30 Best Places to Get Married in the U.S.

Planning a wedding is time-consuming, stress-inducing, and anything but budget-friendly. Fortunately, WalletHub conducted a study on the best places to get married in the United States. They based their study off of cost-effectiveness, convenience, and enjoyment, creating a concise list of wedding destinations for future brides and grooms. By analyzing expenses, facilities and services, and activities and attractions, they’ve taken the hassle out of saying “I do.”

If you’re currently deciding where to tie the knot, here are some locations in the U.S. that offer affordability, beauty, and satisfaction. You don’t have to leave the country to have your dream wedding. WalletHub compared more than 180 cities and we’ve narrowed it down to the top 30. Whether you’re toasting to the happy couple or you are the happy couple, traveling to one of these cities for a wedding ceremony will keep you (relatively) close to home.

Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, Tennessee is one of the top-five most affordable cities to get married in—and in addition to its cost-efficiency, Knoxville is also conveniently located. It’s within a day’s drive to half of the U.S., and if you’d rather not drive, McGhee Tyson Airport offers more than 120 flights daily and is only 12 miles from downtown.

Denver, CO

Weddings in Denver are scenic—and affordable. The average wedding in Denver costs well below the national average. And because it’s a popular tourist destination, wedding guests will be thrilled to have an excuse to visit this town. You’ll be able to customize your wedding venue dreams by choosing from historic, mountain, ballroom, and brewery locations!

Atlanta, GA

According to WalletHub, Atlanta is the fourth-best place to exchange vows. Although it’s one of the pricier wedding destinations, it offers unique venues and lots to do. And because it’s a popular travel destination, it has the ability to accommodate guests from all over the country. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport has 192 gates and is surrounded by hotels.

Miami, FL

Miami Beach is more expensive than other wedding destinations, but you get what you pay for. This coastal city is known for its venues and services. There are an abundance of bridal shops and flower shops per capita, making it the ideal place to tie the knot—as if the beaches, nightclubs, and countless hotel and condo options weren’t enticing enough!

San Francisco, CA

There’s lots to do in San Francisco, but it comes at a price. The Golden Gate city offers gorgeous views, exciting tourist attractions, and a variety of bridal and flower shops—which is why it’s highly recommended for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Although it’s ranked 166 for cost, it is ranked one for facilities and services and two for activities and attractions. If you’re willing to sacrifice price for convenience, this is the city for you!

Chicago, IL

Chicago has many of New York’s advantages but at a more reasonable price. Chicago’s cityscape, theatre scene, and public transit make it popular among travelers. This city is ranked higher than NYC because of its affordability. Essentially, it’s the compact version of New York and ideal for brides and grooms who want the conveniences of a big city and the affordability of a small town.

St. Louis, MO

St. Louis is known for its famous Gateway Arch, convenience to Route 66, and proximity to the Mississippi River. This city has so much to offer, making it an enjoyable tourist destination and wedding location. Wedding guests can enjoy the endless attractions and activities and brides and grooms can take advantage of the lovely venues, entertainment, and food.

Tampa, FL

Florida has hundreds of cities to choose from, but Tampa is a favorite when it comes to saying “I do.” Wedding costs are reasonable and the location is enjoyable. And unlike bigger cities in Florida, Tampa isn’t as touristy. The historic architecture, hip clubs, and scenic waterways are what make this city so endearing.

Salt Lake City, UT

If you like natural beauty, you may want to look into wedding venues in Salt Lake City, Utah. The state boasts an abundance of Midwestern natural attractions. To take advantage of Utah’s views, the majority of couples have either an outdoor ceremony or outdoor reception. Although there isn’t a bad season for weddings in Utah, The Knot recommends booking a date in late summer or early fall so you can enjoy the warm days and cool evenings.

Orlando, FL

There may be more cost-friendly destinations for your wedding, but Orlando is ranked as the #1 city to get married in because of its convenience for wedding parties. There are florists, event planners, and venues galore. And it’s home to beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts and hotels, and the beloved Walt Disney World—talk about magical!

Albuquerque, NM

A state with a rich history, New Mexico attracts thousands of tourists each year. Albuquerque is located in the center of the state and is home to desert terrain, mountainous landscape, and the Rio Grande river. If you’re dreaming of an outdoor venue, Albuquerque offers picturesque backdrops and a dry, mild, and predictable climate.

Las Vegas, NV

Vegas may be notorious for spontaneous weddings and thematic wedding ceremonies, but there are other reasons why Sin City is one of the best places to get married in the U.S. There are chapels on almost every street corner, which provides brides and grooms with lots of choices. And contrary to popular belief, many of the wedding venues are quite romantic.

San Diego, CA

San Diego is one of the more expensive wedding destinations. If you don’t mind trading your hard-earned cash for splendid weather, glorious scenery, and countless wedding-day resources, do it. The friends and family that are able to attend your wedding will enjoy all there’s to do and see.

New Orleans, LA

Nicknamed the “Big Easy,” New Orleans is a festive city on the Mississippi River that reflects its laidback title. Its charm lies in its vibrant jazz music, authentic Cajun cooking, and electric nightlife. This city is perfect for the couple who wants their guests to be entertained. The musical talent, culinary traditions, and historic architecture will make for a memorable wedding night.

