
Average Cost of a Wedding in NJ -With Specifics!
Planning a wedding is no easy task. There are so many things to think about, from the dress to the venue and everything in between. One of the most important aspects of wedding planning is figuring out your budget. How much can you afford to spend on your big day? Today, we will break down the average cost of a wedding in NJ so that you can start working out your budget well before time….
Hurricane Productions independently surveyed* more than 800 brides on Facebook. More than three-quarters said their total wedding bill was well above the national average of $34,000. The bottom line is you can get married in New Jersey for $28, which is the cost of a marriage license, but how big do you want to go?
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Factors Impacting the Wedding Costs in New Jersey
There’s no one-fits-all rule for wedding expenses because every couple has different preferences. While we can throw a rough number your way, the exact cost of your big day will depend on these things:
- Unique Experiences and Entertainment
If you want a one-of-a-kind wedding experience, it will come with a higher price tag. The same goes for entertainment. If you’re going to have a live band or DJ at your reception, be prepared to spend more money. You can rent a small venue and have it catered for $20 a person, without any photo or video or massive decor. Or you can have a beachside wedding for $20,000 just on the venue.
- Photo and Video
Photo can average between $2,000-$10,000 with the average around $5.000. Video is slightly lower at $2,000 – $7,000. Check out The Meyer Photo + Video Group for affordable packages. That can help bring down your average cost of a wedding in NJ.
- Guest Count
This is probably the most important factor in budgeting for your wedding. The more guests you have, the more money you will need to spend on food, drinks, and other expenses. Most couples have 125-175 guests. Most *average* venues charge $60-$190 per guest head depending on season and day of the week.
- The Location
The location of your wedding will also impact your budget. If you are getting married in a high-end venue in NJ, be ready to pay big bucks, sometimes $200 a head. Throw add-ons to the mix, and the final number will go way beyond the average we’re talking about. You can go all out and have a black-tie affair or keep it more casual with a backyard barbecue. The choice is up to you!
Other wedding expenses are:
- Rehearsal Dinner (or skip it)
- Attire – Bride’s Dress, Groom’s Tuxedo or Suit, etc. (You can buy a used dress on Ebay for $300 or get a $5,000 gown at bridal store. )
- Wedding Bands
- Flowers and Decorations ( or DIY(
- Photographer/Videographer ($2000-$10,000)
- Cake and Desserts (or venue may include it in package)
- DJ or Live Music ($1000-$3,000)
- Decor and Vibe ( or venue may include it)
Average Cost of a Wedding in NJ
Now that we’ve gone over some of the factors that impact wedding costs let’s look at the average cost of a wedding in NJ. According to The Knot, the average cost of a wedding in New Jersey is around $55,000. This includes both the ceremony and reception, as well as other associated costs like the wedding dress, photographer, flowers, etc. Of course, this is just an average, and your actual costs may be higher or lower depending on the factors we discussed earlier. If you are planning a more lavish affair, you can expect to spend closer to $100,000. And if you are planning a more budget-friendly wedding, you could get away with spending as little as $15,000 at a dedicated wedding venue. Hope this helps you figure out the average cost of a wedding in NJ.
Summing Up
Now that you know the average cost of a wedding in NJ, you can start working out your budget. Keep in mind the factors we discussed earlier, and don’t be afraid to adjust your budget based on your needs and wants. With a little planning and some help from the planners, you can spend a comfortable sum on your big day and make unforgettable memories in NJ.

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