Top 5 Wedding Planners in California
-
Content Marketing Manager -
Editor & Publisher
- February 25, 2026
- 19 min read
- Events
Source: Peerspace
California is the Golden State for a reason. It offers a staggering variety of backdrops for couples ready to tie the knot. The rugged cliffs of Big Sur, the sun-drenched vineyards of Napa and Sonoma, the glamour of Hollywood, and the pristine deserts of Joshua Tree create a destination that feels like several different worlds wrapped into one. The state hosts thousands of weddings annually, ranging from intimate elopements on the coast to massive, multi-day luxury affairs in city centers.
With such geographic diversity comes logistical complexity. Planning a wedding in San Francisco requires a completely different skillset than coordinating a desert wedding in Palm Springs. Traffic patterns, microclimates, and local regulations vary wildly from one county to the next.
This is where the value of a top-tier wedding planner becomes undeniable. The best California wedding planners navigate the unique challenges of the state’s vast geography to ensure your vision comes to life without the stress.
We’ve curated this list of exceptional planners who understand how to utilize California’s unique environments to create extraordinary moments. They’re the experts who handle the permits, the timelines, and the design, allowing you to focus entirely on celebrating.
How we curate our list
Finding the right professional to trust with your wedding day is a significant decision. We’ve developed a rigorous selection process to ensure that every company on this list represents the best of California’s event industry.
Our selection criteria include:
- Client reviews across multiple platforms: We analyze feedback from real couples on platforms like The Knot, WeddingWire, and Google to ensure consistent satisfaction regarding communication, budget management, and execution.
- Industry recognition and awards: We look for planners who have been acknowledged by their peers and leading publications for their design and logistical capabilities.
- Professional credentials and associations: We value planners who maintain active memberships in professional organizations, indicating a commitment to industry standards and ongoing education.
Best wedding planners in California
1. Master Plans Events & Designs
Company name and founder/lead planner: Master Plans Events & Designs / Yingka Chou
Yingka Chou established Master Plans Events & Designs with a vision to bring structure and artistry to wedding planning. With a background emphasizing meticulous attention to detail, she has built a reputation for handling high-pressure events with grace and precision. Her team is known for managing complex logistics while maintaining a warm, client-focused approach, particularly excelling at navigating diverse cultural ceremonies and honoring traditions within modern event frameworks.
Specialty/niche: Master Plans Events & Designs specializes in full-service planning and design for couples envisioning elaborate, high-touch celebrations. They’re renowned for managing large-scale weddings requiring complex logistical coordination, with deep understanding of cultural traditions making them a go-to choice for couples incorporating heritage ceremonies into modern California settings.
Notable projects or signature style: Their signature style is defined by grandeur and precision. Their portfolio showcases ballrooms transformed with floor-to-ceiling floral installations, custom lighting schemes, and reception layouts designed for hundreds of guests. They excel at creating “room reveals” that leave guests breathless, utilizing draping, specialty rentals, and bespoke furniture to completely alter venue architecture. Whether it’s a luxury hotel in Orange County or a private estate in Los Angeles, their approach is polished, glamorous, and timeless.
Pricing: Wedding day direction begins at $5,000. Their basic full-service package starts at $12,000. For the premier full-service package, there’s a minimum base of $22,000 plus 12% of the entire wedding budget. For weddings over $250k, the percentage increases to 18%. They also offer various add-on services. Reach out through their website for a custom quote.
Why we love them: We love Master Plans Events & Designs because they combine the eye of a designer with the brain of a logistician. Yingka Chou and her team bring invaluable calmness to high-stakes planning. They don’t just plan weddings—they engineer experiences. Their ability to handle large guest counts without sacrificing intimacy or detail is impressive, making them unmatched for weddings with many moving parts or specific cultural requirements. Clients consistently praise the team’s efficiency, with reviews describing them as the “best planners” who make the process stress-free and enjoyable.
Connect with them: Follow Master Plans Events & Designs on Instagram for a peek into their creative process.
2. Love Within the Details
Company name and founder/lead planner: Love Within the Details / Sandra Gadow
Sandra Gadow founded Love Within the Details with a clear mission: to bring transparency and organization to the wedding planning process. Her background reflects a deep commitment to client advocacy, ensuring couples feel supported rather than overwhelmed. Sandra specializes in month-of coordination and partial planning for couples who have a vision but need professional execution, as well as full-service planning for busy professionals who need a trusted partner to handle every aspect.
Specialty/niche: Love Within the Details focuses on creating romantic, personalized weddings that feel authentically true to the couple. Sandra’s niche is centered on stress reduction, ensuring the journey to the altar is as enjoyable as the day itself. She works exceptionally well with couples who want to be involved in the creative process but need an expert to manage timelines and vendor coordination, providing peace of mind through professional handling of logistics.
