The Best Wedding Vendors in Merced, CA

The Best Wedding Vendors in Merced, CA

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1000+ Wedding Vendors in Merced, CA

Hillarie Hughes Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (25 reviews)
Merced, CA
  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $1,125

HI, I’M HILLARIE HUGHES . I am a lifestyle/wedding photographer based out of Merced, CA. I’m 33 years old, a wife and a mother to four beautiful kids. It's safe to say that I'm a VERY busy mama! You can catch me with my kindle when I’m not editing, and being as active as I can be in my children's lives. Never in a million years did I think that people would love my photos as much as they do, but I am so grateful and so blessed! I am learning more and more every session that I have, and have been incredibly lucky to have such awesome clients (turned into forever friends!) that have been with me during this entire journey.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Hillarie Hughes Photography is everything you need in an event photographer. She was the photographer at our wedding, and I could not imagine the day with anyone else. I was an event coordinator for a few years, and have worked in the wedding planning industry. Hillarie is one of the most professional and positive photographers in the field that I have ever worked with. She is affordable, communicative, and works hard to provide the best work possible for her clients. What most people don’t realize is that photographers play a key role in managing your day, keeping you on schedule, and also managing other people to help them stay on schedule as well. Hillarie does all of that with a personable and uplifting attitude in a time when stress can be really high. She manages people well, and comes to your event with a high level of knowledge in weddings and photography. She caters to what you want, and will deliver photographs that will take your breath away (even sneak peeks too!). She is knowledgeable of surrounding locations for other photo sessions, and makes you feel like you’re her friend from the start. She provides an all-around positive experience, and captures such beautiful memories that last a lifetime. I cannot recommend her more. You will not be disappointed.”
Shannon P., 6 months ago
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The Tipsy Hellcat LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (17 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
Merced, CA
  • Bar services & beverages
  • Starts at $1,000

The Tipsy Hellcat was born from my love of creating experiences that feel fun, personal, and totally on-vibe. I’m a mobile dry-hire bartender who specializes in crafting custom menus, thoughtful details, and bar setups that match your wedding’s unique style — whether you’re planning something elegant, alternative, whimsical, or bold. I’m passionate about making the process easy, stress-free, and exciting for couples. Your bar should feel like you, and I love helping bring that vision to life with creativity, warmth, and a little bit of Hellcat magic.

“I highly recommend Danie for Yosemite elopements/weddings. She was truly one of the best decisions we made for our day. From the very beginning she was attentive, communicative, and always kept me updated on everything. She really listened to what I wanted and somehow brought my vision to life exactly the way I imagined it. What honestly impressed me the most is that she managed to make everything look absolutely perfect despite all the weather chaos we had — rain, freezing cold, and even snow. Somehow she handled every single unexpected situation so calmly and professionally and made our day feel effortless and magical. She was genuinely my saving grace during our dream elopement, and I cannot recommend her enough”
Jenly, 5 months ago
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Madebyjackie 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
Merced, CA
  • Beauty professional
  • Starts at $150

Hello! My name is Jackie & I’m the owner of Madebyjackie. I’m a licensed Cosmetologist who specializes in Hair/Makeup for weddings & special occasions. I can’t wait to meet you and be a part of your special day!

“My grandmother’s hair is incredibly tough to work with, but Jackie truly proved she is a master of her craft. She has an amazing skillset and turned a difficult situation into a beautiful result. My grandma just couldn't stop talking about how glamorous she felt! Jackie is a true professional, and OfficialMadeByJackie is exactly who you need for your hair and makeup! Thank you Jackie, for making my Grandma feel so beautiful!”
Carlos R., 3 months ago
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Central Valley Production 
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
Merced, CA
  • Videographer
  • Storytelling style
  • Starts at $3,000

Central Valley Production is a premier wedding filmmaking company specializing in capturing the most precious moments of couples' special days. From capturing heartfelt vows to creating enchanting wedding highlight videos, Central Valley Production has established itself as a trusted name with over three years of experience. With a deep passion for storytelling and a commitment to preserving the emotions and memories of each wedding, Central Valley Production ensures that every couple's love story is beautifully documented and cherished forever.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Central Valley Production is the best for wedding videography. We are absolutely in love with our video. Micah is professional, helped our day go smooth and captured every moment perfectly. We had our wedding video only two weeks after the wedding!”
Antone & J., 3 years ago
Hilton Garden Inn Merced 
Merced, CA
  • Venue
  • Up to 50 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $20,000

