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.

Can You Hire a Bartender Just for One Night in LA?

Aug 21

Written By Jesse Owens

A bartender booked for a single night in Los Angeles

Yes. One night is the normal booking, not an exception, and you do not need a retainer or an ongoing contract to make it. Every staff member carries a 4 hour minimum, so a single bartender for one evening is 4 hours x $70 = $280, plus a $100 service charge per staff member, for a total of $380.

Single event booking is the standard

Platinum Bartenders LLC has staffed events in Los Angeles since 2014, and most of that work is a single date at a single address. You give us the date, the start and finish time, the address and the guest count, and that is the booking. Nothing renews and there is nothing to sign up for.

The bartender at a one night party is the same person who works a wedding: a W-2 employee of Platinum Bartenders LLC, RBS certified, covered by general liability, liquor liability and workers' compensation insurance, and carrying their own bar tools.

What the 4 hour minimum means

All staff are booked for at least 4 hours. That window covers setting the bar up before guests arrive, service, and breaking it down at the end. If your party runs three hours you still book four. Past that you pay by the hour, so a 5 hour night is 5 x $70 = $350.

What one night costs

One Platinum Bartender at $70 an hour, with the $100 service charge:

4 hours: $280 + $100 = $380
5 hours: $350 + $100 = $450
6 hours: $420 + $100 = $520
8 hours: $560 + $100 = $660

The service charge applies per staff member, so two bartenders for 5 hours is (2 x 5 x $70) + (2 x $100) = $900. Staffing runs one bartender per 50 guests, with a second recommended at medium or heavy consumption.

What sits on top of the hourly rate

Drinks are separate. Bartender only means you supply the spirits, mixers, ice and glassware, with no per guest charge. If you would rather we brought the bar, a full bar package is $19 per guest at light consumption, $38 at medium and $57 at heavy.

Travel is charged per staff member: $15 covers the first 15 miles, then $5 for each additional 5 miles, so an address 25 miles out is $25 a head. Recognised holiday dates add 50 percent to the staff cost, booking inside 48 hours adds 20 percent, and card payments add 3.6 percent. You can price it yourself at book.platinumbartender.com.

Common questions

Do I have to sign a contract to hire a bartender for one party?

No retainer and no ongoing agreement. You book a date and pay for it in full: a 100 percent deposit is what secures the date, and there is no partial option. On a $380 booking, that is $380.

My party is only two hours. Can I book two hours?

The minimum is 4 hours per staff member, so a two hour party is priced as four. Many hosts use the extra time at the front and have the bartender arrive early to set up ice, garnishes and glassware.

Can I hire one bartender for 60 guests?

One bartender per 50 guests is the guideline, so 60 sits just over it. One works if people are drinking lightly. At medium or heavy consumption a second bartender keeps the line down, and two for 4 hours is $560 plus $200 in service charges.

For an exact figure on your date, build a quote at book.platinumbartender.com, call 310-985-3014, or email info@platinumbartender.com.

Jesse Owens