how much does a seattle wedding cost in 2026?
planning a wedding in Seattle means working within one of the most design-forward, food-obsessed, creatively rich wedding markets in the country. it also means stepping into a market where couples are intentionally investing in experiences that feel personal, beautifully curated, and deeply memorable.
and like anything beautifully crafted in a high-cost-of-living city, they come with a price tag that reflects that quality. but for couples who care deeply about experience, aesthetics, and how the day feels, the investment is more than worth it.
here’s what you can expect for your Seattle wedding cost in 2026 based on current Seattle averages, real client spending, and ongoing trends within the market.
how much does a Seattle wedding cost in 2026?
based on recent data from the wedding report and what i’m seeing from real couples i work with, here’s a rough estimate depending on your guest count:
150–200 guests: $50,000 – $100,000+
100–150 guests: $45,000 – $80,000
50–100 guests: $35,000 – $65,000
these are ballpark ranges for your Seattle wedding cost in 2026. those are quite wide ranges, but there’s a reason for it. every detail of your wedding is customizable! your guest count, your venue, your priorities, and the time of week & year will all influence the final number.
what impacts your wedding budget the most?
your guest count: it is the biggest factor and the easiest way to shape your budget with intention. more guests mean you’ll require more food, drinks, rentals, and space.
your venue sets the tone for everything: design, logistics, guest experience, and vendor team needs. Seattle’s best venues range from $4k to $25k+, depending on exclusivity, time of year, and what’s included.
photography and other vendors & services: for high-quality, experienced artists, this isn’t where you want to skimp. your memories deserve to be captured beautifully and professionally. be wary of costs that sound too good to be true. prices vary widely depending on experience and demand. it’s totally normal to see price ranges all over the map.
where couples are choosing to invest more?
photography & videography
couples are prioritizing artists and storytellers who can photograph both the calm, in-between moments and the big, emotional ones with equal intention.
full day coverage from experienced Seattle photographers typically ranges $4k–$8k, with combined photo + video teams often $8k–$16k. you’re investing in technical consistency, emotional awareness, and someone who knows how to move through a wedding day without creating friction.
design & planning
experienced planners and designers help shape how your wedding feels, flows, and photographs. they help you make cohesive, informed decisions that support the overall vision of the day. from spatial layout to guest experience, their guidance creates cohesion across every part of the day.
and floral design does a tremendous amount of work for visuals. they soften spaces, bring warmth to architecture, and create interesting depth to your photos. when designed by an expert, your florals will definitely help you elevate the space more!
the venue
Seattle venues range widely, from $4,000 to $25,000+, depending on the season, exclusivity, and amenities. waterfront and architecturally impressive venues continue to be in high demand.
the light, the scale of the space, the materials — all of that shapes how your wedding will photograph. a candlelit ballroom, an industrial loft, and a garden estate each tell very different stories on camera, even with the same design inspiration.
pinterest is a wonderful place to gather ideas, but those images are always a combination of location, light, styling, and timing. when one of those elements changes, the final result changes too. it might not be in a bad way, just in a different direction.
an experienced photographer knows how to work with the realities of a space. like finding the best light, choosing angles that flatter the architecture, and helping you lean into what your venue does best, rather than forcing it to be something it’s not.
if you want to see some ideas for amazing Seattle wedding venues, here are some of my favorites:
how to make the most out of your wedding budget?
you’re not here to pinch pennies. but you are here to be thoughtful about what matters most.
get married during the off-season. november through early may is considered off-season, which often comes with more flexibility for you and your chosen vendors.
choose a weekday or sunday. want that iconic venue without the saturday price tag? thursday is the new saturday.
smaller guest count will allow you to invest more in the atmosphere, exceptional food and drink, a beautiful venue, and expert photography that documents the day fully and beautifully.
final thoughts
when you’re planning a Seattle wedding, the investment goes far beyond the logistics. it’s about hosting the people you love with care, choosing a team you trust, and creating a day that unfolds with ease.
if you’re planning for 2026 and want photography that blends emotion, artistry, and a lived-in, documentary feel, I’d love to hear what you’re envisioning! you can learn more about our packages here! reach out today to chat about your wedding plans!
