Top 4 Beach Wedding Planners in Long Beach
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Editor & Publisher -
Content Marketing Manager
- July 2, 2026
- 19 min read
- Events
Source: Peerspace
Long Beach is one of Southern California’s most compelling backdrops for a wedding. With miles of coastline, a vibrant arts scene, and year-round sunshine, it draws couples who want something more relaxed and sun-drenched than a traditional ballroom affair. The city’s blend of laid-back beach culture and urban energy makes it an exciting place to say “I do.”
Planning a beach wedding here, though, comes with real logistical complexity. Coastal permits, wind-resistant décor, vendor load-in on sand, and the unpredictability of Southern California marine layer all require expertise that goes beyond general event planning. That’s where the right planner makes all the difference; they handle all the details so you can actually enjoy your celebration.
The four planners on this list have been carefully vetted for their coastal experience, client satisfaction, and professional standards. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate ceremony at sunset or a full-scale reception with ocean views, these are the professionals who know how to transform any Long Beach wedding venue into your dream come true.
How we curate our list
Finding a great wedding planner takes more than a quick search. We evaluate each planner against a consistent set of criteria to ensure every recommendation genuinely earns its place on this list.
Our selection criteria include:
- Client reviews across multiple platforms: We analyze feedback from couples on The Knot, WeddingWire, Google, and social media to ensure consistent satisfaction across all touchpoints—not just curated testimonials.
- Industry recognition and awards: We look for planners with accolades from respected organizations and wedding publications that signal peer-recognized excellence.
- Professional credentials and associations: Active membership in industry groups, ongoing education, and verified business operations are hallmarks of the planners we feature.
- Coastal and beach-specific experience: Long Beach weddings come with unique logistical demands. We prioritize planners with hands-on experience navigating Southern California’s coastal venues, permits, and conditions.
- Portfolio quality and diversity: We look for planners whose work reflects a range of styles, budgets, and event sizes.
Best beach wedding planners in Long Beach
The planners below represent some of the most talented and experienced professionals serving the Long Beach and greater Southern California coastal market. Each brings a distinct approach—but all share a commitment to making your wedding day extraordinary.
1. Cherished Moments Weddings & Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Cherished Moments Weddings & Events / Rafeal Henderson
Rafeal Henderson founded Cherished Moments after her own joyful wedding experience inspired her to give every couple that same calm, joy-filled feeling. With a decade of experience and a deeply personal philosophy, she brings both strategic planning expertise and a warm, trusted-confidant energy to every event she touches.
Specialty/niche: Cherished Moments specializes in full planning, day-of coordination, wedding management, and design-forward beach weddings across coastal Southern California. The company serves Los Angeles and Orange County, with travel available to Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Ventura, and Santa Barbara. They’re especially well-suited for couples who want a single partner handling both logistics and aesthetics.
Notable projects or signature style: Cherished Moments’ design philosophy centers on jaw-dropping aesthetics paired with deeply personal details—translating each couple’s vision into an elegant atmosphere through thoughtful color palettes, florals, and lighting. Full-service clients benefit from venue sourcing, vendor connections, and personalized welcome bags. Rafeal’s gift for blending style with sophistication means celebrations feel both polished and authentically personal.
Pricing: Cherished Moments creates custom packages for each client based on their unique needs. Get in touch directly through their website to share your vision.
Why we love them: Cherished Moments is more than a planning company—they’re the calm, professional guides holding your hand every step of the way. Rafeal’s genuine mission to create joy-filled celebrations runs through every event she touches, and her energy and enthusiasm make the entire process feel exciting rather than stressful. Client feedback highlights the company’s deeply personalized approach, with reviewers praising their commitment to tailoring every detail to the couple’s individual vision. Past clients describe the relationship as one built on trust—noting that Rafeal’s team treats every wish as a command. Their certified expertise in both wedding planning and floral design adds an extra layer of confidence for couples who want both logistical precision and creative excellence in a single partner.
Connect with them: Follow @eventsbycherishedmoments on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
2. Enchanted Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Enchanted Events / Courtney Stammler
Courtney Stammler brings over 20 years of international event planning experience to her Long Beach-based wedding business. After years of producing events around the world, she made a deliberate pivot to focus exclusively on weddings—because, as she puts it, they’re the most precious, meaningful, and fun events she’s ever produced.
Specialty/niche: Enchanted Events specializes in personalized Long Beach and Southern California weddings, offering both full-service planning and day-of coordination. Courtney works with you personally from the first conversation to the last dance, combining her passion for detail with a deep commitment to connection. She sees couples as the writers, actors, and directors of their love story—and herself as the producer who listens, guides, and executes.
