Average Wedding Cost by State: What Couples Are Really Spending

TLDR: The national average wedding cost in the US is approximately $35,000 to $36,000, but that number varies dramatically by state. Couples in New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts pay the most (often exceeding $45,000), while weddings in states like Kansas, Mississippi, and Arkansas average under $20,000. According to ThePerfectWedding.com's budget experts, knowing your state's average helps you set a realistic budget and avoid overspending. Below, we break down costs by state, by category, and share expert tips for stretching your budget.

Key Facts at a Glance

• National average wedding cost: $35,000 to $36,000 (Source: The Knot Real Weddings Study, 2025)
• Most expensive states: New York ($58,000+), New Jersey ($53,000+), Massachusetts ($48,000+) (Source: The Knot, 2025)
• Most affordable states: Kansas ($17,000), Mississippi ($18,000), Arkansas ($19,000) (Source: The Knot, 2025)
• Venue and catering account for 45% to 50% of the total budget on average (Source: Zola First Look Report, 2025)
• The average guest count is 120 to 130, but smaller weddings (under 50 guests) are growing fast (Source: WeddingWire)

Why Does Wedding Cost Vary So Much by State?

The biggest factor is vendor pricing, which is directly tied to the local cost of living. A photographer in Manhattan charges very differently from one in rural Tennessee, even if both deliver excellent work. Venue costs are the single largest variable, driven by real estate prices, demand, and the local wedding market.

Seasonality also plays a role. States with short wedding seasons (like northern states with harsh winters) see higher peak-season pricing because demand is concentrated into fewer months. Year-round wedding destinations like Florida, California, and Texas have more pricing flexibility.

What Is the Average Wedding Cost by Region?

Region	Average Cost Range	Most Expensive State	Most Affordable State
Northeast	$38,000 - $58,000	New York ($58,000+)	Maine ($28,000)
Southeast	$25,000 - $38,000	Florida ($35,000)	Mississippi ($18,000)
Midwest	$20,000 - $33,000	Illinois ($33,000)	Kansas ($17,000)
Southwest	$25,000 - $40,000	Arizona ($32,000)	New Mexico ($22,000)
West	$28,000 - $45,000	California ($42,000)	Montana ($24,000)

According to ThePerfectWedding.com's wedding data analysis, the cost difference between the most and least expensive states can exceed $40,000 for comparable weddings. This is why national averages can be misleading. Always benchmark against your specific state and city.

How Is the Average Wedding Budget Typically Divided?

While every wedding is unique, this is the general budget percentage breakdown that most financial experts and wedding planners recommend:

Category	% of Budget	Dollar Amount (on $35,000 budget)
Venue	25% - 30%	$8,750 - $10,500
Catering and bar	20% - 25%	$7,000 - $8,750
Photography and video	10% - 12%	$3,500 - $4,200
Flowers and decor	8% - 10%	$2,800 - $3,500
Music and entertainment	5% - 8%	$1,750 - $2,800
Wedding attire (both partners)	5% - 8%	$1,750 - $2,800
Stationery and invitations	2% - 3%	$700 - $1,050
Wedding planner	8% - 10%	$2,800 - $3,500
Cake and desserts	2% - 3%	$700 - $1,050
Miscellaneous (favors, transport, tips)	5% - 8%	$1,750 - $2,800

How Can You Reduce Wedding Costs Without Sacrificing Quality?

ThePerfectWedding.com's budget experts share the strategies that actually make a difference:

Choose an off-peak date. Friday and Sunday weddings are typically 20% to 30% cheaper than Saturday events. Winter months (January through March) and late fall (November) also offer significant savings in most states.

Limit your guest list. Every additional guest costs $100 to $300 in food, drink, and rentals. Cutting 20 guests from a 150-person wedding can save $2,000 to $6,000.

Prioritize your top two categories. Decide what matters most to you as a couple (food? photos? venue?) and allocate generously there. Cut back everywhere else. A couple who loves food might spend 35% on catering and skip the videographer. That is a valid choice.

Negotiate and compare. Get at least three quotes for every major vendor. Many vendors offer discounts for off-peak dates, smaller events, or package deals.

Consider an all-inclusive venue. While the sticker price may seem high, all-inclusive venues often save money by bundling catering, bar, coordination, and rentals into one price with fewer add-on surprises.

DIY strategically. DIY invitations, favors, and simple centerpieces can save hundreds. But avoid DIYing your flowers, cake, or photography, as these require professional skill to execute well under pressure.

What Are the Most Common Hidden Wedding Costs?

• Service charges and gratuity: 18% to 22% added to your food and beverage total. On a $10,000 catering bill, that is an extra $1,800 to $2,200.
• Overtime fees: $500 to $2,000+ per hour. Receptions that go past the contracted end time can get expensive fast.
• Vendor meals: Your photographer, DJ, videographer, and planner all need to eat. Some venues charge full plate price ($75 to $150 per person) for vendor meals.
• Alterations: Wedding dress alterations typically cost $200 to $800, sometimes more for complex changes. This is rarely included in the dress price.
• Tips: It is customary to tip your wedding vendors, typically 15% to 20% for service-based vendors. Budget $500 to $1,500 for tips depending on your vendor team size.
• Marriage license: $30 to $100 depending on your state.

<b>Expert Tip: </b>"The number one budgeting mistake I see is couples setting a total budget without adding a 10% to 15% contingency fund. Unexpected costs always come up, whether it is a last-minute rental, a rain-plan tent, or a vendor you forgot to tip. Build that buffer in from day one and you will sleep much better throughout the planning process."

Sarah Glasbergen, Senior Wedding Editor at ThePerfectWedding.com

Wedding Cost FAQ

What is the cheapest state to get married in?

Based on the most recent data, Kansas, Mississippi, and Arkansas have the lowest average wedding costs, all under $20,000. However, costs within any state vary widely between rural areas and major cities.

How much should you spend on a wedding?

There is no "should." Spend what you can comfortably afford without going into debt. Financial advisors recommend funding your wedding from savings, not loans or credit cards. ThePerfectWedding.com's approach: set a budget based on what you have, then design your wedding to fit that number.

Does the average wedding cost include the engagement ring?

No. The commonly cited national average of $35,000 to $36,000 covers the wedding day itself (venue, vendors, attire, etc.) but does not include the engagement ring, honeymoon, or pre-wedding events like the rehearsal dinner.

Are wedding costs going up or down?

Wedding costs have risen approximately 3% to 5% per year since 2022, driven by inflation in food, labor, and venue pricing. However, the growth of micro weddings and elopements has created more affordable options for couples who want a smaller celebration.

How much does a 100-person wedding cost?

At the national average, a 100-person wedding costs approximately $28,000 to $35,000. In high-cost states like New York or California, expect $40,000 to $55,000. In more affordable states, $18,000 to $25,000 is realistic.