The True Cost of a San Francisco Wedding: A 2025 Complete Guide
Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, and few cities rival San Francisco’s charm as a setting for one of life’s most memorable days. With its iconic skyline, historic landmarks, and breathtaking waterfront views, the City by the Bay provides the perfect backdrop for every couple’s dream celebration. Yet, turning that vision into reality in a city known for its allure requires strategic planning and budgeting. From grand hotel ballrooms to intimate garden ceremonies, San Francisco offers endless possibilities for weddings of all styles and sizes. This guide explores the average wedding costs in 2025, equipping you with the knowledge to plan your perfect day while managing expenses with confidence.
Venue & Rentals ($15,000-45,000)
San Francisco's wide array of wedding venues ensures couples can find a location that matches their style and budget. Here are multiple options for each type of venue:
Hotel Ballrooms
Lavish hotel ballrooms are perfect for a formal and luxurious wedding setting, offering top-tier amenities and services:
The Fairmont San Francisco – Known for its grandeur, the Gold Room or Venetian Room make stunning settings, with packages starting at $20,000, including food and beverage minimums.
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco – This five-star venue offers the Ballroom or Terrace Courtyard for $25,000–$35,000, depending on your menu and guest count.
Palace Hotel – A historic gem featuring the iconic Garden Court, one of the city’s most glamorous spaces, available for approximately $30,000.
InterContinental Mark Hopkins – Located on Nob Hill, this hotel offers panoramic city views from its elegant spaces, starting at $22,000.
Historic Venues
Timeless architecture and storied history make these venues unforgettable for couples wanting a classic setting:
James Leary Flood Mansion – An iconic Beaux-Arts masterpiece in Pacific Heights, perfect for elegant ceremonies and receptions, with rental fees starting at $15,000.
The Julia Morgan Ballroom – With its rich wood interiors and timeless ambiance, this financial district venue charges $20,000–$30,000 for a full event.
Bently Reserve – Formerly a Federal Reserve Bank, this Art Deco-inspired venue blends elegance and history, costing $18,000–$28,000 for events.
The Swedish American Hall – A boutique and historic option with event spaces ranging from $15,000 to $20,000 for intimate gatherings.
Outdoor Spaces
Celebrate with breathtaking views and fresh air at one of San Francisco’s stunning outdoor venues:
San Francisco Botanical Garden – Located in Golden Gate Park, rental fees range from $12,000 to $20,000 for picturesque ceremonies amidst lush greenery.
Presidio’s Golden Gate Club – With views of the Golden Gate Bridge and plenty of outdoor space, packages cost $15,000 to $25,000.
Crissy Field – Host a wedding with the Golden Gate Bridge as your backdrop. Pricing starts around $12,000, with additional tent costs ranging from $2,500 to $10,000.
Conservatory of Flowers – A Victorian glasshouse surrounded by manicured gardens, ideal for outdoor receptions, priced at $15,000 to $25,000.
In addition to these venues, don’t forget to factor in costs for tables, chairs, linens, and additional decor. These rentals can add $5,000 to $8,000 to your budget, ensuring every detail matches your vision.
Catering & Beverages ($25,000–$40,000)
Catering is more than just providing food—it’s about creating an unforgettable dining experience that complements your wedding style. In San Francisco, where exceptional cuisine is a hallmark, there are multiple service styles to consider based on your vision and budget.
Buffet Style:
Buffet service is a cost-effective option for large events, with prices ranging from $50 to $120 per person. This style offers a wide variety of food options, allowing guests to serve themselves, but requires catering staff to manage and replenish food stations. The cost for staff is approximately $50 per hour per staff member. You'll need two staff members for every 50 guests to ensure everything runs smoothly.Family-Style Dining:
For a more intimate and communal atmosphere, family-style dining is perfect, with guests sharing dishes at the table. Prices typically range from $100 to $250 per person. This option also requires additional serving staff, priced at $50 per hour. With family-style service, you'll need one staff member for every 15 guests to ensure smooth service and a relaxed dining experience.Seated Plated Dinner:
The seated plated dinner is the most formal and elegant option, often chosen for upscale events. This style typically costs between $200 and $300 per person. It provides a high-end dining experience with staff serving each course. Catering staff is necessary, and with this style, you will need one server for every 10 guests. Their hourly rate is also $50 per hour, ensuring that each course is served precisely as planned.For all of these options, the cost of catering staff, at $50 per hour per staff member, is a key factor to consider in overall pricing, especially as more guests are added to the event.