Notable projects or signature style: Courtney’s approach is highly collaborative and deeply organized. She meets with clients multiple times to review timelines, helps them think through overlooked details like speech schedules, attends rehearsals, and decorates both inside and outside the venue. Clients describe her as “the choreographer of an audacious evening unlike any other.” Her reviews on WeddingWire consistently highlight her professionalism, creativity, and ability to handle cultural differences with grace and warmth.
Pricing: The Lovebirds Package (day-of wedding coordination) starts at $1,900, the Doves Package (partial wedding planning) starts at $3,400, and the Swans Package (full planning) starts at $9,600. Book a consultation directly through their website to discuss your needs.
Why we love them: Courtney’s warm demeanor, stress-free approach, and ability to manage complex logistics make her a standout in the Long Beach market. Whether you’re planning a coastal ceremony or a destination wedding, she brings the same level of heart and precision to every event. Reviews consistently use superlative language to describe the experience—”absolutely wonderful,” “fabulous,” and “perfection” appear repeatedly in client feedback. Testimonials highlight the team’s exceptional professionalism and composure under pressure, with one Zola reviewer noting they “went above and beyond” and even expertly coordinated family members to the right location with ease. Reviewers also praise the team’s flexibility and patience throughout the design process, from backdrop selection to centerpiece details. According to reviews, the overall experience is consistently calm and manageable, even when complex logistics are unfolding behind the scenes—exactly what you want from a planner on one of the most important days of your life.
Connect with them: Follow @everenchanted.events on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
3. Events By Emily
Company name and founder/lead planner: Events By Emily / Emily Bennett
Emily Bennett is a professionally trained artist turned wedding planner and event designer based in Orange County, Southern California. She moved to California to pursue a career as a scenic artist—painting theatrical scenery, theme parks, and interior murals—before coordinating friends’ and family’s weddings sparked a new calling. She went on to work for one of the top independent wedding planners in Orange County and gained invaluable experience at a major Southern California event rental company.
Specialty/niche: Events By Emily offers wedding and event design, styling, planning, and coordination. Emily’s specialties include full planning, day-of coordination, design, styling, setup, and a wide range of celebration types including anniversary parties, birthdays, baby showers, and bridal showers. Her fine arts background gives her work a distinctive visual sensibility that sets it apart from more traditional planning approaches.
Notable projects or signature style: Emily has planned or coordinated nearly 200 events and weddings since 2015. One Long Beach venue professional noted she “always goes over and beyond for her clients.” Clients consistently praise her remarkable organizational skills, her ability to manage complicated timelines, and her genuine attentiveness—she listens carefully to every idea and delivers results with excellent follow-through on all details. Her dual background in fine art and event production means she approaches every wedding with both a creative eye and a logistical mind.
Pricing: Coordination starts at $2,900 and full planning starts at $9,900. A 60-minute budget session costs $300 and a 90-minute power planning session is $350. They also offer proposal planning starting at $1,000 and welcome/farewell event planning starting at $2,500. Get in touch directly through their website to request a custom quote.
Why we love them: Events By Emily receives consistently glowing reviews for exceptional service, attention to detail, and stress-free experiences—and the numbers back it up, with a perfect ratings across industry platforms. Emily’s flexibility, passion, and dedication to personalized celebrations make her a standout choice for couples who want both creative vision and flawless execution. According to customer reviews, her communication is a particular highlight: clients praise her quick response times and open, accessible style throughout the entire planning process. Testimonials highlight her ability to guide couples who start with little to no vision, translating even the vaguest ideas into fully realized, beautiful events. One reviewer summed it up perfectly: “Emily was thorough, efficient and delightful. We had a great time working together and her follow-through was excellent. If she helps with your wedding, you’ll be in great hands!” A reviewer even credits her with saving the day during a wedding, underscoring her calm, capable crisis management under pressure—an invaluable quality for any coastal event.
Connect with them: Follow @ebeweddings on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
4. Radiant Love Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Radiant Love Events / Rachelle Dominguez
Rachelle Dominguez spent over 13 years in the apparel industry working in design, merchandising, and production planning before pivoting to weddings. She became a Certified Wedding Consultant through Cal Poly Pomona in 2016 and launched Radiant Love Events in December 2017 after years of weekend side hustles confirmed her passion for the craft. Her background in production planning gives her an unusually sharp eye for logistics and detail.
Specialty/niche: Radiant Love Events is a full-service wedding and event planning company based in Diamond Bar, California, serving the greater Southern California region. They offer customized service packages in wedding management, partial planning, and full-service design and wedding planning—and they go wherever their clients’ love stories take them.
