I don't have a lot of experience with LA so I personally don't know. I know Cali is expensive but this still seems pretty crazy to me. There are no cheaper places to have a wedding? I'm just a bit skeptical that this has more to keeping up a certain standard.
At those prices I'm surprised people don't get married in their backyard. I happen to think it's ideal even without those prices... But that's just me.
One of my friends managed at 30k but it was EXTREMELY modest. Used a shul instead of a 'hall,' booked the cheapest everything, and she still was a little over budget.
Yes, obviously if you're going to try to 'keep up with the Joneses' you'll end up spending upward of 100k. But even if not, things are just way more. Lots of LA ppl get married in lakewood for that reason.