Top caterers for weddings in San Francisco:
Custom Wedding Cake: Expect to budget between $800 and $1,500 for a tailored creation from one of San Francisco’s premier bakers.
The top 3 wedding cake bakers in San Francisco are:
Additional Dining Considerations
Cocktail Hour & Tray-Passed Appetizers: Adding tray-passed hors d'oeuvres during cocktail hour increases your budget by $15 to $25 per guest.
Beverage Service for Weddings:
A crucial element of any successful wedding reception is ensuring that guests are served drinks that match the celebratory atmosphere. Whether you’re offering an open bar, custom cocktails, or a signature drink, it's important to plan for the necessary resources. Beverage service, including open bars, bartenders, and bar rentals, should be designed to create a fun and seamless experience for both guests and hosts.
Open Bar:
An open bar is often a popular choice for wedding receptions, offering guests a selection of drinks without additional cost per drink. Typically, this can range from $25 to $45 per person, depending on the selection of alcohol and drink types. For a wedding, the open bar usually includes:
Beer: A variety of local and popular beers, along with a few craft or specialty options.
Wine: House wines, including red, white, and sparkling varieties.
Standard Cocktails: Classic cocktails, such as margaritas, gin and tonics, rum and cokes, as well as some signature drinks chosen by the couple (e.g., a custom cocktail that aligns with the wedding theme).
Choosing an open bar at a wedding provides flexibility for guests while helping to simplify budgeting for the couple and the event planner. You can work with a catering team to customize the options, including premium or top-shelf liquors if you’d like to elevate the experience. Additionally, many couples prefer the “limited open bar” concept, offering beer, wine, and one or two specialty cocktails, in order to balance costs.
Bartenders:
Professional bartenders are essential for ensuring smooth service at a wedding reception. In San Francisco, bartenders generally charge $65 per hour, though this rate could vary depending on their experience, the complexity of drink service, or if additional bartenders are needed.
For weddings, at least two bartenders are recommended, especially if the guest list exceeds 100 people. Having more than one bartender helps maintain efficient service, reduce wait times, and avoid bottlenecks at the bar, allowing guests to enjoy their drinks quickly and without hassle. In addition to pouring drinks, bartenders will often handle the flow of traffic at the bar, ensuring that no one is overwhelmed while waiting.
Also, depending on the wedding style (e.g., formal vs. casual), you might want to consider hiring a mixologist to add a unique touch with signature cocktails or a personalized drink menu that represents the couple's tastes.
Bar Rentals:
Weddings often require bar rentals to match the venue's style and the couple’s vision for their reception. Depending on the size of the wedding and the complexity of the setup, bar rentals can range between $800 and $2,500. These rentals can include:
Glassware: High-quality wine glasses, cocktail glasses, champagne flutes, and tumblers.
Mobile Bar Stations: Mobile bars allow bartenders to efficiently serve drinks and can add a modern, stylish look to the wedding. A portable bar can be customized in terms of style, such as rustic wooden setups for barn weddings, or sleek, elegant bars for more upscale events.
Bar Essentials: In addition to the bar, rental packages often include equipment like ice bins, cocktail shakers, and serving trays. These ensure that the staff has everything needed to serve guests efficiently, minimizing interruptions in service.
For larger weddings, or if the venue lacks adequate bar space, you may need to rent multiple stations to keep service flowing. Smaller or more intimate weddings might require just a single bar setup, which may be simpler and cost-effective.