Notable projects or signature style: Rachelle strategically matches a creative team of vendors to design elements that curate every detail of the wedding day. Her approach is heartfelt and precision-focused—she builds genuine relationships with couples and is attentive to the small details they never thought of. One groom called her “the Jordan/Kobe/LeBron of wedding planners.” Another couple shared that she “went above and beyond—alleviating stress from planning cross country, re-looking at contracts, finding vendors that fit our budget without compromising our vision.” Clients consistently describe her as a warm, trusted friend throughout the process.
Pricing: Day-of wedding coordination starts at $4,800, according to their WeddingWire listing. For full-service and custom package pricing, contact Radiant Love Events directly for a personalized quote.
Why we love them: Radiant Love Events begins every client relationship by building trust and developing a heartfelt connection, providing the peace of mind that each event will be executed to precision. Rachelle’s background in production planning means nothing slips through the cracks—and her warmth means you’ll actually enjoy the planning process. The reviews speak for themselves: Radiant Love Events holds a perfect 5.0 rating across Yelp (15 reviews), WeddingWire (10 reviews), and Facebook (4 reviews), with a 100% couple recommendation rate on WeddingWire. Clients consistently praise how seamlessly every detail comes together on the wedding day, and Rachelle is personally and repeatedly called out by name in testimonials for her professionalism and care. According to customer reviews, couples feel an immediate sense of compatibility and trust from the very first conversation—one Yelp reviewer shared: “A friend recommended Radiant Love Events based off their experience, and I’m so glad they did! I knew Rachelle would be a great match for us from the first conversation.” That strong word-of-mouth reputation, combined with her cohesive team approach, makes Radiant Love Events one of the most trusted names in Southern California wedding planning.
Connect with them: Follow @radiantloveevents on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
Choosing a Long Beach wedding planner
With talented professionals serving the Long Beach and greater Southern California area, narrowing down your options can feel overwhelming. These tips will help you ask the right questions and find the planner who’s the best fit for your vision, budget, and personality.
1. Test their knowledge of coastal logistics
Don’t just ask if they’ve done beach weddings—ask them to walk you through the specifics. Good questions to start with: “Which Long Beach beaches require permits for ceremonies, and how far in advance do you need to apply?” and “What’s your plan if the wind picks up during the ceremony?”
A planner with real coastal experience will answer immediately and offer alternatives. Vague responses like “we’ll figure it out” are red flags. The right planner will know the difference between a permitted public beach ceremony and a private waterfront venue—and they’ll have a backup plan for both.
2. Evaluate their vendor network depth
Ask: “Which florists, caterers, and rental companies do you work with regularly, and why?” Strong planners will name specific vendors and explain the relationship. They should be able to tell you which vendors are reliable for last-minute changes and which ones specialize in coastal setups.
Ask for introduction calls with two or three key vendors. During those calls, gauge the vendor’s enthusiasm—do they light up when they mention this planner? That chemistry translates to better service and faster problem-solving on your wedding day.
3. Verify their permit and regulation expertise
Beach weddings in Southern California involve real paperwork. Ask: “What permits would we need for a ceremony on the beach in Long Beach, and what’s the timeline for getting them?” A knowledgeable planner will outline requirements without hesitation—noise permits, beach use permits, alcohol restrictions, and fire safety rules.
A green flag is a planner who can name the exact department to contact and the forms you’ll need. Ask them to share an example of a permit they’ve secured for a similar event. Their paperwork trail proves they’ve navigated Long Beach’s requirements successfully, not just theoretically.
4. Review their portfolio for coastal-specific work
Don’t just ask for their portfolio—ask for events specifically at beach or waterfront venues in Southern California. Request three to five examples similar to yours in event size, budget range, and venue style. During portfolio review, ask: “What was the biggest challenge in executing this event?”
Strong planners will cite coastal-specific obstacles—wind management, vendor load-in on sand, marine layer timing—and explain how they solved them. Follow up by asking to contact a past client. Ask that client: “What local knowledge did the planner demonstrate that impressed you?” Real references reveal whether the planner’s coastal expertise made a tangible difference.
5. Assess their crisis management for Southern California conditions
Ask about backup plans: “What happens if marine layer rolls in during our ceremony?” or “How do you handle a vendor cancellation 48 hours before the wedding?” Experienced Southern California planners have protocols ready—relationships with indoor backup venues, vendor cancellation policies they’ve negotiated, and guest communication templates.
Listen for specifics: Did they have tent sidewalls ready for wind? A climate-controlled space secured as backup? Generic “we’re flexible” responses indicate they haven’t stress-tested their process in real coastal conditions.
