Top budget-friendly cities for a wedding in 2024: ranked

This study from JJ’s House analyzed various costs listed on the Wedding Report website that are associated with weddings in multiple U.S. cities. Major cost factors included renting a wedding venue, attire and accessories, catering services, hiring a wedding planner, photography and videography, invitations, music and entertainment, flowers and decorations, and wedding cakes and desserts. The total costs were combined to rank the most affordable wedding destinations in the U.S.

American cities	Average Cost of Renting a Wedding Venue	Clothing and accessories	Average Cost of Catering Services	Average Cost of Hiring a Wedding Planner	Photography and videography costs	Invitations	Music and entertainment costs	Costs for flowers and decoration	Wedding cake and dessert costs	Total costs
Kansas City, Missouri	$4,897	$2,657	$3,018	$690	$2,133	$226	€810	$1,546	$227	$16,204
Weerford, Texas	$5,601	$1,146	$3,025	$1,129	$2,474	$215	$1,156	$2,157	$262	$17,165
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina	$5,450	$320	$5,596	$1,421	$1,741	$305	$1,876	$2,079	$426	$19,214
Boise, Idaho	$5,152	$2,574	$6,075	$974	$2,059	$387	$966	$804	$333	$19,324
Tulsa, Oklahoma	$6,654	$1,939	$5,181	$785	$1,829	$622	$766	$2,065	$461	$20,302
Little Rock, Arkansas	$6,626	$1,660	$5,911	$1,225	$2,308	$405	$1,304	$2,464	$548	$22,451
Yorktown, Virginia	$7,737	$2,943	$3,906	$1,060	$2,532	$350	$1,492	$2,382	$421	$22,823
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	$8,438	$1,969	$5,998	$1,055	$2,144	$600	$2,317	$2,091	$512	$25,124
Tampa, Florida	$9,090	$1,516	$8,063	$884	$1,734	$1,353	$1,161	$2,868	$633	$27,302
San Antonio, Texas	$12,692	$1,448	$1,144	$1,241	$2,976	$2,235	$4,637	$2,360	$293	$29,026

Kansas City, Missouri tops the list with a total cost of $16,204. Key factors contributing to its affordability include the low cost of venue rental at $4,897, apparel and accessories at $2,657, and music and entertainment at $810. The relatively low costs in these categories make it a top choice for budget-friendly weddings.

Weerford, Texas ranks second with a total cost of $17,165This city is best known for its low cost of clothing and accessories at $1,146 and invitations at $215. While catering costs in Weatherford are slightly higher, the overall affordability is evident.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina ranks third with a total cost of $19,214. The standout factor is the exceptionally low catering cost of $5,596, combined with affordable venue rental of $5,450 and photography and videography of $1,741. This city offers the most affordable cost for clothing and accessories totaling $320.

Boise, Idaho ranks fourth with a total cost of $19,324Key factors include the moderate cost of catering services at $6,075 and the lowest cost of flowers and decorations at $804, offset by lower costs in other categories such as apparel and accessories at $2,574.

Tulsa, Oklahoma ranks fifth with a total cost of $20,302 for a wedding with 150-200 guests. This city offers affordable wedding options with moderate costs for venue rental at $6,654 and dress and accessories at $1,939. The city offers the most cost-effective music and entertainment service at $766.

Little Rock, Arkansas ranks sixth with a total cost of $22,451This city offers a balanced budget for various wedding expenses, especially with its reasonable catering service costs of $5,911 and wedding planning costs of $1,225.

Yorktown, Virginia ranks seventh with a total cost of $22,823Yorktown is an affordable choice for weddings, with its affordable rental price of $7,737 and moderate floral and decor costs of $2,382.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ranks eighth with a total cost of $25,124 with 150-200 guests. Key factors are the low cost of apparel and accessories at $1,969 and music and entertainment at $2,317, making it an affordable option despite the higher cost of venue rental.

Tampa, Florida ranks ninth with a total cost of $27,302Tampa’s affordability is evident in the moderate cost of clothing and accessories at $1,516 and music and entertainment at $1,161, which offsets the higher catering costs.

San Antonio, Texas rounds out the top ten with a total cost of $29,026The city offers affordable venue rental of $12,692 and catering services of $1,144, offset by higher expenditures on music and entertainment of $4,637.

A spokesperson for JJ’s House commented on the research as follows: “A wedding is one of the most memorable events in a person’s life, and it’s heartening to see that beautiful celebrations can be affordable. Kansas City, Missouri, stands out as the most budget-friendly city and is truly exceptional. Couples can enjoy a charming wedding without breaking the bank, thanks to the low cost of venues and entertainment. Weatherford, Texas, with its remarkably low cost of clothing and accessories, also offers a fantastic option for couples who want to save money while still having their dream wedding.”