Experience modern elegance at the newly built Hilton Garden Inn Merced, a premier destination for Central Valley weddings. Whether you’re planning an intimate rehearsal dinner or a grand reception, our contemporary hotel offers a sophisticated backdrop with seamless service. Located near downtown Merced and UC Merced, we provide a stylish, all-in-one setting where your guests can celebrate and stay in comfort. From customizable catering to state-of-the-art amenities, we focus on every detail to ensure your wedding journey is as bright and effortless as possible.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Caters to out-of-town guests
  • Has an intimate feel for a small guest list
  • Full catering menu to choose from

Venue considerations

  • No free parking
  • Small venue, not ideal for a large guest lists
  • Limited cleanup and setup services
Quick responder
Mark Addington Events 
Rating: 5.0 (98 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • DJ
  • Starts at $1,800
  • Serves Merced, CA

I’m Mark Addington, owner, founder, emcee, DJ, public speaker, and most importantly…creative at heart. I started my DJ career over 20 years ago for fun and fell in love with it along the way. My goal is to make this choice a simple, informed and fun part of the wedding process. I’m here to communicate and plan pre-wedding so you and your guests can leave it all on the dancefloor the day of the wedding.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Mark Addington Events was an absolute DREAM to work with for our wedding. After our initial DJ cancelled just months before our wedding, we found Mark who jumped right in and picked up all the pieces. From the very first interaction, he was friendly and efficient, guiding us through the planning process with ease. On the day of, he demonstrated top-tier service, keeping us on schedule and ensuring the entire event ran smoothly. Their was not a second someone wasn't on that dance floor. The "Dance to the Buffet" event Mark orchestrated was truly the best start to the evening. Mark's attention to detail, culture, and the crowd's vibes made our special day that much more memorable. We are so grateful for the role he played in making our wedding celebration a historical unforgettable memory.”
Ebone Q., 2 years ago
Quick responder
DJ Sam Vada 
Rating: 5.0 (21 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • DJ
  • Starts at $900
  • Serves Merced, CA

DJ Sam Vada offers a dynamic and engaging experience for your event, ensuring that his DJ services not only meet but exceed expectations. He specializes in a variety of events, including birthdays, dances, parties, wedding receptions, graduation celebrations, and other noteworthy occasions. Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of clear communication between himself and his clients. DJ Sam Vada utilizes high-quality equipment that is well-suited to fulfill the demands of any event.

“Sam was awesome at keeping the dance floor packed all night! He rolled with the punches on the schedule changes we tossed his way and helped out with coordinating everything. He even went the extra mile to edit our first dance song so it matched our choreography perfectly. His sound system worked great for our outdoor venue, too. Plus, he was super communicative in the lead-up to the wedding and reached out to us when we were super busy with last-minute prep, which was really helpful.”
Stephany, 10 months ago
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The Century 
Rating: 4.9 (18 reviews)
Modesto, CA
  • Venue
  • Up to 250 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $9,000

TWO VENUES ONE TEAM: THE CENTURY + NINE3ONE We offer two full service wedding venues located in Modesto, Ca. With decades of experience in venue, food, and beverage services combined, we are ready to guide you down your planning journey from day one all the way to “I DO!”. The Century is a chic, urban venue built in the early 1900s with exposed brick walls, beautiful crystal chandeliers and gorgeous acacia wood floors. The Century has room for up to 250 guests for reception only, and up to 175 for a ceremony and a reception. Nine3One is a coworking facility located next door to The Century that opened 2019. Nine3One features 3 unique event spaces. The Alcove is the main event space that leads out into The Botanical Breezeway, a completely covered outdoor space that runs the length of the entire building. The Bouquet Bar is a small event space perfect for smaller parties and also makes a great space for cocktail hour. Nine3One has room for up to 70 guests when using all three spaces.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Designed for grand celebrations
  • Pets can join the celebration
  • Wheelchair accessible

