How Much Does a Wedding Cost?

How much do you want to spend?

Notice what I didn’t say. I didn’t quote you a national average. I didn’t tell you 60% typically goes to your venue, food, and drinks. (Forget I just said that.) I asked you.

Because here’s the thing — you can pay whatever you want.

A Story About Two Couples

Early in my photography career, I did a two-and-a-half-day immersion with a team of international wedding photographers. At the time, their coverage started at $10,000 — this was 2006. Over those few days, we got into a conversation about pricing, and they told me about two couples who had both booked with them.

The first couple pulled up to the meeting in a new BMW. They had a sizable wedding budget. But photography wasn’t something they particularly valued. They wanted someone to take photos — plain and simple. No specific style, no strong preference. Just check the box.

The second couple arrived in a rusted-out minivan. Their overall budget was a fraction of the first couple’s. But they deeply valued photography — specifically the artistry this team brought. It mattered to them more than almost anything else about the day.

Both couples hired the same team. Both paid the same price.

For one, photography was just another line item that fit comfortably in their budget. For the other, it was the single highest expense of the entire wedding — because that’s how much it meant to them.

Why This Matters for You

If you budget based on averages — or someone else’s numbers — you end up planning around their values. What they prioritized. What was convenient for them. What happened to be in their price range.

But the cost range for every wedding category is vast. And that’s actually the best news. It means you get to decide what matters most and spend accordingly — without compromising for monetary reasons. You can find a service in just about any price range.

So –– How Much Do You Want to Pay?

Start there. Decide your number first. If you’re ready to get clear on what matters most before a single dollar goes anywhere — start with your must-have list. We wrote about it here.