How Much Does a Wedding Cost in the United States? (2026)
The average American wedding costs between $28,000 and $65,000, with the national average around $35,000. Costs vary dramatically by city and state, with New York, San Francisco, and Chicago at the top end.
11 April 2026 · Last reviewed April 2026
Average total wedding cost in United States
Range: US$28,000 – US$65,000
Cost by category
Full breakdown
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
Venue Ceremony and reception site rental, including chairs, tables, and setup | US$5,000 | US$20,000 |
Catering Dinner service and appetizers, including staff and rentals | US$5,000 | US$18,000 |
Bar & beverages Open bar, signature cocktails, or beer and wine package | US$2,000 | US$8,000 |
Photography 8-10 hours coverage with second shooter and edited gallery | US$2,500 | US$7,000 |
Videography Highlight reel and full ceremony footage | US$2,000 | US$5,000 |
Florist Personal flowers, ceremony, and reception arrangements | US$1,500 | US$6,000 |
Attire Wedding dress or tuxedo, alterations, and accessories | US$2,000 | US$8,000 |
Music & entertainment DJ, live band, or combination | US$1,000 | US$5,000 |
Hair & makeup Trial and day-of for bridal party | US$400 | US$2,000 |
Cake Multi-tier wedding cake or dessert display | US$400 | US$1,500 |
Ways to save
Avoid the coasts
Midwest and Southern states offer significantly lower venue and vendor costs compared to coastal cities.
Choose an off-season date
January through March weddings can save 20-30% across nearly every vendor category.
Limit the open bar
A beer-and-wine-only bar or cocktail hour followed by a cash bar saves thousands.
Skip the bridal suite upgrade
Many venues charge $500-2,000 for a "bridal suite" that is just a hotel room. Book your own.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average wedding cost in the US in 2026?
Around $35,000 nationally. However, major metro areas like NYC ($60,000+), LA ($50,000+), and Chicago ($45,000+) push well above that.
How many guests does the average US wedding have?
Around 120-150 guests. The guest count is the single biggest driver of total cost.
What percentage of income should you spend on a wedding?
Financial advisors typically suggest no more than 30-50% of combined annual savings. Avoid going into debt for a wedding.
Free budget planning tools
Wedding costs in other countries
Ivory Lane Editorial
The Ivory Lane editorial team covers wedding planning, budgeting, and vendor advice for Australian couples. Our guides are reviewed regularly to reflect current pricing and industry practice.