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.
Updated for 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.