With summer wedding season in full swing, couples across the U.S. are saying “I do” against backdrops of blue skies, lavish venues, and hefty price tags. But an important question lingers: Does spending big on the Big Day actually lead to a marriage that lasts?
According to new research from Mark Broumand, the answer is far less romantic than couples might hope.
The Average Wedding Price Tag
The average American wedding costs around $35,000. In some states, that figure is far higher: couples in New Jersey spend an average of $55,000 to tie the knot, while Californians average about $41,000. At the other end of the spectrum, Utah’s typical spend of $17,000 is the lowest in the nation.
Globally, the story is just as varied. Weddings in the United Kingdom average about $24,800, while ceremonies in Germany come in at just $15,500. In India, costs range from a modest $6,700 to an extravagant $674,000, depending on scale and tradition.
The Marriage Longevity Factor
Despite the breathtaking sums couples are willing to spend, data shows little to no correlation between wedding cost and marriage length.
- The average U.S. marriage lasts about 20 years, regardless of whether the wedding cost $55,000 or $17,000.
- States with high wedding costs, such as New Jersey and California, report average marriages lasting around 20 years, no longer than average.
- Wisconsin couples spend far less ($29,000), yet report one of the longest average marriage spans in the nation: 22.7 years.
- Utah’s low-cost weddings ($17,000) are paired with relatively short marriages, averaging just 18 years.
The findings suggest that lavish ceremonies do not buy lasting commitment.
What Really Impacts Marriage Success?
Relationship experts note that two main factors tend to undermine marriages when costs soar:
- Financial stress. Over two-thirds of newlyweds take on debt to pay for their weddings, and nearly a quarter are still paying it off years later. Early debt has been linked to higher conflict and lower marital satisfaction.
- Impulsive decisions. Couples who overspend may also be more prone to rushing into decisions without long-term compatibility in mind.
Beyond finances, research identifies several non-monetary factors that strengthen marriages:
- Taking a honeymoon. Couples who take a honeymoon, no matter the cost, are 41% less likely to divorce, according to an Emory University study.
- Community support. Larger guest lists, which build broader support networks, have been linked to longer marriages.
- Shared values. Couples who align on life goals and financial expectations report higher levels of trust and satisfaction.
- Emotional intimacy. Studies consistently find that couples who prioritize emotional closeness and communication are more likely to last.
Global Comparisons
The data isn’t just a U.S. phenomenon. Around the world, expensive weddings rarely guarantee longer marriages:
- Australia: Weddings cost as much as $50,000, yet average marriages last just 12 years.
- France & U.K.: High costs, but typical marriages last only 11–13 years.
- Italy: More modest weddings, yet marriages average 18 years—the longest in Europe.
- Qatar: Marriages average fewer than five years, despite wide variations in spending.
This suggests that cultural norms, family expectations, and social support systems play far greater roles in marital longevity than any wedding budget.
Debt and Regret
One in three couples admits they overspent on their wedding, with venues, catering, and entertainment topping the list of costly regrets. Ironically, the honeymoon, often the most meaningful shared experience, tends to be the area couples cut back on to save money. Many later report wishing they had spent less on the reception and more on quality time together.
Financial conflict looms large in marriages: more than half of couples say they’ve argued over money tied to the wedding, and one in five admits it made them question their relationship.
The Takeaway
The study reinforces what many relationship experts already believe: the foundation of a lasting marriage isn’t built on floral arrangements or designer gowns, but on shared values, financial transparency, and emotional connection.
“It’s not about how much you spend on the day, it’s about how you invest in the marriage afterward,” the report concludes.
