How much does a wedding cost in South Australia?

Ready to plan your wedding but not sure where to start your budget? Don’t be afraid! We’ve got a look at a reasonable South Australian wedding budget.

If you’re planning a wedding in South Australia, you’re not alone! Stacked full of stunning coastline, rolling vineyards, and incredible city views, South Australia is a popular wedding destination.

Planning a wedding in South Australia? You’re not alone! With its stunning coastline, rolling vineyards, and beautiful city venues, SA has become a favourite for couples wanting a memorable celebration without the sky-high price tag of larger states.

How much should you really put aside for a South Australian wedding budget?

Wedding venues

From Adelaide’s chic city venues to McLaren Vale wineries and Barossa Valley estates, there’s a huge range of options across different price point. Your wedding venue is usually the first place to start when you begin planning. In South Australia your wedding venue will cost just below the national average, coming in at $15,585.

The national average for an Australian wedding venue is $15,987.

Wedding dresses

Your wedding dress is probably going to be the most expensive dress you ever buy in your life! It’s also one of the most significant which is why 25% of brides say their budget wouldn’t matter if they found the perfect gown!

In SA you should budget around $2,091 for your dress, which falls $500 shy of the national average, which is $2,590.

Wedding photography

Photographers are one of the most important elements of your wedding day with 99% of all couples saying they’ll have a photographer at the wedding. Your photos are the one thing you’ll keep forever (besides your spouse!), so it’s worth investing in a professional.

In South Australia, you can expect to start your budget around $3,122 for your wedding photographer.

Marriage celebrants

Your celebrant is actually your most important supplier on the day. Without a marriage celebrant to actually marry you your wedding is just a big party!

Marriage celebrants in SA typically charge an average of $779 depending on experience, travel, and the type of ceremony you’re after. This falls $200 below the national average.

What should you be looking for when you are finding a celebrant? A great celebrant will make your ceremony feel personal, relaxed, and completely you. 

Wedding cars

46% of all couples are hiring just one car for their wedding day. Look at how many people you need to transport for your day to see what style will be most cost-effective for you while also fitting in with your wedding theme.

The average spend on wedding cars in South Australia is $1,201 which is almost parodied on the national average which sits at $1,192.

Wedding videography

Videographers have a 4.9 out of 5-star rating for the services they provide. So if you’re on the edge of whether or not to hire a videographer, do it! Your photos can show what happened at your wedding but it’s your wedding videographer who will be able to capture the vibe and love on the day, and you’ll have that all-important content to roll out across your Instagram for years to come!

Videographers will cost you an average of $3,060 for a wedding, which is on par with the Australian average, which comes in at $2,977.

Catering

Whether it’s a cocktail-style reception or a seated feast, catering usually takes a big bite out of the budget. South Australian couples spend around $6,584 on average to feed their guests, often including canapés, mains, desserts, and drinks packages.  This is about $200 above the national average, but with all that incredible South Australian wine and produce, we think it’s worth it.

Wedding hire

There are so many different products you can hire for your wedding. It could be the marquee to keep everyone dry, or the oversized lawn games to keep your guests entertained. Whatever it is, you can expect to budget around $963 on wedding hire for your day, which is significantly below the over $2,000 national average.

Wedding music

Whether you go for a DJ, live band, or acoustic duo, good entertainment keeps the dance floor packed and energy high. Your choice will help dictate how much you spend on your wedding music for the big day.

The average spend on wedding music is $1,582. This could increase or decrease depending on whether you have a solo artist, DJ, or a four-piece string quartet.

Formal wear

The big day isn’t just about brides and their dresses! Grooms want to make sure they’re going to make a statement just as much. In fact, 29% of grooms will have a suit custom-made for their big day.

The cost of your formal wear will depend on how many people you have in your wedding party. However, the average cost of formal wear in South Australia is $1,300.

Decorations

Wedding decorations are those extra bits and pieces you want to add style and theme to your wedding. Florals and draping are particularly popular at the moment as is the continuing trend of greenery.

The average couple in South Australia will spend around $1,118 on their wedding decorations, this sits at about 50% less than the Australian average, and some $3,000 less than Victorians will spend on decorating their weddings.

Bridesmaids dresses

The average cost of bridesmaids dresses in South Australia is $667. This is another cost that will increase or decrease depending on how many people you have in your wedding party.

A traditional wedding party will be made up of 8 people including the bride and groom, so that usually means 3 bridesmaids.

Hair and makeup

Natural makeup has become widely popular this year as more brides strive to be their best self on their big day.  But each bride should pick and choose the style and vibe that is truly her!

Despite the natural style you still want a hair and makeup professional who knows what they’re doing and nails your perfect look.

For many brides, hair and makeup are non-negotiables. Expect to pay around $568 for a mobile artist who can glam up you and your bridal party on the big day.

Follow us on Instagram for more inspiration.

If you’re working with a smaller budget, South Australia is a great place to get married. Regional venues tend to offer excellent value, and many couples are embracing mid-week or winter weddings to take advantage of off-peak pricing.

You can also look at inclusive packages offered by venues or hire professionals who offer bundled services—think photographer + videographer combos or florals + styling packages.

FAQs about South Australian wedding budget

How much does the average wedding cost in South Australia?

The average wedding in South Australia costs around $31,000, slightly below the national average. This typically covers your venue, catering, attire, styling, photography, entertainment, and all the essentials.

What is the biggest wedding expense for SA couples?

Your venue and catering will likely be the biggest line items—especially if you’re hosting both your ceremony and reception at the same place. On average, couples in SA spend between $11,000 and $15,000 on venue hire and around $6,500 on catering.

Is it cheaper to get married in regional South Australia?

Yes, regional areas like the Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, and the Fleurieu Peninsula often offer more competitive pricing that include scenic backdrops. You may also find venues with all-inclusive packages that help keep costs down.

Can I have a wedding in SA for under $20,000?

Absolutely. Many couples plan stunning weddings under $20k by keeping the guest list intimate, choosing an off-peak date (like winter or a weekday), and prioritising what matters most. Hiring a venue that includes furniture, catering, or decor can also help save.

When is the most affordable time to get married in South Australia?

Winter weddings (June–August) and weekdays or Sundays tend to be more affordable, as demand is lower. Some venues and suppliers offer off-peak rates or seasonal packages during these times.

Where can I track my wedding expenses?

Use our Easy Weddings Budget Calculator to track everything from deposits to balances due, with suggested averages based on real SA couples.