These are the most expensive countries to say “I do” - and the jaw-dropping costs of weddings there

Every year, hundreds of thousands of couples across the United States decide to say “I do” and celebrate their big day surrounded by family and friends. Whether through a religious ceremony or a civil one, the cost of getting married continues to rise nationwide.

According to Infodexx, which compiles data from national statistics agencies, wedding industry reports, and institutional surveys, the United States is the most expensive country in the world to get married.

The average American wedding now costs around $33,900, putting it well ahead of other countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, Italy, Canada, and Spain, where average costs range from $21,000 to $29,000.

At the other end of the spectrum are countries like Ukraine, Bulgaria, Morocco, and Nigeria, where couples typically spend under $3,000 on their wedding celebrations.

The Wedding Sector Report 2025, prepared by Bodas.net, reveals a further increase in wedding costs compared to Infodexx’s findings. According to this report, the average wedding in Spain in 2024 cost $28,785, a 4% rise from 2023.

This amount excludes the engagement ring and honeymoon and equates to an average of $246 per guest. The increase is partly due to inflation in recent years, but also to couples hiring a broader range of services for the big day.

While weddings once focused mainly on the banquet, photography, and video, today’s celebrations often include a variety of additional experiences. Although guest lists have become smaller (an average of 116 attendees), overall spending has gone up.

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In addition to traditional elements such as attire, floral arrangements, and invitations, new services have gained popularity. These include entertainment options like photo booths and 360-degree video platforms, gourmet food experiences such as live cooking or food trucks, and even pet care services for guests or the couple’s own animals.

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