They came by steamship to Charleston and later jitterbug on the huge parquet floor, fueled by the Big Band music of the 1930's and 1940's. Although the big bands have faded away, the Casino Ballroom still attracts crowds for celebrations of all sorts. Twelve stories high and 180 feet in diameter, the Casino has an Art Deco movie theater downstairs and a simply enormous ballroom on top. The outdoor balcony that encircles the ballroom overlooks the protected coves of Avalon Bay where seals, dolphins, and brightly-colored fish are usually found splashing about in the clear waters. And from here the view of the mainland is fabulous, sometimes stretching all the way from Ventura to San Diego.
Weddings take place on the balcony or inside the ballroom.
There's so much space inside that an altar and theater-style seating can be set up in one area, and the reception tables and chairs in another. In fact on one Valentine's Day three ceremonies and receptions were held at the same time, and there was more than enough room for all. The recent addition of a gourmet chef to the Casino staff means that the cuisine will be beautifully presented is the event space itself. As few as 100 or as many as 1,200 seated guests. The balcony can hold up to 150 standing guests for a cocktail reception.