California Dreamin’: 10 Factors That Affect the Cost of Your California Wedding
It’s no secret that weddings can be expensive — and when you’re trying to plan the celebration of your dreams, the last thing you want is to be buried in stress or surprise costs. Many couples, especially in California during peak season, find that prices climb quickly and decisions start to feel overwhelming.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. When you understand the key factors that influence your wedding budget, you can make thoughtful choices that help you save money without sacrificing what matters most.
In this guide, we’ll explore the main elements that affect wedding costs in California — from location and season to vendors and décor — and show how all-inclusive venues like Twenty Mile House can make planning simpler, more affordable, and far more enjoyable.
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How Much Does a Wedding Cost in California?
Although the total wedding cost depends on size, location, and how hands-on you want to be, on average, most couples can expect to spend around $33,000 on their wedding, and $36,000 on average in California. Here’s a general breakdown by style:
Elopement or Micro Wedding: Usually, the most affordable type of wedding. Perfect for couples who want an intimate celebration with only their closest friends and family. The cost for 50 guests can be at least $14,500.
Backyard or DIY Wedding: Although it may appear more affordable at first, costs can rise quickly once you factor in rentals, catering, coordination, décor, and setup. Expect a range of $10,000 to $25,000, depending on the scope.
Traditional Venue Wedding: Often gets more expensive than the national average, probably around $45,000 when you’re hiring separate vendors for each service — catering, photography, floral, bakery, and entertainment.
Luxury or All-Inclusive Wedding: Typically, this type of wedding might seem pricier than the other options, but the experience is seamless. Full-service venues handle every major detail, from catering to music, with built-in vendor coordination. And you won't have to worry about unexpected expenses.
For couples dreaming of a mountain getaway, Twenty Mile House offers a luxury all-inclusive experience in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Their eco-estate setting includes trusted local vendors for catering, photography, floral, bakery, and DJ — all in one transparent package. It’s an effortless way to plan a celebration that feels natural, beautiful, and perfectly aligned with your vision.
10 Things To Consider When Determining the Cost of Your California Wedding
#1: Location
Your wedding location plays one of the biggest roles in shaping your budget. In large coastal cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego, prices tend to climb quickly — it’s not unusual for couples to spend around $51,500 or more once venue fees, vendors, and hotel costs are added in. Smaller towns and mountain areas, on the other hand, often offer the same level of beauty at a lower cost and with more breathing room.
Venues in Northern California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, such as Twenty Mile House, give couples a setting that feels exclusive without the city price tag. You’ll find fresh air, open space, and an all-inclusive experience that keeps both planning and spending simple.
#2: Venue
Your venue will likely be the biggest expense of your wedding — often taking up 40% to 50% of your total budget. Popular venues in coastal cities or wine country usually charge higher rates and may require large deposits months in advance.
Choosing an all-inclusive venue like Twenty Mile House can make a huge difference. Their transparent pricing covers catering, floral, photography, bakery, and DJ services — all coordinated by a trusted team familiar with the property. Instead of juggling multiple contracts and surprise fees, couples enjoy a seamless experience where everything is already built into one cohesive, well-managed package.
#3: Guest Count
Many couples are now choosing micro-weddings, with guest lists under 50 people, as a way to create a more personal and budget-friendly celebration. The number of guests you invite has a direct impact on nearly every part of your budget. The average cost per guest is $284, although this might be higher depending on where in California you decide to get married. This means that if you are wondering, “How much does a 100-person wedding cost in California?”, the cost can easily reach $29,000 just in food, drinks, and essentials.
#4: Time of Year
On average, 65% of couples are likely to get married in the summer and fall seasons when the weather is warm and venues book up fast. Because demand is high, prices for spaces and vendors often rise compared to other times of the year.
Choosing an off-season date, like late fall or early spring, can make a noticeable difference in your budget. You’ll still get comfortable weather and beautiful scenery, but with more flexibility and better rates from vendors who aren’t as busy.
#5: Vendor Choices
“How much does a photographer cost in California? How much does a bartender cost for my wedding?” The vendors you choose can make a major difference in your total cost!
In California, prices vary widely depending on experience and demand — top-tier photographers or caterers may charge premium rates, while newer vendors building their portfolios often offer lower prices. The addition of these services can slowly add up to your total budget, for example:
Photography typically costs 10% of your budget.
Music can cost about 8% of your total expenses.
