Courthouse weddings are booming as many couples skip pricey traditional ceremonies
“The 2026 wedding season reflects the broader cultural shifts of this generation,” Zola reported in its “2026 Wedding Trends: First Look” report, a survey of more than 11,500 couples getting married in 2026.
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“Our couples are using TikTok and AI in their everyday lives, embracing both cocktails and mocktails and prioritizing their mental wellness,” the report said.
Though cost-friendly and streamlined civil marriage ceremonies are popular in some places, the average cost of a wedding is $36,000, according to Zola — while the average guest count has remained steady at around 145 people, similar to last year.
The average wedding costs $36,000 and includes 145 guests, recent data shows. (iStock)
“Even with economic jitters, we’re seeing couples prioritize the celebration they want over other financial goals,” the company reported. “The sentiment is clear: 85% of couples say their wedding will be worth every penny.”
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Bank of America said in June 2026 that “wedding-related spending grew 8.5% year-over-year so far in 2026… suggesting that higher prices haven’t completely curbed spending on that special day.”
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The report also found consumers are spending less on one-time formal wear purchases, while more economical, lab-grown diamonds continue to gain traction.
Teresa Mull is a freelance writer with the Lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/courthouse-weddings-booming-couples-skip-pricey-traditional-ceremonies