Imagine this: You and your love, standing in a dreamy Belgian castle, saying “I do” while the scent of fresh waffles drifts through the air. Sounds like a fairytale, right? But what if I told you that this fairytale doesn’t have to break the bank?
Belgium offers stunning wedding venues, rich history, and mouthwatering food, all without the sky-high costs of Paris or Italy. The trick? Smart planning, local secrets, and a few creative hacks. So grab a Belgian beer 🍻, and let’s dive into how you can have a breathtaking wedding in Belgium without blowing your budget!
1. The Secret to Saving: Timing is Everything
Belgium’s peak wedding season runs from May to September, making venues and vendors more expensive. But what if I told you that a fall or winter wedding could be even more magical? Picture candlelit tables, cozy fireplaces, and the romantic mist of a medieval town. Plus, venues and services cost significantly less outside peak months!
💡 Money-saving hack: Opt for a weekday wedding—venues are often 30-50% cheaper than on weekends.
2. Cheap Wedding Venues in Belgium That Look Like a Fairytale
Who wouldn’t want to get married in a castle? The good news? You don’t need a royal budget for it! Instead of expensive luxury châteaus, check out hidden-gem venues that look just as magical but cost a fraction of the price.
✨ Affordable wedding venues in Belgium:
🏰 Château de la Poste – A charming countryside castle in Wallonia with budget-friendly packages.
🌿 Kasteel van Gaasbeek – A stunning historical castle with dreamy gardens.
🍻 De Hoorn, Leuven – A former brewery-turned-industrial wedding venue with rustic charm.
Bonus tip: Many Belgian city halls are housed in breathtaking historical buildings, and civil ceremonies there cost as little as €200!
3. Wedding Catering in Belgium (Yes, Waffles Are an Option!)
Food is one of the biggest wedding expenses, but who says you need a fancy plated dinner? Belgium is famous for its street food, so why not make it part of your wedding?
🍟 Budget-friendly catering ideas:
✅ Frites Truck – Serve crispy Belgian fries with delicious sauces.
✅ Waffle Bar – Let guests build their own waffles with toppings.
✅ Cheese & Beer Stations – Belgian cheese + craft beer = heaven.
💡 Savings hack: Hosting your reception at a local brewery saves on alcohol costs and provides a fun, unique setting.
4. Wedding Photography: How to Save Without Compromising on Quality
Photography is one of the most important investments in your wedding, but you can still stay on budget:
🎥 Book a half-day package instead of full-day coverage.
📷 Prioritize ceremony & portraits to get the best moments captured.
💌 Opt for a digital-only package to save on prints.
And if you’re looking for a wedding photographer who understands the beauty of budget-friendly weddings (without compromising on dreamy, cinematic shots), check out my work here, pricing here, and let’s start planning together here!
5. Wedding Attire: Look Stunning Without the Hefty Price Tag
👗 Why spend thousands on a dress or suit you’ll wear once? Belgium has amazing vintage and second-hand bridal boutiques where you can find designer gowns for a fraction of the price.
💡 Check out: Le Dressing Club Brussels – A boutique selling pre-loved designer wedding dresses.
Bonus tip: Consider renting your wedding attire to get the designer look without the designer price tag.
6. DIY Wedding Décor: Make Pinterest Proud
Belgian weddings embrace minimalist, rustic elegance—which is perfect for a budget-friendly aesthetic. Instead of spending thousands on florists and designers, hit up a local flower market and get creative!
🌿 Money-saving décor ideas:
✔️ Use potted plants instead of cut flowers (guests can take them home!).
✔️ Swap floral arches for fairy lights or a vintage mirror backdrop.
✔️ Rent décor instead of buying—look for wedding rental companies in your area.
7. The Guest List: Small, Intimate, and Meaningful
The fewer guests, the lower the cost—simple math! But even with a small wedding, you can make it extra special:
✨ Budget-friendly wedding formats:
✔️ Elopement in Bruges – A fairytale setting with canals and cobblestone streets.
✔️ Micro-wedding in Ghent – A picturesque historical town with affordable venues.
✔️ Backyard reception – Rent a stylish Airbnb or use a friend’s garden!
💡 Pro Tip: Airbnb wedding venues can be a great way to save on both accommodation and event space!
8. The Legal Side: What You Need to Know About Getting Married in Belgium
💍 If neither of you is Belgian, you may need to prove residency to legally marry here. However, many couples do the legal paperwork in their home country and have a symbolic wedding in Belgium!
💡 Check with your local Belgian embassy for requirements or consult a destination wedding planner.
How Much Does a Budget Wedding in Belgium Cost? (Realistic Numbers!)
| Expense |
Budget-Friendly Option |
Cost Estimate |
| Venue |
Small castle or town hall |
€500-€2,000 |
| Catering |
Food trucks & buffets |
€10-€30 per guest |
| Photography |
Half-day package |
€500-€1,500 |
| Flowers |
DIY from flower markets |
€100-€300 |
Final Thoughts: You Can Have an Affordable Belgian Wedding
A budget wedding in Belgium doesn’t mean sacrificing magic—it means focusing on what truly matters. Whether it’s an intimate elopement in Bruges, a cozy micro-wedding in a brewery, or a castle ceremony without the royal budget, your dream wedding is possible.
And if you need a wedding photographer who understands both budget-friendly and breathtaking weddings, I’d love to be part of your journey! Check out my portfolio here, explore my affordable photography packages here, and let’s start planning your dream wedding together here.
Now go forth, plan wisely, and get ready for the most incredible day of your life—Belgian-style! 🇧🇪💍✨
