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.

The average wedding in Texas costs about $33,500 in 2026, ranging from roughly $24,000 to $55,000. Austin is the priciest metro (often $38,000+), Dallas and Houston sit a step below, and San Antonio, El Paso, and rural Texas often come in under $30,000. Our full guide to the average wedding cost in Texas breaks it down metro by metro with sample budgets.

Yes — often by $3,000–$8,000 for a typical wedding. Peak months like October, September, and June carry a 20–30% venue premium and higher vendor rates, while off-peak months discount them. Our guide to the most expensive month to get married breaks down the peak-season premium and how to soften it if you can't change your date.