What better way to start a life together as a married couple than by blowing both of your life savings on day one, am I right?
Or, you could not do that and instead have some money for buying a house and food and things. If you're feeling like option two, you should probably steer clear of a Manhattan wedding and check out these more affordable locations.
A wedding-themed website called The Knot recently released a study on the cost of weddings. Sorry, brides- and grooms-to-be, things are not looking great for your wallets. The study, which surveyed nearly 18,000 weddings from 2015, found costs are at an all-time high.
The Knot reports the average cost of a wedding in 2015, not including the honeymoon, was $32,641. Um, excuse me? I've never had that much money in my life.
The good news is there are a few things you can do to minimize the crazy price of the happiest day of your life. One way, since according to the study the majority of the wedding budget goes to the venue, is pick a cheap place to get hitched.
Here are the top 10 cheapest places to get married.
1. Alaska
Average wedding cost: $17,361
2. South Dakota
Average wedding cost: $18,890
3. West Texas
Average wedding cost: $19,261
4. Arkansas
Average wedding cost: $19,856
5. New Mexico
Average wedding cost: $20,114
6. North Dakota
Average wedding cost: $20,211
7. Idaho
Average wedding cost: $20,245
8. Montana
Average wedding cost: $20,322
9. Oregon
Average wedding cost: $20,456
10. Central Illinois
Average wedding cost: $21,818
OK, it might not be as glamorous to get married in these places as it would be to get married in New York City (which came in at the most expensive locale by far at a whopping average of $82,299).
And sure, it might not be as convenient for your friends and family, but who cares about them? Save your money, fam. We're going to Alaska!
Citations: Here's How Much It Costs To Get Married In 2016 (Spoiler: It's A LOT) (Refinery29), Wedding Spend Reaches All-Time High As Couples Look To Make The Ultimate Personal Statement, According To The Knot 2015 Real Weddings Study (XO Group Inc)
