How Much Does the Average Wedding Cost, According to Data?

So, what's the average wedding cost in 2025? The Knot Budget Advisor is a tool to help you learn just that (and it has even more cost data relating to where you're getting married!). But to help you get started, we've distilled some of the most interesting data about the average price of a wedding for you to review before you dive into planning. While the data and numbers relating to the average cost of a wedding tell a strong story on its own, we also spoke to expert pros (many of whom you can connect with on The Knot Vendor Marketplace) to better understand the nuances of these statistics about how much weddings cost.

Average Wedding Cost Overview

How much does the average wedding cost? Here are the statistics you need to know, at a glance.

• The overall average wedding cost is $33,000 and the average cost per guest is $284.
• Guest count significantly affects how much weddings cost. The study found that those spending under $15,000 invited an average of 89 guests; couples who spent $15,000–$40,000 invited 118 guests; couples who spent over $40,000 invited 142 on average.
• Where you choose to wed greatly affects the average price of a wedding. An average destination wedding is $39,000 while an average hometown wedding is $32,000.

How Much Is a Wedding: Average US Wedding Cost | Average Wedding Cost by State | Average Wedding Cost by City | Average Wedding Vendor Costs | Average Wedding Cost by Guest List | Additional Wedding Cost Factors | What Does This Mean for 2025? | How Have Costs Changed Over the Years?

What Is the Average US Wedding Cost?

The national average cost of a wedding is $33,000, according to both The Knot Budget Advisor and The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study. The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study, an annual survey that collects data from roughly 17,000 couples who wed last year in the US, paints an in-depth picture of how much weddings cost. The study also gathers even more data about weddings today to help couples understand everything about weddings while they navigate the planning journey.

However, Annie Lee, founder of PLANNIE and principal planner of Daughter of Design, raises an interesting point regarding the average price of a wedding. "It's not like a height average where there is a limited range a human can physically grow," notes Lee. Lee goes on to remind couples that the marriage license cost is the only truly required wedding expense. "You can spend $50 bucks on a marriage license and call it a day or spend $5.5 million and have Adele perform at your wedding. There's no finite range so the average can feel so off both ways. Some will think the average sounds so high or so wildly low. It's almost better to create an average within each type of wedding in each region rather than all weddings." As Lee explains, understanding regional differences is a critical component of average wedding cost. The Knot Budget Advisor is a free tool that lets couples enter their chosen marrying location so they can learn more about the local costs associated with where they're tying the knot. Within the tool, which is also available on The Knot App, couples can make edits to the average numbers to prioritize based on their needs, while understanding how those costs stack up to other weddings in the area.

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Destination vs Local Wedding Cost

As Lee explained, regionality affects the cost of a wedding. Is your wedding site local or will you be traveling? If you're wondering how much a destination wedding costs, it's worth noting that these events tend to be slightly more expensive than hometown events. While destination weddings tend to be smaller than hometown weddings, the cost of travel, accommodations and other expenses can drive up the budget.

How much do weddings cost by location? Discover the stats:

• Average cost for hometown wedding: $32,300
• Average cost for domestic destination wedding: $39,000
• Average cost for international destination wedding: $41,000

Average Wedding Cost by State

Design: Tiana Crispino

Desireé Dent, a Chicago-based wedding planner and the owner of Dejanae Events, shares a similar sentiment: "The idea of an average wedding cost can be misleading because weddings are highly personal and spending varies widely based on location, guest count, and priorities. The average cost can serve as a great starting point, but every couple's budget will be unique to them."

Notably, throwing a wedding in a densely populated, expensive destination (a big city like New York City, San Francisco or Chicago, for example) costs more than it does in a smaller or less populated location (such as Idaho, West Virginia or Wyoming). As Terrica, a renowned business coach and the owner of Georgia-based Cocktails & Details, explains, "The cost of living, sourcing, shipping, etc. will greatly vary by state. Additionally, states may also have different labor laws that may also affect pricing." Wondering where the most expensive places to get married are? See our list of average cost of a wedding by state, below, sourced from The Knot Budget Advisor as of January 2025. Note that this is just the cost of the ceremony and reception, and doesn't include the engagement ring, which costs $5,200, on average, or the honeymoon, which costs $5,300 on average.

