Curious about wedding venues’ average cost? One of the most important parts of the wedding planning process is choosing a wedding venue, and there’s no doubt that this can be an incredibly daunting process. The wedding venue you choose will really set the tone for the wedding itself. It’ll help determine the style of your wedding, the length of your guest list, the amount of money you spend, and what kinds of vendors and caterers will be available to you. Considering all of this, it makes sense that couples tend to spend a large amount of their total wedding budget on the wedding venue. In fact, according to The Knot, the average couple dedicated almost 40% of their wedding budget to booking their wedding venue in 2022. Other estimates put the percentage closer to 50%. But how much money are people actually spending on their wedding venues? Below, we’ll break down the average wedding venue cost and explain all that goes into the price.
How Much Money Do Couples Spend on Their Wedding Venue?
According to The Knot, the average wedding venue cost in 2022 was $11,200. Keep in mind that this number includes both the wedding ceremony venue cost as well as the reception venue cost. The price of wedding venues has increased every year since 2018, when the average cost had been hovering around $9,000 for a few years. The steady price increase is often attributed to inflation, but we’re also seeing a greater number of couples that want a larger, more extravagant celebration on their big day. This change in demand has affected the wedding venues they choose, as not every venue can accommodate all of the guests and extras that a couple might want to include. But inflation has also caused prices to go up across the board, meaning that even the same venue would be more expensive now than it was a few years ago.
Wedding Venue Cost Factors
Even though the average wedding venue cost was $11,200 last year, that number is just that– an average. Many couples spend more than that on their wedding venue, and many couples spend less. There are a variety of factors that can either increase or decrease wedding venue costs, so keep these in mind as you go through the planning process. One of the most important things to think about is what is included in the cost. Some wedding venues offer all-inclusive packages that cover things like catering, rentals, wedding cake, and decor. Others either won’t have those things available or they’ll offer them at an additional cost.
Another factor that will impact wedding venue prices is the length of your guest list. A longer guest list means more chairs, tables, food, and space, and all of these things will mean additional costs. Many venues charge per-person for their menus, so trimming your guest list could help you save money on wedding venue costs.
Your wedding date will also have a significant effect on the cost of a wedding venue. A wedding during the off season (usually winter) will be much cheaper than one during another part of the year. Choosing a weekday wedding instead of a weekend one is another great way to save money on your wedding venue.
Location is the last major factor in the cost of a wedding venue. Venues in major cities like New York are more expensive than ones in rural areas. And while the vibe might be quite different, rural weddings can be breathtakingly beautiful.
Additional Wedding Venue Costs
Parking
An important piece to consider– especially if your wedding venue is located in a downtown area– is parking. Some venues will have you pay for valet parking or offer a shuttle for guests, while others may not have enough parking available. This will more commonly be the case in big cities, where the parking is usually off-site. The price of this parking can be quite high, so make sure to compare costs when you’re planning your wedding. In some cases, you might be able to save money by renting space in a nearby parking lot or parking garage or by arranging for transportation from another site.
Tips
At a wedding, it’s typical to tip the on-site wait staff for doing their jobs well. This includes servers, bartenders, bathroom attendants, coatroom attendants, and anyone else with similar roles. These tips can add up, so make sure you include the cost in your wedding venue budget.
Outside Vendor Fees
It’s common for wedding venues to have approved vendor lists, or lists of vendors that the venue knows and trusts. These venues will typically charge you additional fees if you chose to use your own caterer, DJ, florist, etc. At other venues, though, you’ll just pay a site fee and be expected to hire outside vendors for everything.
Cleanup
After a wedding, someone will need to clean up. From the leftover food to the decor and everything in between, there’s always lot left behind that needs to be disposed of. You’ll likely save money if you can get some friends and family to help you clean up, but check first to see whether cleanup is included in your wedding package.
Overtime Fees
Overtime fees are important to think about, as wedding receptions often run long when everyone is having a great time. At hotels or banquet halls, you’ll likely be charged per hour, so the fees could pile up quickly if the reception is taking much longer than expected. This can also affect cleanup costs, as most cleanup crews charge for “same day” services. That means that if your wedding runs past midnight, you could incur additional costs.
Other Hidden Costs
There are countless hidden costs in any wedding venue contract that won’t be immediately obvious, so make sure you explore these during your planning process. For instance, some wedding venues charge cake cutting fees if you want to cut your own wedding cake! At hotels and similar venues, corkage fees are also common. For any alcohol outside of what the venue offers, you’ll have to buy it yourself and pay a corkage fee. Depending on the venue type, you may also want to be on the lookout for other types of fees. If your wedding venue is outdoors or in a place like a barn, you’ll want to make sure things like lighting, restrooms, and climate control are covered.
Final Thoughts
We highly recommend finding a wedding planner to help guide you through the planning process. This person will know the right questions to ask each venue and can iron out the details of your contract. They may also have prior relationships with certain venues and may be able to secure you a better deal.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to get a formal venue contract in writing. This way, everything is clear to both parties and you know exactly what you’re paying for. Make sure you get a tour of the venue, too.
We hope that these tips have equipped you to find the perfect wedding venue at a reasonable cost. Your wedding is sure to be a beautifully memorable event, and we’re so excited for your big day! If you need any help finding the ring of your dreams to make the milestone even more special, Clean Origin has an extensive collection of stunning lab grown diamonds that we’re sure you’ll love.
