The Sanctuary by Wedgewood Venue Spotlight Long Beach, CA

Tom Keene
May 6, 2025
5 min read

Updated: Mar 26

Wedding Venue Review: The Sanctuary by Wedgewood Weddings, Long Beach, CA

If you're looking for a wedding venue that combines elegance, a touch of history, and a beautiful, tranquil setting, The Sanctuary by Wedgewood Weddings in Long Beach is a true gem. Nestled in the heart of one of Southern California’s most iconic cities, this venue offers an unforgettable experience for couples seeking a sophisticated yet serene location to say "I do."

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The Venue:

The Sanctuary is a former church, and it’s easy to see why the space lives up to its name. The architecture is stunning, featuring soaring ceilings, intricate stained glass windows, and beautiful wood accents that create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The sanctuary itself is perfect for a ceremony, with its rich, historical charm setting the tone for a memorable and intimate exchange of vows. One of the highlights of this venue is the combination of both indoor and outdoor options, giving you flexibility depending on your style. For a ceremony, the indoor space has a majestic feel, but if you prefer an outdoor ceremony, the surrounding gardens are equally gorgeous. With lush greenery, well-manicured landscapes, and a peaceful, secluded vibe, it truly feels like a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of city life. It also has an option to face your ceremony in one of two directions since the seating is actually benches, which makes it a great option depending on your preference.

Bride and groom walking down the aisle, bride holding a bouquet of red and white roses. Guests in background, smiling in a church setting.

Bride in lace gown holds bouquet, smiles joyfully beside groom in blue suit and orange tie. Indoor setting with stained glass in background.

The Service:

Wedgewood Weddings, known for their excellent customer service and attention to detail, does not disappoint at The Sanctuary. From the first tour to the final moments of your wedding day, their team works tirelessly to ensure every detail is perfect. The wedding coordinators are experienced and offer a seamless planning process, which is incredibly valuable when you’re managing so many moving parts. They are proactive, but also flexible, allowing you to customize the event to your vision while offering helpful suggestions along the way. Fumi as excellent in her approach and is definitely on top of her game as was thorough in her follow up and attentiveness.

The Reception:

The reception space is just as impressive, offering a cozy yet upscale atmosphere with plenty of room for guests. The design is modern but with a classic twist, allowing for a wide range of décor themes to shine, whether you’re envisioning a romantic, vintage-inspired reception or something more contemporary. The lighting is soft and flattering, and the room flows easily from dinner to dancing just up a flight of stairs, creating an overall enjoyable and elegant event.

Elegant banquet hall with round tables, white tablecloths, and wooden chairs. Warm lighting from chandeliers; stained glass windows add charm.

Bride in white gown and groom in blue suit share first dance at a wedding reception. Guests seated, watching warmly under chandeliers.

Location:

Located in Long Beach, the venue is convenient for guests coming from various parts of the greater LA area. It’s close to the iconic downtown area of Long Beach, giving your guests access to great restaurants, shops, and local attractions if they want to extend their stay or enjoy the area after the celebration.

Overall Impression:

The Sanctuary by Wedgewood Weddings truly lives up to its name. It offers a peaceful, stunningly beautiful environment for couples who want a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. With an attentive team to guide you through every step of the process, you can rest easy knowing your wedding will be in expert hands. If you're looking for a wedding venue with a timeless feel, picturesque surroundings, and top-tier service, The Sanctuary is definitely worth considering. It is also pet friendly!

Rating: 5/5

The Sanctuary by Wedgewood

600 E. 5th Street

Long Beach, CA 90802

https://www.wedgewoodweddings.com/sanctuary

Sign for The Sanctuary Wedgewood Weddings on a purple background with white text.

Elegant dining setup with round tables, white cloths, gold plates, red napkins, and glasses in a spacious hall with wooden chairs.

Ample room for your reception and a nice set up and overall look.

Woman getting makeup applied, focused on lip liner. Hair clipped back. Soft, neutral background. Calm and concentrated mood.

Last minute touch ups for this bride.

Church interior with wooden pews, ornate ceiling, and stained glass window. Altar adorned with flowers, creating a serene, sacred ambiance.

Two options for your ceremony. Shown here is the altar set up. The benches are a great "chair" for the ceremony and guests could easily turn the other direction to view a ceremony that way.

