A growing number of Australian couples are opting for smaller, less expensive wedding ceremonies, such as registry weddings and micro-weddings, as the national average cost of a traditional wedding has risen to $38,252.
Cost Trends and Wedding Averages
According to the wedding planning website Easy Weddings, the average cost of a wedding in Australia in 2025 was $38,252. Data from MoneySmart indicates this figure has risen from $36,000 in 2013.
State-by-state variations in average wedding costs include:
- New South Wales: $42,322
- Queensland: $32,645
- Tasmania: $25,423
Shifts in Ceremony Type and Size
Registry weddings are becoming more common in several states. Data from Victoria shows 553 more registry ceremonies over three years. New South Wales recorded an increase of 1,119 weddings, and Queensland saw an increase of 357.
In Queensland, registry weddings accounted for approximately 13% of all marriages in 2025, with 3,082 ceremonies conducted. The cost of a registry ceremony typically ranges from $397.20 to $516.40.
Micro-weddings (20 to 50 guests) are also increasing. Easy Weddings reported that 15% of surveyed couples chose this option, representing a 12% increase since 2024. The proportion of weddings with over 150 guests has decreased to 5%.
Personal Accounts and Decision-Making Factors
Bianca and Ethan Sutton selected a registry wedding to avoid long waiting lists and the complexities of organizing a traditional event. They hosted a 70-guest ceremony with a wedding party.
Noel Diaz and Bianca Rose-Diaz opted for a smaller ceremony with only witnesses, citing personal preference and a desire to finalize their marriage after 11 years together.
Jesse and Rhys Fenn spent under $10,000 on their registry wedding. They reported that the savings allowed them to allocate funds toward other goals, such as purchasing a house.
Averill and Lloyd Johnson held a steampunk gothic vampire themed ceremony in a park for 30 guests at a cost of $3,000. Mr. Johnson stated they would not change anything about their wedding, while Mrs. Johnson described their intimate wedding as "worth it" compared to her first large Italian wedding.
Professional Observations
Wedding photographer Neil Hole reported an increase in smaller ceremonies, elopements, and registry weddings since the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that some couples choose this option to alleviate pressure from family expectations.
Victorian wedding planner Naomi Korolew reported the highest demand for their cheapest package. She observed that couples in their early 30s are facing financial pressures from housing costs.
According to Lauren Madex of Easy Weddings, more cost-conscious couples are seeking special but manageable celebrations.