Venue considerations

  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • No built-in audiovisual options
  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
Awarded Best of Zola
“Our wedding at The Century was everything we hoped for and more. The venue is stunning—elegant, timeless, and perfectly laid out for both the ceremony and reception. Erica, our coordinator, was absolutely amazing. She went above and beyond to make sure every detail was flawless, staying calm, organized, and incredibly professional throughout the entire process. The staff was attentive and friendly, the food and drinks were excellent, and the whole event ran seamlessly from start to finish. Every guest complimented the atmosphere and how smooth everything felt. The value was outstanding for the quality of service we received. We can’t recommend The Century highly enough—it was the perfect setting for our wedding day.”
Enrique & R., a year ago
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K.Y.G Luxery Beauty Agency 
Rating: 5.0 (18 reviews)
  • Beauty professional
  • Starts at $250
  • Serves Merced, CA

K.Y.G Luxury Beauty offers professional on location hair and makeup. Our vision is to take the luxury experience of getting pampered at a salon, combined with the relationships and trust that celebrities have with their go-to glam squad, and create an unforgettable experience that is accessible to the everyday woman. We strive in bringing your vision to life because we understand how important your event is! We specialize in weddings, photoshoots, life events and special occasions.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Having Karen as my artist was one of the best decisions I made! She was a dream to work with throughout the whole process. I booked her for my whole wedding party and my mother. She had another artist to help with the group and she was amazing as well! You can feel how much Karen cares about making her clients not only look beautiful on such a special day, but also feel beautiful. I’ve always wanted to do Hollywood waves with the soft glam look and Karen brought my entire vision to life. I couldn’t be thankful for her help on such an important day!”
Sarai L., 2 years ago
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Florals For You (Sarah) 
Rating: 5.0 (17 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves Merced, CA

Florals For You was created by a husband and wife duo who are wedding and event floral designers based in the central valley of California. We love telling modern-romantic love stories through florals and believe that planning your wedding florals should be lighthearted and fun!

Awarded Best of Zola
“I am so glad that I found Sarah and Florals For You. From the very beginning Sarah was communicative and friendly, and I only had to send her inspo from my Pinterest board to make the vision come to life. The florals were everything I could have dreamed of - and everything was at a reasonable price and I didn't feel like things were marked up just for my wedding. I highly recommend using her!”
Melissa M., 2 months ago
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Alegria Ranch Turlock 
Rating: 4.5 (16 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
Turlock, CA
  • Venue
  • Up to 250 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $1,500

Nestled in the heart of Turlock’s picturesque dairy country, Alegria Ranch is a private, family-owned ranchette designed for celebrating life’s greatest milestones. Embodying its name—the Spanish word for joy—this charming destination brings warm hospitality and big country charm to every wedding, rehearsal dinner, shower, and special event. Couples enjoy total flexibility with options ranging from complete DIY setups to full-service event support with decor, catering, and on-site owner coordination. Alegria Ranch offers a magical, welcoming environment to create a truly personalized milestone celebration.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Accommodates more than 200 guests
  • Offers full-service amenities
  • Full catering menu to choose from

Venue considerations

  • No built-in audiovisual options
  • No free parking
  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
5 Daughters Design 
Rating: 5.0 (15 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Florist
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Merced, CA

5 Daughters Design says it all. We’re a family—a mom and dad and our five adult daughters—creating thoughtful, garden-inspired wedding flowers throughout Northern California and the Phoenix, Arizona area. We believe flowers are only part of the story. The most meaningful celebrations leave people feeling welcomed, connected, and cared for. Through trusted guidance and thoughtful collaboration, we make the floral planning process feel relaxed, joyful, and beautifully personal

“Working with 5 Daughters Design was such a joy from start to finish. The team responded quickly to every question we had and made the entire process feel easy and stress-free. They took our Pinterest board and turned it into reality, creating stunning arrangements for our ceremony, tables, and throughout the venue that looked exactly like we'd dreamed. Even better, they worked within our budget without us having to compromise on the vision we wanted. The flowers were absolutely gorgeous and honestly exceeded what we expected. We couldn't have asked for a better florist for our wedding day!”
Piper R., 3 months ago
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Tooney White Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (15 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,490
  • Serves Merced, CA

I'm Tooney! I was born and raised in the Philippines and now call Northern California home. I've been a photographer for over a decade, and one of my favorite parts of this work is making people feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. I know being photographed doesn't come naturally to everyone, and I don't expect it to. I'll give you direction, fix the stray hair, straighten the outfit, and help you feel like yourself — so you can stop thinking about the camera and enjoy your wedding day.