Here is the average wedding price by state:

Alabama: $27,000	Alaska: 16,150
Arizona: $26,830	Arkansas: $18,700
California: $39,170	Colorado: $31,130
Connecticut: $40,300	Delaware: $38,880
DC: $42,480	Florida: $32,560
Georgia: $28,800	Hawaii: 32,280
Idaho: $17,380	Illinois: $38,100
Indiana: $24,380	Iowa: $20,080
Kansas: $20,000	Kentucky: $21,680
Louisiana: $33,240	Maine: $36,000
Maryland: $39,460	Massachusetts: $45,000
Michigan: $28,330	Minnesota: $27,440
Mississippi: $21,280	Missouri: $25,040
Montana: $20,050	Nebraska: $20,870
Nevada: $19,890	New Hampshire: $36,080
New Jersey: $54,400	New Mexico: $22,260
New York: $47,800	North Carolina: $29,060
North Dakota: $21,080	Ohio: $28,300
Oklahoma: $19,590	Oregon: $23,290
Pennsylvania: $35,310	Rhode Island: $49,180
South Carolina: $36,170	South Dakota: $20,750
Tennessee: $24,040	Texas: $30,000
Utah: $17,380	Vermont: $44,720
Virginia: $33,760	Washington: $26,380
West Virginia: $19,080	Wisconsin: $28,730
Wyoming: $16,750

Maybe you haven't yet decided on a state, but you know the general part of the country where you'd like to get married. Here is a look at the average wedding cost by region of the US:

• Average cost for wedding in New England: $43,000
• Average cost for wedding in the Mid-Atlantic: $46,000
• Average cost for wedding in the Midwest: $29,000
• Average cost for wedding in the South/ Southeast: $31,000
• Average cost for wedding in the Southwest: $29,000
• Average cost for wedding in the West: $31,000

Average Wedding Cost in Major US Cities

As noted above, hosting a wedding in a big city can be more costly than in a small town. Here's what our data (via The Knot Budget Advisor as of February 2025) shows for the average wedding cost in 25 of the biggest cities across the US (Note: this is the cost of the ceremony and reception, excluding the engagement ring).

Discover the average cost of a wedding USA couples can expect across the nation:

• Average Wedding Cost in New York, NY: $87,700
• Average Wedding Cost in Los Angeles, CA: $44,740
• Average Wedding Cost in Chicago, IL: $54,190
• Average Wedding Cost in Houston, TX: $33,000
• Average Wedding Cost in Phoenix, AZ: $27,040
• Average Wedding Cost in Philadelphia, PA: $40,230
• Average Wedding Cost in San Antonio, TX: $25,750
• Average Wedding Cost in San Diego, CA: $37,690
• Average Wedding Cost in Dallas, TX: $31,580
• Average Wedding Cost in Austin, TX: $37,420
• Average Wedding Cost in Jacksonville, FL: $32,230
• Average Wedding Cost in San Jose, CA: $51,500
• Average Wedding Cost in Fort Worth, TX: $31,580
• Average Wedding Cost in Columbus, OH: $29,730
• Average Wedding Cost in Charlotte, NC: $31,640
• Average Wedding Cost in Indianapolis, IN: $24,870
• Average Wedding Cost in San Francisco, CA: $51,500
• Average Wedding Cost in Seattle, WA: $31,320
• Average Wedding Cost in Denver, CO: $31,440
• Average Wedding Cost in Oklahoma City, OK: $20,650
• Average Wedding Cost in Nashville, TN: $28,850
• Average Wedding Cost in Washington, DC: $42,480
• Average Wedding Cost in El Paso, TX: $20,490
• Average Wedding Cost in Las Vegas, NV: $22,140
• Average Wedding Cost in Boston, MA: $51,260

How Much Does a Wedding Cost By Vendor?

