Why Are Wedding Venues So Expensive? Pros Explain

Did you know that, on average, couples allocate 37% of their wedding budget to venue costs? Which begs the question, why are wedding venues so expensive?

The reality is that, even more broadly, weddings are expensive, and venues are a significant component of that. Part of the reason weddings are so expensive is because of the scope and level of personalization. Beyond that however, as Phyllis Case, general manager of The Clifton in Charlottesville, Virginia, points out, couples often don't think beyond the five to six hours that they'll be at a venue and they "don't take into account the other expenses that venues incur." There are some costs, like hidden wedding venue costs, that many to-be-weds simply aren't aware of until they get engaged and start researching vendors. (Pro Tip: For even more insight on the cost factors that affect weddings, check out The Knot Budget Advisor). So we're pulling back the veil and sharing the ins and outs of what figures go into the average wedding venue costs and quotes you're seeing.

In truth, "when it comes to wedding venues, price is a big deal. It's like buying a house—the location, size, style, and timing all play a role," explains Dave Jacoby, co-owner of Hotel Lucine in Galveston, Texas. So before you head over to The Knot Vendor Marketplace to search for venues at every price point, take a moment to better understand the factors that will affect the quotes you receive from potential locations.

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Wedding Venue Overhead and Operating Costs

Whether you're looking for luxury or affordable venues near you, every space is going to have unique overhead and operating costs. Expenses like electricity, property taxes, repairs and liability insurance are costs that venues need to be able to cover. Case notes specifically that venues have to consider "staffing, overhead (like water and electricity) and property insurance."

Wedding Venue Cleaning and Maintenance Costs

"How do you keep the venue looking so beautiful?" This is a question you might ask a potential venue and the reality is that ensuring a venue stays pristine is no small feat. "Wedding venues have standards that must be maintained making sure the venue is perfect when the couple arrives for the day they planned," notes Kim Hanks, co-owner of Camp Lucy in Dripping Springs, Texas. "Landscaping is one of the things that couples don't realize is continuously being done to make sure it looks fresh every day. Also, cleaning, retooling of rooms and public spaces, and daily maintenance by staff dedicated to keeping everything running smoothly are crucial to a successfully run wedding venue."

Wedding Venue Staffing Costs

Not only are you paying for a space when you book a wedding venue, but you're also paying for the staff that will help you get the most out of your time in the space. Most venues have a venue manager at minimum, but they may have additional staff as well, especially if they provide food. "Iconic wedding venues partner with you to make sure the day is detailed and delivered so you can enjoy the event with your guests and family. Having a venue that listens to you, asks great questions during the discovery planning process, and communicates throughout the whole process is key," explains Hanks. The pro goes on to note that there "are so many tiny details that make each wedding unique to the couple. It takes the right amount of professional staff to perform the timeline during the event and anticipate any needs or opportunities as they arise during the day into the night."

Wedding Venue Security and Parking Costs

At some venues, the valet and security guards may be provided by the venue, even if they're subcontracted through another company. By having the venue handle these logistic you ensure a smoother experience and it minimizes how many different vendors you have to individually hire.

Wedding Venue Food Costs and Mandatory Minimums

When evaluating how to save money on a wedding venue, you might assume that booking a bare-bones space is the best bet. However, that isn't always the case. Often venues that provide food and beverage services look more expensive at first glance, but may ultimately save you money in the long run.

If you are looking at a venue that provides food, it is common practice to have a "minimum spend requirement" associated with your booking. "Couples need to understand the difference between a venue that offers in house catering and those venues that do not," explains Meredith Jackson, wedding and event manager at Veritas Vineyard & Winery in Afton, Virginia. "A venue that does not offer catering will be much more straightforward. Venues which offer catering will have a food and beverage minimum that will need to be met. It is helpful to speak openly with couples on where they anticipate their guest count and will this number of guests fulfill the food and beverage minimum."

Wedding Venue Alcohol Costs

Because liquor laws vary from state to state, it is sometimes the case that the venue is required to handle bar service, even if the venue isn't providing catering services. While this won't be an expense at every venue, it is possible that it's part of the quote you're reviewing. With costs like these that don't apply to every venue, it's paramount that you ask (and understand) what is included from your venue so you can properly budget.

Optional Rental Costs at Certain Venues

Similarly, some wedding venues include an assortment of hard goods, such as tables and chairs. Basic items may be included in their base price while other spaces may have rental items as add-ons. Before you sign on the dotted line, get clarity about what items you'll have access to and how much they'll cost you.

Peak Season Supply and Demand

While a caterer or florist, for example, could take on more than one event in a day, a venue is limited by their space and will typically just do one event per day. While some venues, like hotels with multiple ballrooms, can accommodate multiple events, it's true that every space has to wrestle with a certain threshold of limitation for the number of events they can take on. And this leads to a standard case of supply and demand where peak dates will cost more than off-peak dates. "Premium months and days of week are just going to be the highest," explains Case. "If you are looking for a Saturday in May–October, expect to pay for it."

Wedding Venue Cost for Additional Hours

The base price that a venue quotes you will be tied to a set number of hours that you'll have access to the space. Additional hours beyond that may come at a premium. Case advises couples to "make sure your venue allows for setup starting early in the day and late into the evening so your other vendors (florist, caterer, rentals) have time to set up and break down."