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.

Verified 2026-08-27 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. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

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. City of San Diego Business Tax Certificate

    All businesses operating in the City of San Diego must obtain a Business Tax Certificate from the Office of the City Treasurer. It is a tax registration, not a regulatory license. The fee is based on employee count only: $34/year for businesses with 12 or fewer employees, or $125/year plus $5 per employee for 13 or more employees. Every application and renewal adds a $4 state-mandated SB-1186 fee, and beginning July 1, 2025 an annual Minimum Wage Enforcement Fee of $1.47 per employee also applies. Renewed annually.

    Official government source

    $38/year for most small businesses ($34 business tax + $4 SB-1186 fee; 12 or fewer employees); $129/year + $5 and $1.47 per employee for 13+ employees1–3 weeks

  2. DBA (Doing Business As) Registration

    If operating under a trade name (e.g., 'Perfect Day Events'), file a Fictitious Business Name (FBN) Statement with the San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk before accepting payments under that name. After filing, publish the FBN in an adjudicated newspaper of general circulation in San Diego County once a week for four consecutive weeks, beginning within 30 days of filing. The statement expires after five years.

    Official government source

    $54 filing fee (first business name and registrant) + $5 each additional name or registrant; newspaper publication typically $50-$1001–2 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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