Last Updated on June 1, 2025 by Joy Editors
Planning your Maryland wedding? The average cost might catch you off guard – couples can expect to spend between $34,485 and $42,149 for a fall celebration with 100-150 guests in 2025. Each guest will cost you between $276 and $337!
Our research shows that almost half your budget (about 49.1%) goes toward venue, catering, and rentals. These core elements range from $16,949 to $20,715. On top of that, photography and videography services claim around 16.6% of your budget at $5,729 to $7,002. Entertainment costs typically run between $5,185 and $6,337. Couples throughout the DMV area (including DC and Virginia) spend between $2,000 and $5,000 on wedding attire. Their floral arrangements and decorations usually cost between $2,000 and $6,000.
This piece breaks down your Maryland wedding expenses, helps you understand what makes costs rise, and sets realistic expectations for your 2025 wedding budget.
Average Wedding Cost in Maryland (2025)
Maryland stands as the 5th most expensive state to host a wedding in 2025. Couples here spend way more than the national average. Here’s what you should know about wedding costs in Maryland this year.
Cost range for 100–150 guests
Your Maryland wedding price tag changes based on several factors. Couples who invite 100-150 guests usually spend between $34,485 and $42,149. That’s about 30% higher than the national average of $30,000.
The venue and catering take up about 49% of most couples’ budgets. The average venue in Maryland costs around $14,100. Catering adds another $70-$150 per person on top.
How guest count affects total cost
The size of your guest list can make or break your wedding budget. Each extra guest at a Maryland wedding adds about $276-$337 to your final bill. You could save nearly $3,000 by cutting just 10 people from your guest list.
Maryland couples tend to throw bigger weddings than most states. The typical guest count ranges from 177-187 people. That puts Maryland at number 2 nationwide for wedding size. This explains why Maryland weddings cost more than those in other states.
Seasonal and location-based variations
Wedding prices change throughout the year in Maryland:
- Spring weddings (April-June): Cost about $33,000
- Summer celebrations (July-September): Run highest at $34,000
- Fall and winter weddings (October-December): Drop to $32,000
Your location in Maryland plays a big role in pricing. Baltimore weddings average $33,366. The broader DMV area (including DC, Northern Virginia, and suburban Maryland) costs a bit less at $33,118. City venues usually cost more than countryside spots because of higher demand and running costs.
You can save money by picking a weekday or off-season date. Many venues give great discounts during these less popular times.
Breakdown by Major Categories
Let’s get into how your Maryland wedding budget breaks down by major spending categories, from attire to venue costs.
Attire & Accessories
Wedding attire takes up 8.3% of your total Maryland wedding budget, with costs between $2,871 and $3,509. The wedding dress makes up the biggest chunk at $2,077-$2,539, and most brides spend about $2,000. The groom’s attire costs nowhere near as much, with tuxedo/suit purchases running $361-$441. Remember to budget for accessories too – dress accessories cost $295-$361 while suit accessories run $138-$168.
Entertainment
Your entertainment budget needs about 15% of the total, coming to $5,185-$6,337. DJs typically charge $1,242-$1,518, though many Maryland DJs set their rates around $1,600. Live music costs substantially more – bands usually charge $2,895-$3,539. Adding ceremony musicians or soloists will cost another $1,048-$1,280.
Flowers & Decorations
Floral arrangements and decorations take 7.5% of your wedding budget, totaling $2,592-$3,168. Bouquets cost between $629-$769, and a bridal bouquet starts at $225. You’ll spend $283-$345 on boutonnieres and corsages, while venue decorations run $764-$934. DMV area weddings with 10-15 tables often see floral budgets reaching $5,000-$8,000.
Photography & Videography
Your second-biggest expense will be photography and videography at 16.6% of your budget, reaching $5,729-$7,002. A wedding photographer costs $2,685-$3,281, and videography services average $1,814-$2,217. Wedding albums or photo books add $794-$970.
Venue, Catering & Rentals
Without doubt your biggest expense, venue-related costs eat up 49.1% of your Maryland wedding budget at $16,949-$20,715. Venue locations average $5,960-$7,284, food service costs $4,346-$5,312, and bar service adds $2,226-$2,720. You’ll need $1,646-$2,012 for rentals, and wedding cakes typically run $381-$465.
Detailed Itemized Costs
You’ve seen the major budget categories, so let’s take a closer look at the specific costs for your Maryland wedding. These numbers will help you plan your budget more precisely.