Awarded Best of Zola
“HIRE TOONEY!! I grew up with a well renowned wedding photographer as my father, and so my pickiness was extremely high when it came to finding someone to photograph my own wedding. After searching for months and going through so many profiles, I stumbled upon Tooney through an Instagram of an Instagram. Her work is so effortless and tailored to the couples vision, it’s amazing. Not only does she have an incredible eye, but she is also one of the kindest people I have ever met. If you want someone to be there on your wedding day to bring the most wonderful vibe and also give you an incredible amount of confidence then Tooney is your photographer.”
Amelia F., a month ago
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Imagery by Carissa Dugoni 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photographer
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $4,000
  • Serves Merced, CA

I’m Carissa, a California-based wedding photographer specializing in true-to-color editing, candid documentary coverage, and natural, editorial-style portraits. My work focuses on real connection, emotional storytelling, and the in-between moments that define a wedding day. With more than a decade of experience, I photograph weddings with an intentional, relaxed approach that helps couples feel comfortable, authentic, and fully present. My husband, Tyler, joins me as our videographer, bringing the same warm, storytelling-driven style to every celebration.

“Ethereal, candid, jovial, refined are some of the buzzwords that the images of our oak tree & hanging lights, spring evening, 100 person ranch wedding brings to mind. Carissa made sure to get an idea of our and our family's priorities and vision for our wedding day photography months in advance. As the day approached she nailed down specifics of timing and herding those dear to us to capture everything we wanted! She has an eye for catching family dynamics, sweet background moments, and her whole team is quick to drop to the floor to get the perfect golden hour angle, play with long exposure, or get some kids laughing! They coordinated wonderfully with our other vendors throughout the day on things like equipment positioning and audio capture. We knew we would love any photos of us as a couple on the happiest day of our lives, but the width of their professional and personal vision for the whole picture is what truly captured our hearts. Thank you Dugonis for loving on us!”
Stina D., a year ago
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Azeem Ward Saxophonist | Flutist 
Rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Solo performer
  • Starts at $600
  • Serves Merced, CA

Northern California-based flutist and saxophonist Azeem Ward specializes in creating elegant, memorable musical experiences for weddings and private events. His versatile repertoire spans contemporary favorites, jazz standards, timeless classics, and modern love songs, allowing him to create a personalized soundtrack for every celebration. A lifelong musician who began playing at age ten, Azeem has performed throughout the United States and internationally in the United Kingdom, Italy, Hungary, South Korea, and the Philippines. Known for his professionalism, adaptability, and warm presence, he works closely with couples to create an elevated atmosphere that feels personal and unforgettable for them and their guests.

“We found Azeem one night while scrolling Tiktok and knew we just had to book him for our wedding this past week! After the initial call and booking, we knew that Azeem would be able to create a fun and memorable atmosphere for us and our guests! Although he has an expansive repertoire of music that he has played at past events, Azeem is able to learn any song. We got to hear all of our favorite songs during our cocktail hour. We even requested for certain songs to be played while we were both present and Azeem made sure of it! I couldn't be happier with Azeem's communication and professionalism throughout the planning process. We would recommend him to anyone looking to add a classy but energetic and engaging experience to their event!”
Khiethy, 7 days ago
Queen Judy weddings 
Rating: 5.0 (7 reviews)
  • Planner
  • Offers 7 services
  • Serves Merced, CA
  • Offer

With over 20 years of experience in the wedding industry, we are passionate about creating unforgettable wedding experiences for our brides. Our goal is to make your special day even more beautiful and seamless than you ever imagined. From the smallest details to the biggest moments, our team is dedicated to helping with all of your wedding day needs and ensuring everything runs perfectly from start to finish.

