The Knot Just Released 2026 Wedding Costs by State -- See the 7 Cheapest (and 5 Most Expensive)
Though people get married throughout the year, spring is for lovers, and 'tis the season to tie the knot. Considering the variety of ceremonial options, the price tag on your nuptials can vary greatly. Still, everyone seems to agree that it’s going to be expensive, especially if you invite everyone you know.
So, no, planning a wedding in 2026 isn’t cheap, but remember it’s all about location, location, location. Where you get married can make a huge difference in your final bill, and newly released data from The Knot’s 2026 wedding cost report shows that average wedding costs vary dramatically by state, with some couples paying tens of thousands more simply based on where their little chapel is located. From venue prices and catering to vendors and guest counts, geography plays a major role in how far your wedding budget stretches.
Read More: 40 Easy Ways To Save Money Every Day
Discover Next: 5 Signs You’re Losing Money Every Month — and How To Find the Leaks
If you are planning on getting married in your hometown, that’s one thing, as the average cost for that is around $32,600; however, the average cost for a domestic destination wedding is closer to $41,700. This is why it’s good to know just where the cheapest and most expensive options lie.
Here are the seven most affordable and the five least affordable spots.
7 Most Affordable States To Get Married In
For couples trying to plan smart money moves for big-ticket items, or just simply understand why costs feel so overwhelming, these state‑by‑state numbers, according to The Knot, offer valuable insight. Whether you’re searching for the cheapest states to get married or just trying to set realistic expectations for your big day, this breakdown highlights where wedding costs are lowest.
Wyoming: $17,000
Idaho: $18,000
Utah: $18,000
Alaska: $19,000
Arkansas: $19,000
Oklahoma: $19,000
West Virginia: $19,000
Keep Financial Literacy Month going — learn how the MoneyLion app helps you track, manage and move your money in one place.
Even in states where the average wedding cost is the cheapest, you’re still spending thousands of dollars, and that’s just statewide. Remember, once you start doing the granular research of cost by city, the numbers start jumping all over the place.
From the same research, here are some price tags for the average wedding costs in some popular cities:
New York City: $88,000
Chicago: $54,000
San Francisco: $51,000
Boston: $51,000
Los Angeles: $45,000
Washington, DC: $42,000
Philadelphia: $40,000
San Diego: $38,000
Austin, Texas: $37,000
Houston: $33,000
Dallas: $32,000
Charlotte, N.C.: $32,000
Jacksonville, Florida: $32,000
Seattle: $31,000
Denver: $31,000
Columbus, Ohio: $30,000
Nashville, Tennessee: $29,000
Phoenix: $27,000
San Antonio: $26,000
Indianapolis: $25,000
Las Vegas: $22,000
Oklahoma City: $21,000
El Paso, Texas: $20,000
5 Most Expensive States To Get Married In
When you look at what some people spend on a wedding and realize it’s more than you make in a year, the word “wowzer” comes to mind. Some of the most expensive states to take your vows all seem to fall on the East Coast.
New Jersey: $57,000
New York: $49,000
Vermont: $47,000
Massachusetts: $45,000
Connecticut: $42,000
To put this into perspective, it’s not just the state that can spike your wedding budget, but also the general area within the U.S. where you plan to get married. Here’s a look at the average costs by region:
New England and the Northeast: $46,600
Mid-Atlantic: $48,400
Midwest: $29,000
South and the Southeast: $31,300
Southwest: $30,800
West: $31,300
Final Take: Don’t Bust Your Nuptial Budget
The Knot’s newly released data shows that while the average wedding cost in 2026 is just under $35,000, many couples exceed that number once must‑have upgrades enter the picture. Venues, guest count, catering, and personalization are all factors, and sometimes the hardest to scale back. However, if your options are open, maybe a change of scenery could save you a grand or ten.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
More From MoneyLion:
Discover a Smarter Way to Keep Unexpected Expenses From Derailing Your Budget
The New Middle-Class Trap: Making $100K but Living Paycheck to Paycheck
