Last Updated on June 22, 2025 by Joy Editors

Wedding costs have hit record levels. Zola predicts the average wedding will cost $36,000 in 2025. This shows a huge jump from 2024’s average of $31,281. The numbers look even more daunting since more than half of all couples end up spending more than they planned.

Location plays a big role in what couples pay for their special day. Couples getting married in Rhode Island, New Jersey, and New York shell out close to $50,000. The picture looks different in Alaska, Nevada, and Utah, where celebrations cost around $20,000 or less. Our research reveals wedding prices have jumped 30 percent since 2019 for similar venues and guest counts. Millennial couples tend to spend the most, with their average budget reaching $51,130.

This piece breaks down what’s behind these rising costs. You’ll learn about price differences between states and get practical tips to handle your wedding budget better. The information here will help you make smart choices, whether you dream of a grand celebration or want something more budget-friendly.

What is the average cost of a wedding in 2025?

The numbers are in, and they’ll make your eyes pop. Getting married soon? Here’s the latest data on wedding costs to help you plan your budget.

National average wedding budget in 2025

Couples are spending more than ever on their big day in 2025. Zola’s latest research shows the average price of a wedding has hit $36,000 nationwide. This is up from $33,000 in 2024 and $29,000 in 2023.

The average doesn’t paint the whole picture. A breakdown by spending tiers shows what couples really invest:

• $30,000 to $44,999 – 26% of couples
• $20,000 to $29,999 – 22% of couples
• $45,000 to $59,999 – 17% of couples
• $60,000 or more – 11% of couples

SoFi’s research tells a different story with a much lower median cost of about $10,000. This big gap between average and median shows how luxury weddings pull the average up. Wedding expert Jessica Bishop puts it well: “One $1-million wedding can bring up the average of thousands of $10,000 weddings”.

Each generation spends differently on weddings. Millennials take the lead with an average wedding budget of $51,130. Gen Z follows at $27,000 and Gen X comes in at $23,000.

Your location makes the biggest difference in wedding costs. Washington D.C. tops the list as the priciest spot at $70,625. New Jersey ranks as the most expensive state at $57,706, with New York close behind at $53,873. Budget-friendly options include Alaska at $12,500 and Nebraska at $17,727.

Big cities cost more. New York City weddings might reach $87,700 in 2025. San Francisco comes in at $51,500 and Chicago at $54,190. Oklahoma City offers a better deal at $20,650.

How costs have changed since 2020

Wedding prices have gone up and down in the last five years. The Knot’s annual Real Weddings Study shows this trend:

• 2023: $35,000
• 2022: $30,000
• 2021: $28,000
• 2020: $19,000 (pandemic-affected)
• 2019: $28,000

Prices jumped most between 2020 and 2021 when weddings started up again after the pandemic. Wedding budgets have grown about 30% from 2019 to 2024 for similar venues and guest counts.

Time of year matters too. Summer weddings (July-September) cost around $34,000, while winter ceremonies (January-March) run about $32,000.

Why prices are still rising

Several factors push wedding costs higher each year.

Inflation touches every part of wedding planning. Basic wedding elements like food, flowers, photos, and cakes cost 20% more than they did four years ago. Vendors pay more for materials, transport, and staff—and these costs get passed to couples.

Staff costs have shot up. Christopher Todd, an Orange County photographer, says his photographers’ rates jumped from $50 to $200 per hour since the pandemic. Weddings need lots of workers for setup, service, and production, which adds up fast.

Supply problems still exist. Many wedding items—from flowers to fabrics and decorations—face extra charges of 20-35%. Higher gas prices and shipping costs make everything more expensive, from dress delivery to food transport.

Vendors stay busy with high demand. The wedding boom after COVID created a backup that hasn’t cleared yet, letting popular venues and vendors charge more. Many small wedding businesses can finally charge what they’re worth after years of low prices.

Even with rising costs, about 20% of couples plan to spend $15,000 or less in 2025. This shows you can have a beautiful wedding at any budget if you plan well and know your priorities.

State-by-state wedding cost breakdown

Your wedding location makes a huge difference in your final bill. Let me break down what couples will pay for weddings across the United States in 2025.

High-cost states: NY, CA, NJ, RI

New Jersey tops the list as America’s priciest state to get married. Couples here spend about $54,400 in 2025. The costs keep climbing – some sources say it’s as high as $57,706.

