Do I need a permit to serve alcohol at my California wedding?

For private weddings where no alcohol is sold (open bar), you typically don't need an ABC permit. However, if you're charging for drinks or the venue sells alcohol, they need proper licensing. Some venues require a one-day event permit. Always verify with your venue and consider consulting with them about liability.

How much does a wedding bar cost in California?

California wedding bars typically cost $25-50 per person for DIY or $60-100 per person for venue packages. For 150 guests, expect $3,750-7,500 DIY or $9,000-15,000 for full service. Costs are highest in Napa/Sonoma, SF, and LA, lower in Central Valley and inland areas.

Where can I buy bulk wedding alcohol in California?

Top options: BevMo (California-based, 160+ locations, case discounts), Total Wine (25+ CA locations), Costco (great prices, generous returns), and K&L Wine Merchants (premium selection). All offer 10-20% case discounts. Napa/Sonoma wineries often give wedding discounts on case purchases.

What drinks are popular at California weddings?

California weddings lean heavily toward wine (55-65% in wine country). Popular choices include local Napa Cabs, Sonoma Pinots, and rosé. Craft cocktails like Aperol Spritz, Espresso Martini, and margaritas are trending. Craft beer from local breweries is popular, especially in San Diego and the Bay Area.

Should I serve California wines at my wedding?

Absolutely. Serving California wines is expected at most CA weddings. You can source excellent bottles at $15-30 wholesale from Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, or Santa Barbara wineries. Many offer case discounts and wedding packages. It supports local and guests expect quality CA wines.

Can I bring my own alcohol to a California wedding venue?

Many California venues allow BYOB with corkage fees ($15-35/bottle). Winery venues often require you purchase from them. State parks and public venues have restrictions. Barn venues and private estates typically offer the most flexibility. Get policies in writing before booking.

California Wedding Bar Guide 2026: Costs ($25-50/Guest), ABC Laws & Tips

California Wedding Bar: What You Need to Know

California is the nation's wine capital, and weddings here reflect that. Whether you're planning a Napa vineyard celebration, a Malibu beach wedding, a San Francisco rooftop affair, or a desert ceremony in Palm Springs, wine is king—and expectations are high.

California Drinking Preferences

California weddings are distinctly wine-forward compared to the national average:

55%

Wine

Napa Cabs, Sonoma Pinot, local rosé

25%

Spirits

Craft cocktails, spritzes, margaritas

20%

Beer

Craft IPAs, Mexican lagers, local brews

Popular California Wedding Drinks

California wines: Local Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay—almost mandatory
Aperol Spritz: The Instagram cocktail, huge at outdoor weddings
Espresso Martini: Trending hard, especially for evening receptions
Margaritas: Classic choice, especially in SoCal
Craft beer: Local IPAs from Stone, Ballast Point, Lagunitas

California Wedding Bar Costs (2026)

Bar Type	Per Person	150 Guests	Notes
DIY (beer & wine)	$25-35	$3,750-5,250	+ bartender $400-800
DIY (full bar)	$40-50	$6,000-7,500	+ bartender $400-800
Venue package (standard)	$60-80	$9,000-12,000	All-inclusive
Venue package (premium)	$85-100+	$12,750-15,000+	Premium wines included

Cost by Region

Prices vary dramatically across California:

Napa/Sonoma: +30-50% above state average (premium destination)
San Francisco: +20-30% above average (high vendor costs)
Los Angeles: +15-25% above average (varies by neighborhood)
San Diego: On par with state average (competitive market)
Central Valley: -15-25% below average (lower cost of living)
Palm Springs: +10-20% (destination premium)

California ABC Laws: What You Need to Know

Disclaimer

This is general information, not legal advice. Always verify current ABC regulations and consult with your venue for your specific situation.

Private vs. Public Events

Private wedding (no alcohol sold): Generally no ABC permit needed
Cash bar or drink tickets sold: Venue needs proper licensing
Winery venues: Usually licensed but may require you purchase their wine
Public venues (parks, beaches): Often have alcohol restrictions

Liability Considerations

California has social host liability laws—hosts can be liable for damages
Event insurance ($200-400) is highly recommended for larger weddings
Professional bartenders carry their own liability insurance
Many venues require you obtain a one-day event permit

Where to Buy Bulk Alcohol in California

BevMo

• California-based, 160+ locations
• 5 Cent Wine Sale (2nd bottle $0.05)
• Case discounts on everything
• Returns on unopened bottles

Total Wine

• 25+ California locations
• 10-15% case discounts
• Excellent California wine selection
• 30-day returns

Costco

• Membership required for alcohol
• Kirkland wines are excellent value
• Great prices on premium brands
• Generous return policy

Local Wineries

• Direct case discounts (20-40%)
• Wine club member pricing
• Custom labels available
• Support local + impress guests

Sourcing California Wine

Wine Country Sourcing Tips

Best Value Regions:

• Paso Robles: $15-25/bottle wholesale
• Lodi: $10-18/bottle wholesale
• Santa Barbara: $18-30/bottle wholesale

Premium Regions:

• Napa Valley: $30-60/bottle wholesale
• Sonoma: $25-45/bottle wholesale
• Russian River: $25-50/bottle wholesale

Pro tip: Join a winery's club 3-4 months before your wedding to get member pricing and allocation access.

Outdoor Wedding Considerations

California Climate Planning

SoCal (May-October):

• Plan for 85°F+ temperatures
• Extra ice (2 lbs per person)
• Rosé and white wines preferred
• Frozen drink options popular

NorCal (Year-round):

• Microclimates vary wildly
• Fog can cool evenings quickly
• Full bar with reds works well
• Have backup indoor bar station

California Signature Cocktail Ideas

Aperol Spritz

Aperol, prosecco, soda

Instagram-favorite, perfect for golden hour

Espresso Martini

Vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur

Trending cocktail of 2025-2026

Paloma

Tequila, grapefruit, lime

Light, refreshing, SoCal vibes

Calculate Your California Wedding Bar

Get quantities adjusted for California's wine-forward preferences plus regional cost estimates.

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Sample Shopping List: 150 Guests (5 Hours)

California Wedding Bar (Wine-Forward)

Wine (55%)

• 25 bottles Chardonnay (Sonoma)
• 20 bottles Pinot Noir (Russian River)
• 10 bottles Cabernet (Paso Robles)
• 10 bottles Rosé (Provence-style)
• 8 bottles sparkling (toast + sippers)

Spirits (25%)

• 3 bottles vodka (Ketel One)
• 3 bottles tequila (Casamigos)
• 2 bottles bourbon (Maker's Mark)
• 2 bottles gin (Hendrick's)
• 1 bottle rum

Beer (20%)

• 4 cases craft IPA (Lagunitas/Stone)
• 3 cases Mexican lager (Modelo)
• 2 cases light beer

Supplies

• 250 lbs ice
• Citrus: lemons, limes, oranges
• Mixers: tonic, soda, juices
• 2-3 bartenders

Estimated Total$5,500-7,500

Includes alcohol, bartenders, supplies. Excludes venue fees.

California Wedding Bar Guide

Get California-Specific Quantities