What is the Cost of a Wedding?

04/11/2025 | Event Troupe |

I recently saw a post from The Knot claiming that the average cost of a wedding in Colorado is $35,000. Honestly… where are they finding weddings at that price? Colorado is an expensive destination wedding state, and if you’re getting married here, it’s important to be realistic about what things actually cost. Below are some real numbers to help you build a more accurate wedding budget.

Venues

Tell me what you paid for your venue—because chances are, it was not cheap. In Colorado, you pay for the view, the mountain air, the outdoor setting, the wildlife, and some of the most unique locations in the country.
I’m seeing venue averages around $10,000, with many above that depending on what they include.
Consider:

  • Are tables/chairs provided?
  • Are basic linens included?
  • Are you required to use in-house catering or bar services?
    Some of my 2025 couples are already seeing $30,000+ invoices just for venue + catering + bar.

Catering

Catering is often misunderstood—and underestimated.
Most caterers provide far more than food. A typical catering bill in Colorado runs $125 per person before tax, service fees, and gratuity (and $200+ per person is not unusual). This generally includes:

  • Service staff
  • Basic china, glassware, silverware
  • Serving equipment
  • Basic catering linens
  • Table setup
  • Continuous bussing
  • Full venue cleanup at the end of the night

Thinking about a food truck? That often means hiring separate staff for:

  • Table and chair setup/teardown
  • Bussing and trash removal
  • Guest assistance (allergy questions, spills, etc.)
  • Full venue strike
    It’s rarely cheaper—and always more work.

Cakes + Desserts

  • Full wedding cake: ~$1,500
  • Small ceremony cake: ~$400
  • Dessert bar: $1,000–$2,000+

General Budget Rule

Plan to spend about 40% of your total budget on your venue + catering + bar.
Don’t blow your budget on the venue and leave nothing for the elements that make your day actually work.

Other Vendor Costs

DJ

Your DJ runs the entire flow of the night.
Expect $2,000–$4,000 for a pro who brings proper sound, lighting, ceremony mics, and experience.

Florals

Aim for 10% of your total budget.
“Simple” florals average around $5,000, while luxury designs can exceed $50,000.
Remember: you’re decorating large spaces—small centerpieces can disappear in big rooms or tall tents.

Photography

Ranges widely: $2,000–$10,000.
Again, 10% of your budget is a solid guideline.

Transportation

Around $2,000 per bus per day.

Hair & Makeup

  • Bride: ~$400
  • Bridesmaids/others: ~$250 each
    You can structure this bill in different ways depending on who pays for what.

Officiant

Even though Colorado allows self-solemnization, I always recommend hiring a professional.
Average cost: ~$900.

Other expenses

Dress, suit, alterations, accessories, gratuities, rehearsal dinner, welcome party, and post-wedding brunch all add up fast.

Ways to Save

Yes—you can save money. Consider:

  • Smaller wedding party
  • Skip the day-after brunch
  • Choose a venue that aligns with your total event budget
  • Focus on quality vendors instead of quantity

If you’d like a complimentary wedding budget tracker, send me a message with the subject line “budget tracker.” I’m happy to share it with you.