How much does a wedding cost in Switzerland?

Switzerland is not known for being cheap, and weddings are no exception. The good news: with realistic numbers from the start, you can plan the day you want without nasty surprises. This guide breaks down what a wedding in Switzerland costs, item by item, in Swiss francs.

The short answer

For a classic wedding with 60 to 80 guests, couples in Switzerland should budget between CHF 25,000 and CHF 45,000. That is a wide range, because there is no such thing as a typical wedding. Three factors decide where you end up:

1. The number of guests. Every additional guest means more food, drink and space.
2. Your style. A castle wedding costs more than a relaxed party in a barn.
3. The region. In cities such as Zurich or Geneva, venues and vendors tend to be more expensive than in the countryside.

Here is a sample budget for 70 guests in the mid-price range, around CHF 35,000 in total:

The venue and the catering are by far the biggest items: together they often make up more than half of the total budget.

Item by item: what things cost in Switzerland

The ceremony: registry office and church

• Civil wedding: the legally required part is also the cheapest. The fees for the preparatory procedure and a ceremony during normal office hours are usually a few hundred francs; Saturdays and special locations cost extra. Our guide explains how the civil wedding works.
• Church wedding: if you are members of the parish, the church itself is often free. The organist, the sexton and flowers for the church usually cost extra — allow CHF 500 to 1,500. Non-members may pay a higher fee for the church.

The venue: the heart of the day, and the biggest cost

• Restaurants and hotels: often no separate hire fee, but a minimum spend on food and drink.
• Event venues, castles and barns: a fixed hire fee of CHF 3,000 to 15,000. In return, you are often free to choose your caterer.
• Budget options: a community hall or a forest hut can cost less than CHF 1,000, but needs more organising and decorating.

Compare wedding venues in Switzerland on Hochzeitsuche.

Food and drink

Catering is charged per head, so it grows directly with your guest list. In Switzerland, allow CHF 120 to 250 or more per person.

• Apéro: a standing reception with canapés and drinks costs around CHF 30 to 50 per person.
• Wedding dinner: a three-course menu starts at around CHF 80 to 120. A buffet can be a slightly cheaper alternative.
• Drinks: drinks packages (around CHF 40 to 80 per person) make costs predictable. Otherwise you pay for what is consumed, which can add up quickly.
• Wedding cake: allow CHF 8 to 15 per slice, depending on the design and the patisserie. See wedding cakes in Switzerland.

Outfits: dress, suit and accessories

• Wedding dress: a new dress from a boutique costs CHF 2,000 to 5,000, and there is no upper limit. Second-hand and off-the-peg dresses are cheaper. Do not forget alterations (CHF 200 to 500).
• Groom's suit: a made-to-measure suit starts at CHF 1,500; good off-the-peg suits cost CHF 600 to 1,200.
• Accessories: veil, shoes, jewellery, underwear — plan another CHF 500 to 1,000.

Find wedding dresses and wedding suits near you.

Wedding rings

• Material: stainless steel or silver is inexpensive, from around CHF 500 a pair. Gold, platinum and palladium cost more.
• Design: simple gold rings cost around CHF 1,200 to 2,500 a pair. With diamonds or individual engraving, the price quickly rises above CHF 4,000.

Photography and video

These photos and films are what remains, so do not save in the wrong place.

• Photographer: a professional wedding photographer for eight hours of reportage costs CHF 3,000 to 6,000 in Switzerland.
• Videographer: allow CHF 2,500 to 5,000 for a highlight film and a longer documentary.

Compare wedding photographers in Switzerland.

Music and entertainment

• DJ: a good wedding DJ costs CHF 1,200 to 2,500 for the evening.
• Band: a live band brings incredible energy but costs more — allow CHF 3,000 to 7,000 or more, depending on size and reputation.
• Music for the ceremony: a singer or musician for the ceremony costs around CHF 400 to 800 extra.

