Recreation Park 18 Golf Course 5001 Deukmejian Drive • Long Beach • California 90804

From its earliest days, Recreation Park 18 Golf Course has been the place for Long Beach residents to get away from it all. Back in 1909, as a beautiful-but-rugged country club, it attracted golfers who were willing to take a train from town and then hike to the course; later a horse-and-buggy shuttle was added, making the trip much more convenient.

Today, even with a wide boulevard circling the grounds, you still get that sense of leaving the city behind once you enter this full-service park. As you drive in you first notice the lawn bowlers enjoying their genteel pastime. Then you pass a long row of tennis courts, and turn up a hill where the white Spanish Colonial clubhouse, with its columned front porch and red-tile roof, basks in the peaceful views of the surrounding property. Built in 1926 by the Bixby family, this historic landmark was deeded to the city of Long Beach in 1980 for one dollar, in what has to be one of the better real estate deals of the century.

Only one wedding is held in the clubhouse at a time, and couples will appreciate having two dressing areas that provide plenty of room for everyone to get ready. You'll especially love the renovated upstairs suite, which is air-conditioned and outfitted with an 8-person vanity, lounge area, and 3-way mirror. It's also filled with natural light, making it easy for your photographer to snap some great photos. Another perk: both dressing areas are available throughout your event.

Begin your celebration in the circular Rose Garden, a delightful ceremony spot featuring a 75-foot garden walkway that leads to a beautiful gazebo bordered by rosebushes. Afterwards, guests will follow a short path to an intimate hedged patio festooned with market lights to enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. At the appointed time, three sets of French doors just off the patio open to reveal the grandly proportioned Main Ballroom.

Here, original architectural details like a soaring ceiling, dark wood crossbeams, and period chandeliers evoke the lifestyle of the wealthy in the 1920s. A gilded trompe l'oeil balcony accentuates the room's height and lends a European ambiance. Above it, artisan stained-glass windows set off a subtle interplay of light, as the rays from the setting sun softly stream in while tiny runner lights begin to glitter just below the beams. A large built-in dance floor in front of a massive decorative fireplace provides ample room for a band or DJ.

Since the entire place is yours to enjoy, take advantage of the adjacent parlor for quiet conversation by a cozy hearth … as a retreat for the bridal party … or as a separate children's room. You can also step out onto the front porch to savor the night air. At the end of the evening, when the festivities have wound down and you drive back through the park's entrance, you'll find it hard to believe you were so close to the city all this time.