How Much Does a Destination Wedding in Europe Cost?
- Songbird
- Aug 25
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 3
Planning a destination wedding in Europe? Whether you desire the elegance of Paris, the charm of Florence, or the energy of Barcelona, Europe has some of the most romantic and unforgettable places to say “I do.”
As expert destination wedding planners for U.S. based couples, we’re walking you through some of our favorite European cities for your wedding day. We’ll cover what you can expect in terms of budget, vibes, guest experience, and travel logistics plus our top wedding planning tips to make it all feel seamless!
Make sure to read to the end for a quick comparison chart!
🇫🇷 Paris, France
Vibe
Chic, elegant, and timeless.
Best For
Couples dreaming of romance, sophistication, and stunning photos.
Budget Estimates
Boutique venue: $50K–70K
Luxury hotel wedding: $80K–100K+
Private château near Paris: $100K–150K+
Logistics
Direct flights from major U.S. cities
Easy local transit and endless guest hotel options
Most vendors speak English (especially in weddings)
Top Wedding Venues in Paris
A timeless setting where every detail feels refined and unforgettable.
Celebrate with breathtaking Eiffel Tower views and effortless elegance.
A grand escape with stunning gardens and historic charm.
Wedding Pro Tip In France, legal weddings must be held at a town hall after 40 days of residency, so most destination couples legally marry at home and then have a symbolic ceremony in France.
🇮🇹 Florence, Italy
Vibe
Warm, rustic elegance with artistic history.
Best For
Couples who want romantic charm, amazing food, and countryside beauty.
Budget Estimates
Local villa or winery: $45K–65K
Luxury estate wedding: $80K–100K+
Logistics
Fly into Florence or Pisa; train from Rome or Milan
Language barrier is minimal
Many estates offer lodging for your guests
Top Wedding Venues in Florence
A romantic villa surrounded by art and Tuscan beauty.
Have a stunning ceremony overlooking Florence with sweeping hillside views.
A hidden garden oasis in the heart of the city.
Wedding Pro Tip Host a pizza party or wine tasting the night before to treat your guests to the full Italian experience.
🇪🇸 Barcelona, Spain
Vibe
Lively, colorful, artistic.
Best For
Fun-loving couples who want a blend of city energy with beach relaxation.
Budget Estimates
Beachfront venue: $40K–60K
Historic venue in the Gothic Quarter: $65K–85K
Full estate weekend: $90K–120K+
Logistics
Direct flights from many U.S. airports
Great public transport and hotel variety
English widely spoken, especially in hospitality
Top Wedding Venues in Barcelona
A fairytale castle just outside Barcelona made for magical weddings.
A fantastic location right by the Mediterranean Sea on the Barcelona coast.
A hilltop castle where history and romance come together.
Wedding Pro Tip Consider a morning ceremony or indoor space in summer, Spain gets hot!
🇬🇧 Oxford, England
Vibe
Poetic, historic, and romantic.
Best For
Literary loving couples, romantic dreamers, and couples who want a quiet, elegant escape.
Budget Estimates
Boutique garden venue: $40K–55K
Luxury historic estate: $60K–85K
Weekend buyout with full services: $90K–120K+
Logistics
90 minutes from London via car or train
Local vendors familiar with international weddings
Smaller town = relaxed, manageable experience
Top Wedding Venues in Oxford
A grand city landmark filled with classic character.
Exchange vows in one of Oxford’s most historic and iconic spaces.
A venue with gardens, dining halls, and stunning architecture.
Wedding Pro Tip The weather can be unpredictable in Oxford so if you plan on having an outdoor wedding, consider having an indoor space for backup or renting a tent.
For more read our FULL BLOG on Oxford weddings HERE!
🇵🇹 Lisbon, Portugal
Vibe
Colorful, historic, and full of sunshine.
Best For
Couples who want something a little more unique, yet still luxe and breathtaking.
Budget Estimates
Intimate rooftop or courtyard wedding: $35K–50K
Palace or vineyard wedding: $60K–80K
Full coastal villa wedding: $90K–110K+
Logistics
Great value for luxury experiences
Direct flights to Lisbon from the East Coast U.S.
Welcoming to Americans, many English-speaking vendors
Top Wedding Venues in Lisbon
A royal palace with lush gardens and timeless glamour.
Palácio dos Marqueses da Fronteira
A colorful palace rich with art and history.
A romantic Lisbon gem full of old-world charm.
Wedding Pro Tip Extend your stay for a built-in honeymoon with beach towns like Cascais or Sintra just a short drive away.
⭐ Quick Comparison
City | Budget Range | Vibe | Logistics | Best For… |
Paris | $70K–150K+ | Romantic, chic, timeless | Direct flights, luxury vendor pool | Classic elegance and iconic photo ops |
Florence | $50K–100K+ | Rustic, warm, artistic | Great food, countryside villas | Foodies, artists, and countryside lovers |
Barcelona | $40K–100K+ | Energetic, stylish, festive | Easy travel, city + beach | Bold, fun couples with modern taste |
Oxford | $45K–90K+ | Poetic, historic, refined | Accessible transport, cozy | Literature lovers and English garden romantics |
Lisbon | $35K–100K+ | Colorful, sunny, underrated | Great value, ocean access | Creative couples wanting beauty + savings |
Final Summary
Europe offers something truly magical for every kind of couple. Whether you’re looking for poetry and castles, vineyards and sunsets, or modern vibes and nightlife, there’s a European city ready to tell your love story.
If you need expert guidance to bring your vision to life, our destination wedding planning team is here to help. We specialize in Chinese-American & Destination Weddings! We will help you from choosing the perfect venue to coordinating every detail, we make the process seamless so you can enjoy the journey. Reach out to us to start planning your dream wedding today! 💍✨
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