Historic Event Venues in Long Beach

Do you dream of a grand wedding in a historic building rich with architectural detail? Will your company’s next big party take over three floors and include a live band on stage? Or do you picture an intimate dinner in a stripped-down space with exposed brick and modern flower arrangements? If you’re planning an event in Long Beach, check out these venues–some more than 100 years old–where guests will be dazzled by the unique spaces and amenities.

OVATION SQUARE

In a previous iteration, Ovation Square (350 Pine Ave) was known as Vault 350 and hosted legendary concerts in Long Beach, from the B-52s to Kanye West. Today Ovation Square offers a multi-level event space with a 1,000-person capacity as well as high-tech features like an LED screen and concert-ready lighting and sound systems. This is a great venue for concerts, product launches, movie screenings, and corporate events, with a box lounge to host VIPs. It can also be customized for birthdays, weddings, and other special occasions.

440 ELM

Built in the Renaissance Revival style in 1913, 440 Elm (440 Elm Ave) is one of the oldest buildings in Long Beach and one of its newest event spaces. The building, which opened for bookings in 2023, has a capacity of up to 1,000 guests and features a large sanctuary, outdoor plaza, and smaller side garden for more intimate occasions. 440 Elm is well-suited for weddings, proms, reunions, and corporate events, with Bite Catering Couture providing event production and catering services.

EBELL LONG BEACH

With its 1920s Spanish Revival architecture and glamorous interior, Ebell Long Beach (290 Cerritos Ave) will have you feeling as if you walked into The Great Gatsby. The former women’s club is perfect for weddings, with space for 180 guests at a sit-down reception and as many as 300 guests for a cocktail party. The courtyard with a period tiled floor and orb chandeliers, the bright and airy private bridal suite, and the furnished parlor with a bar all provide stylish spaces for photos. In-house catering is provided by Très L.A. Catering.

GREY LB

Grey LB’s (237 Long Beach Blvd, Unit B) historic loft on Long Beach Boulevard is designed for weddings, corporate events, and private dinners, and also serves as a photography/videography studio space. This 100-year-old building combines an industrial aesthetic with antique exposed brick, arched windows, gleaming wood floors, and an outdoor space able to accommodate a crowd. Grey LB provides full event planning and production services with expertise in music and other creative industries.

ALTAR

Located on the second floor above Altar Society Brewing & Coffee Co. (230 Pine Ave), Altar is a newer events venue in Downtown Long Beach—in contrast to the building’s long history. Originally a Masonic Temple from 1903, the building is the oldest still standing in the Downtown area and features a lofty arched ceiling and exposed brick walls. Altar is available for private parties of all kinds, including corporate events, however it shines as a wedding venue. With the spare yet stunning architecture enhanced by floral arrangements and soft lighting, you will have all the elements for gorgeous photos and wonderful memories.

About the Author

Claire Atkinson

Claire Atkinson is a Southern California native who has lived in Long Beach for 20 years. She spends her free time visiting local parks, farmers markets, and museums, and loves learning about Long Beach history and culture.