Notable projects or signature style: Sandra’s signature style is soft, elegant, and light-filled. Her events often feature organic floral arrangements, pastel color palettes, and al fresco dining settings that take full advantage of California’s natural beauty. Her portfolio includes beautiful winery weddings and coastal ceremonies where design complements rather than competes with surroundings. She excels at curating tablescapes that feel inviting and warm, incorporating chiffon runners, candlelight, and personalized favors that make guests feel honored.
Pricing: Love Within the Details offers a hybrid payment structure—a flat fee paired with percentage-based pricing. Reach out via their website for a custom quote and to learn more about their packages.
Why we love them: We love Sandra’s genuine passion for organization and her advocate-first mentality. Love Within the Details stands out for its emphasis on communication—Sandra is known for being accessible and reassuring, exactly what you need when navigating a California wedding’s complexities. Her aesthetic is timeless and romantic, perfect for couples wanting photos that look beautiful decades from now. Customer reviews highlight Sandra’s ability to execute a vision perfectly, with guests often raving about the specific details and flow of the event.
Connect with them: Follow Love Within the Details on Instagram for a peek into their creative process.
3. Something Blue Productions
Company name and founder/lead planner: Something Blue Productions / AnneMarie Austin
AnneMarie Austin founded Something Blue Productions with a producer’s mindset, focusing on seamless flow and timing of events. Her background in event production gives her a unique edge, allowing her to manage technical and logistical aspects with ease. She views every wedding as a live production where lighting, sound, catering, and entertainment must synchronize perfectly. Her team is dedicated to creating a stress-free environment for couples, ensuring flawless execution.
Specialty/niche: Something Blue Productions specializes in seamless event production. Their niche lies in executing events requiring tight coordination between multiple vendors, making them an excellent fit for couples who view their wedding as a complex production. They excel at managing “invisible” logistics—power distribution for bands, load-in schedules for rentals, and guest transportation—that make or break an event.
Notable projects or signature style: The style at Something Blue Productions is versatile and client-focused, always underpinned by rigorous organization. Their projects range from rustic chic barn weddings to modern industrial celebrations. You’ll find examples of creative problem-solving, such as transforming raw spaces into fully functioning venues. Whether it’s a grand ballroom reception or an intimate garden ceremony, the event flow is always seamless, ensuring party energy never dips and guests stay entertained.
Pricing: Partial planning starts at $9,000. Signature planning starts at $13,000. Full planning starts at $18,000. Get in touch with them directly for a custom quote based on your vision.
Why we love them: We love Something Blue Productions because AnneMarie Austin understands that a wedding is a live event needing a strong director. There’s a sense of security that comes with hiring a team prioritizing production value and logistics. They allow you to be a guest at your own wedding because you know they’ve anticipated every contingency. Their ability to manage technical aspects while keeping the atmosphere fun is a rare skill. Testimonials frequently mention AnneMarie’s infectious positive energy and the team’s incredible professionalism and responsiveness.
Connect with them: Follow Something Blue Productions on Instagram for a peek into their creative process.
4. A Sparkling Event
Company name and founder/lead planner: A Sparkling Event / Mandi Nack
Mandi Nack established A Sparkling Event to bring joy and vibrancy to the wedding planning process. As a boutique planning firm, she focuses on creating personal connections with clients, guiding them through venue and vendor selection that matches a fun, celebratory vibe. Mandi specializes in destination weddings within California, particularly in the scenic Monterey and Carmel regions. Her approach is supportive and energetic, making her ideal for couples wanting a planner who feels like a friend.
Specialty/niche: A Sparkling Event is known for creating “sparkling” moments—celebrations that feel vibrant, happy, and full of life. Mandi’s niche is destination weddings in Monterey and Carmel, where she leverages extensive local knowledge to secure the best venues and vendors. She works well with couples wanting weddings that are both elegant and incredibly fun, often incorporating playful elements encouraging guest interaction.
Notable projects or signature style: Mandi’s style is colorful, coastal, and crisp. Her events lean into the natural elegance of the California coast, utilizing blues, greens, and bright floral pops. She has extensive experience with golf course venues, oceanfront resorts, and private estates. Her projects often feature unique entertainment options, interactive food stations, and creative photo backdrops. She designs layouts encouraging mingling and dancing, with careful attention to lighting—from market lights to chandeliers—creating magical ambiance as the sun goes down.
Pricing: Pricing depends on your guest count and desired level of planning support. Get in touch via their website for a consultation and custom quote.
