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Casino Ballroom

Why We Like This Place

” … Twenty-six miles across the sea, Santa Catalina is waitin’ for me … ”

This once exclusive isle still beckons those in search of “fun in the sun” in a tranquil setting free of pollution, skyscrapers, and yes, cars (golf carts are the vehicle of choice here). Make your destination wedding an extended vacation by inviting your friends and family to celebrate amidst this island paradise, just over an hour from the mainland by express boat. The staff at the fabulous Santa Catalina Island Company will gladly help you arrange everything, including transportation, tours, golf, accommodations, dining and, of course, all the event details. They’ll even help you select the wedding site that’s right for you!

Catalina Island’s most famous venue is the Casino Ballroom, a grand, Art Deco landmark built in 1929. The Casino Ballroom wasn’t actually a gambling house, but rather a spectacular dance pavilion that attracted thousands of well-dressed socialites from the mainland. Today the aura of elegance still lingers around this historic treasure, and its glamorous legacy is carried on by 21st-century event hosts seeking the maximum amount of panache.

Located on a rocky harbor break at the edge of Avalon Cove, the Casino is a huge, 12-story circular building. The forum-like structure boasts a red-tile roof and an impressive triple-arched portico. Above the entryway a tiled mural portrays a fetching underwater sea sylph who welcomes light-hearted revelers inside. Downstairs, flamboyant murals in vibrant hues decorate the walls of the Casino’s sumptuous movie theater, where visitors can still enjoy nightly cinematic diversions while relaxing in red-velvet seats.

However, you and your guests are headed up to the top floor, to a simply enormous ballroom that is the Casino’s crowning glory. Recently repainted, the ballroom retains its original style—a lavish medley of rose-hued walls, black Art Deco reliefs, and an arching 50-foot ceiling. No less than five resplendent Tiffany chandeliers illumine the crowd, and curving windows capture postcard views of the aqua sea. The ballroom is so spacious that you can set up an altar and theater-style seating for a wedding ceremony in one area, then host a sit-down reception on raised seating areas that surround the dance floor. A vintage full-service bar in the back serves up refreshments, and an elevated stage is just the spot for the entertainment.

An outdoor veranda encircles the ballroom and overlooks the protected coves of Avalon Bay; from here the fabulous view of the mainland sometimes stretches all the way from Ventura to San Diego. In the twilight it’s still possible to see seals, dolphins and brightly colored fish splashing about in the clear waters of the cove. At night the scenery takes on an air of dreamy mystery, with an endless starscape sparkling in the surf.

The Santa Catalina Island Company has two more outstanding and very different event venues: The Descanso Beach Club is great for a casual outdoor party or relaxed rehearsal dinner, while the Catalina Country Club exudes Old World charm and sophistication. For more details on all three locations, please visit the Santa Catalina Island Company website.

Capacity

Ceremony	Reception/Special Events	Meetings
Max. Seated Indoors: 250 Max. Seated Outdoors: 0	Max. Seated Indoors: 650 Max. Seated Outdoors: 25 Max. Standing Indoors: 1200 Max. Standing Outdoors: 100	Max. Seated: 650
CEREMONY CAPACITY: The Ballroom accommodates up to 250 seated guests. EVENT/RECEPTION & MEETING CAPACITY: The Ballroom holds up to 650 seated or 1,200 standing guests; the balcony up to 25 seated or 100 standing guests.

Fees & Deposits

Venue rental is required to reserve your date. The balance is due 1 month prior to the event. Rental fees range $3,000–5,000 depending on the space rented and guest count. Meals range $45–75/person. Tax, alcohol and a 20% service charge are additional.

Availability

Year-round, daily, anytime.

Catering Provided Alcohol Provided BYO w/ Corkage Fee Location Uses Ceremonies Wedding Receptions Special Events, Parties Business Functions/Meetings Rehearsal Dinners Services/Amenities Catering: provided, no BYO Kitchen Facilities: n/a Tables & Chairs: provided Linens, Silver, etc.: some provided Restrooms: wheelchair accessible Dance Floor: provided Bride’s Dressing Area: CBA Meeting Equipment: some provided Parking: on street, limited Accommodations: 2 Santa Catalina Island Company hotels and other local options Telephone: pay phone Outdoor Night Lighting: access only Outdoor Cooking Facilities: no Cleanup: provided View: Pacific Ocean, bay, coast, hills Other: AV equipment

Amplified Music Indoors w/ Restrictions Wheelchair Access Wheelchair Accessible Site Views Cityscape Coastline Hills Ocean/Bay Panoramic Venue Type Ballroom Banquet Hall/Events Facility Historic/Landmark Building Waterfront/Beach Location Restrictions Alcohol: provided or BYO with corkage fee Smoking: outside only Music: amplified OK indoors with restrictions Wheelchair Access: yes Insurance: liability required

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