Wedding dress, tuxedo, and accessories
Maryland brides spend between $2,077 and $2,539 on their wedding dresses. A groom’s attire costs much less, ranging from $361-$441 for a tuxedo purchase or rental. The bride’s accessories like veils, shoes, and jewelry add $295-$361. The groom’s accessories such as cufflinks and ties usually cost $138-$168. The total wedding attire budget typically ranges from $2,871-$3,509.
DJ, live band, and ceremony musicians
Your entertainment choices affect costs significantly. Maryland DJs charge $1,242-$1,518, with Baltimore prices running higher. Live bands cost more at $2,895-$3,539, and the Mid-Atlantic region’s band prices average $7,256. Adding ceremony musicians or soloists will cost $1,048-$1,280.
Bouquets, centerpieces, and venue decor
The bride’s bouquet starts at $225-$350, while bridesmaid bouquets cost $125-$200 each. Each boutonniere costs $15-$25, and corsages range from $25-$45. Centerpiece prices vary by size – small arrangements cost $85, medium ones run $150, and large statement pieces exceed $300. Altar arrangements begin at $200.
Photographer, videographer, and albums
Professional photography services in Baltimore range from $2,500-$6,000. Maryland wedding photographers charge an average of $2,685-$3,281. Videographer services cost $1,814-$2,217. Photo books and wedding albums add $794-$970 to your total, whether you choose digital or printed formats.
Venue rental, food, bar, and rentals
Venue rental costs in Maryland average $5,960-$7,284. Location fees range from $3,001-$5,001. Food service costs $4,346-$5,312 ($70-$150 per person). Bar service adds $2,226-$2,720. Tables, chairs, and linens rentals contribute $1,646-$2,012 to the final budget.
Other Expenses to Consider
Your Maryland wedding budget needs to account for several smaller costs that add up fast, beyond the major categories we’ve covered.
Invitations and stationery
Paper goods and invitations take up about 1.6% of your total budget, with costs between $541 and $661. The breakdown includes guest books ($47-$57), invitations with reply cards ($170-$208), postage ($74-$90), reception menus ($96-$118), save-the-date cards ($86-$105), and thank-you notes ($68-$84). Budget-smart couples can cut costs by using digital options like Paperless Post for save-the-dates and casual communications.
Transportation and lodging
You’ll need about 2% of your wedding budget for transportation. This covers wedding party rides, guest shuttles, and your getaway car. Valet parking runs around $20-$25 per attendant, and you’ll need five valets for every 100 guests. Local wedding planners say you should book transportation services in Maryland’s urban areas since “the majority of venues located in the cities don’t have their own parking lots”.
Wedding planner and coordination
Wedding planning services costs vary based on how much help you want. The national average hit $2,100 in 2025, with prices ranging:
- Day-of coordination: Starts at $800, averages $1,400
- Month-of coordination: Starts at $1,250, averages $2,200
- Full-service planning: Starts at $3,000, averages $4,100
Planners charge hourly rates starting at $75, while experienced pros ask $100-$275 per hour. This expense takes up 3-15% of your budget, but many couples say the peace of mind is worth every penny.
Tips, favors, and marriage license
The final budget items include vendor tips ($293-$358, about 0.8% of budget) and wedding favors ($184-$224, about 0.5%). Maryland’s marriage license fee starts at $35, and you’ll need to get it from the county where you plan to marry. The state has an interesting rule – only one person needs to show up to apply for the license, though both must be at least 18 years old.
Conclusion
Planning a wedding in Maryland definitely needs most important financial preparation. In this piece, couples should expect to spend between $34,485 and $42,149 for a standard 100-150 guest celebration in 2025. Without doubt, Maryland’s wedding costs rank 30% above the national average.
Your guest list is the biggest factor that affects your bottom line. Each extra guest adds $276-$337 to your total cost. Cutting just 10 people could save you nearly $3,000. On top of that, venue, catering, and rentals will likely take up half your budget.
You can find ways to cut costs without losing quality. Weekday ceremonies or off-season dates come with big discounts. Rural venues cost less than city ones, and winter celebrations are cheaper than peak summer events.
Our cost breakdown lets you budget realistically for every part of your celebration. Understanding costs for attire, entertainment, flowers, and photography helps avoid surprise expenses during your planning experience.
Keep in mind that these figures are just averages. Your wedding can cost more or less based on what matters to you. Some couples spend more on photography but less on flowers. Others might put more money into food and drink but choose simpler outfits.
Your wedding should show what’s most important to you as a couple. Even though Maryland’s weddings tend to be expensive, good planning and smart choices will help create a special day that lines up with your vision and budget.
