The Most Expensive Wedding Venues in the United States
Disclaimer: All images used in this blog post are the property of their respective copyright owners. We do not claim ownership of any images unless otherwise stated. Images are used for editorial and illustrative purposes only. If you are the copyright owner of any image used and would like it removed or properly credited, please contact us.
If you’re the kind of couple who dreams of a wedding straight out of a fairytale or the glossy pages of a luxury magazine, you’re not just planning a celebration—you’re crafting an experience. Whether it’s saying “I do” beneath glittering chandeliers in a centuries-old château or exchanging vows on a secluded beachfront as a string quartet plays your song, one thing’s certain: ordinary simply won’t do.
But what are the most expensive wedding venues in the United States? Venues like Cedar Lakes Estate, Ojai Valley Inn, and The Langham easily push past the million-dollar mark, depending on your guest list and décor dreams.
And if you’re planning on spending serious money on the venue of your dreams, you have to make sure the music lives up to the moment. That’s where Liv Entertainment comes in. We have world-class live bands and DJs, who turn high-end weddings into once-in-a-lifetime spectacles. Contact us now!
This blog will share the most expensive wedding venues in the United States and factors that contribute to their cost. It will also include tips on making the most of your wedding venue.
What Makes a Wedding Venue Expensive?
One of these factors is your location. If you are hosting your big day in one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., like New York, San Francisco, or Palm Beach, it instantly raises the price tag. A central location, especially one within walking distance of iconic landmarks like Central Park, Palm Island, or the vibrant streets of Key West, adds not only convenience but prestige.
Then there’s the venue itself. Expensive wedding venues often offer stunning architecture, historical artifacts, and lush gardens that look like they were pulled straight from a fairy tale. It could be grand ballrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, winding gardens perfect for a cocktail hour, and terrace rooms overlooking the skyline or sea. Many of the most luxurious wedding venues like those in Rhode Island’s historic mansions or California’s glamorous estates include built-in charm and character that elevate your wedding from special to spectacular.
But it’s not just about pretty spaces. A luxury venue also provides a level of service and amenities that go far beyond the average venue. From exclusive wedding packages that include gourmet food and photography services to onsite event planners and hotel accommodations for the whole weekend, these venues deliver a full-scale experience.
Your guest count also plays a huge role. More guests mean more space, more food, and of course, more cost. Expensive venues are built to host large, lavish events without compromising on style or comfort, ensuring every single guest is part of the love story. Plus, for destination weddings, whether you’re flying guests to a remote villa or hosting them in a ritzy city venue—travel, accommodations, and premium services add to the final bill.
And let’s not forget one of the biggest investments of all which is photography The most expensive wedding venues are usually selected with wedding photos in mind. Gorgeous backdrops, iconic venues, and natural lighting make the work of your wedding photographer look like editorial spreads. After all, this is your dream wedding and you want every shot to scream unforgettable.
So when you see the cost of a luxury wedding venue, remember, you’re not just booking a space. You’re investing in a full-scale event, one where the details, design, and day-of magic all align to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And honestly? For a love story like yours, nothing less will do.
The Top 10 Most Expensive Wedding Venues in the United States
If you’re planning a dream wedding where luxury drips from every chandelier and the only thing more breathtaking than your dress is the venue, we have a list made for you.
Let’s take a tour of these venues:
1. The Langham, Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
Located in the heart of one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., The Langham oozes modern luxury and sophistication. With sweeping views of the Chicago River and skyline, its grand ballrooms, terrace rooms, and five-star service set the scene for a lavish celebration. It’s a favorite for couples who want sleek, city chic vibes and wedding photos with architectural flair.
2. Blackberry Farm – Walland, Tennessee
Do you want that luxurious wedding venue energy but with a dash of countryside charm? Blackberry Farm brings refined Southern elegance to life with rolling hills, winding gardens, and cozy-luxe vibes.
