Wedding Planner Permit Requirements in San Diego, CA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a wedding planner in San Diego, San Diego County, California.

Updated 2026-03-01 6 stops $100–$600 est. 1–3 weeks to obtain all required licenses
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees, operate as an LLC/corporation, or file certain business tax returns. Free from the IRS. Sole proprietors with no employees may use their SSN instead.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

State of California

3 stops

  1. California Seller's Permit

    Required for businesses selling or leasing tangible personal property in California. Issued free by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

  2. California Seller's Permit (if selling goods)

    If your wedding planning business sells physical items (favors, decorations, etc.), you need a Seller's Permit from the CDTFA. Pure planning/coordination services are generally not subject to California sales tax.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

  3. General Liability Insurance (Recommended)

    Wedding planners in California are not legally required to carry liability insurance, but most venues require proof of $1M–$2M general liability coverage before allowing a planner to work on-site. Many clients also require it in your contract.

    $400–$1,200/yearSame day (online quotes)

City of San Diego / San Diego County

2 stops

  1. San Diego Business License

    All businesses operating in San Diego must obtain a general Business License from the San Diego City Treasurer. Wedding planners operating as sole proprietors, LLCs, or corporations need this license to legally conduct business. Renewal is required annually.

    Official government source

    $25–$100/year1–3 weeks

  2. DBA (Doing Business As) Registration

    If operating under a trade name (e.g., "Perfect Day Events" rather than your legal name), you must file a Fictitious Business Name (DBA) with San Diego County. This is required before accepting payments under a business name.

    $15–$501–2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $100–$600 · 1–3 weeks to obtain all required licenses

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Official Sources

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