Why we love them: We love the infectious enthusiasm Mandi Nack brings to A Sparkling Event. Planning a wedding can be stressful, and having a planner maintaining a positive, “can-do” attitude makes a massive difference. Her deep local knowledge of Monterey and Carmel is a huge asset—she knows hidden gems and best local vendors, ensuring a smooth planning process and stunning final result. Couples describe Mandi as “worth every single penny,” noting her insane work ethic and ability to stay on top of every single detail.
Connect with them: Follow A Sparkling Event on Instagram for a peek into their creative process.
5. Kate Ford Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Kate Ford Events / Kate Ford
Kate Ford established her eponymous planning company with a focus on high-end, design-forward experiences. Her background merges interior design and event production, allowing her to create weddings that are visually stunning and logistically sound. Kate specializes in “residential style” weddings—events that feel as comfortable and curated as a dinner party in a luxury home, but on a grand scale. She’s ideal for couples who care deeply about aesthetics and creating a cohesive visual brand.
Specialty/niche: Kate Ford Events is known for creating sophisticated, high-end experiences at the intersection of interior design and event production. She excels at transforming unconventional spaces into luxury environments, ensuring every visual touchpoint tells part of the couple’s story. Whether it’s a tented affair on a private estate or a modern gallery wedding, her work is defined by elegance and attention to detail.
Notable projects or signature style: The signature style of Kate Ford Events is modern, chic, and texturally rich. Kate approaches venues like blank canvases, layering furniture, linens, and florals to create mood. Her work features unexpected color combinations and architectural floral installations. Her portfolio includes stunning tented weddings where the tent itself becomes a design feature. She’s known for tablescapes mixing vintage vessels with modern flatware, and lighting that’s always moody and flattering, designed to evolve as the party progresses.
Pricing: Investments depend on your desired level of support. Contact them through their website or via email to set up a discovery call.
Why we love them: We love Kate Ford Events for their uncompromising commitment to design. Kate views weddings as art installations you can inhabit. If you have a specific aesthetic vision—or need someone to build one—her creative direction is transformative. She balances artistic flair with solid logistical planning, ensuring events function as beautifully as they look. Clients describe Kate as an “amazing listener” with an excellent design eye, consistently delivering events that are undeniably beautiful.
Connect with them: Follow Kate Ford Events on Instagram for a peek into their creative process.
Finding the right California planner
Choosing a planner in California can be overwhelming simply because there’s so much talent to choose from. However, the state’s size and variety mean you need to vet candidates carefully to ensure they fit your specific needs. Here’s how to narrow down your options.
1. Test their knowledge of regional logistics
California is massive, and a planner who knows San Diego might be lost in Napa Valley. Don’t just ask if they work in your chosen city—test their specific local knowledge. Ask specific questions:
- “What is the parking situation like at venues in [Neighborhood/Area] on weekends?”
- “How do microclimates in [City] affect outdoor timeline planning in [Month]?”
- “Which local noise ordinances do we need to be aware of for an outdoor reception?”
A planner with real local experience will answer immediately or offer specific examples of how they’ve handled these issues before. If you’re booking a venue in a dense area like downtown Los Angeles or San Francisco, ask them to walk you through load-in logistics. Their answer reveals whether they’ve actually managed events in that specific environment or are just listing the city on their website.
2. Evaluate their vendor network depth
The wedding boom in California means top vendors book up fast. You need a planner with a deep contact list. Ask: “Which florists and rental companies do you work with regularly, and why?”
Strong planners will name three to five vendors per category and explain the relationship. For example, “We work with [Vendor X] because they have the largest inventory of mid-century furniture in the Bay Area.” Then ask: “What happens if they’re booked?” The depth of their backup list is crucial. In a state as competitive as California, having a planner with “pull” can be the difference between getting your dream photographer and settling for a second choice. Ask for introduction calls with key vendors to gauge the chemistry between them and your potential planner.
3. Measure budget realism for this market
California is one of the most expensive places in the world to host a wedding. Share your budget range and ask: “What is realistic for a wedding in [City] with this budget?”
Good planners will be honest. They might say, “For a Santa Barbara oceanfront venue, expect [Range]. Here’s where we can save: utilizing unique spaces for the rehearsal dinner or choosing a Friday date.” They should offer cost tiers with concrete examples. Be wary of planners who promise everything without discussing tradeoffs. Ask them to show you two past events—one at your budget and one 50% higher. Their explanation of what the extra money bought (better location vs. more elaborate decor) reveals what they optimize for and whether it aligns with your priorities.
4. Review their portfolio for specific California regions
Don’t just look at their portfolio generally; look for events specifically in the region where you plan to marry. A desert wedding in Joshua Tree requires different logistical prep (generators, water, shade) than a ballroom wedding in San Francisco. Request three to five examples similar to yours in:
- Geography: Coastal, desert, vineyard, or urban.
