The Average Cost of a Wedding in Canada (And Why We Think You Shouldn’t Follow It)
The Average Cost of a Wedding in Canada (And Why We Think You Shouldn’t Follow It)
Weddings are beautiful, emotional, and unforgettable — but let’s be real: they can also be expensive. In Canada, the average wedding costs between $30,000 and $40,000, depending on your location and guest list. That’s a major investment — and not always one that aligns with what couples actually want.
At Mandy & Randy, we’re wedding photographers based in Bromont and shooting across Montreal, the Eastern Townships, and throughout Quebec. We’ve seen it all: big ballroom celebrations, romantic mountaintop elopements, backyard weddings, and cozy countryside vows. And what we’ve learned is this — you don’t have to spend big to make your wedding day unforgettable.
What the Numbers Say (and What They Don’t)
Here’s what the stats say:
According to WeddingWire Canada, the average wedding cost in 2024 was around $29,450.
Global News reports that 45% of couples go over budget, driven by rising prices and social pressure to put on a show.
The biggest costs typically include venue, catering, and photography.
But here’s what the stats don’t show: some of the most meaningful, emotional, and visually stunning weddings we’ve ever captured cost far less than that — and were all the more memorable for it.
Big Love, Smaller Weddings
We believe your wedding should reflect your relationship — not a Pinterest board. That’s why we’re passionate about elopements and intimate weddings. Whether it’s just the two of you in the mountains of Sutton, a private ceremony by the lake in Knowlton, or a cozy dinner celebration in Old Montreal after a courthouse wedding, there is something powerful about stripping the day back to what matters most: you, your love, and the people closest to you.
And let’s be honest — smaller weddings mean:
Less stress
Lower costs
More time with the people who matter most
And way more room for creativity
Our Advice? Ditch the Rulebook
Forget what you're "supposed" to do. You don’t need:
A 200-person guest list
Chair covers no one will remember
A late-night taco bar (unless you really want one)
What you do need is a day that feels true to you — and photography that captures it all as it really happened.
As photographers working throughout Quebec, we’ve captured weddings in chateaux, chalets, city lofts, lavender fields, vineyards, mountain trails, and everywhere in between. The one thing that ties them all together? Authenticity.
Final Thought
Your wedding doesn’t have to be “average.” It doesn’t have to follow the trends or meet anyone’s expectations but your own. Whether you're planning a Montreal elopement, or an intimate gathering in the Eastern Townships, we’d be honoured to capture the moments that matter most.
At Mandy & Randy, we’re here to tell your story — no matter the size, budget, or location.
Not sure where to start? Download our free Find a Photographer Checklist — a simple guide to help you choose the right person behind the lens and avoid common regrets couples have after the big day.