Planning Your Long Beach Wedding

Photography Tips and Insights

Real-world advice for couples who want images that feel as meaningful as the day itself.

Long Beach offers a blend of coastal charm, historic elegance, and creative spaces—making it an ideal location for couples planning a wedding that’s both beautiful and personal. Whether you're dreaming of sunset portraits on the harbor or exchanging vows in a garden surrounded by art, the choices are yours to make.

At One Story Weddings, our role is to help you feel present, seen, and completely yourself in those moments—while we quietly document the emotion and artistry around you.

Here are a few insights we’ve gathered from years of photographing weddings across Long Beach.

1. Plan Your Timeline Around Natural Light

You deserve to feel unhurried—and beautifully lit—throughout your day. Long Beach light can be magical, especially near the ocean, but it changes quickly depending on your location and time of year.

Tips for better portraits:

  • Start your ceremony at least 90 minutes before sunset if you're hoping for golden-hour portraits

  • Build in time after your ceremony for relaxed couple photos while guests enjoy cocktail hour

  • If indoors, choose venues with good window light and flexible flow for photos

“We didn’t realize how important timing was until our photographer explained it. They helped us structure everything perfectly, and the results were stunning.”
— Arielle + Johnny

2. Choose a Venue That Aligns with Your Vision

Long Beach has a venue for every kind of couple—romantic, modern, classic, or creative. As you plan your day, choose a setting that reflects your relationship and the experience you want to create for your guests.

Your photographer should be flexible and attentive, adapting their approach to elevate your vision—not the other way around. Look for someone who can highlight the architectural beauty, ambiance, and emotion of the venue you chose, with care and artistry.

A few local venue types to consider:

  • Hotel Maya for colorful, tropical energy and marina views

  • The Ebell of Long Beach for Mediterranean architecture and quiet sophistication

  • LB Museum of Art for creative, art-forward spaces with ocean views

  • 440 Elm for intimate, historic elegance with a modern editorial vibe

Explore how we work across venue styles and spaces.

3. Work with a Photographer Who Prioritizes Your Experience

Your photographer should never feel like a director of the day. The best ones act as a calming presence—guiding gently when needed, and stepping back when you’re in the moment.

Ask yourself:

  • Do they listen deeply during your consultation?

  • Do they ask about your emotional priorities—not just your shot list?

  • Do they describe how they adapt to changing light, timelines, or unexpected moments?

When you choose someone who knows how to read the energy of the day and respect your space, the result is photography that feels lived-in, not just posed.

4. Focus on How You Want to Feel—Not Just How You Want It to Look

This is your story—not a styled shoot. Your photos should reflect you—not a checklist, not a trend, and not anyone else’s idea of what’s “perfect.”

That’s why we always begin with presence. We help couples breathe, slow down, and drop into the moment so that the camera captures something honest and human—not just beautiful.

“They weren’t just talented—they were intentional, kind, and emotionally present. We never felt rushed or directed. Just deeply supported.”
— Chelsea + Andrew

5. Let Your Timeline Reflect Your Priorities

Instead of designing your day around photography, design it around how you want to move through the experience—then work with a photographer who can build within that rhythm.

We often help couples make small timeline adjustments that open up space to breathe—so that your portraits aren’t rushed, your family photos are smooth, and the natural flow of the day stays intact.

Gentle recommendations:

  • Add 5–10 minute pauses after your first look or ceremony

  • Group family photos ahead of time to reduce stress

  • Build in buffer time around transitions (like transportation or outfit changes)

  • Let at least one part of the day remain unstructured—you’ll thank yourself later

6. Considering Both Photo and Video? Look for Creative Cohesion

If you're hiring both a photographer and a videographer, make sure they work well together—or better yet, choose a team that already does. When photography and filmmaking are aligned, there’s less duplication, more trust, and a unified visual style.

See examples of our wedding films and how we approach cinematic storytelling.

Final Thought: You’re Not Just Planning a Wedding—You’re Building a Memory

And your photos shouldn’t just show you what it looked like. They should show you what it felt like to be there.

When you choose a wedding photographer who sees you—not just the timeline or the design—you create space for something lasting.

At One Story Weddings, we guide couples with steady hands, open hearts, and an eye for emotional storytelling that doesn’t interrupt the day—it preserves it.

Learn how we support couples from consultation through gallery delivery.


Contact us to inquire about your Long Beach wedding date.