- Venue style: Private estate, hotel, or industrial space.
- Scale: Guest count and complexity.
During the review, ask: “What was the biggest challenge in executing this specific event?” Strong planners will cite California-specific obstacles—like fighting traffic on the 405 for vendor deliveries or managing wind on the coast—and explain their solutions.
5. Confirm communication style fits the pace
The California event market moves fast. Venues in popular months can book out 18 months in advance. Ask: “What is your typical response time?” and “How do you prefer to communicate?”
Test this during your selection process. Note how quickly they respond to your inquiries. Some planners do weekly check-ins; others use project management software you can access 24/7. Neither is wrong, but misalignment creates stress. Ask about decision-making: “When do you need answers from us versus when do you handle decisions independently?” In a fast-moving market, you need a planner who can act quickly when vendor holds are about to expire but also knows when to loop you in.
Planning a wedding in California
Planning a wedding in California is all about timing and geography. The state offers incredible beauty, but it demands respect for its logistics.
Factors to consider
- Weather patterns: California isn’t always sunny. San Francisco has “Fogust” (foggy Augusts), while Palm Springs can reach 110°F in the summer. June and September are often ideal for coastal events (avoiding the “May Gray” and “June Gloom” marine layer). October is often the best month for weather statewide.
- Traffic timing: In Los Angeles and the Bay Area, traffic dictates the timeline. You cannot schedule a ceremony at 5:00 PM on a Friday if guests have to drive across town. Planners often pad travel times by 50% to account for gridlock.
- Wildfire season: Late summer through autumn is fire season. If you’re booking an outdoor venue in wine country or the mountains, you must have a comprehensive cancellation policy and insurance that covers natural disasters. Wedding insurance can reimburse you for deposits and fees paid to vendors when unexpected damage, cancellations, or postponements happen, including if a venue is closed due to smoke or fire damage. (guide to navigating wedding season during wildfire season)
- Event permit requirements: A permit and fees are required (California State Parks wedding permit information) for weddings at specific California State Park locations, including beaches. Parks such as Año Nuevo, Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Montara and Half Moon Bay State Parks are among the most popular wedding destinations. (full list of state park wedding guidelines) Review the California Department of Public Health marriage license requirements early— marriage licenses are valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.
- Construction projects: Major cities like LA and SF are constantly under construction. Check local resources to ensure your route to the venue isn’t blocked by a long-term road project.
Major events to avoid
California hosts massive global events that swallow up hotel blocks and drive up vendor prices. Avoid booking your wedding during these times in these specific cities unless you have an unlimited budget:
- Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (Indio/Palm Springs)
- San Diego Comic-Con (San Diego)
- Awards Season (Los Angeles)
- Dreamforce (San Francisco)
For a comprehensive view of California events throughout the year, visit Visit California’s statewide events hub.
Expert advice
Non-locals often underestimate the distance between “nearby” cities. Disneyland is not “right next to” Hollywood. Napa is not a quick Uber from San Francisco. Defer to local planners who understand these nuances. They know that a 20-mile drive can take two hours, and they plan accordingly.
FAQs: wedding planning in California
When should I hire a California wedding planner?
You should hire a planner as soon as you have a date in mind, ideally 12 to 18 months in advance. California is a destination wedding hub, and top planners often book their prime dates (May through October) over a year out.
How much does an event planner cost in California?
Costs vary widely by region and experience level, but you should generally allocate 15-20% of your overall wedding budget for a full-service planner. In major metros like SF and LA, full-service planning often starts at $10,000 and goes up significantly for luxury tiers.
Do I need a planner if my venue has a coordinator?
Yes. A venue coordinator works for the venue; their job is to ensure the lights work, the food is served, and the building doesn’t burn down. An independent planner works for you, managing your timeline, your design, your budget, and all your outside vendors.
Why hire a local California planner versus bringing someone from out of town?
Local planners have established relationships with vendors, which can get you discounts or perks. More importantly, they understand local regulations, traffic patterns, and microclimates that an out-of-towner will miss.
Great events start with standout spaces—and the people who bring them to life
Your wedding is a collection of moments that tell your story. While the right planner is the conductor of the orchestra, the venue is the stage. California offers endless possibilities—from industrial warehouses in the Arts District to mid-century modern homes in the desert. Expert planners know how to harness the energy of these unique environments while ensuring every detail reflects your vision.
Whether you’re looking for a raw space to transform completely or a stunning estate that needs little decoration, finding the right location is the first step. Peerspace connects you with California wedding venues that provide the perfect backdrop for your celebration, giving your planner the canvas they need to create something extraordinary.
If you have feedback on our list, our team would love to hear from you. Reach us anytime at [email protected] with suggestions, corrections, or additions.
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