TL;DR: A typical wedding in Burbank, CA runs $42,000 to $68,000 for 100 guests, with most couples landing around $52,000. Venue and catering eat roughly 55% of that, driven by LA County labor costs, a 10.25% sales tax on F&B, and limited mid-size venue inventory near the Media District.
H1: Average Wedding Cost in Burbank, CA
Burbank sits inside the greater Los Angeles wedding market, which means you're paying LA-adjacent prices without quite the Beverly Hills premium. Costs here track closer to Pasadena and Glendale than to Malibu or Downtown LA. The biggest swing factors are guest count, day of week, and whether you book an all-inclusive venue versus piecing vendors together yourself.
Useful summary
For a 100-guest Saturday wedding in Burbank, expect:
- Low end (DIY-leaning, weekday or off-season): $28,000 – $38,000
- Median (standard Saturday, mid-tier vendors): $48,000 – $58,000
- High end (premium venue, full florals, live band): $75,000 – $120,000+
If you're considering a smaller wedding, a 50-guest event in Burbank typically runs $22,000 – $34,000. A 150-guest event pushes $60,000 – $90,000. Per-guest costs in this market average $320 – $480 all-in.
Variable data table
Typical category breakdown for a $52,000 Burbank wedding (100 guests):
| Category | Typical Range | % of Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Venue (rental + fees) | $8,000 – $18,000 | 22% |
| Catering & bar | $14,000 – $22,000 | 33% |
| Photography | $4,500 – $8,500 | 11% |
| Videography | $3,000 – $6,500 | 7% |
| Florals & decor | $4,000 – $9,000 | 10% |
| Music (DJ or band) | $1,800 – $7,500 | 6% |
| Attire (both partners) | $2,500 – $6,000 | 6% |
| Stationery & signage | $600 – $1,500 | 2% |
| Hair & makeup | $800 – $2,200 | 2% |
| Officiant, license, fees | $400 – $1,200 | 1% |
Add 8–12% on top for tips, vendor meals, and the line items you forgot (transportation, marriage license, day-of coordinator gratuities, late-night snack station).
Local context
A few Burbank-specific factors that move the number:
- Sales tax on food and beverage is 10.25% in Burbank, and most catering contracts add a 20–24% service charge on top. On a $15,000 catering bill, that's roughly $4,500 in tax and service alone.
- Popular venue types here include estate-style spaces in the Rancho and Magnolia Park neighborhoods, modern event spaces near the Media District and Downtown Burbank, and outdoor venues at Stough Canyon and Wildwood Canyon. Castaway, Lakeside Golf Club, and several boutique hotel ballrooms are common picks.
- Climate is forgiving — Burbank averages 285+ sunny days a year — so outdoor and tented receptions are realistic from April through October. July and August can hit 95°F+, which means budgeting $1,500 – $4,000 for tent fans, misters, or cocktail-hour shade.
- Parking is a real line item. Many Burbank venues require valet ($15–$25/car) or shuttle coordination, especially near the studios.
- Friday and Sunday weddings typically save 15–25% on venue rental versus Saturday. Off-season (December – February, excluding NYE) can shave another 10–15%.
- Vendor travel fees are usually waived for Burbank since most LA-based vendors consider it in-zone, which is a small but real advantage over Malibu or Palm Springs weddings.
Internal links
If you're early in budgeting, start with the Wedding Budget Guide to set category targets before you talk to any vendors. For broader planning context — timeline, vendor order of operations, and contracts — see the full Wedding Guide.
Comparing markets? Burbank runs higher than most Texas cities. See Houston wedding costs, Dallas wedding costs, and Austin wedding costs for side-by-side ranges.
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FAQ
Is Burbank cheaper than getting married in Los Angeles?
Modestly, yes. Burbank venues typically run 10–20% less than comparable West LA or Downtown LA spaces, and vendor travel fees are rarely added. You're still paying LA County labor and tax rates, so don't expect Inland Empire pricing.
What's the cheapest realistic Burbank wedding?
A 30–40 guest weekday wedding at a restaurant buyout or small event space can come in around $8,000 – $14,000 all-in. That assumes a short ceremony, plated dinner, beer and wine only, a DJ playlist, and a single photographer for 4 hours.
How much should I budget per guest?
Plan on $320 – $480 per guest for a standard Burbank reception. Per-guest costs drop slightly as guest count rises (fixed costs like photography and florals spread further) and rise sharply if you add open bar with premium liquor or a plated multi-course meal.
When should I book my Burbank venue?
Most in-demand Burbank venues book 10–14 months ahead for Saturday dates in peak season (May, June, September, October). For Friday or Sunday dates, 6–9 months is usually workable.
Do I need a wedding planner in Burbank?
Day-of coordination ($1,800 – $3,500) is strongly recommended — most venues require it. Full-service planning runs $6,000 – $15,000+ and makes sense if you're hosting 120+ guests, using a raw-space venue, or working a demanding job.
What's the marriage license cost in Burbank?
A Los Angeles County marriage license is $91 (public) or $85 (confidential), issued same-day at the LA County Registrar. Burbank doesn't issue its own — you'll go to Norwalk, Beverly Hills, or another county office.
How much should I tip vendors in Burbank?
Standard practice: 15–20% on hair/makeup, $50–$200 per musician/DJ, $50–$150 per photographer/videographer, $25–$50 per catering staff member, and 15–20% on delivery drivers. If service charges are already on the contract, ask whether they go to staff before tipping again.
Sources
- The Knot 2024 Real Weddings Study
- WeddingWire Cost Guide (Los Angeles Metro)
- Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
- California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (Burbank rate)
Related
- Complete Wedding Planning Guide
- Wedding Budget Guide
- Houston, TX Wedding Cost
- Dallas, TX Wedding Cost
- Austin, TX Wedding Cost
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