New York isn’t far behind with an average wedding budget of $47,800. Big city celebrations cost even more. Manhattan weddings can hit $96,910! Rhode Island takes third place at $49,180.

California’s average sits at $39,170. The Golden State’s prices swing wildly by area. San Francisco weddings cost around $51,500 while rural spots offer better deals.

Here are more states where weddings cost a pretty penny:

• Massachusetts: $45,000
• Vermont: $44,720
• Maine: $36,000

Mid-range states: TX, FL, IL, CO

The middle of the country gives couples more bang for their buck while still throwing amazing celebrations.

Texas weddings run about $30,000, though prices change a lot between cities and countryside. Florida averages $32,560. Couples hosting 100-150 guests usually spend between $33,134 and $60,705.

Illinois has an average price of a wedding around $38,100. Chicago pushes this up with celebrations averaging $54,190. Colorado weddings cost $31,130, thanks to its popularity for mountain and outdoor ceremonies.

More states in this price range include:

• Pennsylvania: $35,310
• Virginia: $33,760
• Louisiana: $33,240

Washington D.C. deserves a special mention. Though not a state, weddings here cost $42,480, with some sources reporting averages up to $70,625.

Budget-friendly states: UT, NV, ID, MS

Smart couples can find great deals in several states without cutting corners on quality.

Utah stands out as America’s best value for weddings at just $17,380. Better yet, some sources say Utah averages as low as $16,000.

Nevada, home to famous Las Vegas wedding chapels, offers great deals at $19,890. Idaho matches Utah at $17,380, though prices have gone up from earlier years when weddings averaged $16,366.

Mississippi offers excellent value at $21,280, especially for couples looking at Southern venues.

More wallet-friendly spots include:

• West Virginia: $19,080
• Oklahoma: $19,590
• Wyoming: $16,750
• Alaska: $16,150

Link to full state guides on withjoy.com/blog

Withjoy.com/blog offers detailed state guides to help couples plan better. Our Florida wedding cost guide shows each extra guest adds $164-$201 to your budget – helpful info for guest list planning.

State guides break down venues, vendor prices, and seasonal factors. These guides stay current with 2025’s changing wedding costs, helping couples plan no matter where they live.

Wedding costs vary a lot based on local markets. Getting married in Utah instead of New Jersey could save you $30,000 – enough for an amazing honeymoon or a good chunk of a house down payment.

How location impacts your wedding budget

The location you pick for your big day plays a huge role in determining your wedding costs. My analysis of pricing data shows that your choice of venue affects the budget in ways that go beyond state lines.

Urban vs rural pricing differences

Wedding costs vary dramatically between cities and countryside locations. Big cities often come with eye-watering price tags that can challenge even the most generous budgets.

Couples tying the knot in San Francisco, New York, or Chicago should expect to pay between $47,000 and $60,000 on average. Cities like Minneapolis or Houston are easier on your wallet, with costs ranging from $25,000 to $29,000. This means you could save more than $30,000 by picking a different city.

The cost differences are striking even among America’s 20 largest cities. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area in Florida stands out as the most budget-friendly option at $20,044. San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley tops the list at $33,697. This price gap of $13,653 shows how your choice of location can shape your entire budget.

Rural venues help you save money for several reasons:

• Venues charge less due to lower operating costs
• You can negotiate better deals as there’s less competition for dates
• Base prices stay low even though vendor travel fees might add up

A wedding expert puts it perfectly: “A wedding in rural Virginia is going to cost less than a wedding in Palm Beach, Florida. Just like there are different costs of living in different cities, there will be a wide range in terms of how much items will cost”.

The Wedding Report helps couples find average wedding costs by zip code or metropolitan area. This tool gives you specific budget insights for your planning. You can check our state-specific guides at withjoy.com/blog for detailed vendor and venue pricing in each region.

Destination weddings vs local venues

Here’s a surprise – destination weddings often cost less than celebrations close to home. The average price of a wedding in the U.S. reaches $35,000, while destination weddings cost about $9,850 per couple.

Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic are popular choices that won’t break the bank. A Mexican destination wedding costs between $1,350 and $11,500 for around 20 guests. That’s much cheaper than most local celebrations.