“Judy checked in with me the day before the wedding to see if I needed anything, which I appreciated. On the wedding day, she made sure I had water since it was very hot, and she checked in a few times to see if I needed anything. I also noticed how she interacted with the couple, and it was clear they really liked her. It’s always nice working with someone who helps keep the day moving and supports the couple throughout.”
Heather, a year ago
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Party Kings Mobile Music & Entertainment 
Rating: 5.0 (7 reviews)
  • DJ
  • Serves Merced, CA

Your wedding deserves more than someone who just plays music. At Party Kings Mobile Music & Entertainment, we combine experienced DJ & MC services with personalized planning to create a fun, seamless, and stress-free celebration. From your ceremony to the last dance, we’ll guide every announcement, transition, and special moment while keeping your guests entertained. With over a decade of experience, an exclusive online planning portal, and a commitment to one wedding per day, we’re dedicated to making your wedding unforgettable.

“We’ve used this DJ for multiple events over the years, and he never disappoints! Most recently, he DJ’d a 50th birthday party for us, and it was such a great experience from start to finish. He was incredibly helpful during the planning process, really taking the time to listen to our vision and bring it to life. On the day of the event, he was professional, fun, and clearly very experienced—he knew exactly how to read the crowd and keep the energy going. He was also super flexible with any last-minute changes, which made everything feel stress-free. We were so impressed that we’ve already booked him for my niece’s upcoming wedding, and I’m completely confident he’ll make her big day even more special and memorable. Highly recommend!”
Jennifer B., 7 months ago
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B&C Music 
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
  • Band or Ensemble
  • Starts at $1,700
  • Serves Merced, CA

B&C Music is a Stockton, California-based duo that delights in complementing weddings with memorable musical experiences. Specializing in acoustic and electric covers, Brooke and Chase Estes are known for their personable nature, skilled musicianship, and their passion for their craft.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Our experience with B&C Music for our wedding was overall perfect. They were easy to communicate with and they did an incredible job, setting the perfect vibe for our wedding. After asking us our song choices for the processional and if there were any other special songs they could learn for us, B&C were completely self-sufficient, which was a huge help for us during the planning process. They arrived early to set up, started playing as guests arrived, and provided beautiful music for our ceremony and cocktail hour. We booked them based on their Soundcloud samples, and they exceeded our expectations on the day. Our guests had so many nice things to say about their performance. My husband and I are so glad we found them, as B&C truly contributed to making our special day so memorable.”
Scarlett & J., 2 years ago
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JessShootMe 
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves Merced, CA

I am a Central Valley-based photographer, but I am always available for travel outside the Central Valley. I focus on portraiture, wedding, and event photography. My mission is to work hard to deliver quality images and give my clients a comfortable, enjoyable experience full of smiles and laughter from the initial contact through the session and even after the final product is delivered.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Jess was beyond amazing and made our day so special. It was incredible how beautiful our pictures turned out and she captured everything I could have ever imagined and beyond. It was actually quite impressive looking through the wedding album after we received it because Jess seemed like she was everywhere all of the time. She captured every moment sometimes with different angles and I am so grateful to be able to relive our wedding day while looking through the photos. I thought I would regret not having a videographer but Jess truly captured everything from start to finish and that the day just comes back to life when I look through all of the photos. As she captured our wedding day she was soooo very patient with my husband and I, our family, and all our friends. Everyone spoke so highly of her after our wedding and really appreciated having a relaxed, caring, funny, kind, and professional photographer. She also helped me while getting ready and truly made it so I could fully enjoy my wedding. I also asked her to shoot my graduation photos and lets just say I don't think I will ever inquire for a different photographer. I am looking forward to continuing to have her capture precious moments in my life for as long as she continues photography. Thank you for being more than I could have ever hoped for and capturing some of the most memorable days in my life and making them so extremely special. You are the best Jess!!! 3”
Dani G., 2 years ago
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Queen Beauty Judy 
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 6
  • Starts at $150
  • Serves Merced, CA
  • Offer

Judy founder Out of gallery Queen beauty has been helping women bring their inner beauty out for many years. It has been her life's passion working with brides and their party making that special day fabulous. She is talented in all fields when it comes to beauty. Glance at all the services she offers as your one stop shop at looking gorgeous.