It’s more than a venue, but a whole weekend experience. It offers farm-to-table cuisine, luxury lodging, and that storybook love story setting nestled in the Smoky Mountains. Trust us, once you’re here, you’ll never want to leave.
3. Little Palm Island Resort – Little Torch Key, Florida
Private island? Check. Thatched-roof villas? Check. Vows by the sea as the sun sets over turquoise waves? Big check.
Little Palm Island Resort is the ultimate destination wedding escape, ideal for couples wanting an unforgettable wedding experience. With limited guest capacity, it’s designed for intimate luxury and maximum wow factor.
4. Wind Creek Bethlehem – Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
This is a hidden gem among expensive venues. Wind Creek Bethlehem blends high-end glamour with customizable spaces, perfect for a grand wedding.
Between its luxury hotel accommodations and top-tier food and photography services, this venue turns your wedding day into a full-on event weekend. Guests will rave about it for a long time.
5. Bel-Air Bay Club – Pacific Palisades, California
Perched high above the Pacific, the Bel-Air Bay Club is a showstopper with stunning ocean views, Spanish-style architecture, and palm trees swaying in the breeze. It’s a luxurious wedding venue built for that West Coast romance feel.
Add in a cocktail hour on the lawn and a guest list dressed to the nines, and you’ve got a wedding fit for Hollywood royalty. Welcome to your very own red carpet moment!
6. Cedar Lakes Estate – Port Jervis, New York
A far cry from your average venue, Cedar Lakes Estate brings an upscale camp-style wedding to life. It offers private cabins, farm-fresh feasts, and views of the Catskills that’ll make every wedding photo pop.
You also get the exclusivity of a destination wedding without leaving New York, as its rustic chic meets refined luxury. And yes, there’s a lake for that iconic canoe kiss photo.
7. Museum of Fine Arts – Boston, Massachusetts
Getting married surrounded by masterpieces? Talk about a love story with timeless elegance. The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is one of the most iconic venues in the country, offering dramatic halls, historical artifacts, and a sense of grandeur that’s impossible to fake. It is perfect for couples who want an artfully elevated event.
8. Gurney’s Montauk Resort and Seawater Spa – Montauk, New York
Gurney’s Montauk is the go-to for coastal-loving couples who want salty air, luxury venues, and barefoot elegance wrapped in one. With lush gardens, oceanfront ceremony spots, and modern ballrooms, it balances relaxed vibes with upscale service. Plus, the spa’s not just for guests; it’s your personal oasis pre-ceremony.
9. Monarch Beach Resort – Dana Point, California
If you’re after that fairytale vibe mixed with full-throttle glam, Monarch Beach Resort delivers. With panoramic ocean views, manicured grounds, and options for indoor and outdoor ceremonies, this luxury wedding venue feels like something out of a modern royal wedding. Add in top-tier food, a grand ballroom, and photo ops at every turn, and you’ve got yourself an event fit for the gram and the history books.
10. The Biltmore Estate – Asheville, North Carolina
If your dream wedding involves an actual castle, The Biltmore Estate is the place for you. This 8,000-acre estate in the Blue Ridge Mountains is the largest privately owned home in the U.S., and it pulls out all the stops.
It offers winding gardens, sweeping terraces, historic architecture, and a ballroom that belongs in a period drama. It’s one of the most luxurious wedding venues in the country, offering multiple dreamy settings and endless opportunities for stunning wedding photos.
How to Make the Most of Your Luxury Wedding
When it comes to planning a luxury wedding, it’s not just about throwing money at florals, gowns, or guest lists. It’s about curating an unforgettable experience that leaves your guests swooning and you smiling long after the last slice of cake is gone. A true luxury wedding is defined by thoughtful details, seamless flow, and immersive moments that feel like they belong in a film or, honestly, a Vogue spread.
