Wedding Wise
At Wedding Wise, we believe your wedding day should feel peaceful, intentional, and deeply personal — not overwhelming, overpriced, or pulled in a hundred different directions.
Too many couples begin planning with excitement… only to find themselves buried in venue deposits, vendor contracts, family expectations, and decisions that don’t feel like them. The pressure to create a “perfect” wedding often steals the joy from what truly matters — the commitment you’re making to one another.
What if it didn’t have to be that way?
Intimate by Design
Wedding Wise is intentionally designed for elopements and very private marriages. Your wedding day will be focused, relaxed, and centered on what truly matters — your commitment to one another.
Your Beginning, Made Simple
With clear communication from start to finish, professional photography, curated venues, and a 30 minute virtual meeting with our planner, Wedding Wise offers a structured yet peaceful experience. Transparent pricing and a guided planning process allow you to feel confident every step of the way.
Affordable Wedding Packages in Southern California
Every Wedding Wise package includes:
• Outdoor Venue
• Wedding Arch or Backdrop
• Professional Officiant
• Photographer & Digital Images
• Guest seating
Our intimate wedding packages range from $2,000 to $3,200, depending on your guest count. With options for 4, 8, or up to 16 guests, you can choose the experience that fits your vision and your budget.
If you’ve been Googling “affordable wedding venues near me,” or “cheap weddings in Temecula” you’ve probably discovered how quickly traditional weddings add up. Wedding Wise was designed to offer transparent pricing, curated venues, and professional services without surprise costs or endless vendor contracts.
Meet Sara
Hi, I’m Sara Bomstad — founder of Wedding Wise and an ordained, non-denominational officiant registered in the State of California.
I created Wedding Wise because I believe small weddings deserve just as much beauty and intention as large ones. I work closely with every couple to ensure your ceremony feels personal and genuine. My role isn’t just to legally marry you — it’s to create a moment that feels steady, joyful, and meaningful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a marriage elopement service work?
Wedding Wise specializes in small budget-friendly marriage ceremonies that focus on a couple’s love and commitment rather than a big production. It’s just enough time to get everyone seated, perform the marriage and take lots of pictures. We enjoy 2 hours at the venue.
What are couples responsible for on their wedding day?
Couples should arrive at the venue dressed and ready for pictures and the ceremony. They should bring their CA Marriage Certificate, Wedding Rings and All Bridal Party Flowers.
What types of photography services does Wedding Wise offer?
Wedding Wise offers 2 hours of wedding day coverage by a professional photographer at the venue. Arrival, Marriage Ceremony, Newlywed Couple and Pictures with Guests will be taken. Before leaving, the photographer will load all of the digital pictures onto a USB thumb drive for the couple to take home that day.
Can we bring our own photographer to the wedding?
Yes, Wedding Wise offers the option for Couples to bring their own wedding photographer. If you supply your own photographer $200 will be deducted from the package price.
Does the Wedding Wise Officiant register our marriage certificate with the State of California?
Yes, after the wedding ceremony, the officiant will sign the certificate, collect the signatures of the couple and the witness, and mail the certificate to the state. A USPS Priority Mail tracking number will be provided to the couple.
Can we bring our own officiant to the wedding?
Yes, Wedding Wise offers the option for Couples to bring their own Wedding Officiant. There is no discount from the package price if you supply your own Officiant.
What types of Faith does Wedding Wise provide ceremonies for?
Love is Love. Regardless of any religion Wedding Wise offers marriage ceremonies to couples who want to commit their lives to each other.
Can the couple write their own vows?
Of course!
Can we bring alcohol and/or cake to celebrate with after the ceremony?
Only certain Wedding Wise Venues allow food / drinks / alcohol. Browse through our venue list and to find the best one for your wedding needs.
How far in advance should we book our wedding?
Booking a few weeks in advance is recommended. However, Wedding Wise is able to perform a ceremony with just a few days notice – as long as you already have the marriage certificate and there is availability on the calendar.
Is the $500 booking deposit refundable?
Unfortunately, no. The $500 deposit is non-refundable. When you book a ceremony we make reservations with the venue, officiant and the photographer. This blocks the opportunity for other couples to book their services during that time. However, the $500 deposit is transferrable to a different date if it is done 7 days or more before the original booking.
The largest wedding package only allows 16 guests?
Yes. Wedding Wise offers intimate budget-friendly ceremonies. If you are considering a courthouse wedding or backyard wedding our services would be great fit.
How do we calculate the guest count?
Anyone other than the Bride, Groom, Officiant and Photographer is considered a Guest.
Does Wedding Wise offer a vowel renewal ceremony?
Absolutely! Any of our Wedding Packages can be used as a vowel renewal ceremony.
What local spots that Wedding Wise recommends to have a reception?
Check out our Info and Resources Page for a list of Wineries, Restaurants and Brewery links.