Planning a wedding is exciting, but the costs can add up fast.
Here's what weddings in NZ really cost, where couples are saving, and how to work out whether borrowing makes sense for you.
Wedding Cost in NZ: At a glance
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Estimates for an NZ wedding range from about $30,000–$45,000 for 80–100 guests to around $60,000. Smaller or off-peak weddings can come in under $20,000.
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Venue, food and drinks are usually the biggest costs.
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Guest numbers make the biggest difference to the total.
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You can borrow for a wedding with a personal loan. What matters is whether the repayments still fit your budget after the big day.
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Every lender has to check you can afford the repayments, so approval is never guaranteed.
Yes, you can borrow money for a wedding in New Zealand, and plenty of couples do.
Before any lender says yes, they have to check you can afford the repayments. So the real question is whether a loan fits your budget, not just whether you can get one.
If you've already decided, you can read about our wedding loans.
How much does a wedding cost in NZ?
There's no official figure, and estimates vary a lot.
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Wedding planning platform Bridebook puts the 2026 average at $30,000–$45,000 for around 80–100 guests. Auckland weddings often cost more, regional ones less, and smaller or off-peak weddings can come in under $20,000 (Bridebook).
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In 2026, a Wānaka celebrant and wedding planner told RNZ the average sits around $60,000, including attire, rings, the venue, food and styling (RNZ).
Treat these as rough guides, not a price list.
Your own number mostly comes down to how many guests you invite, where you hold it and when.
Budgets also have a way of growing. One couple who spoke to RNZ in 2025 started with $15,000, revised it to $40,000 and finished closer to $60,000, although that included flights from overseas and 10 nights' accommodation (RNZ). It pays to leave yourself some room.
Where the money goes
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Venue, food and drinks: usually the biggest chunk, often 40–45% of the budget.
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Photography and video: around 10–12%.
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Attire, rings, hair and makeup: these add up quickly, especially with alterations.
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Music, flowers and styling: varies a lot with the look you're after.
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The extras: the celebrant (often $400–$800 or more), the marriage licence (around $150), transport and stationery.
Percentages and fees from Bridebook. Every wedding is different.
How Kiwi couples are keeping costs down
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Trim the guest list. It's the biggest money-saver: fewer guests means less food, drink and venue space.
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Pick a quieter date. Weekdays and off-peak months are often cheaper than a summer Saturday.
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Look beyond the main centres. Venues just outside the big cities can offer more for less.
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Rethink the menu. Canapés or a shared meal can cost less than a sit-down dinner. If your venue allows BYO, check the corkage fee first.
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Split the celebration. A small ceremony one day and a relaxed get-together the next can keep both guest list and bill in check.
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Hire, borrow or buy second-hand. Suit hire, pre-loved dresses, and decorations from family and friends all help.
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Pick your top three. Agree on the three things that matter most to you both, and keep the rest simple.
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Keep it in one place. A separate wedding account makes it easy to see what's going in and out.
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Build in a buffer. Setting aside 5–10% for surprises means a late cost doesn't blow the budget.
Saving, borrowing or a bit of both
There's no single right answer, and plenty of couples do a bit of everything.
Saving means you pay no interest. Planning well ahead gives you time to build a fund and book your first-choice venue and suppliers. If family want to chip in, it's worth having that conversation early rather than assuming.
Borrowing can make sense when your date is set and your savings won't quite stretch. Lots of couples use savings and family help for most of the cost, and a loan for the rest.
Whichever way you go, the question is the same one a lender will ask: can you comfortably manage the repayments?
Thinking about borrowing? Five questions to ask first
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What's the real total? Add up every cost, then add a buffer for the surprises.
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What would the repayments be? Try a few amounts and terms in our loan calculator, then compare them with what's left after your bills each week.
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What else are you paying off? Count credit cards, buy now pay later and store cards too.
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Will the repayments still fit later on? They carry on long after the honeymoon, including through quieter months like January. Think about the year ahead, not just this month.
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Is there any slack? If the repayments only work when everything goes to plan, it's worth looking at a different amount or term before you apply.
Our affordability tips go through more questions worth asking, and our budgeting tools guide can help keep the numbers tidy.
Planning another big family event?
The same thinking works for a milestone birthday, a family reunion or a cultural celebration.
Work out the full cost, look at what you can save, and make sure any repayments fit. See our life events loans.
How Instant Finance can help
We're 100% New Zealand owned and have been lending to Kiwis since 1971.
You can apply online, call us on 0800 760 000, or pop into one of our branches around the country.
Before we lend, we take the time to understand your full financial picture, so we're confident a loan won't put you under pressure.
We can help you put a budget together too. And there's no judgement here, just real people who want your plans to work out, today and down the track.
Wedding cost questions
How much does a wedding cost in NZ?
Estimates range from about $30,000–$45,000 for 80–100 guests (Bridebook, 2026) to around $60,000 (RNZ, 2026). Guest numbers, location and the date make the biggest difference.
Can I get a loan for a wedding in NZ?
Yes. Lenders offer personal loans for weddings, but each one must check you can afford the repayments first, so approval isn't guaranteed.
How much should I borrow for a wedding?
Only what you need after savings and any family help, and only if the repayments fit comfortably in your budget. Try a few amounts in our loan calculator first.
Is it better to save or borrow for a wedding?
Saving avoids interest, so it costs less overall. Borrowing can help when your date is set and your savings fall short. Many couples use a mix of both.
What if my wedding ends up costing more than I planned?
Add a buffer from the start, because costs often grow as planning goes on. If you're thinking about borrowing more, check the extra repayments still fit your budget before you commit.
Ready to talk it through?
Apply online in a few minutes, call us on 0800 760 000, or find your nearest branch.
You can also read more about our wedding loans.