The number of vendors hired is one of the most important factors in determining your wedding budget breakdown. According to our data, couples hire 14 wedding vendors on average. But not all 14 vendors will have the same prices, so understanding the why behind wedding costs is critical to seeing the full picture with these numbers. It's always best to research wedding vendors near you and ask them about their specific rates (and what those rates include). Our data reveals exactly what couples spent on different wedding vendors last year on average.

Discover the average cost of wedding vendors:

• Average cost of wedding reception venue: $12,200
• Average cost of wedding photographer: $2,900
• Average cost of wedding event planner: $2,100
• Average cost of reception live band: $4,500
• Average cost of reception DJ: $1,700
• Average cost of flowers: $2,700
• Average cost of videographer: $2,300
• Average cost of wedding dress: $2,100
• Average cost of wedding cake: $540
• Average cost of catering (price per person): $80
• Average cost of transportation: $1,100
• Average cost of favors: $460
• Average cost of wedding invitations: $520
• Average cost of hairstylist (price for one to-be-wed): $150
• Average cost of makeup artist (price for one to-be-wed): $140
• Average cost of officiant: $240
• Average cost of alcohol: $2,800
• Average cost of additional jewelry: $360
• Average cost of ceremony ensemble: $850
• Average cost of additional, non-musical entertainment: $1,400
• Average cost of event rentals: $2,000
• Average cost of lighting and decor: $1,900
• Average cost of wedding rings: $2,900

Additionally, some costs that you'll likely incur during the planning journey are typically excluded from the main price when discussing how much a wedding costs. Here are additional costs to consider beyond the scope of the average cost of a wedding:

• Average cost of rehearsal dinner: $2,700
• Average cost of engagement ring: $5,200
• Average cost of honeymoon: $5,300

Average Wedding Cost by Number of Guests

The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study found that the average cost per wedding guest is $284 and the average wedding guest count is 116. Your guest list is one of the biggest factors in determining how much you'll spend on your wedding. It goes without saying, but the more people you invite, the more you'll spend. What is the average wedding cost for 50 guests? Typically, that'll be less than the average wedding cost for 100 guests. If you're working on cutting down on wedding expenses, then one of the best actions you can take is trimming your guest list.

However, it's important to note that not all wedding costs are variable based on the number of guests attending. Some expenses are fixed (meaning they will cost the same for a 100-person wedding and for a 200-person wedding). "A DJ's or photographer's costs will be the same regardless of the number of guests you have, whereas a caterer, cake or rental pro will not," says Terrica. Keep in mind that even within variable costs, there is a lot of room for customization and cost differences. Wedding planner Jennifer Price, owner of Event Shopper Chicago, explains that "a five-course tapas-style meal for 60 people won't cost the same as a plain chicken dinner for 125 guests."

Here are some helpful statistics that show how guest count affects the average cost of a wedding in the United States:

• How much does a wedding cost for 50 guests? $14,200
• How much does a wedding cost for 100 guests? $28,400
• What is the cost of a wedding with 150 guests? $42,600
• How much does a 200-person wedding cost on average? $56,800

More Data About How Much Weddings Cost

In addition to location and guest count, a few other factors have a major impact on the overall cost of a wedding. Terrica explains that "average numbers should be looked at as starting rates. There are so many factors that go into the cost of any wedding such as the guest count, number and types of venues, length of the wedding, types of service, number of vendors, etc." So while these numbers help to paint a picture of what you might expect, the final cost will be dependent on how any given couple personalizes their wedding.

Our data reveals that generation is one key differentiating factor when it comes to how much a wedding costs. Which makes sense—different generations have varied priorities that affect how they want their celebration to come to life. Here's a look at the average wedding cost by generation:

• Average cost for Gen Z wedding: $27,000
• Average cost for millennial wedding: $38,000
• Average cost for Gen X wedding: $23,000

Another element that impacts the average US wedding cost is the time of year you choose to say "I do." In the same way that a trip to the beach is going to cost more during the summer than the winter, a wedding that takes place during wedding season will cost more than an off-season wedding. This is how average wedding cost varies by time of year:

