How to Plan a Restaurant Buyout Wedding in 2026
Plan a restaurant buyout wedding with predictable pricing and less vendor stress. Costs, timelines, guest tips, and photo sharing ideas inside.
Short answer: A restaurant buyout wedding means renting out an entire restaurant for your ceremony and reception. The venue handles food, drinks, and service while you focus on the celebration. Start planning 9 to 12 months out, expect to spend $15,000 to $40,000 for 50 to 80 guests, and use tools like a timeline builder to keep your day on track.
- Full-venue rental gives you privacy and a predictable all-in price
- In-house catering means restaurant-quality food without hiring a separate caterer
- Fewer vendors to coordinate compared to traditional venues
- Ideal for intimate guest counts of 30 to 80 people
Why Restaurant Buyout Weddings Are Trending
Couples are choosing restaurant buyouts for three reasons: better food, simpler planning, and predictable costs. Instead of juggling a venue, caterer, rental company, and bar service, you work with one team that handles it all.
Restaurant buyouts work best for weddings with 30 to 80 guests. The existing decor, lighting, and ambiance reduce your need for extensive rentals. You get a private space with professional service built in.
What Does a Restaurant Buyout Wedding Cost?
Costs vary by city, day of week, and restaurant tier. Here are typical ranges for 50 to 80 guests in the US:
| Category | Range |
|---|---|
| Full buyout minimum spend | $10,000 to $30,000 |
| Food and beverage per person | $120 to $300 |
| Service fee and gratuity | 20% to 25% |
| Tax | 8% to 12% |
Sample all-in budget for 60 guests:
- Food and beverage: $9,000 to $14,000
- Service and tax: $2,500 to $4,000
- Photography: $2,000 to $5,000
- Decor and florals: $1,000 to $3,000
- Music: $1,200 to $2,500
- Total: $16,000 to $28,000
Saturday evenings in major cities command higher minimums. Consider a Friday, Sunday, or weekday event to reduce costs by 20% to 40%.
Planning Timeline: When to Start
9 to 12 months out:
- Set your guest count and budget range
- Research restaurants that offer full buyouts
- Schedule site visits and tastings
- Lock in your date with a deposit
6 to 9 months out:
- Finalize your menu and bar package
- Book your photographer and musician
- Confirm ceremony location (on-site or nearby)
3 to 6 months out:
- Send invitations and track RSVPs
- Plan seating layout with the restaurant
- Set up your Gather Shot event for photo sharing
2 weeks out:
- Submit final headcount to the restaurant
- Confirm arrival times with all vendors
- Share the day-of timeline with your wedding party
Sample Day-Of Timeline
Use this as a starting point for an evening reception with 60 guests:
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 3:00 PM | Optional off-site ceremony |
| 4:30 PM | Couple and wedding party photos |
| 5:30 PM | Guest arrival and welcome drinks |
| 6:00 PM | Seated dinner and toasts |
| 7:30 PM | Cake cutting and first dance |
| 8:00 PM | Dancing and candid photos |
| 10:30 PM | Last call and farewell |
Build your own schedule with our free wedding day timeline builder . A clear timeline helps the restaurant staff, your photographer, and your guests know what to expect.
Guest List and Attire
Who to invite: Restaurant buyouts suit intimate gatherings. Prioritize close family and friends. Be clear about plus-ones since seating is limited.
How many guests fit: Most restaurant buyouts accommodate 30 to 80 guests comfortably. Ask for a floor plan to check spacing for tables, aisles, and a dance area if needed.
What to wear: Match your dress code to the restaurant setting:
- Fine dining restaurant: Semi-formal or cocktail attire
- Neighborhood bistro: Dressy casual
- Rooftop or lounge space: Smart casual
Include attire guidance on your invitations so guests feel confident.
How Gather Shot Fits In
A restaurant buyout wedding means fewer vendors to manage. Gather Shot is a photo sharing platform that lets guests upload photos directly from their phones by scanning a QR code. No app download required.
Place QR codes on:
- Table numbers or menus
- The bar or dessert station
- A small sign near the entrance
- Place cards at each seat
Guests scan, upload, and your gallery fills with candid moments from every angle. Gather Shot complements your professional photographer by capturing the perspectives only guests can see. Check out our effortless photo collection feature to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should we book a restaurant buyout wedding? Book 9 to 12 months ahead for Saturday dates. Popular restaurants fill quickly. Weekday and Sunday events may have more availability on shorter notice.
What does a restaurant buyout package typically include? Most packages include the venue, food, beverages, service staff, tables, chairs, linens, and basic decor. You will usually need to book photography, music, florals, and cake separately.
How do minimum spends work? A minimum spend is the total you must spend on food and beverage. If your final bill falls short, you pay the difference. Ask for a sample invoice before signing.
Can we bring in outside vendors? Most restaurants allow outside photographers, florists, and DJs. Some restrict outside food or require corkage fees for outside alcohol. Clarify policies early.
Do we still need a professional photographer if guests use Gather Shot? Yes. A professional captures posed portraits, ceremony moments, and consistent quality. Gather Shot adds the candid guest perspective, like dance floor selfies and table conversations, that a single photographer cannot capture alone.