What is the 30/5 Rule for Weddings? A Guide for California Couples
When planning a wedding in California, couples often stumble across different “wedding budget rules” like the 30/5 rule, 60/20/20 rule, or even the 30/5-minute rule. These terms sound official, but what do they actually mean—and how can they help couples stay on track with their wedding finances and planning? As photographers who have worked with couples from Orange County to Temecula, San Diego, and Palm Springs, we’ve seen firsthand how budgets shape decisions. Recently, we’ve had couples ask about the “30/5 rule,” and since there isn’t much online clarity, we decided to break it down. This blog explains the 30/5 rule, how it applies to California weddings, and why photography should always remain a priority in your budget.
One of the most meaningful parts of the day is signing your marriage license — the moment your love becomes official. As Southern California wedding photographers, we specialize in capturing these timeless milestones, whether you’re planning a civil courthouse ceremony in Orange County, an elopement in San Diego, or a winery wedding in Temecula. Your story deserves to be remembered with honesty, artistry, and care.
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The 30/5 Rule isn’t just about timelines—it’s about making your wedding day run smoothly and stress-free. From courthouse ceremonies to vineyard celebrations, our Elopements & Weddings Packages are designed with flexibility in mind, so you can enjoy your day without worrying about the clock.
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Section 1: What is the 30/5 Rule for Weddings?
The 30/5 rule is a budgeting guideline that suggests couples should aim to:
Spend no more than 30% of their annual income on their wedding, and
Avoid putting more than 5% of the wedding costs on a credit card (or short-term debt).
This helps couples avoid long-term financial stress while still creating a beautiful celebration. It’s not a hard-and-fast rule, but it gives a framework to think about how much is “realistic” for your wedding day.
Section 2: Why Does the 30/5 Rule Matter in California?
California weddings are notoriously expensive — especially in places like Orange County, San Diego, and wine country destinations. Venues alone can easily account for 40–50% of a couple’s budget. The 30/5 rule helps couples stay grounded: instead of overspending just because vendors say “that’s average,” you can prioritize what matters most.
Section 3: Where Does Photography Fit Into the 30/5 Rule?
When couples apply the 30/5 rule, photography usually lands in the 10–15% range of the overall budget.
For a $30,000 wedding, that means about $3,000–$4,500 set aside for professional photography.
For a $10,000 wedding, that means $1,000–$1,500.
But here’s the reality: while flowers wilt and food is eaten, your photos are what last forever. We’ve seen couples regret underspending in this category because it’s the one investment that carries their memories beyond the wedding day.
At Last Minute Photoshoot, our packages are designed with this in mind. We keep them flexible, with options for courthouse weddings, elopements, and full-day coverage, so your photos stay aligned with your budget goals without sacrificing quality.
Section 4: How to Apply the 30/5 Rule to Your Own Wedding
Start with your annual income → cap at 30%
Build a realistic breakdown → venue, food, attire, photography, entertainment
Use photography as an anchor → your day deserves to be remembered
Stick to 5% or less debt → focus on what you can comfortably afford, not what’s trending on Instagram
Recap
The 30/5 rule for weddings suggests spending no more than 30% of annual income on your wedding and limiting debt to 5% or less.
In California weddings, where costs are higher, this rule helps couples balance their budget realistically.
Venues and catering often take the biggest share, but photography should remain a core investment.
Photos are the one element that lasts beyond the wedding day, making them worth prioritizing.
Applying the 30/5 rule ensures couples stay financially comfortable while still creating meaningful memories.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding budget should reflect your priorities, not just averages you read online. If you’re planning a wedding in Orange County, San Diego, Temecula, or beyond, we’d love to help you make photography a centerpiece of your budget.
👉 Explore Our Elopement & Wedding Photography Packages
