Weddings are beautiful, magical, and full of love... and they can also cost an arm and a leg. But let's not panic just yet! Today, we're talking about a big chunk of the wedding budget: the reception hall . You know, that place where Uncle Daniel will dance the Macarena and your witnesses will end up shirtless on the dance floor. Yes, that one.
So, how much does a wedding venue cost? Spoiler alert: it depends. Yes, it's a classic answer, but it's the truth. Luckily, we'll explain everything in great detail (and without putting you to sleep).
Before diving into the details, let's lay the groundwork. Renting a wedding venue can cost:
From €500 to €2,000 for a small, simple room, without fuss
Between €2,000 and €5,000 for a beautiful, fully equipped reception room
More than €5,000 for an exceptional location (manor, castle, or fairytale estate)
And that's just the rental. Wait until you see the rest...
As you might expect, it's not a matter of tossing heads. Several factors can increase the bill (or lower it if you're smart):
The location
The time of year
The type of room
Included services
The rental period
We'll give you all the details below.
Let's not kid ourselves, location is often THE number one factor. A venue in the heart of Paris or on the Côte d'Azur won't cost the same as a farmhouse in Cantal (even if it's super charming), just as a haute couture wedding dress won't be at a bargain price compared to a more modest creation.
Big cities are convenient for guests… but not for the wallet. In Paris, for example, a decent venue can easily cost you €3,000 to €8,000 , especially if it's central, attractive, and hasn't seen a renovation since 2005.
And don't expect to negotiate too much: demand is high, rooms are sometimes booked a year in advance.
The countryside is life. Greenery, peace and quiet, birds singing (and sometimes a goat as a bonus). Here, you'll find rooms ranging from €1,000 to €3,000 , often with more space.
The icing on the cake? Sometimes you even get to sleep on site for your guests. No car ride back = no drama.
Ah, the sea... feet in the sand, the romantic sunset, the wind blowing the bride's veil... and a hefty bill too.
Expect to pay between €3,000 and €10,000, depending on the region, the view, and the prestige of the location. It's beautiful, but it comes at a price.
Yes, even in the wedding world, there is a peak season. And peak season means... bingo, higher prices.
From May to September, it's crazy. Everyone wants to get married then. Venues are booked up, prices easily rise 30 to 50 percent, and even finding a simple wedding dress becomes a challenge as options quickly dwindle.
A tip: if you're flexible, consider April or October . The weather is often still mild, and you can negotiate a little.
Sure, you won't get the cicadas, but you'll get lower prices , better availability, and often a carefully decorated room to compensate for the lack of sunshine.
Bonus: Everyone will remember your magical winter wedding (especially if you offer blankets and mulled wine).
This is the moment when you need to define the mood of your wedding. Because a renovated hangar and an 18th-century castle are not the same thing—or the same price.
Often overlooked, municipal halls are nevertheless a good deal: between €300 and €1,000 per day . No frills, but space, tables, chairs, and sometimes even a fully equipped kitchen.
Ideal for small budgets (and DIY brides and grooms ready to decorate everything themselves).
This is the “Disney Princess” option: exceptional locations . They're dreamlike, they make for incredible photos... and they'll blow your budget. Here, prices start at €4,000 and can go up to €15,000 or more.
But often, you have services included (accommodation, furniture, service), which can balance things out a bit.
Want to make a lasting impression? Consider unique options like a renovated barn, a greenhouse, a boat, or even a museum. You can complete the ambiance with a rustic wedding dress , perfectly suited to these unusual locations. Prices? Between €2,000 and €6,000 , depending on the rarity of the location and the services provided.
The price of the room sometimes includes much more than just the walls . And this is where you have to read the fine print. Some places offer:
Furniture (tables, chairs, tablecloths, etc.)
The basic decoration
Sound and lighting
Before/After Cleaning
A coordinator on site
Accommodation
Any additional service is another line item on the quote. Sometimes there are mandatory cleaning fees , high deposits , or even imposed service providers (caterer, DJ, etc.). And then you lose a little freedom... and budget.
Conversely, some venues give you carte blanche: you bring your own service providers, you manage the decor yourself, and you can even save money by calling on your loved ones, while having the freedom to choose personal elements like your Lace Wedding Dress .
Tip: ask for a precise list of services included to properly compare offers.
Time is money, especially when renting a wedding venue. So, how long is your party?
Some rooms are only rented for the day , with keys handed over in the morning and return to square one at midnight. Less expensive, certainly, but more stressful to set up and put everything away.
Expect to pay between €800 and €2,000 for this express package.
Most couples prefer to have the venue available from Friday to Sunday. This allows for a relaxed setup, a party the night before, and brunch with the survivors the next day, while still allowing time to add the finishing touches to the long-sleeved wedding dress before the big day.
But it costs more: between €2,000 and €6,000 depending on the location and the season.
We're not going to leave you without any good ideas. Here are some tips to lower the price of your wedding venue (and save money for your honeymoon).
The earlier you book, the more options you'll have. But sometimes, last-minute deals offer bargains: venues looking to fill an empty weekend sell out.
Everyone wants to get married on a Saturday. And guess what? Fridays and Sundays are often 20-30% cheaper . Your guests might get the day off work… but you'll save a lot of money.
Some venues offer all-in-one packages with catering, DJ, decorations, etc. It's not always more economical, but it can avoid hidden costs.
Compare offers and do the math: sometimes centralizing lowers the bill. You can find more information on this site .
Because no, it's not over. A room is one thing. But around it, there are:
The caterer (€30 to €120/person)
The DJ or orchestra (€500 to €2,000)
Decoration (from €500 to €2,000 if you do it yourself)
Furniture (if not included)
Insurance (sometimes compulsory)
In short, the room is often the heart of the budget, but not the only vital organ.
So, how much does a wedding venue cost ? On average, it costs between €2,000 and €5,000 , but it all depends on your preferences, the region, the season, and what's included.
No need to sell a kidney, but it will still require a little planning, a few compromises, and a good dose of resourcefulness. And remember: it's not the price of the venue that will make your wedding beautiful, but the love, the laughter, and the dancefloor on fire at 2 a.m.
Come on, now that you know everything, you can go for it... or call your banker. 😄