Los Angeles has some of the best weather and views in all of the U.S., making it feel like wedding season all year round. In fact, according to data from The Wedding Report, over 54,000 weddings were held in Los Angeles last year.
If you’re one of the couples planning to get married in Los Angeles, congratulations!
While planning a wedding and getting a wedding venue in Los Angeles can be expensive, knowing the costs of weddings in advance will help you create a smart budget and avoid surprises.
In this blog, we discuss the average costs of weddings, and in particular, the average cost of wedding in Los Angeles.
How Much Does the Average Wedding Cost in Los Angeles
There’s no denying it: the average wedding cost in Los Angeles is higher than in most other cities across the country.
So, how much do weddings cost in the glamorous land of Hollywood and Beverly Hills?
According to The Knot’s survey, the average cost of a wedding in California, specifically LA, is $48,000. This is $13,000 more than the national average of $35,000! This places LA among the top five most expensive cities for weddings in the U.S., alongside New York, Chicago, Boston, and San Francisco.
Of course, several factors can influence the average costs of weddings, including your choice of venue, number of guests, and wedding entertainment. These variables also affect each other. For example, the number of guests you need to accommodate will drive up the cost of the wedding venue as well. In Los Angeles, most weddings tend to host fewer than 200 guests due to the high cost of wedding venues and other related expenses.
However, don’t let the high average cost of weddings in Los Angeles discourage you from planning a wedding. With strategic planning and budgeting, it is possible to create a memorable experience for everyone.
Wedding Costs to Include in Your Budget
To manage your finances effectively, it’s important to break down the individual costs of weddings. Dividing your budget by the number of invited guests will also help you calculate the wedding reception cost per person — a helpful metric in the event you need to adjust your guest list.
Here are the top costs of weddings in Los Angeles you need to budget for.
Venue Rental
The cost of wedding venue is foremost.
There’s no shortage of beautiful wedding venues in Los Angeles. From traditional choices like churches and banquet halls to unconventional ones like historic buildings and outdoor locations, there are plenty of options.
You’ll typically need to budget for both a ceremony venue and a reception venue, with the latter often being more expensive. This is because the reception usually has more guests, raising the cost of the wedding venue. Choosing the right hall size for your wedding will ensure all your guests are comfortable and you don’t spend more than you have to.
Food and Catering
Feeding your wedding guests will probably be your biggest expense of the wedding. Depending on the type of menu and service you select, food, beverage, and catering costs will probably account for 20% to 35% of your total wedding budget. Still, you can work with your food vendor or caterer to bring down costs. Many of them offer special wedding menu packages that can help you manage your wedding reception cost per person.
There are many catering services in Los Angeles, CA, handling food preparation and service for wedding functions, so choose one that aligns with your budget.
Entertainment
Los Angeles is a vibrant city packed to the brim with performers of every stripe. Most weddings only require a DJ and perhaps an emcee to provide entertainment at the party, which usually costs around $2,000. However, any other type of entertainment you choose, such as dancers or performers, can push up the average wedding cost in Los Angeles.
Photography
Capturing memories is a must for every wedding. Photography and videography often account for about 10% of the total budget, making them an essential part of your average wedding costs.
Decor
The simple act of putting up wedding decorations can transform an ordinary venue into a place to make magical memories with your loved ones. Consult with your wedding planner for upcoming 2025 wedding trends and decide which of these you would like to incorporate into your wedding decor.
You will definitely need flower arrangements, table centerpieces, bouquets, and other decorative elements, which will take up about 7.5% to 9% of your total wedding budget. Ask your planner to help you choose stunning yet cost-effective decor that can elevate your wedding without dramatically increasing the costs of weddings.
Other Wedding Costs
Other expenses that drive up the average costs of weddings are the bridal dress and groom’s tuxedo, printing costs for invitations, hair and makeup costs, guest transportation, and wedding favors. Having clarity on what you are willing to spend in each of these categories before planning the wedding will help you stick to your budget.
Tips to Bring Down the Average Costs of Weddings
Here are some practical tips to manage the average costs of weddings:
- Hire a Wedding Planner: While this is an upfront cost, the wedding planner can help you save lots of money throughout the process. They can get the best deals with food vendors, help you select the right banquet halls in Los Angeles for your reception, and generally free you from the stress of planning a major event.
- Get the Timing Right: Hosting your wedding during the off-season can lower the cost of wedding venues and other services.
- Trim the Guest List: Consider how many people you really need at your wedding. By calculating the wedding reception cost per person, you can make informed decisions about how many guests to invite. A smaller guest list will bring down wedding costs and provide a more intimate and luxurious experience.
Pick Your Wedding Venue in Los Angeles
At Vivaldi Venues, weddings are one of our favorite events to host. We offer a selection of venues suitable for any size of party, as well as full-service catering with venue set up and post-event cleanup included. Contact Vivaldi Venues to make your dream wedding a reality!