Average Wedding Cost in LA: Complete Budget Breakdown

Planning a wedding in Los Angeles means navigating a premium wedding market, but understanding the costs upfront helps you make smart decisions about your celebration. LA's unique blend of Hollywood glamour, year-round perfect weather, and premium vendor talent creates price points that reflect the city's luxury lifestyle and high demand.

This breakdown covers everything from venue and catering costs to hidden expenses many couples overlook, plus practical strategies for creating your dream wedding while staying within your budget. You'll learn how guest count impacts your total spending, which categories deserve your biggest investment, and when to splurge versus save on your LA celebration.

What Does the Average Wedding Cost in LA

If you're planning a wedding in Los Angeles, you're probably wondering what you're getting yourself into budget-wise. The average wedding cost in LA is $66,832 for 150 guests, according to the Zola Wedding Cost Index (ZWCI). While that is a significant number, it is a helpful starting point for planning your dream celebration.

This puts LA well above the national average of $36,000, according to the ZWCI. But remember that averages are just a starting point. Your actual wedding cost depends entirely on your choices, priorities, and how you want to celebrate.

Wedding budgets in LA typically break down like this:

• Budget-friendly weddings: Under $45,000
• Mid-range weddings: $45,000-$75,000
• High-end weddings: $75,000 and up

Don't let these numbers overwhelm you. Every beautiful wedding starts with understanding where your money goes and making smart choices that align with what matters most to you both.

How LA Wedding Costs Compare to California and the US

To put the average LA cost in perspective, a 150-guest celebration costing $66,832 in Los Angeles would run you $36,549 in Salt Lake City, Utah. However, it’s cheaper than more expensive cities like Manhattan which would be around $99,000. 

Why does LA cost so much more? It comes down to simple economics and the unique LA lifestyle:

• Prime real estate: Venue costs reflect LA's high commercial property values
• High demand: The city is a highly sought-after wedding destination, so top vendors can charge premium rates
• Entertainment industry influence: The city's connection to Hollywood creates expectations for picture-perfect celebrations
• Logistics challenges: LA's sprawling geography and traffic impact vendor pricing and scheduling

Even with these higher costs, many couples find LA worth every penny. The year-round perfect weather, diverse vendor talent pool, and Instagram-worthy backdrops from beaches to mountains make it an exceptional wedding destination.

Your LA Wedding Budget Breakdown by Category

Understanding how wedding costs break down by category helps you allocate your budget wisely and avoid surprises. Here's where your money typically goes in LA:

Category	Average Cost (for 150 guests)	Percentage of Total
Venue	$11,870	18%
Catering	$9,496	14%
Florists	$8,704	13%
Bar Services	$7,597	11%
Photographers	$5,302	8%
Wedding Planners	$5,381	8%
Videographers	$4,795	7%
Bands and DJs	$1,892	3%
Cakes and Desserts	$910	1%
Hair & Makeup	$668	1%
Other Expenses	$10,217	15%

These percentages give you a roadmap for budget planning, though your personal priorities might shift these allocations around.

Venue and rentals

Your venue sets the stage for everything else and typically represents your single largest investment. LA venues range from beachfront properties in Malibu to historic downtown buildings, each with different pricing structures and requirements.

Most venue packages include basic elements like tables and chairs, but expect to pay extra for upgraded linens, lighting, and specialty rentals. Different neighborhoods command a wide range of price points—a Beverly Hills hotel ballroom costs significantly more than a garden venue in the San Fernando Valley.

• Beach venues: Often require special permits and have weather contingency requirements
• Historic locations: May have vendor restrictions that limit your other choices
• Private estates: Usually need full rentals for everything from bathrooms to generators
• Hotel venues: Often include coordination services but limit outside vendor options

Catering and bar

Food and drinks are essential to the guest experience, which is why this category commands a large portion of your budget. 

Service style dramatically affects pricing. Plated dinners cost more than buffets because they require more staff and coordination. Family-style service falls somewhere in between and creates a more intimate dining experience. LA's incredible food scene means you can choose from food trucks to Michelin-starred catering companies.

Bar service varies just as much. A beer and wine package costs significantly less than a full premium bar, but some couples prefer the variety for guests. Many couples find success with signature cocktails that reflect their personality while keeping costs reasonable.

Photography and videography

These investments pay dividends long after your wedding day ends because they provide a lasting way to relive your celebration. Most couples consider professional photography non-negotiable, while videography has become increasingly popular.

Photography is one of the only things from a wedding that actually increases in value over time, because the photos become priceless once the day has passed. - Abbe Foreman Photography, Zola Photographer

Package inclusions vary widely among LA photographers. Some include engagement sessions, wedding day timelines, and custom albums. Others price these items separately, which affects your total cost. Extended coverage hours, second shooters, and same-day sneak peeks all impact pricing but provide additional peace of mind and coverage.

How Guest Count Affects Your LA Wedding Budget

Your guest count is one of the biggest factors that drives your total wedding cost. Here's how expenses scale with different party sizes in Los Angeles:

• 50 guests: $29,114 total average
• 100 guests: $48,559 total average
• 200 guests: $83,151 total average
• 250 guests: $99,471 total average

The per-person cost typically decreases as your guest list grows. That's because certain expenses like photography, officiant fees, and venue rental remain fixed regardless of attendance. These costs get spread across more people at larger weddings.

