So you just got engaged and are wondering about the average wedding cost in Canada—you’re not alone. This is the biggest and most daunting question when you are planning a wedding. First off, let me say, your wedding doesn’t have to be expensive.
The best way to save money is to spend on what you want, and don’t spend on what you don’t want. Just don’t go for cheap vendors. It is better to not book a vendor in the first place if it is not important to you.
💸 The Average Wedding Cost in Canada
As of 2024, the average wedding in Canada costs between $22,000 and $30,000, depending on where you’re getting married and the size of your guest list. Now that being said, you can spend way more, and you can spend a lot less. It just depends what you want.
There are a number of vendors you may want to hire, so here is a breakdown of the average costs of each one.
| Category | Average Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Venue + Catering | $10,000–$15,000 |
| Photography & Video | $3,000–$10,000 |
| Dress & Attire | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Florals & Decor | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Music & Entertainment | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Planner/Coordinator | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Hair & Makeup | $500–$1,000 |
The Must-Haves for your Canada Wedding
All you need to have a wedding is you, your partner, an officiant (could be a friend), and two witnesses. Beyond that, nothing is a must-have. If you plan to have guests, then you will need a venue, catering, and photography if that is important to you.
🖼️ Average Cost of Photography & Videography in Canada?
You’ll find wedding photo and video packages in Canada starting around $3000 and going up to $10,000+ for full-day coverage, second shooters, albums, and films.
I offer both photo and video services, and always recommend budgeting for someone whose style and energy match yours—after all, we’re spending the whole day together!
Average Cost of 3 Types of Weddings
The Classic, Traditional Wedding
In this wedding, the average wedding cost in Canada will be more, as you are going to want the full day. Traditionally these weddings are on a weekend in the summer, which is the wedding industry’s busiest time. You may get a good photographer and videographer, book out a beautiful venue, and have a nice dinner. You’ll probably start the day with a first look or an early ceremony, shoot a number of family photos, couple photos and wedding party photos, and then have a nice reception with a fun dance.
The Semi-Traditional Wedding
In this wedding, the average wedding cost will be closer to reasonable. You may have 20-30 people there, book your favourite photographer, and just keep it small. You can start with the ceremony around 5pm, order pizza or from a local restaurant for food to keep it cheap, have alcohol in a cooler, do some speeches, and then have a small dance.
The Elopement
In this “wedding”, you bring the costs way down because you have no guests. In this case, you can go to the top of a mountain, or go to a mountain lake, and keep it really intimate. If you still want you could go out for dinner after with your families.
Final Thoughts
While the average wedding cost in Canada can certainly sound like a lot, the most important thing is your special day feels like you. Whatever you plan, spend money on the vendors that are important to you, and skip on the vendors that aren’t.
My Favourite Calgary Vendors
Venue: Charbar
Planner: Lottie Weddings
Florist: Pine for Cedar
Stationery: Seeking Light Studio
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