What Is the Average Cost of a Wedding Venue in 2024?

Wedding planning is romantic while you fill out your registry and try on dresses, but it gets stressful when you have to make a budget. Some wedding details are more expensive than others, especially when it comes to your venue. If you’re wondering about the average cost of a wedding venue, this is the guide for you.

These tips include all the factors that increase or decrease a venue’s rental fees. There’s no concrete number for every bride to plan for, which is great news. Use these tips to personalize your budget based on your dream venue.

Average Cost of Wedding Venues

The average cost of a wedding venue in 2024 is between $6,500 and $12,000 for 100 people. The venue tends to be the biggest expense, so it’s wise to pick out your venue first when allocating your budget.

There are many factors that play into the cost of a wedding venue. The size of your guest list, the location and the demand for that venue can all contribute to the price tag. It’s important to evaluate these factors when decided how much you’re willing to spend on the venue.

Location Is Everything

When you picture your wedding, where does it take place? Seaside venues, mountain getaways and even chic downtown rooftops approximate their rental fees based on their location.

The average cost of a venue varies from state to state. A recent report found New Jersey to have the highest average cost, as $27,200, followed by New York at $21,700. Utah came in the lowest at $4,900, with Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska next at $5,700.

Venues often account for at least one-third of wedding budgets, so compare locations. You might find one that’s more affordable by thousands of dollars just by reserving your date a few miles down the road.

States will also charge different taxes for wedding venues. You could pick a different site based on how much taxes increase the final rental fee. Some places like public parks and museums are tax-deductible, meaning you’ll get your money back when it’s time to file your annual tax return.

Timing Is Important Too

The average cost of a wedding depends on multiple factors, including your date. Renting a beach venue in November will be much more budget-friendly than renting it in July. Many brides choose their date based on the off-season for their dream venue. It could save a significant amount of money that you can put towards other fun things, like your honeymoon.

Amenities Affect Final Costs

Many wedding venues partner with catering companies and photographers. If you use their recommended services, the venue manager may reduce their daily or hourly rate. You’ll also benefit from working with people who know how to set up and use the venue.

Smaller venues may also offer decor. Some keep a storage closet full of candles and decorative plates that you can add to your final venue fee. Even though it won’t reduce your venue rental costs, it could save money because you won’t have to buy decorations separately.

As you explore your venue options, take plenty of notes. Create a spreadsheet with the price of each venue, as well as its availability, pros and cons and additional costs that may come with it, such as transportation. A venue out of state may have a lower price tag, but the cost of travel could make it more expensive than a local place.

Vendors May Increase Fees

Booking the right vendors makes your wedding more memorable because they put a little extra flair on your big day. A specific florist may use flowers you love, but your venue could complicate things based on its location.

If your venue is farther from your future vendors than the delivery distances they specify, they’ll tack on mileage fees. Your venue will affect other wedding costs, so remember that while you daydream about rural cabins or desert oasis ceremonies.

Guests Lists Count Too

The average cost of a venue for a wedding will change with your guest list. Finalize it early so you know what size venue you’ll need. If you’re having a microwedding, you can skip the large venue and have your reception at a restaurant or your house. For a 100-person wedding or larger, you’ll need a reception hall with enough room for seating, a dancefloor and mingling.

You won’t set your guest list in stone until everyone RSVPs, but it helps to set a hard estimate early in the planning process. If you think you’ll have 52 guests, look at venues that can fit 40-60 in case people cancel or you have late additions.

Technical Needs May Add Up

Some venues may not supply all the technical equipment your wedding requires. You could have to rent or buy extension cords and plugs for your DJ. Your officiant may need a lapel or handheld mic, which some venues don’t keep on hand. Sometimes when venue managers don’t charge extra to include these things, the tech equipment becomes more costly to buy or rent from somewhere else.

What Is The Most Affordable Wedding Venue?

When talking about a wedding venue, there are two settings to consider: your ceremony venue and your reception venue. Some couples may have both parts of the wedding at the same venue, which can be a way to save money on factors like transportation and tipping two separate vendors. However, not every reception venue will have space for the ceremony.

For the ceremony alone, the cheapest venues tend to be churches or places of worship, a courthouse, museums or libraries and public parks. These places often have affordable booking rates, and they don’t usually require decorations or extravagent elements.

If you are a member of a church or religious community, you may even be able to have your ceremony for free or by voluntary donation. Your church or chapel may also have a reception hall to host your after party onsite.

For the reception alone, the most affordable option would be to host at home. If you don’t have the space for it, then look at outdoor spaces like public parks or beaches, followed by restaurants, hotels and event halls. Consider that for some of these venues, you will still need to pay for tables, chairs, flatware and catering, which can add up quickly.

Having your ceremony and reception together at an event hall, community center, religious institute, bed and breakfast or public park can be convenient and cost-effective.

Calculate the Average Cost of a Venue

The average cost of a venue for a wedding depends on a mix of these factors. It’s smart to call venues soon after getting engaged so you have plenty of time to compare all of their pros and cons. You’ll also give yourself time to adjust your budget and save whatever’s necessary so you can host a romantic ceremony at a dreamy destination.

Originally published 3/3/2021 – Updated 8/15/2024