The Most Expensive Wedding Venues in America
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.
Do you dream of a wedding so lavish it makes royal nuptials look like a backyard BBQ? You’re not alone. Every year, couples across the U.S. splurge on jaw-dropping venues that bring fairytales to life.
The most expensive wedding venues in America include The Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills, Amangiri in Utah, and The Breakers in Florida. Some of these places rack up to $500,000+, depending on your guest list, and décor.
If you’re booking one of these iconic venues, your entertainment needs to rise to the occasion. At Liv Entertainment, we are experts in crafting unforgettable musical experiences for your wedding by providing live bands and DJs, who are committed to making your experience one that will be remembered forever. Contact us today!
In this blog, we will share the top 10 most expensive wedding venues in America and what makes them expensive. We will also share tips on how to book a luxurious wedding venue.
What Do You Need for a Luxury Dream Wedding?
When planning a luxury dream wedding, you are curating an experience, and you should follow a checklist to make your big day a platinum-tier celebration.
First things first, you need an exclusive venue for your luxury dream wedding. It could be a historic mansion in Rhode Island, a grand ballroom in a central location, or a luxury wedding venue in one of the most expensive cities, like NYC, Miami, or San Francisco. We’re talking The Plaza Hotel, Palm Island Resort, or a rooftop terrace with winding gardens and skyline views.
Next, you need gourmet catering. For a truly unforgettable wedding experience, you need food that’s Insta-worthy and absolutely unforgettable. From curated wine pairings to oyster bars and five-course plated dinners, you should go for wedding packages that often include gourmet restaurants or private chefs who can deliver that elevated dining experience.
It is also important to have elegant decor in place. From floor-to-ceiling florals to candlelit terrace rooms, this is where your theme shines. Want Versailles vibes in Central Park or boho-glam at a California estate? Ideally, you should work with an event planner who can help you design a space so gorgeous your guests will wonder if they wandered into a movie set.
Furthermore, you will need live entertainment. Luxury weddings need music that moves people. From cellists to live bands, having live entertainment from pros like those at Liv Entertainment means your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception all have that extra glam.
Let’s not forget your designer attire, as a luxe wedding calls for high fashion. From a Galia Lahav gown to a custom Tom Ford tuxedo, your wedding wardrobe should scream sophistication.
Furthermore, you need professional photography and videography, because your special day deserves more than blurry smartphone pictures. Instead, you should work with a top-tier wedding photographer and videographer who knows how to capture every laugh, tear, and champagne pop.
10 Most Expensive Wedding Venues in America – Our Picks
When it comes to throwing an expensive wedding, the venue can easily be your biggest splurge. And if you’re dreaming of a luxury wedding venue that screams exclusive, elegant, and fairytale-level fabulous, we’ve got the right places for you.
Here’s our handpicked list of the most expensive wedding venues in America. If you’re gonna go big, these venues are your go-to options:
Lombardi House – Hollywood, CA
Welcome to your own little slice of Tinseltown history. Nestled in the heart of Hollywood, Lombardi House is a meticulously restored 1904 Victorian farmhouse turned luxurious event space. With whitewashed barns, indoor-outdoor flow, and a manicured garden that looks straight out of a Nancy Meyers movie, this California gem is perfect for couples who want charm and prestige.
The house sleeps 28 people, making it perfect for wedding weekends and brunches with the in-laws. The best part? You’re just a few blocks (and a few espresso martinis) away from Sunset Boulevard’s nightlife.
The Breakers – Palm Beach, FL
If Gatsby threw a destination wedding, it would be at The Breakers. This legendary Palm Beach palace is what happens when you combine 140 acres of oceanfront property with Italian Renaissance architecture, 30-foot ceilings, hand-painted frescos, and ballrooms so ornate they’ll make your jaw drop.
The hotel offers wedding packages so luxe they include valet, white-glove service, top-tier gourmet catering, and built-in wow factor. Guests can lounge at the beach club, sip champagne by the pool, or book spa appointments between outfit changes.
The only thing you’ll have to worry about is picking which grand ballroom is just fancy enough. Trust us, your wedding photographer is going to have a field day here.
Rosewood Miramar Beach – Montecito, CA
Welcome to the home of seaside serenity and seriously stunning wedding photos. Rosewood Miramar Beach sits directly on the sands of Montecito. Just imagine saying your vows here under a blooming floral arch while the sun sets behind you.
This is not your average venue. When you think about this place, you should think of private bungalows, marble bathrooms, and butlers who will remember your mom’s favorite wine. The event spaces range from breezy beach lawns to candlelit terraces that smell faintly of sea salt and rose petals.
San Ysidro Ranch – Santa Barbara, CA
This is where John and Jackie Kennedy honeymooned, and honestly, that’s all the resume you need. Nestled in the winding gardens of Santa Barbara’s foothills, San Ysidro Ranch feels like your own secret historic mansion wrapped in lavender fields and mountain air.
Ceremony on a flower-covered terrace? Check. Cocktail hour under 1,000 twinkle lights? You bet. This luxury wedding venue offers secluded cottages, Michelin-star-worthy food, and timeless elegance. You’re also within walking distance of wine tasting rooms and coastal photo ops, making this a dream for your wedding photoshoot.
Amangiri – Canyon Point, Utah
Amangiri is a secluded luxury resort carved right into Utah’s red-rock landscape. It is a breathtaking oasis of modern luxury and raw natural beauty that offers an atmosphere of serene minimalism and high-end indulgence.
This is a favorite for couples who want a destination wedding with a side of jaw-dropping sunsets and architectural perfection. Your wedding photos will look like a Vogue editorial.
