Average Wedding Cost in California
Napa wineries, Big Sur cliffs, and Palm Springs estates — California has every wedding venue style under the sun.
California weddings run 40% above the national median ($36,000 national median).
Category breakdown
| Category | Share | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Venue | 15% | $7,560 |
| Catering | 22% | $11,088 |
| Bar & beverages | 6% | $3,024 |
| Photography | 10% | $5,040 |
| Videography | 6% | $3,024 |
| Attire | 8% | $4,032 |
| Flowers & decor | 8% | $4,032 |
| Music / DJ / band | 7% | $3,528 |
| Cake & desserts | 2% | $1,008 |
| Stationery | 2% | $1,008 |
| Rings | 3% | $1,512 |
| Hair & makeup | 2% | $1,008 |
| Transportation | 2% | $1,008 |
| Buffer / day-of misc. | 7% | $3,528 |
| Total | 100% | $50,400 |
Source: 2026 Plan The Aisle wedding-budget medians, adjusted for California vendor pricing. Engagement ring and honeymoon excluded.
Frequently asked
What is the average wedding cost in California?
The median wedding in California costs about $50,400 for 115 guests in 2026 — 40% above the national median. Venue and catering together usually make up 43% of that total.
How much should I budget per guest for a California wedding?
Plan for about $438 per guest in California. Per-guest cost is the most reliable way to estimate a wedding budget — multiply it by your guest count for a working number.
What is the most expensive part of a California wedding?
Catering ($11,088) and venue ($7,560) are the two largest line items, together about 37% of the total California wedding budget.
How can I lower my wedding cost in California?
The biggest savings come from a Friday/Sunday date (10-20% off venue), an off-peak month (January-March or November can drop 25-40%), and a guest list under 100. Picking an all-inclusive venue also trims line-item planning costs.