This study by JJ’s House, an e-commerce retailer specializing in wedding dresses, examined wedding-related costs across multiple U.S. cities using data from the Wedding Report. Key expense categories, including venue rentals, catering, attire, photography, and entertainment, were factored into the calculations for weddings with 100-200 guests. Cities were ranked based on the highest estimated total costs, providing a clear view of where couples are likely to spend the most on their wedding day.
| Cities | Attire & Accessories | Beauty & Spa | Entertainment | Flowers & Decorations | Gifts & Favors | Invitations | Photography & Video | Venue, Catering & Rentals | Other Costs | Estimated Total Cost: |
| Napa Valley, CA | $2,773 – $3,389 | $299 – $365 | $2,862 – $3,498 | $3,706 – $4,530 | $1,382 – $1,689 | $1,049 – $1,282 | $6,935 – $8,476 | $30,470 – $37,241 | $13,796 | $62,067 – $75,859 |
| Seattle, WA | $2,973 – $3,633 | $306 – $374 | $2,276 – $2,782 | $3,983 – $4,869 | $1,282 – $1,566 | $1,124 – $1,374 | $6,237 – $7,623 | $29,645 – $36,233 | $13,454 | $60,539 – $73,993 |
| San Francisco, CA | $2,957 – $3,615 | $350 – $428 | $2,012 – $2,459 | $4,624 – $5,652 | $1,656 – $2,024 | $1,822 – $2,226 | $3,564 – $4,356 | $27,866 – $34,058 | $12,090 | $54,409 – $66,499 |
| Denver, CO | $2,480 – $3,031 | $266 – $325 | $4,673 – $5,711 | $2,637 – $3,223 | $1,155 – $1,411 | $808 – $988 | $5,786 – $7,072 | $20,543 – $25,108 | $10,646 | $47,904 – $58,550 |
| Newport, RI | $2,639 – $3,225 | $209 – $255 | $3,702 – $4,524 | $3,122 – $3,816 | $950 – $1,162 | $702 – $858 | $6,674 – $8,157 | $27,594 – $33,726 | $10,522 | $47,352 – $57,874 |
| Buffalo, NY | $1,960 – $2,396 | $156 – $190 | $4,726 – $5,776 | $2,849 – $3,483 | $1,442 – $1,762 | $808 – $988 | $4,464 – $5,456 | $28,474 – $34,802 | $10,508 | $47,284 – $57,792 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $1,465 – $1,791 | $302 – $370 | $1,965 – $2,401 | $3,485 – $4,259 | $1,166 – $1,426 | $1,300 – $1,588 | $7,378 – $9,018 | $21,218 – $25,934 | $10,000 | $46,258 – $56,538 |
| Dallas, TX | $4,848 – $5,926 | $139 – $169 | $3,632 – $4,440 | $3,025 – $3,697 | $894 – $1,092 | $1,023 – $1,251 | $4,334 – $5,297 | $23,262 – $28,432 | $10,026 | $45,117 – $55,143 |
| Providence, RI | $2,606 – $3,185 | $142 – $174 | $1,187 – $1,451 | $2,997 – $3,663 | $963 – $1,177 | $950 – $1,161 | $2,579 – $3,152 | $27,605 – $33,739 | $10,020 | $45,092 – $55,112 |
| San Diego, CA | $1,917 – $2,343 | $205 – $251 | $1,544 – $1,887 | $2,938 – $3,590 | $717 – $877 | $957 – $1,169 | $4,880 – $5,964 | $23,629 – $28,879 | $8,748 | $39,362 – $48,110 |
Napa Valley, CA ranks first as the most expensive wedding destination in the U.S., with total costs approaching $75,860. The largest contributors are venue rentals, catering, and additional rentals, which alone total around $37,240, making Napa Valley the most luxurious city for a wedding. Photography and entertainment services also add to the high expenses, making it an elite choice for weddings.
Seattle, WA ranks second, with total wedding expenses reaching $73,990. The bulk of costs in Seattle come from venue rentals and catering services, which can go up to $36,230. Seattle also stands out for its higher-than-average costs in entertainment and photography, placing it among the most expensive cities for wedding celebrations.
San Francisco, CA takes third place, with costs rising to $66,500. Venue rental in San Francisco is among the most expensive in the country, and floral decorations can cost up to $5,650. High expenses for photography and gifts also contribute to San Francisco’s ranking as a top luxury wedding destination.
Denver, CO comes in fourth, with a maximum wedding cost of $58,550. Denver is notable for its high costs in entertainment and beauty services, offering some of the priciest options for wedding day styling and planning services. This combination of luxury services makes Denver a popular yet expensive choice.
Newport, RI ranks fifth, with a total cost of $57,870. Newport’s scenic venues are a major expense, along with high-end floral decorations. Its upscale offerings contribute to its reputation as a luxurious, yet costly, wedding destination.
Buffalo, NY stands out in sixth place with a wedding budget reaching $57,790. Buffalo offers some of the highest costs for photography, where couples can expect to pay around $5,770. Floral arrangements and entertainment also contribute to the city’s place among the most expensive wedding locations.
Philadelphia, PA takes seventh place, with wedding costs totaling $56,540. Major expenses in Philadelphia include venue rentals and entertainment services, with couples often paying premium prices for these elements, placing the city among the more costly destinations for weddings.
Dallas, TX ranks eighth, with total wedding expenses reaching $55,140. Dallas is particularly known for high costs in venue and catering services, totaling nearly $28,430. The city also has significant expenses in entertainment and attire, contributing to its high ranking.
Providence, RI follows closely in ninth place, with wedding costs totaling $55,110. Venue rentals in Providence can climb to $33,740, making it one of the more expensive cities for securing a location. Catering services also add considerably to the total cost for couples.
San Diego, CA rounds out the top 10, with weddings costing up to $48,110. While floral decorations and photography are key drivers of costs in San Diego, the city offers comparatively lower expenses for attire and entertainment, making it a slightly more affordable option than the other cities in the top 10.
A spokesperson from JJ’s House, recently commented on the study: “Weddings are a once-in-a-lifetime event, and it’s incredible to see how couples are choosing to invest in their special day. What really stands out is the variety in costs depending on the location. Napa Valley, for example, offers stunning venues, but those breathtaking settings come with a significant price tag. On the other hand, cities like San Diego still provide a luxurious experience with more affordable options for attire and entertainment, giving couples a chance to balance beauty and budget.”