Here's What New Jersey Weddings Really Cost

If you're getting married in New Jersey, you've probably heard that weddings in the Garden State are among the most expensive in the country. That's no exaggeration: The Knot puts the average Northern/Central Jersey wedding at upwards of $62,000, while the national average wedding cost in 2018 was around $34,000. 

With such high figures, you might be wondering if it's even possible to get married in New Jersey for less than the cost of a luxury vehicle or a home down payment. The short answer is yes -- but it all depends on what you and your fiance envision for your wedding day.

What does the average New Jersey couple pay for their wedding?

To get a better idea of what weddings in New Jersey really cost, Hurricane Productions independently surveyed* more than 800 brides on Facebook. More than three-quarters said their total wedding bill was well beyond the national average of $34,000. Many poll respondents followed up to share their actual wedding cost, which was on par with (or often, above) the $62,000 NJ average.

The venue is the biggest line item for most couples, which typically encompasses food and beverage costs. The Knot's survey found that among those who spent more than $60,000 on their wedding, the venue alone cost more than $42,000 (the national average was just $15,163).

Other major wedding expenses, according to The Knot, include:

• Flowers and decor (average cost: $6,050 for weddings above $60,000)
• Photographer ($5,130)
• Ceremony site ($2,966)
• Wedding planner ($3,775)
• Videographer ($3,214)
• Wedding dress ($3,158)
• DJ ($2,300)

The good news is, it's possible to throw an incredible New Jersey wedding on a budget and save money on certain vendors, especially your venue. Many event spaces offer discounts or reduced guest minimums for off-peak weddings (i.e. late fall and winter), as well as events held on Fridays, Sundays, or Saturday afternoons.  

Visit the Hurricane Productions blog to get more money-saving tips for your big day!

*Survey methodology: A Hurricane Productions representative created and posted a poll in a private Facebook group for engaged and recently married New Jersey brides. The poll was posted in November 2019 and received 826 responses total.