Study Busts the Myth: Expensive Weddings Don’t Equal Happily Ever After

ByBNW TEAM

For many couples, weddings mean perfect photos, big parties, and bigger price tags. In some states, saying “I do” can cost as much as buying a new car or even a small house. But a new study from Mark Broumand reveals that lavish wedding spending doesn’t buy lasting love.

From Utah to New Jersey: The Costly “I Do”

Across America, weddings average $35,000. But the cost varies wildly depending on where you tie the knot:

  • Utah – $17,000, the lowest in the nation
  • New Jersey – $55,000, the highest
  • California – $41,000, well above the national average
  • Wisconsin – $29,000, below the national average

Despite the cost differences, couples in all these states report average marriage lengths of 20 years or more, with no clear connection between dollars spent and time together.

The Data Doesn’t Lie

The study compared wedding costs with average marriage duration in all 50 states and found no direct correlation between the two. In fact, in Texas, where the average wedding cost is $32,000, marriages last just 17.6 years, while in Wisconsin, marriages average 22.7 years, despite far lower spending.

“Simply put, the size of your wedding budget doesn’t determine whether you’ll grow old together,” the researchers said.

Around the World: Same Story

The same disconnect appears globally. Couples in Australia often spend up to $51,000, yet marriages there average just 12.3 years. In Italy, weddings cost less, around $23,000, but marriages last an average of 18 years.

Even in countries like Qatar, where weddings can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, marriages often end within five years.

Wedding Debt: A Rough Start to Forever

The real risk of high spending, according to the study, is financial stress. Nearly two-thirds of newlyweds start married life in debt from their weddings. A third blow past their budget, overspending on venues, food, and entertainment.

The fallout?

  • Over 50% of couples argue about finances tied to wedding costs.
  • One in five even admit money stress made them question their relationship early on.
  • Many regret cutting corners on honeymoons to splurge on the reception.

What Actually Builds Strong Marriages

Instead of focusing on dollar amounts, researchers point to non-financial factors that consistently lead to longer marriages:

  • A honeymoon (no matter the cost) – Couples who took one were 41% less likely to divorce.
  • Support systems – Larger guest lists often mean stronger community backing.
  • Open money conversations – Couples who discuss finances and goals early report more trust and less conflict.
  • Shared values and intimacy – Emotional connection, mutual respect, and conflict resolution are stronger predictors than any wedding price tag.

Love Beyond the Price Tag

The study’s biggest takeaway? Weddings may be costly, but what matters most is how couples invest in their partnership once the music fades and the guests go home.

Bigger weddings may give you a bigger bill, but they won’t buy you a longer marriage, the study concluded. Lasting love comes down to time, communication, and shared values, not the size of your venue or the brand of your dress.

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