The Little Nell – Aspen, Colorado
If your idea of a dream wedding includes snow-capped mountains, designer fur coats, and champagne sabering, The Little Nell is calling your name. This five-star hotel in Aspen offers mountaintop ceremonies (yes, you ride a gondola in your gown) and exclusive access to one of the most elite ski resorts in America. From the grand ballroom to snow-globe-style outdoor terraces, this venue blends alpine glamor with rugged romance.
Greystone Mansion – Beverly Hills, California
This historic mansion has been the backdrop for films like The Social Network, The Bodyguard, and X-Men. If you want your wedding day to feel like a movie set, Greystone’s 18 acres of winding gardens, fountains, and stone staircases deliver serious main-character energy.
Located in Beverly Hills, this venue is a favorite for couples who want jaw-dropping elegance with that old-Hollywood mystique. The ceremony spots include lush lawns and a terrace room with views of the city.
Carneros Resort and Spa – Napa Valley, California
Carneros Resort and Spa is all about rustic luxury like vineyard views, private cottages, firepits, and sunset ceremonies among the grapes. It’s perfect for couples who want wine country vibes without sacrificing luxury or modern amenities.
The wedding package includes farm-to-table gourmet catering, customizable event layouts, and spa access. Plus, Napa is packed with incredible restaurants, meaning your guests can spend the whole weekend sipping and savoring.
Calamigos Ranch – Malibu, CA
Tucked into the winding gardens of the Malibu Hills, Calamigos Ranch gives off enchanted forest energy with a Hollywood twist. It’s one of California’s most beloved wedding venues, and not just for the A-listers who’ve tied the knot here.
The venue has multiple ceremony and reception spaces, from waterfall groves to fairy-lit barns. You can host 150+ guests in this woodsy-meets-refined paradise while feasting on seasonal food and dancing under the stars.
Hotel Bel-Air – Los Angeles, CA
Old-school glamour meets modern sophistication at this iconic Los Angeles hotel. With 12 acres of lush gardens, swan ponds (yes, actual swans), and hidden ballrooms, Hotel Bel-Air is a true fairy tale venue in the middle of a world-class city.
Known for its A-list clientele and picture-perfect interiors, this venue offers complete wedding packages, next-level photography services, and five-star menus designed by Wolfgang Puck. Your guests won’t know if they’re at a wedding or the Oscars.
Planning Tips for Booking a Luxurious Wedding Venue
To start, timing is everything. The most luxurious wedding venues are often booked a year or more in advance. Whether you’re envisioning a ceremony under the winding gardens of Central Park or a destination wedding in Key West, reserving your dream wedding venue early gives you the best shot at securing your ideal location and date before it’s blocked by other couples.
When touring venues, don’t be dazzled by the chandeliers and views alone. Ask yourself: What’s actually included in the cost? The most expensive venues sometimes offer lavish wedding packages complete with gourmet food, signature cocktails, luxury rentals, and full-service photography services. Others simply rent you the space, meaning you’ll need to bring in your own catering team, wedding photographer, entertainment, and décor. Understanding what’s bundled and what isn’t helps you avoid unpleasant surprises when the invoice lands.
It’s also essential to consider how the venue fits with the rest of your celebration logistics. Is the estate or hotel in a central location, within walking distance of accommodations for your guests? Will it accommodate your ideal guest count comfortably during both the ceremony and reception? Think practically about flow, lighting for wedding photos, and how each moment of the wedding day will unfold across the space.
A crucial step in the planning journey is bringing in a professional event planner, especially if you’re hosting a destination wedding. These pros are masters at navigating luxury venues, negotiating prices, and pulling together show-stopping elements, from opulent flower installations to exclusive entertainment bookings. In a world where price points soar and expectations are sky-high, having an expert to manage the cost, the vendors, and the design is a major advantage.
Don’t forget to personalize your venue to reflect your love story. Every luxurious venue becomes unforgettable when it’s tailored to your unique vision. From the perfect lighting for wedding photos to a live violinist playing your song as you walk down the aisle, no detail is too small for your special day.
Want Music That Complements Your Luxury Venue?
You’ve booked the luxury wedding venue of your dreams, and now it’s time to match that same level of elegance and ambiance with live music that elevates your entire celebration. Whether you’re saying “I do” beneath the winding gardens of Central Park, hosting a champagne-soaked reception at the Ritz-Carlton, or dancing the night away at a glamorous estate in California, the right soundtrack is what turns a beautiful venue into an unforgettable experience.
From timeless ceremony strings to modern electric violinists, Liv Entertainment has mastered the art of live wedding music for the most luxurious wedding venues in America. Our elite musicians know how to read the room, complement the vibe, and create moments that live on forever in your wedding photos and memories
Ready to give your luxury venue the soundtrack it deserves? Book Liv Entertainment today and allow us to turn your dream wedding into a full-sensory celebration.
FAQs
What Makes a Luxury Wedding Venue so Expensive?
Luxury wedding venues come with premium features like exclusive locations, stunning architecture, high-end amenities, and top-tier service, all of which drive up the price. You’re paying for privacy, prestige, and a flawless guest experience in some of the most expensive cities in the world.
How Much Does a Luxury Wedding Really Cost?
A luxury wedding in the U.S. can range from $100,000 to well over $1 million, depending on the venue, guest count, and extravagance of the event. Costs skyrocket with designer attire, gourmet food, photography services, and entertainment layered into the wedding package.
How to Select the Perfect Destination Wedding Venue?
Start by narrowing your dream location, consider guest accessibility and accommodation options, and always work with an experienced event planner. Look for venues that match your aesthetic while offering the services you need like breathtaking views, timeless elegance, and a team that understands luxury.