue whale that presides majestically over the festivities. A state-of-the-art sound and video system can be used to show your wedding footage, pictures, and videos. Automated screens—which cover the skylights at the touch of a button—project images around the room for all to see.

The Hall can be "designed" to create any mood you desire, from low-key to theatrical. For example, have your reception bathed in dramatic blue and gold light, punctuated by dozens of golden stars projected onto the dance floor. This dazzling setup captures the essence of a starry night reflected on a dark blue sea.

The Aquarium's first major expansion, Pacific Visions, represents the aquarium of the future. Housed in a stunning two-story glass biomorphic building, it features a state-of-the-art immersive theater, interactive art installations, engaging multimedia displays, and live animal exhibits. The Art Gallery, one of three galleries in this new venue, provides a wonderful space for receptions. Here you'll find high-resolution projections of colorful coral reefs and fascinating plankton as backdrops, as well as intricate glass sculptures hanging from the ceiling—there's even a virtual waterfall in the adjoining Orientation Gallery.

Depending on the arrangements you've made with the Aquarium, guests can wander among exhibits and marvel at the wonders of the deep. Host a unique cocktail hour where your family and friends become totally immersed in the enchantment of the sea as they watch playful otters or are simply mesmerized by the beautiful tropical coral reefs and habitats that surround them.

Located adjacent to Rainbow Harbor in downtown Long Beach, the Aquarium is truly a one-of-a-kind event venue with incredible marine views and spectacular exhibits. For ocean lovers or couples looking for a singular environment for their celebration, this is a magnificent place. It will transport you and your guests to an underwater fantasy come to life.