Few backdrops rival rolling vineyards at golden hour—and Temecula wine country delivers them effortlessly. Still, even the dreamiest wedding setting deserves a pragmatic budget. Knowing what to expect financially can help you prioritize, personalize and celebrate your day with confidence and peace of mind. From venue rental to wine service, let’s take a look at the key wedding expenses to factor—and how they can vary by vision and scale.
Venue Rental
Typical range: $6,000 – $14,000
A winery’s rental fee generally covers exclusive use of the ceremony lawn, reception space and bridal party preparation suites. Always be sure to ask what’s included in these packages as tables, chairs, standard linens, setup/teardown time, heaters or market lighting can shift the true cost by several thousand dollars.
Cost-savvy tip: Many winery estates (especially those with both indoor and outdoor options like Leoness Cellars) let you host ceremony, cocktail hour and reception onsite—eliminating transportation fees and extra décor for multiple venues.
Food & Beverage
Typical range: $120 – $220 per guest (Temecula averages)
Catering often bundles hors d’oeuvres, plated or buffet dinner, coffee and staff. Because wineries already maintain robust kitchens, onsite culinary teams can provide restaurant quality menus without trucking in a caterer—saving delivery surcharges and rental equipment costs.
Cost-savvy tip: Confirm whether a cake cutting fee applies and whether late night snack stations or farewell brunch addons fit into your vision…and budget.
Wine & Bar Service
Typical range: $28 – $55 per guest for a three hour open bar
At a winery venue, estate grown vinos tend to be priced more favorably than outsourced labels at urban venues. Couples can curate flights that elevate the guest experience while staying cost effective.
Cost-savvy idea: Offer a signature cocktail during cocktail hour, then switch to the winery’s varietals for dinner—balancing variety with funds.
Décor & Florals
Typical range: $3,500 – $10,000+
Rustic wine barrels, vineyard vistas and string lit courtyards provide natural ambiance—so you can scale florals to your style rather than to fill visual gaps.
Cost-savvy idea: Repurpose ceremony arrangements for the head table or dessert station to stretch every stem.
Photography & Videography
Typical range: $4,000 – $8,500
Goldenhour vineyard lighting, barrel rooms and Mediterranean style architecture create built in photo sets—often reducing the need for offsite portrait sessions (and the transportation fees that go with them).
Cost-savvy tip: Consider booking a package that includes engagement photos—many photographers offer bundled pricing, and it helps you build comfort with the person capturing your big day.
Entertainment
Typical range: $1,500 – $4,500
DJs or live musicians may offer discounted “ceremony + reception” bundles when everything happens at one location.
Cost-savvy tip: Check power availability for bands and whether the venue’s sound system is included.
Rentals & Enhancements
- Lighting upgrades: $800 – $2,000
- Luxury restrooms (if remote lawn): $700 – $1,200
- Lawn games, photo booths, lounge furniture: $300 – $1,500 each
Because many Temecula wineries own tasteful Chiavari chairs, wine barrel cocktail tables or market lights, you may not need to rent every decorative piece.
Cost-savvy tip: Before booking add-ons through a rental vendor, always confirm the venue’s full inventory list—many properties include many of the essentials as part of the base package but don’t always itemize them upfront.
Smart Budgeting Tips for a Temecula Winery Wedding
- Choose shoulder season dates (late winter or midsummer weekdays) for lower venue minimums.
- Be mindful of your guest count—food and beverage typically represent the largest portion of the overall budget.
- Opt for estate wines paired with plated service to streamline bar staffing.
- Leverage natural scenery—vineyard views replace expensive floral backdrops.
- Bundle services with preferred vendors (photography, florals, DJ) for negotiated package pricing.
Your Vision, Our Expertise
Leoness Cellars—Temecula’s premier winery wedding venue—pairs award-winning wines with panoramic vineyard views and flexible indoor–outdoor spaces, perfect for intimate ceremonies or grand soirées. Our dedicated wedding coordinator and team craft every detail, from onsite catering by our acclaimed culinary staff to décor and entertainment through our trusted partner list of florists, DJs, photographers and planners. Customizable packages keep the focus where it belongs—on your love story. Contact our team today to explore dates, packages and take the first step toward your unforgettable wedding celebration.
