If you’re planning a wedding on the Queen Mary Long Beach, you’ve chosen one of Southern California’s most iconic venues. As a preferred photographer who has shot dozens of weddings here, I want to give you an insider’s tour of every photo location on the ship — so you can plan your day and make the most of each one.

Want to see these locations in action? Browse full Queen Mary wedding galleries: Chau & Chris’s Queen Mary Wedding and Holly & Bradley’s Queen Mary Wedding.

The Sports Deck

The iconic red and black smokestacks are the most recognizable feature of the Queen Mary — and from the Sports Deck, you’re right next to them. As the highest deck on the ship, the ocean breeze is constant. If you have a cathedral veil, this is where it earns its keep. The Sports Deck is also a stunning ceremony location, and on lucky evenings, a flock of birds adds an unforgettable, spontaneous moment to the first kiss.

The Balcony

Perched above the bow with sweeping views of the harbor below, the Balcony is one of the most quietly magical spots on the ship. Golden hour hits the Balcony beautifully — the warm light wraps around the wooden railings and the harbor stretches out behind you. It feels genuinely intimate even on a busy wedding day.

The Sun Deck

The Sun Deck is the largest open-air space aboard the Queen Mary, dominated by the grand facade of the Verandah Grill. The large structure creates a powerful visual backdrop — ideal for dramatic couple portraits and full wedding party shots alike. The ocean breeze and open sky make it one of the most dynamic locations on the ship.

The Skyline Walkway

Running along the starboard side, this wide-open walkway offers what I’d argue is the best view of the Long Beach skyline and harbor on the entire ship. The linear perspective draws the eye straight to your couple and creates a natural depth that makes every pose look editorial.

The Bow

The bow is one of the most visually rich spaces on the ship. Massive anchor chains, heavy bollards, and the dramatic curved hull create a raw, nautical atmosphere unlike anywhere else on the Queen Mary. After sunset, this area takes on a calm, luminous quality — perfect for portraits while your reception is in full swing inside.

The Capstan Deck

The Capstan Deck is everyone’s favorite location for their ceremony. Overlooking the Long Beach skyline to the north and open water on three sides, it creates a breathtaking setting under string lights. And for couples who want to stay out longer — who says ceremonies have to end before dark?

The Historic Salons

Step inside the Queen Mary’s historic salons and you enter another era entirely. The original Art Deco ballrooms — with their lacquered wood paneling, ornate ceilings, and vintage chandeliers — transport you to 1930s ocean-liner glamour. Whether it’s the first dance, reception portraits, or detailed décor shots, the Salons deliver a richness and elegance that’s impossible to fake.

Ready to Book Your Queen Mary Wedding?

I’m a preferred photographer at the Queen Mary and have shot weddings across all eight of these locations — often in a single day. If you’d like a photographer who knows this venue inside and out, I’d love to connect.

Send me a message or call 909-282-2887 to check your date.