U.S. weddings can cost a small fortune, but what if you could have a dream wedding for a fraction of the price? Let’s compare the costs of getting married in Mexico vs. the USA and see where your love story should unfold!
Picture This…
You’re standing barefoot on a soft, white-sand beach, the waves gently rolling in, your guests sipping margaritas under swaying palm trees. The sun is setting, and the air is filled with the sounds of laughter and a live mariachi band. Now, imagine that whole experience cost you half of what a ballroom wedding in the U.S. would. Sounds too good to be true? Welcome to Mexico!
Now, let’s get real—weddings, no matter where you have them, aren’t cheap. But the price tag varies dramatically depending on where you say “I do.” So, how much does it really cost to get married in Mexico vs. the USA in 2025? Let’s break it down.
The American Dream Wedding: Beautiful, But Pricey
Weddings in the U.S. come with a Hollywood-sized budget. According to The Knot, the average wedding in the U.S. now costs around $36,000 (source). But that’s just the average—if you’re getting married in places like New York City or Los Angeles, prepare to double or even triple that number.
Here’s a quick breakdown of wedding costs in different U.S. cities:
| Location |
Average Wedding Cost |
| New York City |
$50,000+ |
| Los Angeles |
$45,000+ |
| Miami |
$40,000+ |
| Chicago |
$35,000+ |
| Midwest (Kansas, Iowa, etc.) |
$20,000+ |
Most of this budget goes to the venue, catering, and photography. For example, renting a top-tier venue in NYC like 620 Loft & Garden can start at $20,000, before food and drinks (venue details).
South of the Border: Destination Weddings in Mexico
Now, let’s take a quick flight to Mexico, where your wedding budget suddenly stretches way further. The average cost of a wedding in Mexico ranges from $5,000 to $12,000, with all-inclusive packages making planning super easy (source).
Why so much cheaper? Mexico’s wedding industry is built for destination weddings, meaning venues and resorts offer packages that include:
✅ The venue (stunning beachfront or luxury garden)
✅ Catering (hello, unlimited tacos & tequila 🍹)
✅ Decor & florals
✅ Photography (often included in resort packages)
✅ Entertainment (DJ, live band, or even a fire show!)
And here’s what weddings cost in Mexico’s most popular destinations:
| Location |
Average Wedding Cost |
| Cancún / Riviera Maya |
$5,500 – $12,000 |
| Tulum |
$8,000 – $20,000 |
| Cabo San Lucas |
$15,000 – $50,000 |
| Puerto Vallarta |
$7,000 – $15,000 |
Want to host your wedding at a luxury beach resort with all the bells and whistles? Places like Secrets The Vine Cancún offer all-inclusive wedding packages starting at $5,500 (resort details).
Let’s Talk Numbers: Cost Breakdown (USA vs. Mexico)
Here’s a side-by-side cost comparison of a 100-guest wedding in the U.S. vs. Mexico:
| Expense |
USA (Average) |
Mexico (Average) |
| Venue & Catering |
$18,000+ |
Included in resort package |
| Photographer |
$3,000+ |
$1,500 – $3,000 |
| Flowers & Decor |
$3,500+ |
Included in most packages |
| DJ / Live Music |
$2,000+ |
$800 – $2,000 |
| Wedding Planner |
$3,500+ |
$1,000 – $3,000 |
| Total |
$36,000+ |
$5,000 – $15,000 |
Other Factors to Consider
Of course, cost isn’t everything. Here are a few other things to keep in mind:
🔹 Guest List Size – Destination weddings typically have fewer guests (30-50 on average), while local weddings often have 100+.
🔹 Legalities & Paperwork – In Mexico, you’ll need a blood test, four witnesses, and your documents translated for a legal wedding. Many couples do a legal wedding at home and a symbolic one in Mexico.
🔹 Travel Costs – While weddings in Mexico are cheaper, consider airfare and hotel costs for your guests. But let’s be honest—who wouldn’t want an excuse for a mini vacation?
🔹 Weather & Seasonality – Mexico is gorgeous year-round, but avoid hurricane season (June – November) unless you love spontaneous rain showers.
So, Where Should You Get Married?
✨ If you want a big, classic wedding with ALL your friends & family, the U.S. is a great choice.
✨ If you prefer a dreamy, beachside ceremony at half the cost, Mexico is the way to go.
At the end of the day, your wedding should be about what makes you happy (and let’s be real, staying on budget helps with that too!).
One Thing You’ll Need Either Way? A Wedding Photographer Who Captures Every Moment.
Whether you’re saying “I do” under a golden sunset in Mexico or in a stunning ballroom in the U.S., you deserve breathtaking wedding photos. That’s where I come in!
📸 Explore my wedding photography portfolio: See my work
💰 Check out wedding photography packages: Pricing & Details
📩 Ready to chat? Let’s make magic happen: Contact Me
Wherever your love story takes you, let’s make sure your wedding memories are captured beautifully. 💛