Additional Considerations for Wedding Beverage Service:
Signature Cocktails:
Weddings are the perfect occasion to introduce a fun and personal touch through signature cocktails that reflect the couple’s tastes. These could be inspired by the wedding location, the season, or any meaningful ingredients for the couple. Signature cocktails often require an additional bartender to ensure preparation runs smoothly.Beer and Wine Service Only:
For a more straightforward, cost-effective option, some couples opt to limit the drink offerings to just beer and wine. This reduces overall beverage service costs, while still providing a variety of options for guests. Bartenders will only serve beer, wine, and potentially a couple of premade cocktails or punch.Corkage Fees:
If you're planning to provide your own wine or liquor for the event, make sure to inquire about corkage fees with your venue. Some venues charge a corkage fee for each bottle of wine or champagne that you bring, which typically ranges from $10 to $30 per bottle.Drink Stations or Themed Bars:
A creative approach for weddings is having specialty drink stations, such as a champagne bar, margarita stand, or whiskey tasting area. These stations are a hit among guests and serve as both beverage service and entertainment, giving guests something fun to engage with. Themed bars can also fit with your wedding theme—whether you’re serving seasonal cocktails, offering custom-created beverages, or organizing a “mobile bar” experience.Bartender Tipping:
At many events, including weddings, the tip for bartenders is expected and should be factored into the overall event budget. Typically, tips range from 15% to 20% of the overall beverage cost, though the couple might also opt to include a fixed gratuity as part of the service contract.
Cleaning Crew:
While the wedding itself may be the main focus, it's essential not to overlook the importance of post-wedding cleanup. A clean venue is essential not just for leaving a good impression on guests, but also to avoid penalties or extra charges imposed by the venue for failure to meet cleanliness standards. Cleaning services typically cost between $38 and $44 per hour per staff member, but the final price can vary depending on the size of the event and the level of cleaning required.
Why You Need a Dedicated Cleaning Crew:
Even though some caterers and venues may include cleanup as part of their service, this is not always guaranteed. It's important to clarify whether post-event cleaning is included in the overall package or if it will require additional arrangements. A dedicated cleaning crew ensures that your venue is left spotless, which can be especially crucial for venues with strict requirements for trash disposal, furniture organization, or deep-cleaning needs after large events.
The cleaning crew is responsible for a wide range of tasks, including:
Trash Removal: Collecting and disposing of food, drink, and other waste to prevent odors and stains.
Table and Chair Cleanup: Wiping down tables and chairs, including any leftover food or drink spills.
Floor Sweeping and Mopping: Ensuring the floors are clear of food debris, beverage stains, or anything that could cause slipping.
Restroom Maintenance: Replenishing supplies like toilet paper, soap, and paper towels, as well as ensuring cleanliness in the restrooms.
Trash Receptacle Setup: After the event, trash bags must be collected, and often these large venues will require additional bins to be provided for ease of disposal.
Re-setting and Organizing the Space: Depending on the venue, cleaning staff may be tasked with resetting chairs and tables in a specific layout or restoring the space to its original condition before event guests arrive.
When to Hire a Cleaning Crew:
If the venue or caterer doesn't handle post-event cleaning, or if you're expecting a large volume of trash or mess (e.g., after a wedding or a concert), it’s crucial to hire an experienced cleaning crew. Having dedicated staff focused solely on cleaning the venue during and after the event will relieve your team from unnecessary tasks and ensure the venue’s cleanliness standards are met.
How Many Staff Members You Need:
The size of the event will determine how many cleaning staff members you'll require. For smaller gatherings, you may only need one or two staff members, while larger events may require an entire team to handle everything effectively. As a rough guideline, you may want to consider:
Small to Mid-sized Events (up to 100 people): 1-2 staff members should suffice.
Large Events (100+ people): You might require 4-6 cleaning staff members, especially if you're dealing with multiple areas or a more complex cleanup process.
Top Cleaning Crew Services in San Francisco:
Gratuities and Hidden Costs
Remember to factor in gratuities, which can add 18–22% to your catering total. To avoid surprises, always request an all-inclusive quote covering food, beverages, rentals, staffing, and cleanup.
By tailoring your catering and beverage choices to your preferences and guest experience, you can craft a dining experience that balances indulgence and practicality for your big day.
Wedding Attire ($5,000 - $12,000)
Fashion is an integral part of any wedding celebration, setting the tone for the entire day. From the moment the couple steps into the venue until the last dance, the wedding attire speaks volumes about their personalities and the overall aesthetic of the event. While fashion can be one of the higher expenses, it's often considered one of the most memorable aspects of a wedding. Here’s what to expect for costs related to wedding attire:
Wedding Dress:
A wedding dress is often seen as the centerpiece of the bride's overall look, and it’s important to choose one that reflects personal style while also fitting the venue and theme. Expect to spend anywhere from $2,500 to $7,000 at high-end bridal boutiques for a beautiful designer gown.
Top Designers: Bridal dresses from names like Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, or Marchesa can easily cost $6,000-$7,000 or more. These dresses usually feature intricate detailing such as lace, beading, or embroidery, adding to their cost.
