The Real Cost of a Virginia Wedding in 2025
When you start researching wedding costs, you’ll see a wide range of numbers — and most of them don’t tell the full story. Many “average wedding cost” articles combine everything from courthouse elopements to luxury ballroom receptions. The truth? A Virginia wedding can range anywhere from $45,000 to $100,000+, depending on your guest count, location, and vision.
At Sarah Collins Events, we help couples build realistic budgets that reflect their priorities and create beautiful, meaningful celebrations — without surprises along the way. Here’s what you can expect.
Average Wedding Budgets by Region in Virginia
Virginia offers an incredible mix of backdrops — from rolling vineyards to elegant city hotels — and pricing varies by region.
Charlottesville & Shenandoah Valley — $60,000–$90,000
Northern Virginia & D.C. Metro — $70,000–$120,000
Richmond & Central Virginia — $50,000–$80,000
Coastal Virginia — $55,000–$85,000
Planner insight: Charlottesville vineyard weddings often have higher rental costs (tents, furniture, lighting), while Northern Virginia and D.C. weddings may invest more in catering, floral design, and guest experience.
Where Your Money Goes
Every couple’s priorities are different, but here’s how most Virginia wedding budgets break down:
Planning & Coordination (10–15%) — Your planner manages logistics, vendor communication, timelines, and design direction.
Venue & Rentals (25–35%) — Venue rental, tenting, tables, chairs, lighting, and décor structures.
Catering & Bar (20–25%) — Food, bar packages, service staff, and rentals if not included.
Florals & Design (10–15%) — Ceremony arches, centerpieces, personal flowers, and reception styling.
Photography & Videography (10%) — Professional coverage to document your story beautifully.
Entertainment (5–10%) — Band or DJ, sound setup, ceremony musicians.
Attire, Beauty, Paper Goods & Extras (5–10%) — Outfits, hair and makeup, invitations, signage, gifts, transportation.
Hidden Costs Couples Often Forget
Even the most organized couples can miss these important details — which is why your planner keeps them top of mind:
Power & Lighting: Essential for outdoor and tented events.
Restroom Trailers: For private property or vineyard weddings.
Delivery & Setup Fees: Often separate from rental totals.
Transportation: For guests, wedding party, or vendor teams.
Tips & Gratuities: Usually 10–20% across vendor categories.
Permits & Insurance: Required for some properties and municipalities.
Planner tip: Add a 5–10% contingency buffer for last-minute needs or weather adjustments.
How to Stretch Your Budget Wisely
A thoughtful planner helps you balance priorities so your budget works smarter — not harder.
Repurpose florals: Move ceremony arrangements to your reception.
Focus on impact areas: Splurge on your bouquet, ceremony arch, and guest experience; simplify elsewhere.
Trust your vendors: They know creative ways to maximize your budget.
Keep your guest count intentional: Every 10 guests adds roughly $1,000–$2,000.
At Sarah Collins Events, we help couples design weddings that feel luxurious and personal — no matter the number.
When to Bring a Planner Onboard
Ideally, bring a planner on early — before you book your venue. A professional can help:
Compare venue quotes realistically
Build your budget before contracts are signed
Recommend vendors aligned with your style and investment
If you’re already mid-planning, it’s never too late for support. Our Wedding Day Management and Partial Planning packages can help streamline the details and ensure your wedding day runs flawlessly.
Final Thoughts
A well-planned budget is the foundation of a stress-free, beautiful wedding. By understanding where your money goes — and having a planner who knows the Virginia market inside and out — you can make decisions confidently and design a celebration that truly reflects your story.
Ready to start planning your Virginia wedding? Inquire with Sarah Collins Events to begin building your personalized wedding plan and budget today.
