We all know weddings are expensive. But just how expensive is highly determined by location and guest count. In the early stages of your planning, determining where to get married and how many people to invite will influence everything else you do. So how do you tackle half of that equation: Location?
As you figure out where to get married, there are several important questions:
- Do you want a hometown wedding, or are you considering a destination wedding in a special place?
- How far are you willing to ask your guests to travel? If many of your guests are from out of town, would you prefer to host the wedding in a location that’s convenient for them?
- Would you rather have the wedding where you currently live, or would you like to travel to a location that’s meaningful to both of you?
Your answers might be influenced by everything from cost to sentimental value to practicality. If cost is one of the big reasons, understanding how wedding costs vary across states is definitely going to be top of mind.
Using data from The Knot, Zola, and Fidelity, we created a projection tool to highlight the average cost of a wedding in every state and what you might expect if you’re budgeting on the lower or higher end. With Tulle, you can estimate your wedding cost based on location and guest count, tailoring your budget to your specific needs. Below, we’ve highlighted the average costs for weddings with 100 guests in both the top 5 most and least expensive states (Note: each state has the ‘major city’ filter applied, which can be toggled off in Tulle). To fill in your own projections and explore how wedding costs vary by location and guest count, sign up for Tulle here.
Top 5 Most Expensive States to Get Married In
Washington, D.C.| Average Cost: $62,922
Washington, D.C. tops the list as the most expensive location for a wedding in the U.S. The nation’s capital is known for its high-end venues and luxury services, making it a top choice for couples seeking an extravagant celebration.
New Jersey | Average Cost: $61,286
New Jersey offers proximity to New York City without some of the higher costs, but its own upscale venues and services push it to the second spot on our list. The state is a hotspot for lavish weddings, often featuring grand ballrooms and premium catering.
New York | Average Cost: $60,792
New York is synonymous with luxury, and weddings here often reflect that. From iconic city venues to scenic upstate locations, New York offers a wide range of high-cost wedding options.
Massachusetts | Average Cost: $55,573
Massachusetts, with its historic charm and picturesque venues, is another high-cost state for weddings. Boston and the surrounding areas are particularly known for hosting elegant, high-budget weddings.
Illinois | Average Cost: $51,064
Illinois, particularly Chicago, is a major hub for expensive weddings. The city’s diverse venue options, from luxury hotels to historic sites, contribute to its high average wedding cost.
Top 5 Least Expensive States to Get Married In
Arkansas | Average Cost: $20,159
Arkansas offers beautiful landscapes and charming venues at a fraction of the cost compared to other states. Couples here can enjoy a scenic, budget-friendly wedding without sacrificing quality.
Oklahoma | Average Cost: $20,046
Oklahoma is another affordable state for weddings, with a variety of rustic and traditional venues. The state’s lower cost of living translates into more affordable wedding services.
New Mexico | Average Cost: $18,710
New Mexico provides unique cultural experiences and stunning desert landscapes, all at a lower cost. Couples can plan a memorable wedding without breaking the bank.
North Dakota | Average Cost: $17,902
North Dakota’s low cost of living makes it one of the most affordable states to get married in. Couples here can enjoy wide-open spaces and friendly venues at minimal expense.
Alaska | Average Cost: $16,747
Despite its remote location, Alaska offers surprisingly affordable wedding options. The state’s natural beauty provides a breathtaking backdrop for budget-conscious couples – though with the cost to travel there, it might not end up being a budget-conscious choice.
Fill in your own projections and explore how wedding costs vary by location and guest count – sign up for Tulle or sign in here!