Catering, cake, and drinks are perhaps the most expensive in this category, costing 24% of your total budget.
Floral and decor can cost up to 9% of your total budget.
That’s why many couples prefer an all-inclusive venue like Twenty Mile House, where every essential vendor — from catering to floral and music — is already included. Each vendor is hand-selected and experienced working together, ensuring a seamless event that feels cohesive, stress-free, and beautifully coordinated from start to finish.
#6: Aesthetics and Style Choices
A highly customized design with elaborate floral installations, hanging greenery, custom signage, and specialty rentals can add thousands to your total. In California, décor costs can range anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000+, depending on how detailed and personalized you want your space to feel.
A minimalist or natural-inspired design, on the other hand, can be just as beautiful for much less. Many couples today are leaning toward décor that enhances — rather than hides — their venue’s surroundings.
#7: Attire, Hair, and Makeup
Your wedding look is another area where costs can add up fast. In California, a gown might cost $2,000 on average, with designer options starting at $3,000 and going well past $10,000, while suits or tuxedos usually range from $500 to $2,000. Once you add in shoes, jewelry, and other accessories, the total can climb quickly.
For beauty services, hair and makeup artists typically charge between $150 and $600 per person, depending on their experience and how far they need to travel. Some couples bring in a full glam team for the day, while others keep things more natural and simple — both approaches can look beautiful when the setting speaks for itself.
#8: Planning & Coordination
“How much does a wedding planner cost in California?” In California, planning costs can range from about $2,000 for day-of coordination to $10,000 or more for full-service planning that covers everything from start to finish. The final price usually depends on your guest list, location, and how hands-on you want your planner to be.
At Twenty Mile House, couples don’t need to piece together their own planning team. The venue’s staff coordinates directly with trusted local vendors and manages the details behind the scenes, making it easy to stay organized and enjoy your wedding without extra stress.
#9: Transportation
Transportation costs can add up faster than most couples expect. In California, the price depends on how far people are traveling and what kind of vehicle they rent. A limo or party bus usually runs between $500 and $1,000, while shuttles or hotel transfers can cost another $1,000 to $3,000 if guests need to move between venues.
At Twenty Mile House, everything happens in one place — the ceremony, reception, and even overnight stays. Guests don’t need to drive from one location to another, and couples don’t have to coordinate extra transportation. It keeps the day simple, smooth, and focused on what really matters — being together.
#10: Permits and Unexpected Costs
“How much does a wedding license cost in California?” Prices are between $85 and $91 for the license only.
The cost of permits and fees depends on where your wedding takes place. Getting married in a public park, beach, or forest area in California often requires a permit, which can run between $200 and $2,000 based on the size of your event and what you’re setting up.
Tips for Saving Money on a Wedding in California
Weddings in California don’t have to break the bank — it’s all about knowing where to save and what matters most to you. Here are a few smart ways to keep your celebration beautiful and budget-friendly:
Pick a less popular date or season: Weekday weddings or off-season dates (late fall or early spring) often come with lower rates for venues and vendors.
Consider location: Smaller towns or mountain areas can offer the same breathtaking scenery as big cities for a fraction of the cost.
Prioritize what really matters: Decide early which details mean the most — food, photography, or florals — and allocate your budget accordingly.
Shop around for vendors: Compare quotes and read reviews before booking. Sometimes newer vendors offer great quality at lower prices.
Choose an all-inclusive venue: Places like Twenty Mile House simplify planning by bundling catering, floral, music, and photography into one transparent package. It eliminates surprise fees, reduces stress, and often saves money overall.
With thoughtful choices, you can plan a California wedding that feels luxurious, personal, and completely within your budget.
Twenty Mile House Offers All-Inclusive Packages for Unforgettable Weddings in California
Your wedding should feel effortless, beautiful, and true to you — not stressful or unpredictable. At Twenty Mile House, couples can enjoy a luxury all-inclusive experience that brings every detail together in one place. Their packages include trusted local vendors for catering, floral design, photography, bakery, and DJ services, all hand-selected to work seamlessly as a team.
Set in the Sierra Nevada mountains, the venue offers a naturally stunning backdrop that needs little extra décor, helping couples save without sacrificing style. With on-site accommodations for up to 54 guests, no noise restrictions, and a dedicated coordination team, every moment — from the first look to the last dance — feels perfectly planned.
At Twenty Mile House, an unforgettable California wedding isn’t just a dream — it’s a package already waiting for you.