• Average cost for January-March wedding: $32,000
• Average cost for April-June wedding: $33,000
• Average cost for July-September wedding: $34,000
• Average cost for October-December wedding: $32,000

And a third factor that carries weight in the cost conversation? Who is paying for the event. "When it comes to who is paying, it's clear that couples contributing more of their own funds are being more mindful of spending," notes Dent. "This aligns with what I see in my own experience with couples that are paying for their entire wedding. Those couples tend to be more selective about what they splurge on vs. where they cut costs." Discover how the average wedding cost shifts based on who is paying the bill:

• Couples pays for the minority: $38,000
• Couple pays for the majority: $29,000
• Couple pays for all: $24,000

What Does This Mean for Wedding Costs in 2025?

Now that you have more information about the average cost of weddings 2025 couples will face, you're probably wondering what all this means for your upcoming event. Here's our best advice for planning a wedding with cost in mind right now.

Start Planning Early

The earlier you can start to plan, the better. You'll have your pick of venues and wedding pros that fit your budget, rather than scrambling to find someone that works within your desired price range. You'll also be able to lock in prices for certain products and services now, so that even if inflation drives rates up, your contract will stay the same. Additionally, tighter planning timelines mean rush fees and other last-minute charges that drive costs up.

Set Your Budget, but Leave Room for Adjustments

Sit down with your partner and any financial contributors (family members, etc.) to create a realistic total wedding spending plan. You can utilize a wedding budget planner to help the process run as smoothly as possible. The Knot Budget Advisor makes it easy to learn about what couples typically spend in the area where you're marrying. Plus, you can edit and customize the numbers to fit your needs. Pro tip: If possible, reserve 5% of your budget as a "just in case" fund to help avoid overspending (which is very common, btw—more than half of those surveyed went over budget).

Align on Your Priorities

Terrica advises couples to "know your hierarchy of needs versus wants and find strategic ways to allocate your money in those categories." Price shares similar advice and warns couples against falling victim to "shiny item syndrome"–the desire to say yes to every enticing option presented to you, even if it is outside of your wedding priorities.

Work with your partner to come up with a wedding mission statement and figure out what's most important. This may be having amazing food and a killer band, or going over the top on flowers and decor. This list of priorities will help you make decisions and decide where to splurge and save as you plan.

Hire an All-Start Vendor Team (Including a Planner!)

A team of expert wedding pros will help turn your vision into reality—within your budget! In particular, a wedding planner's duties include ensuring that you stay on track throughout the planning process and source vendors that are within your price range. Yes, a planner may be an additional expense, but it's well worth it. "A wedding planner can help couples maximize their budgets by finding out what their hierarchy of needs are and identifying cost-saving measures," says Terrica.

Remain Flexible

With the higher costs and shortages hitting the wedding industry, flexibility is key. Yes, you may be obsessed with peonies but if your florist suggests less-expensive blooms as a cheap wedding idea to help you save, be open to the idea. Listening to your vendors and trusting their expertise is especially important right now—remember, they're here to help!

How Has the Cost of Weddings Changed Over the Years?

Addressing the discussion of how much a wedding costs today may leave you wondering how much weddings cost in years past. Especially as conversations around inflation and the effect of tariffs on weddings are at the forefront of national news, it's understandable that you'd want historical context.

"The cost of items—such as consumables and hard goods have gone up universally, so for some vendors, performing a service or providing a product may not be as cost-effective as it once was," explains Terrica. "Additionally, providing staff with a livable and competitive wage also plays a role in final costs necessary to produce an event."

Here's a look at the average US wedding cost over the last few years:

• Average wedding cost 2023: $35,000
• Average wedding cost 2022: $30,000
• Average wedding cost 2021: $28,000
• Average wedding cost 2020: $19,000
• Average wedding cost 2019: $28,000

So, how much does a wedding cost? As we've shown above, that answer varies greatly as you work with expert wedding pros to plan a wedding that is uniquely your own. Dent imparts this advice on to-be-weds: "Couples should remember there are tons of ways to create a stunning and memorable wedding celebration without breaking the bank. Planning ahead will allow you to do the research."

Additional reporting by Kim Forrest