Understanding which costs are fixed versus variable helps you make strategic decisions:

• Fixed costs: Photography packages, venue fees, marriage license, officiant services
• Variable costs: Catering, bar service, wedding favors, linens, centerpieces, transportation

This breakdown explains why intimate weddings don't always cost proportionally less than larger celebrations. Sometimes adding 25 more guests only increases your total budget by 15%. This is because you're spreading those fixed costs across more people but it increases your total costs nonetheless. 

Hidden Wedding Costs LA Couples Often Forget

These often-overlooked expenses can add 10-15% to your total budget if you don't plan for them upfront. Being aware of these costs helps you avoid last-minute budget stress:

• Service charges and gratuity: Many vendors automatically add 18-22% service charges, with additional tips expected for exceptional service
• Taxes: LA County charges 9.5% sales tax on most wedding services, which adds up quickly on large purchases
• Vendor meals: Professional photographers, DJs, and other vendors working during dinner need to be fed according to most contracts
• Overtime charges: Receptions running past contracted hours trigger overtime fees of $200-500 per additional hour
• Special permits: Beach ceremonies, park venues, and some private properties require event permits costing $50-300
• Insurance requirements: Many venues require general liability insurance, which typically costs $75-200
• Delivery and setup fees: Rental companies, florists, and other vendors often charge separate fees for delivery and breakdown
• Parking and valet: Guest parking or valet services can add $500-2000 to your total, depending on your venue location

Setting aside about 10% above your planned budget for these unexpected costs prevents financial surprises during your final planning months.

Smart Ways to Save on Your LA Wedding

Beautiful weddings happen at every budget level with strategic planning and smart choices. The key is identifying where you can save without sacrificing what matters most to you both.

Timing your celebration strategically:

January through March offer the deepest vendor discounts. During these slower months, many professionals reduce rates by 20-30%. November also provides good value while maintaining pleasant weather for outdoor celebrations. Weekday weddings cost significantly less than Saturday celebrations, with Thursday and Friday ceremonies offering substantial savings.

Morning and afternoon receptions require less alcohol and often feature lighter, less expensive menus. Brunch weddings have become incredibly popular and typically cost 25-40% less than evening celebrations.

Exploring alternative venues:

• Public spaces: LA's parks and beaches offer stunning ceremony locations at a fraction of private venue costs
• Restaurant buy-outs: Many excellent restaurants offer private dining spaces with built-in catering teams
• Cultural venues: Museums, art galleries, and community centers provide unique atmospheres with reasonable rental fees
• Non-traditional spaces: Warehouses, lofts, and event studios give you complete creative control over your celebration

Optimize your guest list:

Guests are the single biggest factor in your total costs. Reducing your guest count from 150 to 120 can save thousands across venue, catering, and other per-person expenses.

Consider hosting separate celebrations for different groups: an intimate ceremony with immediate family followed by a larger reception with extended family and friends. This approach allows you to include everyone while managing costs more effectively.

Embrace digital solutions: 

Digital save-the-dates and online RSVPs through your Zola wedding website eliminate printing and postage costs while providing better tracking and communication capabilities.

Create a wedding website to share detailed information about your celebration, which can reduce printing costs for invitation inserts. Guests appreciate having easy access to hotel recommendations, transportation options, and schedule updates.

Maximizing your spending power:

Focus your budget on your top three must-haves while finding ways to cut wedding costs. If photography is your priority, invest heavily there while choosing simpler flowers or decor. Seasonal flowers and menu items cost significantly less than out-of-season options.

All-inclusive packages often provide better value than booking each vendor separately. Many venues offer bundled services that include catering, bar service, and coordination at reduced rates.

Consider which elements you genuinely enjoy creating yourself, like welcome bags, while leaving complex tasks like floral design to professionals.

Start Planning Your LA Wedding Budget Today

LA weddings require significant investment, but thoughtful budgeting makes any vision achievable within your means. Start by setting your wedding budget with our free budget tracker, then use the category percentages we've discussed as your allocation guide.

The most important thing to remember is that your wedding should reflect your relationship and values, not someone else's idea of perfection. Focus on creating meaningful moments with the people you love most, and you'll have a celebration worth every dollar you invest.

Ready to bring your wedding to life? Start by exploring vetted LA wedding vendors in every budget and style on Zola. 

Your LA Wedding Cost Questions Answered

How much does a 200 person wedding cost in Los Angeles?

A 200-person wedding in Los Angeles averages $83,151 based on current market rates. This breaks down to roughly $416 per guest and reflects the premium LA vendor market across all categories.

Is $100,000 reasonable for an LA wedding budget?

While $100,000 exceeds the average, it's not uncommon for luxury LA celebrations. About one in four couples spend at this level or higher, especially for guest counts above 200 or when choosing premium venues and vendors.

What time of year offers the biggest savings for LA weddings?

January, February, and March provide the deepest discounts, with vendors often reducing rates by 20-30%. November also offers good value while maintaining ideal weather for outdoor ceremonies and receptions.

Should couples expect to go over their original wedding budget?

Most couples do exceed their initial budget by some amount. Planning for a 10-15% buffer helps manage these overages without financial stress. Focus on your true priorities to ensure any extra spending enhances what matters most to you.