A wedding is one of life’s most significant milestones. Couples across the globe spend months or even years planning their big day. But how much does it actually cost to say «I do»? Prices vary dramatically.
In some countries, a wedding can cost nearly as much as an apartment. In others, it’s closer to the price of a used car. Kursiv.media looked into what weddings are expected to cost around the world in 2025.*
U.S. and Europe: Expensive and stylish
Weddings in the U.S. are among the most expensive in the world. The average cost of a celebration is about $36,000, even though more than 2 million weddings take place each year.
In Germany, expenses are more modest — roughly €15,000 to €17,000 ($16,000-$18,000). Couples there tend to favor smaller, elegant gatherings. Around 300,000 couples get married in Germany each year.
Asia: Tradition meets grandeur
In China, wedding budgets range from $15,000 to $40,000. Guest lists often exceed 200 people. That scale isn’t surprising; the country hosts nearly 8 million weddings every year.
India tops the global charts with around 10 million weddings each year. Ceremonies often last several days and include dozens of rituals. Average costs start at $15,000. For affluent families, expenses can soar into the hundreds of thousands.
One standout example is the 2024 wedding of Anant Ambani, son of oil magnate Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant. According to multiple reports, the lavish affair cost between $300 million and $600 million, making it one of the most expensive weddings ever held.
Central Asia: A celebration for the whole family
In Kazakhstan, the average wedding costs between $8,000 and $11,000. About 120,000 weddings are held each year. Guest lists typically range from 100 to 200 people. In May 2025, one Kazakh blogger estimated that even a modest wedding could cost up to 13 million tenge (about $24,000).
Weddings in Uzbekistan usually cost $6,000 to $10,000, with around 200,000 celebrations held annually, including more than 20,000 in Tashkent.
In Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, wedding costs average $7,000 to $10,000. Approximately 40,000 couples marry each year in Kyrgyzstan and 60,000 in Tajikistan.
In Turkmenistan, celebrations are typically smaller and less expensive, averaging around $8,000, with roughly 35,000 weddings taking place annually.
The bottom line
In Europe and the U.S., wedding budgets are mainly determined by venue and service costs, whereas in Asia, expenses are more influenced by the number of guests and the importance placed on traditional customs.
Notably, one universal rule applies everywhere: the bigger the guest list and the grander the vision, the higher the price tag.
*Data based on 2024-2025 statistics and media reports, aggregated by country.
