Last updated on April 15th, 2024 at 02:46 pm

Breaking Down the Average Montana Wedding Cost in 2024

Planning a wedding in Montana and curious about the costs? From the venue to the dress, this guide will give you an idea of the average expenses for a wedding in the Big Sky state. Whether you’re looking for a rustic barn or a luxurious resort, we’ve got you covered.

What does the average Montana Wedding Cost?

According to the wedding report, the average cost of a wedding in Montana is $20,116 in 2023. However, this takes into account every wedding in the entire state including elopements and courthouse weddings, and usually skews a bit low. If you are looking at getting married in a major Montana city like Bozeman or Billings, you are looking to spend $30,000- $50,000 on average.

Now that we have the average, let’s take a look at some of the most popular areas in the state to get married. Each of these averages will be based on a 150-250-person wedding. One of the major factors to wedding cost is guest count. If you are looking to get married in any of these areas, it can be done on any budget, you may just need to drop the number of folks attending.

What does the average wedding cost in Bozeman Montana?

Bozeman is one of the most sought-after locations to get married in the state. This is due to it’s natural beauty, Yellowstone, both the show and National Park, and ease of access for out-of-state guests. This coupled with the high cost of living makes Bozeman one of the most expensive areas in the state to get married with the average wedding costing between $40,109 and $49,022 in 2024. (This is based off of a 150-250 person wedding)

What does the average wedding cost in Kalispell Montana?

If you are planning a destination wedding in the state, the other location you are likely looking at is Kalispell. This area has become extremely popular for summer weddings and elopements due to its proximity to Glacier National Park. The average 150-250-person wedding in Kalispell costs between $45,656 and $55,802, according to wedding report.

What does the average wedding cost in Missoula Montana?

Missoula is honestly a hidden gem when it comes to places to get married in Montana. While it doesn’t offer the range of venues of Kalispell or Bozeman. It is still a stunning place to get married! On average couples will spend $30,303 and $37,037 for a 150- 250 person wedding, making it the least expensive city on our list.

What does the average wedding cost in Billings Montana?

Billings is the largest city in the state of Montana and features tons of great wedding venues. While it doesn’t have the majestic Rocky Mountain views you will find in Bozeman, that does not mean it is not a beautiful location!

On average a wedding in Billings will cost $38,975 and $47,637 for 150-250 guests.

Venue – Montana Wedding Cost

The venue and catering costs are typically the largest expenses for a Montana wedding. The average cost for Montana wedding venues is around $5,000 with some venues costing upwards of $20,000. Again these costs will increase in bigger cities or more sought-after wedding locations like Big Sky, Bozeman, or Paradise Valley.

Catering Cost in Montana

Catering costs can vary depending on the number of guests and the type of meal, but the average Montana wedding cost is around $60 per person. Keep in mind that some venues require you to use their in-house catering, while others allow you to bring in your caterer.

This is important to watch out for because one venue may be less expensive to reserve, but the food costs will be much higher than if you hired a caterer separately. I know of one venue where you can book the space for around $1,000 but you are looking at a minimum of $70 per plate.

Photography & Videography.

Photography is the most important aspect of capturing memories from your special day. The average cost for a wedding photographer in Montana is around $2000. Out of all the wedding vendors, this average is the most skewed due to the number of hobbyist photographers or people just starting out charging under $500.

In reality, the average for a professional photographer is around $3000, but prices can range from $1,000 to $20,000 depending on the photographer’s experience and package options. Read more about the cost of a wedding photographer here, to make sure you area getting the most value for your money.

Videography services can cost an additional $1,500 to $3,000. Some photographers and videographers may offer discounts for bundling their services together. It’s important to research and compare different photographers and videographers to find the best fit for your budget and style.

Wedding Attire and Accessories – Cost for a Montana Wedding

The cost of wedding attire and accessories can vary greatly depending on personal preferences and style. The average cost of a wedding dress in Montana is around $1,500, but prices can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Bridesmaids’ dresses can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 each. Groomsmen attire, including suits or tuxedos, can cost around $200 to $500 per person. Accessories such as shoes, jewelry, and veils can add several hundred dollars to the overall cost.

Flowers and Decorations. – Montana wedding cost

Flowers and decorations are an important part of any wedding, and the cost can vary depending on the size and style of your event. The average cost for wedding flowers in Montana is around $2,000, but prices can range from $1,000 to $4,000 depending on the types of flowers and arrangements you choose. Consider looking at in-season flowers to lower costs. In Montana, florists tend to be one of the hardest vendors to find due to the high demand and relatively few businesses.

Decorations such as centerpieces, linens, and lighting can also add to the overall cost, with an average cost of around $1,500. It’s important to work with a florist and decorator who can help you stay within your budget while still creating a beautiful and memorable atmosphere for your special day.

Entertainment and Transportation – Montana Wedding Cost

Entertainment and transportation are two important aspects to consider when planning a wedding in Montana. The average cost for a DJ or band is around $1,200, but prices can range from $500 to $2,500 depending on the length of time and level of experience. For transportation, renting a limousine or party bus can cost around $800, but prices can vary depending on the distance and number of hours needed. It’s important to budget for these expenses early on in the planning process to ensure a smooth and enjoyable wedding day.

All-inclusive Montana Wedding Packages

All-inclusive wedding packages are comprehensive wedding packages that include everything a couple needs for their special day. This can include the venue, catering, decorations, flowers, photography, and more. These packages are designed to simplify the wedding planning process and make it easier for couples to focus on enjoying their wedding day. With all-inclusive packages, couples can rest assured that every detail of their wedding will be taken care of by experienced professionals.

From what I have seen, there are very few companies in the state who offer all-inclusive wedding packages, but many photographers will offer all-inclusive wedding elopement packages.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the cost of a wedding in Montana can vary greatly depending on the location, number of guests, and personal preferences. While the average cost of a Montana wedding is around $20,116, couples planning to tie the knot in major cities like Bozeman should expect to spend between $30,000 – $50,000. When breaking down the costs, it’s clear that the venue and catering are typically the largest expenses, with photography and videography coming in as a close second.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that prices for these services can vary greatly depending on the experience and package options of the vendor. Other costs such as wedding attire, flowers and decorations, and entertainment and transportation should also be factored into the overall budget.

No matter where you are in your wedding planning journey, I would love to talk with you more. As an award-winning Montana Wedding Photographer. I work with couples all over the state to provide, candid and creative photographs that celebrate their love’s of natural beauty.