The average wedding budget savings come from three main areas:

All-inclusive resort packages often include the venue at no extra cost when you book enough rooms. Food and drinks – which usually cost $85 per person plus $540 for desserts at local weddings – are part of many resort packages. Beautiful tropical settings mean you spend less on decorations, saving the average $2,800 that couples spend at home.

Fewer guests show up at destination weddings – about 50% of those invited compared to local celebrations. While couples need to budget around $1,000 for flights and $2,400 for their stay (usually 4-5 nights), guests typically pay their own way.

Many resorts throw in free wedding packages when you book multiple rooms or longer stays. These deals include on-site coordination, ceremony setup, and basic decorations – services that would cost thousands extra at a local wedding.

Your choice of location shapes every aspect of your wedding costs. Understanding these price differences helps you make smart decisions about your budget without compromising on quality.

Venue and catering: The biggest expenses

Your wedding budget has two big players: venue and catering. These two items eat up more than half of your total wedding funds. The venue alone takes over 30% of the average wedding budget. This makes it crucial to know what goes into these costs.

Average venue costs by region

A wedding reception venue costs about $11,200 on average across the country. The Knot’s 2022 Real Weddings Study puts the typical venue cost at around $10,700 nationwide.

The price tag changes quite a bit depending on where you live:

• Northeast (NY, NJ, RI): Venues cost $15,000-$30,000, with Manhattan’s luxury spots going above $50,000
• West Coast (CA): You’ll pay $13,800-$18,600, with San Francisco at the top end
• Midwest (IL, MN): Better deals here at $8,000-$12,000
• South (TX, FL): Expect $7,500-$15,000, with city venues costing more than rural ones

Your choice of venue type plays a big role in the final cost. Luxury hotels in prime spots charge $15,000 to $30,000. Simple barn rentals start at $3,000 to $5,000, but you’ll need to add tables and restrooms. Outdoor spaces run $5,000 to $20,000 based on location and exclusivity.

You can find state-specific venue pricing guides at withjoy.com/blog.

Catering per guest: what to expect

Food and drinks take up 20-30% of your wedding budget. The average price of a wedding includes about $80 per person for catering. This ranges from $62 in the Midwest to $123 in the Mid-Atlantic region.

The wedding catering cost in 2023 ran between $6,500 and $9,500. These prices change based on:

• How you serve the food
• Menu choices and complexity
• Number of guests and staff needed
• Where you live
• What foods are in season

Here’s what different service styles cost:

• Buffet: $50-90 per person
• Plated dinner: $100-200 per person
• Family style: $120-150 per person
• Food trucks: $25-35 per person (great for saving money)

A wedding with 100 guests typically costs between $8,500 and $10,000 for catering. This takes up a big chunk of your total budget.

Bundled vs separate services

Choosing between bundled venue/catering packages and separate vendors is a big decision. Each option has its perks.

All-inclusive venues wrap up the rental, catering, bar service, basic decor, and coordination in one package. These deals run from $15,000 to $40,000 and often cost less than hiring vendors separately. Plus, you’ll deal with just one contract instead of many.

Hiring vendors separately lets you customize everything and control individual costs. Many couples find they can negotiate better deals this way. One bride found an entertainment package with ceremony musicians, photo booth, and lighting that cost less than booking each service on its own.

Most couples work with about 14 vendors on their big day. The number of couples hiring wedding planners has grown from 30% in 2019 to 37% in 2023. These planners help manage all the vendor relationships.

Ask for detailed quotes that compare all-inclusive packages with individual vendor costs based on your guest count and what matters most to you.

Guest count and its ripple effect on cost

Your guest list numbers directly shape your wedding costs. The number of people you invite is the biggest factor that affects your total expenses, and it ripples through every part of your budget.

How guest list size affects every line item

Here’s the simple math: The average cost per wedding guest in 2025 runs between $256 and $375 across the country. Your expenses climb in many categories as your guest count goes up:

Food and beverages are the clearest scaling cost, since caterers charge by headcount. This explains why couples spend about 40% of their total budget on venue and catering together.

Rentals grow with your numbers – you’ll need more tables, chairs, linens, place settings, and glassware. Each table needs its own centerpiece, which drives up your flower budget. Bigger guest lists also mean you’ll need larger venues that cost more.

