lifestyle · 2 outlets · 2 linked reports
The Average US Wedding Now Costs About $35,000 in 2026
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Summary
- The average American wedding costs roughly $34,000–$36,000 in 2026, though the median is closer to $18,000 — meaning many couples spend far less.
- Venue and catering eat up more than half the budget, with venues averaging ~$12,000–$13,000 and catering about $80 per guest (roughly $290–$300 per guest overall).
- Costs swing widely by state, from $60,000+ in New Jersey to about $20,000 in Mississippi.
The question
Weddings have become unaffordably expensive for many couples.
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