How to Plan a Wedding in Los Angeles Without a Wedding Planner
Think you have to hire a wedding planner to pull off a beautiful ceremony in LA? Think again. While planners can be helpful, many couples are planning unforgettable weddings in Los Angeles completely on their own—and saving thousands in the process.
At Harbor View Weddings, we work with tons of DIY couples and we’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t). Here’s your step-by-step guide to planning your LA wedding without a wedding planner.
1. Start with the Ceremony
Your ceremony is the heart of your wedding day—and the one part that legally marries you.
✅ What to Do:
Decide if you want a civil, religious, bilingual, or custom ceremony
Hire a professional officiant (psst… we know a good one)
Set your date and time
Bonus tip: Keep your ceremony between 20–25 minutes. Here’s what LA couples prefer.
2. Book an Easy, Affordable Venue
You don’t need a $10,000 ballroom. Los Angeles is full of beautiful and affordable ceremony spots—some even free!
🔥 Try These Options:
Santa Monica Beach (get permit info here)
Lake Hollywood Park
Local backyards or Airbnb rentals
External list:Here’s a great guide to low-cost wedding venues in LA
3. Apply for Your Marriage License
You’ll need a marriage license from LA County. The process is easy and can be done online.
🎯 What You Need:
A valid photo ID
Both parties present (for in-person pick-up)
$91 for a public license / $85 for confidential
Apply here: LA County Marriage License Info
Want help? We offer license assistance so you don’t miss a step.
4. Keep Vendors Simple & Local
You don’t need a massive vendor team. Most DIY weddings in LA thrive with just a few trusted professionals:
Photographer
Officiant
Florist or grocery store blooms
Small bites or food trucks
Use platforms like Thumbtack or The Knot’s vendor directory to find people who fit your style and budget.
5. Design a Simple Timeline
Keep your wedding day flowing by mapping out a clear ceremony + post-ceremony timeline.
Example:
4:30 PM – Guests Arrive
5:00 PM – Ceremony Begins
5:30 PM – Group Photos
6:00 PM – Light Bites / Toast
7:00 PM – Sunset Photos + First Dance
Don’t overcomplicate it. Keep it relaxed, real, and you.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a high-end planner to have a beautiful wedding in Los Angeles. With the right guidance, a few reliable vendors, and a ceremony that speaks to your story, you can plan a day that’s stunning and stress-free.
Need an officiant who gets it?Contact Harbor View Weddings to learn how we can help make your DIY LA wedding unforgettable.
Related Articles:
Harbor View Weddings | Affordable Wedding Officiants in Los Angeles | Custom, Bilingual, & Stress-Free Ceremonies