Large, elaborate churches can cost as much as $3,000 to rent.
According to MSN Money, the average wedding in 2010 cost just under $27,000 and one-fifth of couples are willing to spend at least $30,000 on the big day. No matter what your wedding budget, a large percentage of your total wedding price tag will be the location of the event. But while some recital halls and churches can be attained quite cheaply, other wedding places' costs skyrocket because of their location or exclusivity.
Cities
According to MSN Money, the 20 most expensive wedding locations in the United States are, for the most part, large cities like New York City, Boston, Chicago and San Francisco. Wedding planning web site The Knot names New York City, Philadelphia and Boston three of the most expensive cities in which to tie the knot. In fact, the Knot notes that weddings in NYC can cost upwards of $46,000, as of 2011.
States
Some states also have a reputation for being expensive wedding places. According to The Knot, getting married in New York State and Rhode Island can be pricey, while MSN Money adds Hawaii and the District of Columbia, along with its metro area, to the list. In Hawaii, a wedding can go for more than $26,700, while New York couples can expect to pay more than $70,000 for their special day.
Churches
Although churches can be some of the least expensive wedding places, costing almost nothing to members, they can also be some of the most expensive. While the Bridal Association of America lists the average cost of a wedding location at a little more than $400, large churches can cost as much as $3,000, according to Cost Helper, as of 2011. When you figure in the extras -- clergy and decorations, for example -- you could pay considerably more.
Exclusive Locations
If you want to get married at an exclusive location that usually doesn't host weddings, like a baseball diamond, historic building or public place, you'll likely pay a great deal. Similarly, special venues, like castles or famous churches, cost a fortune. For example, Umaid Bhawan Palace, the Indian castle where Elizabeth Hurley was wed, has some suites, as of 2011, that cost as much as $10,000 per night.
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