Popular Boutiques: Many brides will opt for renowned boutiques with a reputation for craftsmanship and quality. The price here usually falls within the $3,500 to $5,000 range for a designer or custom-made dress, including quality fabrics, elegant silhouettes, and fashionable touches.
Trends & Materials: Trends such as silk satin, luxurious lace, and intricate beading are common in high-end wedding dresses, contributing to their overall price. Consider when the gown’s materials and design align with your personal vision, as high fashion trends can sometimes have a premium price.
Alterations:
Even the most beautiful gown may need alterations for a perfect fit. Custom alterations are an essential part of making a wedding dress feel as though it was designed specifically for the bride. Expect to budget $500 to $1,000 for alterations.
Basic Alterations: Adjustments to the length, fit, or sleeve styling can often be done for $200 to $400, depending on the complexity of the modifications.
Custom Fit: More intricate alterations, such as adding custom details or complex tailoring, might bring the total closer to $800 to $1,000.
These alterations ensure that the bride’s dress fits flawlessly and provides confidence when walking down the aisle.
Groom’s Attire:
While the bride's dress typically takes center stage, the groom’s attire is just as important for creating a cohesive look. A designer tuxedo or suit generally falls in the $800 to $2,000 range. Custom-designed tuxedos, often tailored to perfection and crafted from premium fabrics, can come at a higher cost.
Tuxedo Rentals: Many grooms may opt for rentals, which range from $200 to $400 for high-quality options. However, purchasing an outfit ensures that the groom has it for future events or even family keepsakes.
Custom Suits/Tuxedos: For a more personalized fit, a custom-made tuxedo or designer suit from names like Tom Ford or Hugo Boss is an option, adding to the price tag. Tailors will adjust the suit according to exact measurements, ensuring the groom feels as great as he looks.
Wedding Party Attire:
Outfitting bridesmaids and groomsmen is another crucial cost to consider when budgeting for wedding attire. Coordinating outfits, often in complementary colors or themes, can add up. The total expense for attire for both bridesmaids and groomsmen typically ranges from $1,200 to $2,000.
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bridesmaid dresses come in various styles and price ranges. Expect to spend $100 to $300 per dress, though luxury designs may cost $500 or more per piece.
Groomsmen Suits/Tuxedos: For groomsmen, suits or tuxedos generally cost between $100 to $300 if rented. If a groom chooses to purchase tuxedos for their bridal party, the price could rise depending on whether it’s a custom-tailored suit or a designer option.
Alterations: Like the bride’s dress, bridesmaid dresses and suits for the groomsmen will likely require some tailoring to ensure a good fit. Expect to spend around $50 to $150 per person for those alterations.
For those looking for cost-effective alternatives, renting wedding attire or purchasing pre-loved items from trusted vendors can help reduce this overall expense. Websites like Nearly Newlywed or local bridal shops offering "pre-owned" wedding gowns allow couples to find premium styles at a fraction of the original price.
Photography & Videography ($6,000 - $12,000)
The memories from your wedding day last a lifetime, and investing in high-quality photography and videography is a way to preserve the essence of those moments. From the emotional first look to the magical first dance, these services capture not only the moments you’ll cherish but also the story of your big day. Here’s what to expect in terms of pricing for wedding photography and videography:
Photography:
A professional photographer helps immortalize the most special moments of your wedding, from getting ready to the last song played on the dance floor. In the Bay Area, expert photographers can charge anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000 for a full-day wedding package, typically covering 8 to 10 hours.
Full Wedding Coverage: Wedding photographers will often provide full-day coverage, including engagement photos, bridal portraits, and ceremony shots. High-end photographers will curate albums with their style of editorial photos, candid moments, and detailed shots of important wedding elements like rings, flowers, or decor.
Additional Services: Some packages may include extras, such as additional photographers for larger weddings, second-shooter teams, or aerial drone shots for breathtaking aerial views of your ceremony. This can push the total cost closer to $8,000 or higher.
Specialized Styles: Photographers can have varying styles, from photojournalistic to fine art to traditional portraiture. Booking the right photographer who aligns with your aesthetic can enhance your wedding experience, whether you're aiming for timeless photos or contemporary portraits.