“I had the pleasure of working with Judy as the makeup artist for a bride at a wedding I photographed. Judy's skill and professionalism were truly remarkable. She created a stunning look that perfectly complemented the bride’s style and the overall theme of the wedding. Her attention to detail and ability to enhance natural beauty made a significant impact on the photos. I highly recommend Judy for her exceptional work and artistry.”
Anita McLeod , 2 years ago
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Desert Born Studios 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,200
  • Serves Merced, CA

Desert Born Studios photographs elopements and intimate weddings for couples in Yosemite and Central California Couples who want something real, wild, and deeply meaningful. Based in the West and fueled by open landscapes, rock-and-roll energy, and honest connection, we document your day as it unfolds dust on your boots, wind in your hair, and all the emotion in between. If you’re ditching tradition and choosing an experience over a production, you’re in the right place.

“Sara photographed our wedding and absolutely nailed it. She was easy to work with, made everyone feel comfortable, and captured the day exactly how we'd hoped, moody and dreamy and perfect. The full gallery looked incredible and came back fast. If you're deciding on a wedding photographer, book her. You won't regret it. Highly recommend!”
John & K., 4 months ago
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Payton Ophelia Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $700
  • Serves Merced, CA

Photography has always been more than just photos to me. It’s freezing the little moments that end up meaning the most years later getting to tell people stories is something I’ll never take for granted. Behind every session is a girl who still gets excited every single time someone trusts her to capture their memories and honestly that feeling never gets old.

“From our first conversation, Payton Ophelia Photography made us feel at ease with her straightforward communication and quick responses to every question we had. On our wedding day, she went above and beyond by stepping in to curl my bridesmaid's hair when we fell behind schedule, then somehow still captured stunning photos in a tight timeframe. Her images are crisp and vibrant, with gorgeous attention to detail in every shot. We honestly felt like we hired both a photographer and a hairstylist rolled into one. Payton's willingness to help with the little things while delivering such clean, polished work made our day feel special and stress-free. We can't recommend her enough.”
Patricia L., 5 months ago
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An Occasion 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
  • Florist
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Merced, CA

With over 38 years in the event industry, Jennifer Valdez brings a lifetime of creativity, expertise, and heartfelt dedication to every celebration she designs. As the owner of An Occasion Events, Jennifer is a seasoned wedding planner, florist, and flower farmer who combines artistry with authenticity. Her floral designs are known for their natural, organic style, using locally grown blooms from her own flower farm and other local growers. At the heart of it all, Jennifer finds joy in transforming visions into lasting memories, crafting celebrations that are as meaningful as they are beautiful.

“Working with Jennifer was so easy! She did a fabulous job with the arrangements and has a great inventory of other decor to rent. The bouquets, arrangements, and tables looked amazing. The day went on without a hitch! Cannot recommend her enough!”
Jenny, a year ago
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University Plaza Waterfront Hotel 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
Stockton, CA
  • Venue
  • Up to 350 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $4,000

Thank you for considering the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel for your special day! We’re thrilled you're exploring our stunning venue. Imagine exchanging vows in our elegant ballroom, overlooking the sparkling waterfront. Our prime location, steps away from Stockton Arena, Banner Island Ballpark, and the Civic Auditorium, offers endless possibilities for pre- and post-wedding festivities. Let us help you create a wedding that reflects your unique style.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Caters to out-of-town guests
  • Pets can join the celebration
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
“Had my wedding here back in November of 2024. I cannot describe the beauty that the entire event held. From the moment my guest walked in the experience began. From the marble flooring throughout the entrance and lobby area to the ball room screams ELEGANCE ! Set up was extremely easy and the people who were there working the floor from the hotel were so helpful in anything my vendors needed. I received feedback almost immediately. The room was very spacious and had more than enough space for my 130 guest to socialize and be present for my special day!”
Marissa, 2 years ago
Natalie Renee Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $6,000
  • Serves Merced, CA

