As wedding costs soar across the U.S., a growing number of couples are ditching extravagant celebrations for simpler, more budget-conscious alternatives.
According to data from wedding planning platform Zola, the average American wedding now costs around $36,000, up from $33,000 in 2024 and a steep increase from approximately $25,000 just a decade ago. This escalating price tag is driving many couples to reconsider what their “dream wedding” truly entails.
Courthouse Ceremonies Rise in Popularity
One trend on the rise is courthouse weddings, particularly in places like Lee County, Florida, where nearly 2,350 couples tied the knot at the courthouse in 2024 alone. In just the first quarter of 2025, another 729 ceremonies were held.
“For $30, couples can have a meaningful ceremony with up to 15 guests,” said Lee County Clerk Kevin Karnes. “People really make the most of it—wedding dresses, tuxedos, flower girls. It’s a beautiful and affordable way to start your life together.”
Couple Anthony Metz and Laura Perez are among those who opted for a courthouse wedding. “We decided to do it here because it was a little bit on the cheaper side,” Metz explained. “At some point, we want to have a party in Michigan.”
Why Are Weddings Getting More Expensive?
Industry experts point to several culprits:
- Inflation and global supply chain disruptions
- Tariffs affecting imported goods like flowers
- Increased expectations fueled by social media
“You used to see intimate, elegant weddings,” said Brittiny Gibson, host of the Wed Zen podcast and owner of Florida Wedding Design. “Now, everything has to be Instagram-worthy, TikTok-worthy. It’s turned into a competition.”
Gibson noted that expectations have risen so dramatically that one bride showed her a $5,000 floral arch she saw on Instagram, wanting to recreate it. “My question is always: how much money do you have to spend?”
Enter the “Wedding Tax”
There’s a common complaint among couples: vendors charge more for weddings than for other events. Known informally as the “wedding tax,” this pricing discrepancy often frustrates soon-to-be-weds.
But Gibson says the higher prices often reflect longer hours, greater expectations, and more complex logistics.
“With weddings, people want perfection,” she said. “A birthday party might need a few hours of photography. A wedding? You’re looking at a full day.”
Similarly, floral arrangements are more costly not simply because they’re for weddings, but because couples often choose premium blooms and elaborate designs. Add the fact that many flowers are imported, and the cost rises even more due to shipping and tariff-related expenses.
Bridal Boutiques Adapt
At Pure Bridal Boutique in Fort Myers, owner Heather Barkis is finding ways to help brides cope with higher costs.
“I’m selling more off-the-rack designer gowns to help people save money without compromising on style,” she said. “It’s tough out there, and we want to make weddings accessible.”
Micro Weddings and Smart Planning on the Rise
Many in the industry are promoting the idea of “micro weddings”—smaller gatherings with 20 to 50 guests. These scaled-down events allow couples to focus on quality over quantity.
“The best part is, your food and beverage cost is drastically reduced,” said Gibson. “Feeding 30 people instead of 150 makes a huge difference.”
Gibson recommends couples:
- Set a strict budget—then subtract $5,000 for unexpected expenses
- Book the venue first
- Consider weekday weddings, which often come at a discount
- Prioritize what matters—whether it’s the location, food, or photography
“You can still plan a beautiful and memorable wedding with whatever budget you have,” she emphasized.
Redefining “Dream Wedding”
For Metz and Perez, their courthouse ceremony was enough. “We just wanted something simple and meaningful,” Metz said. “We’ll celebrate with a party later on.”
From courthouses and beaches to backyards and parks, couples today are proving that weddings don’t need to be expensive productions to be deeply personal and memorable.
As Gibson put it: “At the end of the day, it’s about celebrating your love—not impressing the internet.”
