The average American wedding costs over $30,000. An Upstart personal loan can help you cover the gap between your savings and your dream wedding — with a fixed rate, predictable payments, and no collateral required.

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Financial decisions made with complete information consistently outperform those made under pressure or with incomplete data. Take time to compare at least 3 options before committing.

Average Wedding Costs (2026)

Rates verified May 2026 · Updated weekly
ExpenseAverage Cost
Venue$6,000 – $12,000
Catering (per person)$75 – $150
Photography$2,500 – $5,000
Flowers & Décor$2,000 – $5,000
Music / DJ$1,000 – $3,000
Wedding Dress$1,500 – $4,000
National Average Total~$30,000
Personal loan total cost breakdown chart — principal vs total interest paid over loan term 2026

Total Loan Cost Breakdown: How much you actually pay over the life of the loan at different amounts and rates.

Average wedding budget breakdown chart 2026 — venue, catering, photography, flowers, dress, honeymoon costs

Average Wedding Budget Breakdown: Based on The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study. Average U.S. wedding cost: $30,000.

Check My Wedding Loan Rate →

💡 Expert Tip: Check Your Rate Before You Commit

Upstart offers prequalification with a soft credit pull — meaning you can check your rate in minutes without any impact to your credit score. Before applying, review your debt-to-income ratio (DTI): Upstart looks for a DTI below 45–50%. Divide your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income to calculate yours. A lower DTI improves your approval odds and typically results in a lower APR.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Upstart loan for a wedding? +
Yes. Wedding expenses are an approved use for Upstart personal loans. You can borrow from $1,000 to $75,000 to cover any wedding-related costs.
How much should I borrow for a wedding loan? +
Borrow only what you need and can comfortably repay. The average American wedding costs around $30,000, but your actual needs will depend on your guest count, venue, and preferences.
What is the best loan term for a wedding loan? +
Upstart offers 3 or 5 year terms. A 3-year term has higher monthly payments but lower total interest. A 5-year term has lower monthly payments but higher total interest. Choose based on your monthly budget.
Is it a good idea to take out a loan for a wedding? +
It depends on your financial situation. If you have good credit and can get a low rate, a personal loan can be a reasonable way to finance a wedding. However, starting a marriage in significant debt can create financial stress. Consider scaling back the wedding or saving longer if possible.
What credit score do I need for a wedding loan from Upstart? +
Upstart has no minimum credit score requirement. Their AI-based underwriting considers your education and employment history.

WiseIQ may earn a referral fee from some lenders on this page. This does not influence our editorial ratings or recommendations. Our reviews are independently researched and editorially independent. Updated April 08, 2026.