Wedding Bartender Cost Per Hour Fixed -

| Item | Typical Cost | |------|---------------| | | 15–20% (sometimes included in agency quote — verify) | | Travel fee | $25–100 (or $0.50–$1 per mile beyond 30 mi) | | Corkage / opening fee (if bartender brings no alcohol) | $1–3 per guest, or $50–150 flat | | Late-night extension (past agreed end time) | 1.5x hourly rate, billed in 30-min increments | | Portable bar rental (if venue has no bar) | $50–150 | | License / permit reimbursement (if bartender obtains event permit) | $25–100 |

| Type of Bartender | Hourly Rate (USD) | Best For | |------------------|------------------|----------| | (limited cocktail knowledge) | $20–30 | Beer & wine only, small weddings (<50 guests) | | Professional / Experienced (full cocktail menu) | $30–50 | Most medium to large weddings | | High-end / Mixologist (craft cocktails, showmanship) | $50–70+ | Luxury weddings, signature drinks, premium experience | | Staffing agency bartender (provided through event company) | $40–65 | All-inclusive packages, less direct management | | Friend / family member (paid) | $15–25 | Very casual, low-budget weddings (not recommended for legal liability) | wedding bartender cost per hour

Major metropolitan areas like New York or Los Angeles often see rates between $75 and $150 per hour , while Southern or Midwestern rates might be more moderate at $40 to $80 per hour . | Item | Typical Cost | |------|---------------| |