The venue you choose sets the tone for everything. Whether it’s a grand ballroom in New York, a cliffside terrace in California, or a historic mansion with winding gardens in Rhode Island, your venue lays the foundation for the atmosphere you want to create. But while the space is the canvas, your entertainment is the brushstroke that brings it all to life.
Luxury weddings thrive on emotion and energy, and entertainment is what sustains that energy throughout the day. The right band, string quartet, or DJ does more than just play music – They guide the vibe, keep the timeline smooth, and ensure there’s never an awkward lull between cocktail hour and the grand entrance. A skilled performer or music team knows how to read the room and build momentum in a way that feels effortless.
And let’s not forget the power of personalization. Whether you’re walking down the aisle to a classical violinist playing your favorite Coldplay song or entering the reception to a live remix of your shared anthem, those intentional music choices tell your love story in sound. Personalized music adds richness to each part of the celebration from the first dance to the final song of the night, and makes the entire day feel like a reflection of who you are.
What truly sets professional entertainment apart is the ability to coordinate with your entire vendor team. Great entertainers work alongside your planner, caterer, and photographer to ensure everything runs like a dream. That means music cues are aligned with speech moments, lighting shifts happen at just the right time for dramatic reveals, and the playlist never drowns out conversation during dinner.
Also, let’s talk about acoustics. A string trio in a cathedral sounds magical until you realize the space is too echoey for vows. Experienced wedding performers adapt to your venue’s layout and sound dynamics, making sure the music isn’t just beautiful, but acoustically balanced. And when music and lighting are planned in tandem, the effect is transformative. That perfect combo can turn a simple reception space into an enchanting wonderland or a sleek modern dream.
At Liv Entertainment, we specialize in bringing weddings to life with curated, show-stopping entertainment that feels high-end, heartwarming, and entirely you. With years of experience working in the most expensive wedding venues across the U.S., we understand what it takes to create not just a performance but a luxury experience. We bring the talent, coordination, and atmosphere that transform your wedding from memorable to legendary. Contact us now!
Elevate Your Wedding Experience With the Right Entertainment
When it comes to luxury weddings, the right entertainment is everything. It’s not just background noise, but the heartbeat of your big day. From setting the mood during your ceremony to keeping the energy alive through cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing, entertainment ties every element together.
The perfect DJ, band, or live performer can transform your venue, guide the flow of events, and create those magical, goosebump-worthy moments you and your guests will never forget. With personalized playlists, coordination with other vendors, and seamless transitions, great entertainment turns your wedding into a fully immersive, unforgettable celebration.
Ready to hit all the right notes on your special day? Let Liv Entertainment work with you to bring your luxury wedding entertainment to life!
FAQ
What Is the Most Expensive Wedding Venue in the USA?
Currently, one of the priciest wedding venues in the United States is The Plaza Hotel in New York City. We’re talking serious old-money glamour here, complete with gilded ballrooms, grand staircases, and views of Central Park.
Which U.S. Cities Have the Most Expensive Wedding Venues?
New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Palm Beach, and certain parts of California’s coast consistently top the charts when it comes to jaw-dropping venue prices. These cities offer everything from waterfront resorts and historic mansions to grand ballrooms and modern rooftop stunners. And of course, you’re paying for that central location, scenery, and exclusivity.
Are Outdoor or Indoor Luxury Venues Typically More Expensive?
It depends on the vibe and the add-ons. It’s not just about indoors vs. outdoors, but about what comes with the package. Outdoor venues with lush gardens, scenic backdrops, or private beachfront access can be more expensive due to additional logistics like tenting, lighting, weather backup plans, and sound equipment for entertainment. On the flip side, grand indoor spaces like museum halls or hotel ballrooms often include built-in luxury amenities, but still come at a premium.
How Far in Advance Should I Book a High-End Wedding Venue?
If you’re eyeing a top-tier venue (especially in a high-demand city like New York or San Francisco), you’ll want to book it at least 12–18 months in advance. Some in-demand spots are reserved up to two years out, especially for peak seasons or weekend dates.