Paper goods cost more with each invitation, program, menu card, and place card you send. The price gap between small and large weddings is striking:

• 50-75 guests: $20,581 average cost
• 100-150 guests: $33,957 average cost
• 200-300 guests: $42,751 average cost

These scaling effects stay true no matter where you celebrate. Florida weddings see a $164-$201 increase per extra guest. Nationwide, cutting just 10-15 people from your list could save you $1,000-$3,750, depending on your location and venue.

You’ll find state-specific guest cost breakdowns in our complete guides at withjoy.com/blog, where we detail how per-guest expenses vary by region.

Cost-saving strategies for smaller weddings

Since each guest affects your average wedding budget, smart guest list management is your best chance to control costs. A seasoned wedding planner puts it this way: “In my years of planning weddings, the most tried and true way to save on a wedding is to cut the guest list”.

A smaller guest list creates savings that go beyond just food costs. Here are some smart approaches:

1. Set clear invitation rules: Let plus-ones come only if they’re engaged or married, or make it adults-only to reduce your numbers.
2. Share guest spots fairly: Parents who help pay get to invite guests based on how much they contribute.
3. Add special touches with what you save: Fewer guests mean you can add those dream elements that seemed out of reach before. One planner notes, “There’s often room to include that wish-list item that otherwise would have had to have been removed. For example, upgrading the entertainment from DJ only to a band and DJ jam session”.
4. Look at different venues: Smaller groups open up exciting options like restaurants, art galleries, or boutique hotels.
5. Be selective with work friends: Only invite colleagues who’ve become true friends outside the office.

Quality beats quantity when it comes to wedding celebrations. Couples can create more personal, meaningful events while keeping their budget in check. Small guest lists often lead to the most unforgettable celebrations.

Vendor pricing trends in 2025

Wedding vendors are the foundations of successful celebrations, and their pricing keeps evolving. Let’s get into what couples should expect to pay their key wedding professionals in 2025.

Photographers, DJs, and planners

Wedding photography costs have jumped significantly. The national average now reaches $5,800 for standard coverage. Location matters—photographers in the Northeast charge premium rates ($6,500+), while Southern states remain more competitive ($4,900-$5,400).

DJ services are more available budget options, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 nationwide. Major cities like Chicago and New York City trend toward higher rates ($2,000+), while rural areas stay more affordable ($800-$1,200). Peak season weekend dates add 15-20% to standard pricing.

The national average for wedding planners stands at $2,100, with significant variations by service level:

• Day-of coordination: $1,400
• Month-of planning: $2,200
• Full-service planning: $4,100

You can find state-specific vendor pricing guides in our detailed resources at withjoy.com/blog.

Why vendor prices are higher post-COVID

COVID-19 has altered the map of the wedding industry. Small businesses struggled early on as vendors lost deposits during widespread cancelations. Several factors drove prices up when weddings resumed:

Labor costs exploded—photographers who earned $50/hour before the pandemic now charge up to $200/hour. Vendors also face steeper business expenses for insurance, licensing, and office space.

Supply chain problems continue. Wedding essentials face 20-35% tariffs and higher shipping costs.

Postponed weddings created unprecedented demand, which helps vendors maintain premium pricing. This competitive environment allowed small business owners to set sustainable rates after years of undercharging.

How to negotiate or bundle services

These strategic approaches work better than asking for direct discounts:

1. Be open about your budget: “Here’s what I’m working with, how can we make the most of it together?”
2. Talk about service adjustments instead of price cuts—photographers might reduce hours rather than rates.
3. Look for off-peak advantages: weekday or off-season dates often cost 10-15% less.
4. Bundle services when possible—photographers who include engagement sessions or DJs who add lighting often offer package deals.

Note that vendor pricing reflects real costs—inflation, supplies, and business expenses determine base rates. Start negotiations respectfully, knowing that quality professionals set prices that sustain their businesses while delivering exceptional experiences.

Seasonal pricing: When you get married matters

Smart timing of your wedding could save you thousands of dollars. Your chosen calendar date can affect your average wedding budget more than almost any other decision you make.

Peak vs off-season wedding months

Wedding season typically runs from late spring through early fall in most regions. June and September see the highest bookings. You’ll pay top dollar for almost everything wedding-related during these busy months.

The price differences really add up. National averages show winter weddings (January-March) cost $32,000, while summer celebrations (July-September) reach $34,000. Smart couples can save big by picking off-season dates. Vendors often give major discounts that can cut “30 to 50% on wedding costs”.

