10 countries that spend the most on weddings

Across cultures and continents, a wedding is more than a ceremony, it is a statement. From opulent ballrooms in Luxembourg to multi-day festivals in India, the world's most extravagant weddings reflect the values, traditions, and economic realities of their societies. Below is a definitive look at the ten countries where couples invest the most in their big day.

1. Luxembourg — ~$39,245

Luxembourg tops the charts as one of the wealthiest nations in the world, and its wedding culture mirrors that prosperity. Couples here favour luxurious venues, premium catering, and top-tier entertainment. With a population that prizes elegance and class, no detail is left to chance. The emphasis on sophistication — from bespoke floral arrangements to black-tie receptions — makes Luxembourg's weddings among the most costly per capita on the planet.

2. Sweden — ~$38,290

Swedish weddings are defined by impeccable design sensibility. Couples invest heavily in high-end venues — often countryside estates or waterfront properties — gourmet catering and premium décor. Designer attire and carefully curated aesthetics are a given. Sweden's deep appreciation for quality craftsmanship extends naturally to the wedding day, where every element is expected to meet an exacting standard of beauty and taste.

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3. United States — ~$30,000–$35,000

The United States consistently ranks among the top wedding-spending nations globally. The average American wedding costs approximately $30,000, encompassing venue hire, catering, professional photography, floral arrangements, entertainment, and bridal attire. High-profile social expectations and a robust wedding industry — complete with planners, stylists, and luxury vendors — drive costs upward. Celebrity and society weddings, which routinely run into the millions, further set the cultural benchmark for opulence.

4. United Kingdom — ~$28,500

British weddings are a unique blend of time-honoured tradition and contemporary luxury. With an average spend of around $28,500, couples in the UK invest in everything from stately manor houses and historic castles to modern urban venues. Flowers, live music, and professional photography rank among the top priorities. Royal weddings continue to shape public imagination, reinforcing a national culture of pomp, ceremony, and tasteful extravagance.

5. Spain — ~$25,700

In Spain, weddings are deeply social occasions — large gatherings that celebrate family, community, and culture. The average cost of $25,700 reflects the Spanish appetite for grand venues, elaborate meals, and a strong emphasis on music and entertainment. Cities like Barcelona and Madrid command premium prices for wedding venues, and couples typically host sizeable guest lists, further elevating the overall expenditure. Photography, attire, and live music are among the most important line items in the Spanish wedding budget.

6. India — ~$25,000 (Middle Class) / $45,000+ (Affluent)

Indian weddings are legendary for their grandeur. Multi-day ceremonies, hundreds of guests, and elaborate rituals make them some of the most spectacular celebrations in the world. For middle-class families, the average spend hovers around $25,000, while affluent households regularly exceed $45,000 — and elite weddings can run into millions. With an average guest list of over 300 people, the sheer scale of an Indian wedding drives costs across catering, décor, traditional attire, music, and religious ceremonies.

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7. Italy — ~$23,900

Italy's breathtaking landscapes and world-class cuisine make it a natural setting for unforgettable weddings. The average Italian wedding costs around $23,900, with couples investing in iconic venues in Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, or Venice, alongside high-end catering and designer fashion. Italian weddings are steeped in tradition — including the gifting of bomboniere (decorative favours to guests) — and religion plays a significant role, with many couples opting for church ceremonies. Destination weddings from abroad further inflate the country's overall wedding spending figures.

8. Canada — ~$19,000–$22,000

Canadian weddings, particularly in cosmopolitan hubs like Toronto and Vancouver, combine modern aesthetics with cultural warmth. Couples typically spend between $19,000 and $22,000, with a significant portion allocated to photography, videography, and custom décor — often staged against Canada's stunning natural backdrops. The average planning timeline stretches to roughly 14 months, reflecting the care and investment couples put into their celebrations.

9. France — ~$17,600

In France, the wedding table is the centrepiece of the celebration. French couples prioritise exceptional catering above all else, with a top-tier caterer being the most sought-after vendor. The average wedding costs around $17,600, and celebrations are characterised by elegance, restraint, and refined taste. Notably, French couples are among the most likely to pay for their weddings outright, with Portugal being the only other country where credit use is similarly low.

10. Portugal — ~$15,000–$16,700

Portugal rounds out the top ten with an average wedding cost of approximately $15,000–$16,700. Portuguese couples are known for their commitment to tradition and elegance, investing in scenic venues, exquisite cuisine, and personalised details. Photography is the single most important vendor category, and couples here are the least likely in the world to take out loans or use credit to fund their weddings — a reflection of the country's cultural values around financial prudence and family contribution.