How much do bartending services cost in Los Angeles?

Professional bartending services in Los Angeles start around $70 per hour per bartender for a standard event, with final pricing based on guest count, event length, bar setup, and add-on services like cocktail design or full event production. Contact us for a custom quote tailored to your event.

How many bartenders do I need for my event?

As a general rule, plan for one bartender per 50 guests for standard service, or one per 35 guests for cocktail-heavy events. We help you confirm the right staffing ratio based on your guest count, bar style, and timeline.

Are your bartenders licensed and insured?

Yes. All Platinum bartenders are licensed and insured, and we operate in full compliance with California ABC regulations. When required, we obtain an event-specific ABC permit before your event date. Host liquor liability and general liability insurance are available, and additional insured status for your host or venue can be added for a fee.

What areas do you serve?

We serve Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Palm Springs, and Las Vegas, with other locations available upon request.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance to secure your preferred staff and date, though we can often accommodate shorter timelines. Peak dates and large events should be booked as early as possible.

Do you provide the alcohol and handle the ABC permit?

We provide full bar setup, mixers, glassware, and bar rentals; clients typically supply the alcohol, and we secure the event-specific ABC permit where required. Let us know your needs and we'll handle the compliance details.

Backyard Wedding Bar Service: What to Expect in Los Angeles

Aug 21

Written By Jesse Owens

Bartenders working a wedding bar in Los Angeles

A backyard wedding with no built-in bar needs three things brought in: the bar itself, glassware, and staff. A 5ft white wood bar with 4 ice tubs, a trash can, delivery and pick up is $1,195. Bartenders are $70 per hour each, one per 50 guests, with a 4 hour minimum and a $100 service charge per staff member.

Staffing a wedding by guest count

One bartender per 50 guests is the guideline, and a second is recommended at medium or heavy consumption. Weddings usually sit at medium, three to four drinks per guest, so a 90 guest backyard wedding is a two bartender job. A barback at $70 per hour is the position that keeps ice, glassware and bottles moving so the bartenders stay at the bar.

For 90 guests over a six hour shift with two bartenders:

2 bartenders x 6 hours x $70 = $840
Service charge, $100 each: $200
Staff total: $1,040

Add a barback for the same six hours: 6 x $70 = $420 plus $100, so $520 more.

The bar, the glassware, the rest of the setup

A home has no bar, no back bar and rarely enough glass for 90 people. Rental prices are flat:

Bar: $1,195, includes delivery and pick up
Back bar: $365
Glassware: $1.95 per unit for rocks, martini, wine, flute or shot, plus $195 delivery and $195 pick up
High top table with black spandex: $95 each
Linen: $40 each
Space heater: $275 each

Glassware for a 90 guest wedding at 250 units comes to 250 x $1.95 = $487.50, plus $390 round trip delivery, so $877.50.

Who brings what

With the bartender only option, you buy the spirits, mixers, ice and glassware and pay for staff by the hour. With a bar package, Platinum supplies the drinks: a full bar is $19 per guest at light consumption, $38 at medium and $57 at heavy. Craft cocktails and full bar together are $37, $74 and $111 per guest across the same three tiers. A themed cocktail menu is $375.

You supply the yard, power, water access and a level spot for the bar. Platinum supplies the staff, the bar, the rentals you order and, on a package, everything poured. Package prices are at book.platinumbartender.com.

How the shift runs

Set up happens before guests arrive, so the bar is stocked and iced when it opens. Cocktail hour is the heaviest stretch and the reason two bartenders earn their place. Service slows through dinner and toasts, then picks up once dancing starts. Last call comes before the booked hours run out, and breakdown follows. Book the shift to cover cocktail hour through last call. The 4 hour minimum sets the floor.

Common questions

How many bartenders do I need for 100 wedding guests?

Two. One bartender per 50 guests is the guideline, and weddings tend to run at medium consumption, which is where the second bartender is recommended anyway.

Do we need a liquor license for a wedding at home?

It depends on the property and on whether alcohol is sold rather than hosted. Platinum can obtain an ABC one-day permit for $1,950 where one is needed. Confirm what your situation requires with California ABC.

How do we hold the date?

Pay in full. The deposit is 100 percent of the booking, so the date is held once the payment is made, and there is no partial deposit option. Card payments carry a 3.6 percent processing fee.

To price your own backyard wedding, build a quote at book.platinumbartender.com, call 310-985-3014, or email info@platinumbartender.com.

Jesse Owens