Atlanta Cracks the Top 3 for Affordable Weddings—Yes, Really

In a country where the average wedding can cost more than a new car—and sometimes feel just as stressful—Atlanta just pulled off a quiet coup. According to a new study from Manly Bands (yes, the wedding ring folks), our city ranks third in the entire U.S. for wedding affordability.

Not bad for a city where event costs usually climb faster than Midtown rent.

The study looked at five key categories: venues under $5,000, photographers under $2,000, DJs, cake suppliers, and caterers—and ran the numbers across major metro areas. Atlanta earned a total affordability score of 71 out of 100, boosted by standout numbers in affordable photography (78 options!) and catering, where the city scored a perfect 20/20. If you’re feeding 100 people on a budget, it turns out ATL might be your best bet.

Where Atlanta Shines

• Photographers: Atlanta absolutely crushes this category with 78 affordable options. That’s not just good—it’s tied for the highest score in the study. Apparently, finding a solid wedding photographer under two grand here doesn’t require a miracle or a cousin with a camera.

• Catering: Another perfect score. The report notes strong vendor competition and a range of pricing as key drivers. If you’ve ever had a brisket slider at a wedding in Atlanta, you know the food scene here doesn’t play—even when the budget does.

• Cake Suppliers: With 61 options that won’t blow your budget, Atlanta scored 15 out of 20 here. Whether you’re going classic tiered or hyper-minimalist with edible flowers and nothing else, it’s doable without raiding your savings.

Where It Gets a Bit Lean

• DJs: Atlanta didn’t exactly bring the party in this category. Only four affordable DJ options were counted in the study, giving the city just 1 out of 3 possible points. So if you’re dreaming of a packed dance floor, you might need to budget a little extra—or just hand your most music-obsessed friend the aux cord.

• Venues: The study measured wedding venues under $5,000—always a tough threshold in a major city. Atlanta didn’t top the charts here, but still held its own enough to help land that third-place finish overall.

Who’s Cheaper?

Texas cities swept the top three spots, with Arlington, Dallas, and Fort Worth tying for first with affordability scores of 83. Washington, D.C.—surprisingly—came in second at 74. And then there’s Atlanta, holding it down at number three with a solid 71.

It’s a strong showing in a market that isn’t always known for being gentle on wallets. If you’ve ever tried to rent a space in Atlanta for any event, you know sticker shock is part of the process. But this report suggests that with a little savvy—and maybe a flexible playlist—couples can still pull off something beautiful without going deep into debt.

Plus, let’s be honest: between our weather, food scene, and photo-ready city parks, you could do a lot worse than getting hitched in the 404.