Average Wedding Venue Cost: The Truth About How Much Real Couples Spend

How much do wedding venues really cost? Is there an average wedding venue cost? If you've found yourself wondering about these very questions, you're in luck—we're here to share everything you need to know about wedding venue prices. After all, finding a place to say "I do" is one of the first (and most expensive) decisions couples will often make during the planning process. So once you've gotten a sense for the overall average wedding cost and how much you want to allocate to your wedding budget , it's time to get more granular. Read on for information on how much a wedding venue costs before heading over to The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find the best of the best wedding venues near you. Pro tip: While you're searching on The Knot Vendor Marketplace, you can filter by location, venue type and price to find something that fits your specific needs and interests.

Wedding Venue Costs at a Glance:

Short on time? Here's a quick look at wedding venue cost data.

• The average wedding venue cost is $12,200, according to The Knot Budget Advisor.
• New Jersey is the state with the most expensive average wedding venue cost at $27,710.
• Wyoming is the state with the least expensive average wedding venue cost at $3,770.
• Wedding venue pricing varies based on location, scope of services included and seasonality (date and time of booking).

In this article: Average Wedding Venue Cost | Wedding Venue Cost Factors | What Might Influence Wedding Venue Costs in the Future?

Average Wedding Venue Cost

The wedding venue average cost across all of the United States is $12,200. Due to a variety of factors, like inflation, this number has grown 16% since 2019.

Curious for more data about wedding venue pricing? The Knot Budget Advisor is a free tool that can educate you on regional wedding costs so you know what to expect in your marrying location. Additionally, The Knot Real Weddings study is another resource you should bookmark with fast stats and details about weddings and wedding venues. One interesting fact from The Knot Real Weddings study? 76% of respondents said that price was the most important feature to them when deciding on a wedding venue.

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How Much Do Wedding Venues Cost by State?

While it's good to know the average cost of a wedding venue in the US, it's also incredibly helpful to know the average cost in your state. As Jacqueline Truesdale, General Manager of Beau Truesdale Wedding Venues, points out, "the cost of a wedding venue varies based on its location," among other factors. Turns out there's a huge range, depending on where you'll wed. Here's the rundown of the cost of wedding venues by state.

Alabama: $7,200	Alaska: $5,120
Arizona: $12,680	Arkansas: $5,370
California: $15,310	Colorado: $11,170
Connecticut: $18,630	Delaware: $15,890
DC: $14,090	Florida: $12,510
Georgia: $10,340	Hawaii: $9,490
Idaho: $4,020	Illinois: $14,060
Indiana: $8,270	Iowa: $5,460
Kansas: $5,230	Kentucky: $6,660
Louisiana: $13,230	Maine: $12,590
Maryland: $13,490	Massachusetts: $19,180
Michigan: $10,850	Minnesota: $8,590
Mississippi: $5,100	Missouri: $8,530
Montana: $5,490	Nebraska: $6,330
Nevada: $8,780	New Hampshire: $14,650
New Jersey: $27,710	New Mexico: $8,710
New York: $21,300	North Carolina: $8,830
North Dakota: $6,000	Ohio: $10,510
Oklahoma: $5,000	Oregon: $6,460
Pennsylvania: $15,020	Rhode Island: $19,540
South Carolina: $9,850	South Dakota: $4,740
Tennessee: $7,510	Texas: $9,520
Utah: $5,650	Vermont: $13,670
Virginia: $10,260	Washington: $7,890
West Virginia: $5,620	Wisconsin: $8,760
Wyoming: $3,770

How Much Do Wedding Venues Cost by City?

In addition to state-level variations in the average cost of a wedding venue, "urban venues and popular destination spots tend to be more expensive than rural or suburban locations," says Truesdale. Here's a look at the average wedding venue price in popular cities across the country.

Atlanta: $11,450	Baltimore: $13,290
Boston: $20,800	Chicago: $17,550
Cincinnati: $9,340	Cleveland: $11,210
Dallas: $10,000	Denver: $11,270
Houston: $11,200	Indianapolis: $8,180
Las Vegas: $10,850	Los Angeles: $16,400
Miami: $16,480	Milwaukee: $9,620
Minneapolis: $8,590	New Orleans: $12,000
New York City: $30,000	Oklahoma City: $5,130
Philadelphia: $18,500	Phoenix: $12,200
Pittsburgh: $18,500	St. Louis: $8,530
Salt Lake City: $6,300	San Diego: $15,360
San Francisco: $18,480	Seattle: $9,420

Wedding Venue Cost Factors

In addition to the regionality outlined above, there are many other factors that affect how much a wedding venue costs. Keep these elements in mind as you start to review wedding venue rates and brainstorm wedding venue ideas.

Illustration and Design: Tiana Crispino

Truesdale notes that "what's included in the package and the time of year" are two other notable contributors to the cost of wedding venues. For example, her company focuses on all-inclusive wedding venues (a wedding venue trend among Gen Z!) that include items like food and decor in the price, therefore making the venue cost a larger percentage of the overall wedding budget breakdown. However, it's worth noting that this doesn't mean all-inclusives are necessarily more expensive, they're simply a larger piece of the pie for couples who book them. In fact, booking these spots is often a great way to save money on a wedding venue because you encounter fewer hidden wedding venue costs while planning.

Even if you don't book a fully all-inclusive wedding venue, many spots include some services beyond the rental of the bare space, so understanding the scope of what's included is key as you review wedding venue quotes. For example, 73% of respondents to The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study said their reception venue included rentals. Additionally, 41% said catering was included and 37% said alcohol was included. Only 16% said none of those items were included and that their fee simply covered the space.

As Truesdale pointed out, the time of year also impacts why wedding venues are so expensive. Seasonality drives demand which leads to increased prices. "The day of the week and time of year also make a big difference, with peak seasons like spring and summer weekends typically costing more, says Julia Henning, Chief Revenue Officer of Wedgewood Weddings.

Also, Henning notes that "guest count is one of the biggest drivers—more attendees mean higher costs across the board." This is due to the fact that if you have an above-average wedding guest list size, you will need a larger space that demands more staff, more electricity and other variable factors.

What Might Influence Wedding Venue Costs in the Future?

Wondering about whether wedding tariffs affect how much a wedding venue costs? Yes, in addition to the factors above, the economy plays a role in the prices for wedding venues for couples. Henning says, "Broader economic pressures like inflation, labor costs, and rising prices for goods and services," drive wedding venue prices.

"Couples planning weddings in 2025 should anticipate higher overall costs and prioritize transparency and value when selecting a venue," advises Henning. Truesdale echoes that sentiment: "I anticipate venue costs will continue to rise in 2025 due to inflation, increased labor costs, and higher demand for premium experiences. Additionally, supply chain challenges affecting food, decor, and staffing may contribute to increased expenses. (Psst: Here's some advice for how to ask for wedding venue quotes as you navigate price fluctuations.)

Despite economic uncertainty and a myriad of average wedding venue cost factors, "couples often have more control than they realize," says Henning. "With thoughtful planning and transparent pricing, couples can enjoy a beautiful, stress-free day that stays within their financial comfort zone." The key to finding affordable wedding venue ideas? Prioritization. Deciding on "must-have features can help maximize value," says Truesdale. "Couples should focus on what matters most to them and find a space that aligns with their vision and budget while providing the level of service they desire."

Additional reporting by Kim Forrest

Data from The Knot Budget Advisor is based on reported spend from thousands of recently married couples in the U.S. collected through The Knot's research studies from 2022 to present.