We couldn't have been happier!

My wife Toni and I are LA natives and foodies. We've lived in Santa Monica/Pasadena 15 years if it helps qualify our food standards. We wanted a classy wedding, but not stuffy nor extravagant. We wanted a reception with a view over an outdoor wedding. Even LA rains sometimes. Why have a reception in Santa Monica if you don't know you're in Santa Monica? Thus we didn't want a windowless, claustrophobic ballroom, which is all that was offered by some much more expensive places.

What we got:

-killer food, hors d'oeuvres, house-made cocktails. (cocktails were extra but worth it). Perfectly executed salmon and filet. The chef gave us a personal promise during tasting that he would *not* overcook the filet, and he delivered.
-killer view from the penthouse. We started at 6pm with cocktail hour and our guests enjoyed sunlight, sunset and evening views of the city, mountains and the bay.
-a well-organized gig. we've seen a few complaints of the coordinators. Yes, the person we originally signed with left the Delfina, but his replacement in-house coordinator Kylee picked up the pieces and did a flawless job.
-an affordable event by LA standards. Price some other places near the beach. You won't get a better deal for a high-class venue near the beach. Just remember this is 8 blocks from the beach, not on the beach, if that's a dealbreaker for you.
-beautiful rooms at affordable rates. Plus, they and the lobby were recently redone. Don't let the outside of the hotel fool you. Look at the profile pictures. This place is NICE.
-Great upgrades, including the entrees, cocktails and Viennese table. Our upgrades were reasonably priced, just above the standard pricing.
-VERY friendly and attentive staff throughout the cocktail hour and reception. This includes the bartenders, servers, coordinator, and reception desk. They made us and our guests feel special.

If there is a negative to give, you shouldn't walk to the beach/promenade at night from this hotel. But many of our out of town guests did do so during the day.

Thank you Delfina!