Two men in a room; one adjusts the other's bow tie. The room has a cozy white wall, wooden door, and a TV with colorful graphics.

Grooms are often an after thought for getting ready rooms. The Sanctuary has a great place for the guys to get ready.

Six people in formal attire, five men in black suits with red ties and a woman in a black dress, pose smiling outside near stained glass.

A nice side area just outside the grooms getting ready room to take photos. It isn't wide so make sure your photographer can handle this.

Young man in a tuxedo with a red rose boutonniere smiles in front of ornate wooden doors. Formal setting, cheerful mood.

Our groom smiles as he awaits his wedding day.

Smiling bride in white dress and veil, with long dark hair, in a bright room. Two blurred people are visible in the background.

The bride is done. Beautiful and all smiles as she prepares to come down from her room and get married.

Bride walks down the aisle with two escorts in a church. Guests stand, some taking photos. Large arched window in the background.

Facing the other direction. I have seen ceremonies take place at that far end. Light would be great but I have yet to have a couple use it. Will you bring me back and make that your ceremony location?

A young girl in a white dress walks down an aisle with flower petals, holding a basket. Bright, elegant setting with floral decor.

Lost in thought. I love when kids are kids.

Bride and groom hold hands at altar in a church with vaulted wooden ceilings and stained-glass window. Guests seated, watching ceremony.

The ceremony altar.

Bride and groom smile, walking down the aisle of a church. She holds red and white bouquet. Guests stand, taking photos. Romantic mood.

One the way out of the ceremony. Lovely light and a thought that this light will not be present if you do reverse your direction for the ceremony. The window behind makes this a great shot.

Bride in white dress and groom in tuxedo smiling through an open window with diamond-patterned panes and white curtains in a joyful setting.

From the bridal getting ready room, this couple shares a kiss and looks over the courtyard as their cocktail hour takes place.

Bride and groom share a kiss, bride in a white veil, groom in a black suit. Intimate moment, soft focus foreground, neutral background.

Back in the ceremony room we allow the couple to spend a moment alone.

Wedding table with floral centerpiece, framed photo, glassware, and "Mr & Mrs" sign. Warm tones, romantic ambiance.

Nice couple's table set up. Notice the photos... yep one of the images I shot and the venue printed it out and put it on their table.

A trio poses and smiles at an elegant event. A man in a tuxedo, a woman in a white dress, and another in black. Warm, festive decor in background.

You know a venue is kicking butt when the couple asks to take a photo with their location coordinator.

A bride and groom joyfully enter a reception hall hand in hand. She wears a white gown, he a black tuxedo. A DJ stands at a booth nearby.

Finally, time to party! The side door entrance brings you to the dance floor so the guests can watch the first dance.

A couple in formal attire cuts a tiered white cake at a wedding. Soft lighting and warm, romantic ambiance in the room.

Yum! Cake. Let's face it, it is sadly a big reason guest show up.... just kidding.

Bride throws bouquet as women eagerly watch and reach. The room has white walls, wood floor, and bright lighting. Mood is festive and joyous.

The toss. The Sanctuary has a nice ceiling so there is room to throw high and far.

Woman in a white dress stands with a child holding a treat. Bright light effect in a festive indoor setting with people in elegant outfits.

Wedgewood locations have preferred DJ's. I am not sure how they handle it if you want to bring in your own, but they have always done a good job.

A joyful couple dances in formal attire, surrounded by smiling people. The room has soft lighting and a warm, celebratory atmosphere.

There is always this one guy who can dance at a wedding and ladies, be prepared to be swept off your feet by him.

A couple in formal attire poses, smiling warmly. The setting is softly lit with twinkling lights, creating a festive, romantic atmosphere.

Last shots of the night. We are done but the party continues and we hope to be there for you as well.

Here are two recent weddings we have captured at this great location, The Long Beach Sanctuary by Wedgewood.

View Ada and Tanner's May 4, 2025 Wedding

View Dora and AJ's August 8, 2025 Wedding

Getting married at the Wedgewood Sanctuary Long Beach? We can't wait to have you take us back there! Chat with Tom now for immediate responses 10am to 8pm every day. Or fill out our contact form with details and we will get back to you fast. We have special rates for this location!