*This data has been updated. Please read current stats of how much a wedding costs here.
Couples today place a large emphasis on housing their big day in the wedding venue of their dreams - no matter the cost! We understand - the wedding venue is often the first thing you book when wedding planning! It often dictates your theme, your wedding date, and your overall wedding aesthetic. Choosing your wedding venue really gets the wedding planning ball rolling.
So how much are Australian couples willing to spend on their dream wedding venue? What's the average cost?
According to the Easy Weddings 2016 Annual Australian Wedding Survey, the average price couples are willing to spend for their dream wedding venue is $13,225.
When it comes to how much couples are willing to part with to create their perfect wedding in the venue of their dreams, the average price varies from state to state across Australia.
The stats
South Australian couples are the big spenders when it comes to their dream wedding venue, forking out an average of $14,515.
Victorian couples are willing to part with $14,320 for their venue, and New South Wales couples follow closely behind with an average price of $13,815.
Western Australian couples are willing to spend an average of $12,440, and Australian Capital Territory couples spend $11,155.
When it comes to their wedding venue, Queensland couples are the most modest in this regard, only paying an average of $9,625.
Fun facts
According to the 2016 Annual Australian Wedding Survey, 97% of couples hire a wedding venue, and 11% of Australian couple choose their wedding date based on their venue's availability.
On average, Australian couples have 98 wedding guests attend their big day. 92% invite 150 or fewer, while 68% of couples invite 100 or less guests. And, the average price per head for wedding venues is $135.
24% of couples surveyed said they are using a reception venue to house their wedding, while 21% chose a restaurant or hotel. The rest of the surveyed results were shared pretty evenly between gardens and backyards, wineries, golf clubs, historic sites, and 'other'.
Couples surveyed mentioned that venues generally catered to a good variety of dietary requirements, and most venues offered the ability to hold the ceremony and reception in the same location. And finally, couples expressed their satisfaction with the venue's generous servings of food and drinks.
2017 prediction
For 2017, the Easy Weddings Annual Wedding Survey results so far conclude a rise in what Australian couples are willing to pay for their dream wedding venue. While the complete 2017 survey is not yet published, we predict this rise in average price is due to an increase in the emphasis and importance couples place on housing their big day in the venue of their dreams - no matter the cost.The venue is the cornerstone feature in all weddings. It determines your theme, sometimes your wedding date, and your overall wedding aesthetic. It's
The venue is the cornerstone feature in all weddings. It determines your theme, sometimes your wedding date, and your overall wedding aesthetic. It can even dictate what kind of dress you wear! It's an extremely important element, and often marks the beginning of wedding planning.