In South Korea, the rising cost of weddings has become a significant financial challenge for many couples. A recent survey revealed that couples who married within the past two years spent an average of 18.42 million won on wedding-related expenses, with venue rental making up the largest portion—14.01 million won, or 76%—of the total cost. As wedding venue prices continue to soar, many couples have expressed concerns, calling the fees “too expensive.”
In response to these mounting financial burdens, local governments are stepping in with innovative solutions to provide free or low-cost wedding venues, offering relief to couples who are seeking to cut down on wedding expenses. One such initiative is happening in Seoul’s Seocho District, where 16 couples set to marry this year will be able to rent wedding venues for free. Two local cafes, each able to accommodate 50 to 100 guests, will serve as the venues for these ceremonies, with the district government covering the entire cost.
This initiative is part of a larger effort to address South Korea’s declining birth rate, with officials hoping that by making it easier for couples to marry, they can help reverse the trend. The district’s creative approach to wedding venue offerings is also seen as a way to support young couples in building families and contribute to social stability.
Expanding Free Wedding Venue Options
Seoul is also expanding its wedding venue offerings through the “Birth Support Seoul Project,” which was introduced in 2022. This project includes 25 public wedding venues, including parks and traditional hanok houses. The majority of these venues are free to use, and some have already been fully booked through 2026. This initiative is seen as another example of how local governments are trying to ease the financial strain of wedding-related expenses while supporting marriage and family growth in the city.
In addition to Seoul, Gwangju has also joined the effort by opening its city hall spaces for weddings. The city’s outdoor space is available for a modest fee of just 10,000 won per day, while the indoor space can be rented for 10,000 won per hour, excluding heating and cooling charges. The first outdoor ceremony took place on April 12, with more weddings scheduled for May and September.
The Impact of Rising Venue Costs
The surge in wedding venue costs, which has accelerated since the COVID-19 pandemic, is largely attributed to the temporary closure of many venues during the pandemic. The number of available wedding venues has decreased from 890 in 2019 to 714 in 2024, which has led to increased competition and higher prices. A recent report by the marriage information service Duo found that the average venue rental fee has surged to 14.01 million won, up from 8.96 million won in 2021.
Despite the higher costs, marriage rates are on the rise again. In 2024, over 220,000 marriages were recorded, marking a significant recovery from the annual 190,000 marriages seen between 2021 and 2023. This uptick in marriages has increased the demand for wedding venues, further driving up prices.
As the financial pressure on couples continues to grow, these local government initiatives offer much-needed support and a potential blueprint for other regions facing similar challenges. By offering accessible, low-cost wedding venues, local authorities are making a meaningful contribution to helping couples celebrate their marriages without the heavy financial burden that typically accompanies wedding planning.