Portland, OR

Out-of-town guests will be pleasantly surprised to hear you’ve booked a wedding in Portland, Oregan. Portland International Airport is named one of the best airports in America and will make traveling feel like less of a burden. And when guests get there, they can check out all of the activities and attractions the city has to offer.

New York, NY

New York, New York is a pricey travel destination and wedding location. The average wedding ceremony and reception in Manhattan costs approximately $88,000. But if you’re willing to splurge on an NYC celebration, there are perks. They have the most flower shops, bridal shops, and attractions per capita. Who doesn’t dream of getting wed in the city that never sleeps?

Louisville, KY

Louisville, Kentucky’s largest city, offers Southern charm and affordable wedding prices. Whether you’re looking at venues, bartenders, or florists, prices will be lower than in states like Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. While you’re there, take advantage of Louisville’s historic neighborhoods, lively entertainment, and numerous sights and attractions.

Seattle, WA

Seattle has been named one of the most affordable destinations in the country, so it’s understandable as to why it’s also one of the best places to get married. And to make it even better, Seattle is known for having an extremely high amount of event planners per 100,000 residents, making life easier for brides and grooms-to-be.

San Antonio, TX

If you’ve ever researched wedding venues in San Antonio, it’s likely you’ve come across the Historic Sunset Station—a historic landmark that houses seven rustically gorgeous venues. While there are many other locations, this is a budget-friendly option that’s located just minutes from the River Walk and Alamo. While you’re there, you can enjoy the free attractions that San Antonio has to offer.

Tucson, AZ

Weddings are costly. Fortunately, there are some wedding destinations that are more affordable than others. Tucson, Arizona is a fairly inexpensive place to wed, which is why it’s become an extremely popular wedding destination. And as an added bonus—Tucson has more than 350 days of sunshine a year and rarely dips below the mid-60s.

Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale, Arizona lies within the Sonoran Desert Region, which is almost always dry, sunny, and warm. If you fear rain on your wedding day, book a venue in Scottsdale. The cloudless skies, low humidity, and arid climate will lessen your chance for rain on your wedding day. In addition to Scottsdale’s glorious weather, its desertscapes are delightful—both in pictures and in real life.

Los Angeles, CA

If you’re looking for access to the best activities, attractions, facilities, and services, make plans to wed in Los Angeles. This bustling city is the most populous city in California and the second-most populous city in the country. The number of bridal shops, churches, and flower shops per capita is astounding and the amount of entertainment for tourists is unreal.

Cincinnati, OH

If you’re looking for the perfect combination of city and nature, say “I do” in Cincinnati, Ohio. Based on cost, attractions, and resources, it’s an ideal place to get hitched. If you’re there to celebrate the union of a family member or friend, go a day early and enjoy all Ohio has to offer.

Dallas, TX

The average couple will spend $14,000 on a wedding in Texas—which is budget-friendly in comparison to other U.S. locations. While the Gulf Coast and southern deserts of Texas are beautiful wedding destinations, the metropolitan atmosphere of Dallas is highly recommended as well. There is an abundance of wedding planners and coordinators, venues, and florists in the city, which is a huge convenience for stressed-out couples.

Phoenix, AZ

Although this isn’t the most cost-effective location for a wedding, Phoenix, Arizona is popular for its southwestern charm. Wide open plains, deserts, plateaus, and cacti-lined boulevards contrast the metropolitan areas and highly-populated suburbs. And because Phoenix is the fifth most populated city in the U.S., there are many attractions and activities for your wedding party in a 25-mile radius.

Austin, TX

Austin, Texas is the live music capital of the world, which is why it’s garnered so much attention and popularity in the last decade. The nightlife, attractions, and culture are loved by people of all ages and the wedding venues, facilities, and services are convenient and affordable for soon-to-be newlyweds. If you’re interested in a Texas wedding, Austin may be the city for you.

Charleston, SC

Charleston is one of the dreamiest cities for weddings. The moss-draped oak trees and historic plantation-style mansions are both elegant and beautifully reminiscent of the past. But what really attracts brides and grooms to this quaint town is its affordability. Typically, winter is the most cost-effective time to say “I do” in Charleston.

Houston, TX

Houston may not be the capital of Texas, but it is Texas’ most populous city. There is an abundance of venues, photographers, wedding planners, florists, and DJs to choose from. Honestly, this city has something for everyone. From historic churches to glitzy ballrooms, you have the ability to create your dream wedding.

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Fort Lauderdale, located in South Florida, is an international destination. If you’re dreaming of a romantic beach wedding within the U.S., look no further. The white sand beaches, tropical weather, and eclectic eats make for the perfect getaway. And if you’re booking a cruise for your honeymoon, Port Everglades is just minutes away!

El Paso, TX

According to WalletHub, El Paso, Texas is the most affordable U.S. city for a wedding. The average cost of a wedding celebration in 2019 is between $29,000 and $31,000—not including the honeymoon. And because 50% of brides and grooms will spend more than originally budgeted on their wedding, cost is important.