Wedding Cost Estimator

The average wedding in the US costs approximately $34,200 in 2026, according to The Knot 2026 Real Weddings Study. However, costs vary dramatically by state — from $22,000 in more affordable states to $50,000+ in expensive states like New York and New Jersey. The $34,200 figure is also the product of a wild ride since 2020 — our wedding cost inflation trends 2020 to 2026 explain the COVID dip, the 2023 peak, and where prices sit now.

New York has the most expensive weddings with an average cost of $50,000, followed by New Jersey ($47,000), Rhode Island ($46,000), Massachusetts ($45,000), and Connecticut ($44,500). California is the priciest West Coast market at $43,000 — see our region-by-region guide to the average wedding cost in California. Within New York, the five boroughs run far above the state line: our guide to the average wedding cost in New York City puts the citywide figure near $63,000, from about $40,000 on Staten Island to $74,000 in Manhattan.

South Dakota and West Virginia have the lowest average wedding costs at around $22,000, followed by Mississippi ($22,500), Arkansas ($23,000), and Iowa ($23,500).

A backyard or courthouse wedding with a small guest list (under 30) can cost as little as $3,000-$5,000. Other money-saving tips include choosing a weekday or winter wedding, opting for a brunch reception, and DIY decor. For the full line-item version, see our wedding under 5000 dollars budget plan, which prices out a complete 50-guest wedding category by category.

A 100-person wedding typically costs between $20,000 and $40,000, depending on location and style. Semi-formal weddings in mid-cost states average around $28,000 for 100 guests.

Typically, 40-50% of your total budget goes toward the venue and catering combined. This includes the site fee, food, beverages, and often tables, chairs, and basic linens.