How Much Does Wedding Planner Cost in California?
California pricing is above the national average. Updated for 2026.
Wedding Planner Pricing in California
In California, the average cost for wedding planner is $4,725 per wedding, which is 35% higher than the national average of $3,500. Most California residents pay between $2,025 and $10,800.
California has a higher cost of living than most states, which translates to higher labor rates and material costs. Urban areas within California may be even higher.
A wedding planner manages the logistics of your wedding — from vendor selection and budget management to timeline creation and day-of coordination. They save you time, reduce stress, and often negotiate vendor discounts that offset their fee.
California vs National Average
What Affects Wedding Planner Cost in California?
Service Level
Day-of coordination: $800-$2,500. Partial planning: $1,500-$4,000. Full planning: $3,000-$10,000. Luxury full service: $10,000-$30,000+
Pricing Model
Flat fee: most common. Percentage of budget (10-20%): for larger budgets. Hourly: $50-$150/hour (rare)
Location
Small town: $800-$2,000. Suburban: $1,500-$4,000. Major city: $3,000-$10,000. Destination: $5,000-$15,000+
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💡 Tips to Save on Wedding Planner in California
- 1.Day-of coordination ($800-$2,500) gives you professional management on the big day without full planning fees
- 2.Partial planning ($1,500-$4,000) is ideal if you want to handle most decisions but need help with logistics and vendors
- 3.Many planners negotiate vendor discounts of 10-20% — their fee may pay for itself
- 4.Newer planners with fewer weddings under their belt charge 30-50% less than established ones
📈 Wedding Planner in California Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.8% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $4,012 | — |
| 2021 | $4,181 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $4,453 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $4,578 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $4,725 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
💬 What Did You Pay?
Real costs reported by homeowners for Wedding Planner in California
Recent Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a wedding planner worth it?
For most couples, yes. Planners save 40-80+ hours of research and coordination time. Full planners often save 10-20% on vendor costs through industry relationships. They handle problems you never see, keep your timeline on track, and let you actually enjoy your wedding day.
What's the difference between a planner and a coordinator?
A full planner is involved from engagement to wedding day — helping with budgets, vendor selection, design, and logistics. A day-of coordinator takes over 4-8 weeks before the wedding to manage the timeline, final vendor communications, and runs everything on the day itself.
Wedding Planner Cost in Other States
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