6. Confirm their timeline expectations for peak season
Ask: “How far in advance should we book for a beach wedding in Long Beach?” The answer reveals market knowledge. Southern California beach weddings during peak season—May through October—require booking top vendors six to 12 months out. A knowledgeable planner will explain why without prompting.
Then ask: “What’s your current calendar like for that timeframe?” If they’re heavily booked, that’s a good sign—but verify they can still give your event proper attention. Request to speak with a client whose wedding overlapped with yours timeline-wise to confirm quality is maintained.
Planning a wedding in Long Beach
Long Beach offers beautiful setting for weddings and events, but timing and logistics matter more here than in many other Southern California cities. Understanding the local landscape before you book anything will save you significant stress.
Weather and best seasons: Long Beach enjoys mild weather year-round, but the infamous “June Gloom”—a marine layer that blankets the coast through late June—can affect outdoor ceremonies. Late July through October offers the most reliably clear skies for beach events. If you’re set on a spring wedding, build a weather contingency into your contract with every outdoor vendor.
Tourism peaks and crowding: Long Beach sees significant visitor traffic during summer months, particularly around the Fourth of July weekend and Labor Day. Hotel rates spike, parking becomes scarce near the waterfront, and popular venues book up fast. If your guest list includes out-of-towners, communicate accommodation options early and consider room blocks at least six months in advance.
Major events to plan around: Several annual events create capacity issues and premium pricing across the city:
- Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach (April)—draws massive crowds and causes significant traffic disruption citywide
- Long Beach Pride (May)—a beloved celebration that fills hotels and venues
- Aquarium of the Pacific events (year-round)—popular private event venue that books quickly
- Long Beach Jazz Festival (August)
- Long Beach Marathon (October)—road closures affect transportation across the city
Traffic and transportation: Long Beach sits at the intersection of several major freeways, and weekend traffic near the waterfront can be unpredictable. Plan vendor arrival windows generously—at least 30 to 60 minutes of buffer before ceremony start time. For guests, consider providing a clear parking guide or arranging shuttle service from a central lot.
Permits and regulations: Beach ceremonies on public Long Beach beaches require permits from the City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine department. Applications typically need to be submitted four to six weeks in advance, though popular dates book earlier. Your planner should handle this process, but confirm it’s included in your contract.
Neighborhood differences: The waterfront areas near Belmont Shore and Naples Island offer a more intimate, residential feel, while the downtown waterfront near the Convention Center is better suited to larger productions. Knowing which vibe fits your vision will help you and your planner narrow venue options quickly—and if you’re open to exploring unique indoor-outdoor spaces, browsing Peerspace for beach wedding venues in Long Beach can surface some unexpected gems for receptions and rehearsal dinners.
FAQs: beach wedding planning in Long Beach
When should I hire a Long Beach beach wedding planner?
For a beach wedding in Long Beach, we recommend hiring a planner at least nine to 12 months in advance. Popular coastal venues and in-demand vendors—particularly photographers and florists with coastal experience—book up quickly, especially for peak season dates between July and October. If you’re planning a holiday weekend wedding, start even earlier.
How much does a wedding planner cost in Long Beach?
Costs vary widely depending on the level of service. Day-of coordination typically starts around $1,500–$2,500, while partial planning packages range from $3,000–$6,000. Full-service planning for a coastal Southern California wedding can range from $6,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the event and the planner’s experience level. Most planners charge either a flat fee or a percentage of the overall wedding budget—typically 10–20%.
Do I need a planner if my venue has a coordinator?
Yes—and the distinction matters. A venue coordinator manages the property: setup, catering timelines, and venue-specific logistics. An independent wedding planner manages your entire wedding: vendor contracts, ceremony flow, design execution, and day-of troubleshooting across all parties. For a beach wedding with multiple moving pieces, having your own planner is invaluable.
Why hire a local Long Beach planner versus someone from out of town?
Local planners know which beaches require permits, which vendors are reliable for coastal setups, and how to navigate the city’s specific logistics. They have established relationships with Long Beach-area vendors that translate to better pricing, priority scheduling, and faster problem-solving when something goes sideways.
Great weddings start with the right planner and the perfect space
Long Beach’s coastline is one of Southern California’s most stunning backdrops—and the planners on this list know exactly how to make the most of it. Whether you’re envisioning an intimate sunset ceremony or a full-scale reception with ocean views, these professionals bring the expertise, creativity, and local knowledge to bring your vision to life in the Long Beach wedding venue of your dreams.
If you have feedback on our list, our team would love to hear from you. Reach us anytime at [email protected] with suggestions, corrections, or additions.
