photo credit: Snap Happy Photography
The research, conducted by custom jewelry experts Glamira, examined data on wedding attire and accessories, local food and entertainment, venues and accommodations, wedding expenses, and wedding planning and other services. The results were then compiled in an index to determine the best states to get married in.
Vermont takes the crown, with a final index score of 73.88 out of 100. The state ranks first in two categories, including wedding venues and accommodations and wedding planning and other services. There are 603 florists and floral services to choose from in Vermont, as well as 489 photography services and 479 beauty and grooming services.
In second place, with a final index score of 64.86 out of 100, is Rhode Island. The state ranks second for wedding planning and other services and has the best access to bridal attire and accessories, according to the study. There are 1.34 jewelers per 100,000 people in Vermont, which is 688% above the national average of 0.17, as well as 440 fine jewelry and accessories stores.
According to the study, Montana is the third best state to say “I do” in, with a final index score of 63.85 out of 100. In addition to ranking as the sixth-best state for food and entertainment services, the state also ranks twentieth for wedding expenses. In 2023, for example, the average spending on engagement rings in Montana was $21,905, which is $4,730 below the national average in America.
Maine has the second-best wedding venues and accommodations, including 509 event spaces and 15 romantic hotels rated four stars and above, and the fourth-best wedding planning and other services. As a result, Maine ranks as the fourth-best state for weddings, with a final index score of 61.98 out of 100.
In fifth place is New Hampshire, with a final index score of 59.91 out of 100. The state has the second-best wedding planning and other services, as well as the second-best wedding attire and accessories stores. This includes 89 bridal and formal wear stores and 398 fine jewelry and accessories stores.
Louisiana follows in sixth and has a final index score of 58.02 out of 100. The state ranks fifth for venues and accommodation, and sixth for wedding expenses. The average price of a romantic hotel rated four stars and above is $183, which is $97 below the national average of $280; the state’s average spending on weddings in 2023 was also $5,722 less than the national average of $26,635, at $20,913.
Next, Florida is the seventh-best state to get hitched in, with a final index score of 52.27 out of 100. The state ranks ninth for the best wedding attire and accessories choices and seventh for the best wedding planning and other services, including 2,137 event planning services and 11,637 photography services to choose from.
Tennessee ranks eighth, with a final index score of 56.35 out of 100, followed by Nebraska in ninth place, with a final index score of 54.84 out of 100. Missouri, with a final index score of 54.74 out of 100, is the tenth-best state for upcoming brides and grooms to tie the knot.
On the other hand, Alaska has been dubbed the worst state for people to get married in this year, with a final index score of 32.99 out of 100. The state ranks 49 out of 50 for wedding venues and accommodation; there are 99 event spaces and locations, as well as only four romantic hotels rated four stars or above, which is 35 less than the average in the United States.
Hawaii ranks in second place, with a final index score of 35.66 out of 100. The popular destination ranks 48 out of 50 for wedding planning and other services, according to the study, and has the highest wedding expenses in the United States. A one-night stay at a romantic hotel rated four stars or above costs $552, which is $272 above the national average of $280.
New Jersey is the third worst state for couples wishing to say, “I do,” with a final index score of 37.95 out of 100. California ranks in fourth, with a final index score of 40.13 out of 100, followed by Maryland in tenth, with a final index score of 41.06 out of 100.
A spokesperson at Glamira has commented on the study:
“In 2023, there were over two million weddings throughout the United States. This study highlights the best states for prospective couples to say “I do” with their loved ones, considering everything from wedding costs to bridal stores.
“Out of the top ten states, the majority are based in the eastern regions of America, including Vermont and Rhode Island, which take the top two slots. This suggests that these locations emphasize catering to romantic endeavors more than Western states, such as California and Arizona, which are in the top ten worst states for weddings.
“It is also interesting to see that Hawaii has been named the second-worst state to tie the knot in. The Aloha State is a popular destination location that hosted 20,438 weddings in 2023. However, despite the state’s stunning views, the study reveals that the average cost of weddings in the state is $39,528, $12,893 above the national average, meaning that couples on a budget might consider tying the knot in another location.”
Methodology
The campaign names the best states to get married in based on an index that examines five categories each with multiple indicators:
- Attire and accessories. Indicators: the number of fine jewelry and accessories stories, the number of bridal and formal wear stores, and the number of jewelers per 1,000 jobs);
- Food and entertainment. Indicators: the number of entertainment and nightlife venues, the number of mid-range restaurants, the number of fine dining restaurants, and the number of mid-range bars and pubs);
- Venues and accommodation. Indicators: the number of event spaces and locations and the number of romantic hotels rated 4* and above);
- Wedding expenses. Indicators: the average price of romantic hotels rated 4* and above, the average spending on weddings in 2023, and the average spending on engagement rings in 2023);
- Wedding planning and other services. Indicators: the number of florists and floral services, the number of event planning services, the number of photography services, the number of beauty and grooming services, the number floral designers per 1,000 jobs, and the number of weddings in 2023).