Top 3 wedding photographers in San Francisco:
Videography:
Videography allows couples to relive the sights and sounds of their day, from vows exchanged to the party that followed. Videographers in the Bay Area typically charge between $2,000 and $4,000 for wedding coverage.
Full-Day Videography: Videographers offer full-day wedding coverage that typically includes both the ceremony and reception. These services will often be bundled with additional products like an edited highlight video, a documentary-style film, or a full-length wedding film.
Cinematographic Wedding Films: For a more cinematic approach, couples might hire videographers who specialize in creating a high-production-value video that feels more like a professional movie. These options tend to start at the higher end of the videography price spectrum.
Additional Fees: For large weddings, you might require a second videographer to ensure multiple angles are captured. Drone footage, on-location video booths, and other modern video techniques can also come with extra costs.
Engagement Photos:
It’s becoming increasingly popular for couples to book professional engagement photo sessions ahead of the wedding. Expect to pay around $500 to $1,000 for a well-curated engagement session that might include personalized locations or props to make the shoot memorable. Some photographers even offer discounted packages when booked with their wedding packages.
Choosing Your Photographers and Videographers:
When choosing wedding photographers and videographers, select someone whose style aligns with your overall vision for the day. Be sure to review a photographer’s portfolio, check reviews, and ask about experience with weddings similar to your own (i.e., same venue or type of ceremony). It’s also important to connect with videographers to get a feel for their style—whether documentary, cinematic, or another form—before making a choice.
By investing in high-quality wedding attire and photography/videography, couples can ensure their day is beautifully captured and elegantly presented. Whether it’s the gown that takes center stage or the pictures and video that help re-live your wedding in the years ahead, these elements will become lasting symbols of your unforgettable day.
Flowers & Décor ($8,000-15,000)
San Francisco’s natural beauty sets the stage for stunning décor. Complement it with:
Ceremony Flowers: Budget $2,000 to $4,000 for lavish floral arrangements.
Reception Centerpieces: Elegant centerpieces often cost $3,000 to $6,000.
Personal Flowers: Bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages typically range from $1,500 to $3,000.
Additional Décor: Enhancements like uplighting or specialty installations cost $1,500 to $2,000.
Reusing flowers from the ceremony for the reception is an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice.
Top 3 wedding florists in San Francisco:
Entertainment ($4,000-10,000)
Music and entertainment set the mood for any celebration. A professional DJ typically costs $2,500 to $4,000, while live bands range from $6,000 to $10,000. Ceremony musicians, such as a violinist or harpist, charge $500 to $1,500. Confirm what equipment is included to avoid rental costs.
Wedding Planning & Coordination ($6,000-15,000)
An experienced wedding planner can make a significant difference in managing the details:
Full-Service Planning: Comprehensive planning services cost $10,000 to $15,000.
Month-Of Coordination: Ideal for ensuring a smooth final stretch, priced at $2,500 to $4,000.
Day-Of Coordination: Helps your big day run seamlessly, costing $1,500 to $2,500.
Planners often negotiate deals with trusted vendors, which may offset their fee.
Additional Elements ($5,000-10,000)
Miscellaneous expenses to consider include:
Invitations & Stationery: $800-$2,000
Transportation for guests and wedding party: $1,000-$3,000
Wedding Rings: $2,000-$4,000
Hair & Makeup: $600-$1,200
Wedding Favors: $600-$1,500
Marriage License: $104
Electronic invitations can reduce stationery costs and environmental impact.
Planning Tips
To manage costs effectively, consider these tips:
Best Months for Savings: January, February, or November offer reduced venue rates.
Ways to Save: Opt for smaller guest lists, buffet-style meals, or weekday weddings.
Hidden Costs: Include vendor travel fees, cake-cutting charges, and parking in your budget.
What’s Worth Splurging On: Photography and catering are critical investments that significantly impact the overall experience.
Vendor Negotiations: Look for discounts on bundled services or off-peak bookings.
Conclusion
Planning a San Francisco wedding in 2025 requires careful budgeting and prioritization. The average total cost ranges from $74,000 to $159,000, varying based on choices and guest count. By working with experienced vendors and starting early, you can lock in the best rates and ensure a celebration that reflects your unique love story.
Focus on the elements that matter most to you and your partner to create a memorable and personalized wedding day. Remember, the celebration is about more than just the event—it’s a testament to your love and commitment for years to come.