Each region has its own seasonal patterns:

• Northeast/Midwest: You’ll find the best deals in winter months (December-February)
• Southwest/Florida: July-August become cheaper due to heat
• Mountain regions: Spring and fall prices beat peak summer rates
• Texas Hill Country: Winter months (December-February) save you 20-40%

Budget-conscious couples should look at January and February for the biggest savings nationwide. Local photographers say quiet-season celebrations can be “up to twice as cost-effective as a peak-season celebration”.

Weekday vs weekend pricing differences

Your wedding day choice affects the average price of a wedding almost as much as the season. Weekday celebrations cost $31,100-$33,900 while weekend events run $33,100-$33,200.

Thursday leads the pack for savings at $31,100 (5.7% below national average). Wednesday follows at $32,000 (3% below average). Venues typically cut their rates by 20-60% for weekday events compared to weekends.

Weekday weddings bring extra perks:

• Venues charge rates that are “cheaper during the week” when demand drops
• Guests enjoy “discounted room rates” for their stay
• You’ll have more room to negotiate with vendors looking to book weekday slots

Check out our detailed resources at withjoy.com/blog for state-specific wedding costs and seasonal price variations. These guides help you understand regional price differences throughout the year to stretch your budget further.

Inflation and economic factors to consider

Economic pressures have altered the wedding map in recent years. You can better guide yourself through the financial realities of planning your celebration in 2025 by understanding these forces.

How inflation affects wedding services

The wedding industry has felt inflation’s effects deeply. Core wedding elements like catering, florals, photography, and cakes have seen price increases of more than 20% in the last four years. Labor costs remain the biggest driver. Photographers who charged $50 per hour before the pandemic now ask up to $200 hourly.

Wedding vendors face their own economic challenges. A recent survey shows 83% of vendors reported higher operational costs, which led 77% to raise their rates. These increases reflect genuine business pressures that ultimately affect the average price of a wedding.

Wedding essentials from overseas face extra hurdles. Items like flowers, fabrics, and décor now come with 20-35% tariffs plus higher shipping expenses. Every aspect of wedding planning feels these economic pressures, which explains why the national average wedding budget keeps climbing each year.

The financial strain hits hard – 85% of Americans say rising wedding expenses will affect their overall financial well-being. Many wedding vendors have updated their contracts, adding clauses that costs might rise 10-30% due to economic factors beyond their control.

Tips to lock in prices early

Couples can alleviate these challenges by taking action early. One in three couples now buy items ahead of time to secure current pricing. These strategic approaches might help:

Start with a contingency fund. Wedding planners suggest setting aside 10-15% of your overall budget (some recommend up to 20%) to cover unexpected price increases.

Look for American-made alternatives. Many couples offset import costs when they choose domestic products.

Book your core vendors right after confirming your date. This approach “may give you advantages down the line when dealing with unexpected economic issues”.

Visit withjoy.com/blog to find state-specific inflation guides with localized pricing trends and vendor recommendations tailored to economic conditions in your area.

Conclusion

Wedding planning in 2025 needs careful money management. The average wedding now costs $36,000 across the country. These costs vary based on where you live, how many guests you invite, and when you plan to get married. Smart couples need to watch their budgets closely.

Your wedding location plays the biggest role in determining costs. Couples getting married in New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island might pay over $50,000. Those celebrating in Alaska, Nevada, or Utah can create their dream wedding for less than $20,000. You’ll find state-specific wedding cost guides and vendor recommendations at withjoy.com/blog. These are a great way to get local insights.

The number of guests affects every part of your budget. Each extra guest adds $256-$375 to your total cost. Your guest list becomes your best tool to control expenses. You can also cut costs by 20-50% when you pick weekday dates or off-peak seasons instead of popular summer weekends.

Wedding costs keep rising because of inflation and economic pressure. But you can still have a beautiful celebration that fits your budget. Many couples keep their costs in check by focusing on what’s most important to them. They book vendors early to lock in better prices and stay flexible with their plans.

Note that your wedding marks the start of your life together. It’s not the whole story. Whether you spend $15,000 or $50,000, your day’s success comes from your love and the memories you create. Wedding planning can feel overwhelming at times. But smart choices about your location, timing, and guest count will help you celebrate without breaking the bank.