Northern California wedding photographer inspired by real moments between people who love each other and dreamy lighting. There is nothing I love more than capturing emotion and details in all the magical moments. I want to deliver photos filled with emotion, fun, and laughter. I bring lots of love and energy with me to make you feel comfortable so you can have fun in front of the camera. I work to build a true friendship with you to create trust which aids in gorgeous photos.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Natalie understood my vision and ran with it. From the beginning I could tell she was professional, fun, and great at her job. We had a super colorful wedding (groom wore a floral blue suit) and she was just as excited about our plans as we were. She was also open to feedback on editing style (I really wanted high contrast), but honestly both our engagement photos and wedding photos were/ are everything. She worked great with our dog, captured our individual personalitlies and worked great with the group. I wish I could get married again just so we could see what kind of photos she gets from that wedding as well. 10/10 do recommend.”
Sareesha, 3 months ago
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Kevin Layton Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,125
  • Serves Merced, CA

I thoroughly enjoy working with passionate, easy going, and family oriented clients. My clients are more than just clients to me. I truly care about them more then just clients. I consider them o be friends who I am emotionally connected with. I want them to be happy with their product just as much as my customer service. I aim to treat them the way I would want to be treated and going above and beyond to make that happen is what I do. Please don't hire me because I may be less expensive than someone else. Hire me because you like my style and because you know I care about you, We all have to make a living, but money isn't everything.

Awarded Best of Zola
“It was great meeting and working with Kevin. He was professional, communicative and listened to the needs of the client. Hoping to work together in the future!”
Erika Grubb, 6 years ago
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Cakewalk Heirloom Baking Co 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Cakes & desserts
  • Starts at $16
  • Serves Merced, CA

Cakewalk Heirloom Baking Company is a cake, pastry, and culinary maison devoted to the art of intentionally crafted experience. We bring together sculptural cakes, curated culinary expressions of season, and a café inspired by interwoven global experiences and culinary exploration across rich and varied cultures—each shaped through ingredient integrity, precision, and a quiet attention to flavor, balance, and sensory detail. Our work is guided by organically grown ingredients, seasonality, and intentional flavor composition, where culinary craftsmanship becomes a language of experience, form, and expression—beautifully composed and thoughtfully presented.

“We began our wedding planning journey in February and reached out to Cakewalk. Little did we know, they are the whole package. We initially wanted to discuss breakfast catering options, but once we received highly detailed emails from Jennifer about her services we then decided to move forward with planning/catering/floral/furniture/signage/wedding cake/tastings/wine pairings and so much more. Cakewalk provided the perfect nature design/coordination, organic farm to table catering and custom cake design with dessert services for our special day. Jennifer is an absolute gem. She connected with us via phone and email multiple times leading up to the big day to plan a truly amazing wedding day. She asked us for our pinterest board, and she really listened to our ideas and concerns. Her emails were very detailed and consisted of multiple design boards. She was very organized and provided us with a comprehensive planning timeline. Jennifer incorporated two new entrees for our dinner service that were not in their original menu selection. During the tasting, she offered the highest degree of service. She also provided the wine pairings for each dish! Jennifer coordinated with all our vendors. She planned a day of coronation timeline that was perfectly executed and was flexible with any changes. She really has a caring eye for detail and made our dream wedding a reality! Our wedding party was intimate with 20 guests and Jennifer and her team really made everyone feel like royalty. We really don't know how we could have done any of this without her. 100/100 the best day of our lives.”
Kim & F., 2 years ago
GemHidden gem
Shannon Bryn Photo LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $4,000
  • Serves Merced, CA

My name is Shannon Van Groningen, as a California and destination wedding photographer, I specialize in bright, timeless, and true-to-color wedding photography that ensures every detail and emotion is beautifully preserved. From the iconic landscapes of California's Bay Area, South Lake Tahoe, and Southern California to luxurious destinations across the U.S., I’m here to document your love story in a way that feels natural and timeless.

“Shannon took our engagement and wedding photos, and we are absolutely in love with them!! Her ability to capture candid emotions while also giving direction to us while taking photos was awesome. My husband and I always worry about being stiff or awkward in photos, and Shannon did an excellent job at making us comfortable in front of the camera- dare I say it was even fun!! Our pictures turned out gorgeous and I get messages from family members every day telling me how beautiful they are. Thank you SO much Shannon :)”
Emily, a year ago

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