See wedding music in Switzerland.

Flowers and decoration

• Bridal bouquet and buttonholes: around CHF 150 to 300.
• Table decoration: allow CHF 50 to 150 per table.
• Everything else: flowers for the church or ceremony site and decoration for the room. In total, plan at least CHF 1,500 to 4,000.

See wedding decoration in Switzerland.

Sample budgets

A small wedding with 30 guests

Anna and Ben want to keep it small. They book a private room in their favourite lakeside restaurant and skip the big party with a DJ.

• Venue and food: 30 guests × CHF 180 = CHF 5,400
• Outfits and rings: CHF 6,000
• Photographer (4 hours): CHF 2,500
• Flowers and decoration: CHF 800
• Other: CHF 1,000
• Estimated total: around CHF 15,700

The guest list is the biggest lever on your budget: at this size, you stay well below the average.

A classic wedding with 50 guests

Lena and Tom plan a classic day with a ceremony, an apéro and a party in a rented barn with an external caterer.

• Venue hire: CHF 4,000
• Catering: 50 guests × CHF 190 = CHF 9,500
• Outfits and rings: CHF 7,000
• Photographer and DJ: CHF 5,500
• Flowers and decoration: CHF 2,000
• Other: CHF 1,500
• Estimated total: around CHF 29,500

This is right at the lower end of the Swiss average.

Planning from abroad

If you live abroad and are coming to Switzerland to marry, add travel and accommodation for yourselves and perhaps your closest family. A local wedding planner who knows the vendors and coordinates them on the day can save you a lot of trips and phone calls.

Seven ways to save

1. Marry off-season. A Friday or a date in the low season (November, January to March) is often cheaper — many venues and vendors offer discounts.
2. Question the guest list. The hardest tip, but the most effective. Every guest fewer saves you around CHF 200 on average.
3. Set clear priorities. What matters most to you: a gourmet dinner, a legendary party band or stunning photos? Spend your money there and save on what matters less.
4. Do it yourself. Decoration, stationery (invitations, menu cards) and favours offer plenty of room for saving through your own work.
5. Compare quotes. Always get at least three quotes from different vendors — prices and services vary widely. On Hochzeitsuche, you can compare all vendors and enquire directly.
6. Choose a smart venue. A venue without a tied caterer lets you pick a cheaper one. A nice restaurant can combine hire, decoration and organisation in one item.
7. Plan food and drink cleverly. A good buffet is often cheaper than a served menu. Check exactly what drinks packages include, and whether paying for what is actually consumed would be cheaper for your group.

Frequently asked questions

Who traditionally pays for the wedding?

Traditionally, the bride's parents covered most of the costs. Today that model is outdated: most couples in Switzerland pay for their wedding themselves, often with help from both families, who might cover items such as the dress or the music as a gift.

What are the biggest hidden costs?

Look out for service charges and VAT, corkage (if you bring your own wine), cleaning fees for the venue, postage for your stationery, tips for vendors and anything unexpected. Always plan a buffer of 10 to 15 percent of your total budget.

How much does a civil wedding with an apéro cost?

If you skip the big celebration, marry at the registry office and then host an apéro riche (a generous standing reception) for your closest family and friends, expect around CHF 2,000 to 5,000, depending on the number of guests and the venue for the apéro.

Can you have a lovely wedding in Switzerland for under CHF 10,000?

Yes. The key is a very small guest list (around 15 to 20 people), a relaxed setting — a garden party or a restaurant rather than a hired event venue — and plenty of help with decoration and organisation.

Your day, your budget

There is only one right answer to the question of what a wedding costs: exactly as much as you want to and can spend. On average, a wedding in Switzerland costs between CHF 25,000 and 45,000, with the venue and catering making up more than half of it. The final amount depends on your guest list, your style and the region. Be honest with each other about your priorities from the start, and plan the day that tells your story — whatever the size of the budget.