Everything you'd ask before you book.

Dry hire means you buy the alcohol and we provide everything else: the bar, bartenders, tools, mixers, garnishes and service. In California, a host can serve their own alcohol to guests at a private event free of charge without a liquor license. The alcohol is yours and nothing is sold. For the same reason, we can't run a cash bar, sell drink tickets or take payment for drinks; selling alcohol requires a license or permit from California ABC. Public spaces like parks and beaches, and some venues, have their own alcohol rules, so check with your venue. (This is general information, not legal advice.)

No. You buy your beer, wine and spirits from a store like Costco, Total Wine or BevMo, so you pay store prices instead of bar prices. We send a shopping list sized to your guest count and menu, so you buy exactly what you need. Try the drink estimator for a quick preview.

You are, unless you add our ice, cups and napkins package ($2.50 per guest), in which case we bring it. If you're buying it, plan on about 2 lb per guest, or 3 lb per guest for outdoor or summer events, and have it on site and in coolers before we arrive. Your shopping list includes the exact number of bags.

It's yours. Opened and unopened bottles stay with you at the end of the night. We'll gather them in one spot you choose.

Yes. At the end of the night we break down the bar and bag all bar trash and recycling, then leave the bags at your bins or a spot you choose. For cleanup across the whole party, add our servers and cleanup crew.

A 30% deposit (minimum $150) reserves your date once your service agreement is signed. The deposit is non-refundable. The remaining balance is due at the start of your event, before setup begins. See our booking terms.

Because your deposit holds a date we turn other events away for, it's non-refundable. If you cancel, the deposit is kept and no further balance is owed. If your plans shift rather than cancel, you can move your event once instead (see below).

Yes, once. You can move your event to a new date one time with at least 60 days' notice before your original event date. Your deposit transfers to the new date.

Within 24 hours of your request, including weekends. The more detail you share on the quote form, the more exact the quote.

Travel is free within 30 miles of La Habra, which covers most of Orange County and much of Los Angeles. Beyond 30 miles, travel is $1.50 per mile. We include it in your quote, so there are no surprises.

We recommend 2 to 4 weeks for most events and 1 to 3 months for weddings and large events. Last-minute requests depend on availability, so text us.

Gratuity is not included. You can place a tip jar at the bar or add a hosted gratuity (typically 15 to 20%) to your invoice.

Absolutely. Families, planners, venues and companies often book several events together, especially for the holidays. Your first event is full price, and every event booked with it within 12 months saves 10% on service.

Every package includes 4 hours of service, professional bartender(s), our portable bar, bar tools, mixers and garnishes, setup and breakdown, and a custom shopping list. Servers and cleanup crew are available with our staffing packages.

As a guide, one bartender per 75 guests for classic menus, and one per 60 guests for signature or premium cocktail menus. We confirm the right staffing in your quote.

Plan for a flat area about 8 by 10 feet for the bar and back-bar. A standard outlet within about 25 feet helps for lighting and blenders, and water access nearby is a plus. Outdoor bars need shade or cover. We'll confirm the details with you during planning.

We arrive ahead of your start time so the bar is ready before your first guest. Your service agreement lists the exact arrival time, based on your venue's access.

Usually, yes. Extra time is $85 per bartender per hour. Add it to your quote ahead of time, or ask us on the night and we'll extend if our staff schedule allows.

For outdoor events, the bar needs shade or cover. If rain or extreme heat is forecast, plan a covered backup spot and we'll set up there. Weather doesn't cancel your booking, but our date-change policy applies if you choose to reschedule.

Yes. Golden Hour Bartending carries liability insurance. If your venue needs a Certificate of Insurance (COI), let us know in advance.

Yes. We check IDs, never serve anyone under 21, and decline service to anyone who appears intoxicated. Your guests' safety comes first.

All of Orange County and the greater Los Angeles area, from our home base in La Habra.

Absolutely, it's our favorite part. We design and name drinks for your event, from Peruvian-inspired (like our Reina Morada with chicha morada) to Mexican-inspired palomas and margaritas, tropical spritzes or any theme you choose. Signature includes 2 custom cocktails and Premium includes 3 to 4. Start in the Cocktail Studio.

Yes. Choose a kids menu from our main bar ($150 + $3 per child) or a separate Kids Mocktail Bar with its own server ($295 for up to 25 kids). Both are completely alcohol-free: Shirley Temples, unicorn lemonade, mini mangonadas, aguas frescas and hot cocoa.

A staffed station, like a margarita, mimosa, mojito, aguas frescas, Italian soda or hot cocoa bar, where guests choose their flavors, rims and garnishes. Stations start at $350 for up to 75 guests, $495 for 76 to 150, and $650 with two attendants for 151 to 250.

Yes. Beyond bartenders, our crew can set up tables and décor before guests arrive, keep things clean during the party and handle teardown afterward. Servers are $225 each for 4 hours ($55 per extra hour). Setup or teardown-only crews are $50 per hour per person with a 3-hour minimum.

Every package includes our portable bar. We also offer an ice, cups and napkins package ($2.50 per guest), glassware ($1.50 per glass, washing included), beverage dispensers ($35 each) and coolers ($25 each). Tables, chairs and tents are available through our trusted rental partner and quoted with your event.