Many couples dream of a fairytale wedding, and Europe, with its rich history, stunning architecture, and enchanting landscapes, certainly offers the perfect backdrop for such a momentous occasion. But planning a wedding can be costly, and finding affordable yet exquisite locations can be challenging. Therefore, in this article, we highlight five budget-friendly European countries where you can tie the knot without breaking the bank.
▶️ Read also: How to budget for a destination wedding in Europe (11 steps)
Portugal: Affordable Glamour in Iberia
Portugal, located in Southern Europe, is known for its beautiful coastlines, charming villages, and remarkable history. Lisbon, the capital, is renowned for its majestic architectural marvels that make for unique wedding venues. Venues like the Pousada Castelo de Obidos, a historic castle turned luxury hotel, offer affordable rates for unforgettable ceremonies.
Aside from Lisbon, the Algarve region, with its breathtaking cliff views and stunning beaches, is another ideal spot for weddings. The average cost of a wedding in Portugal is considerably lower than in other European countries, making it a top choice for affordable European weddings.
For instance, let’s consider a wedding in Portugal with an average budget of €15,000. With this amount, you could afford a spectacular wedding at Quinta do Torneiro, a historical venue just outside of Lisbon. This includes the cost for a ceremony and reception for about 50 guests, complete with local cuisine catering, a Portuguese wine selection, basic floral decor, a DJ, and even a photographer.
Greece: Breathtaking Sunsets and Romantic Islands
Greece needs no introduction when it comes to romantic settings. Islands like Santorini, with its mesmerizing sunsets and iconic blue-domed churches, offer a once-in-a-lifetime wedding experience. However, less crowded and equally beautiful islands such as Paros and Naxos also provide the Greek island wedding experience at a lower cost.
Moreover, mainland Greece, with its rich historical sites, such as the Athenian ruins, also presents affordable yet beautiful wedding venue options.
In Greece, the average cost of a wedding is around €16,000 (source: « Erin Respan, 2022 »). With this budget, you can plan a beautiful ceremony in the less crowded island of Paros. This budget can cover a beach ceremony, a reception for about 50 guests, including traditional Greek food and local wine, decor, music, and photography services.
Croatia: A Gem on the Adriatic Sea
Croatia, with its impressive blend of Mediterranean charm and Eastern European culture, has become a sought-after wedding destination. Dubrovnik, known as the « Pearl of the Adriatic, » offers a range of venues from historic fortresses to luxury seaside resorts.
The cost of living in Croatia is relatively lower than the European average, meaning your wedding can be both affordable and magical. Moreover, Croatia’s culinary scene, with its excellent seafood and award-winning wines, can add a gastronomic touch to your wedding.
In Croatia, you can organize a very beautiful wedding for an average of €20,000. This could afford you a wedding at the Fort George on the island of Vis. The budget would cover the ceremony, a reception for approximately 50 guests with Croatian cuisine and wine, basic decor, music, and photography.
Czech Republic: Fairytales Come True
For those dreaming of a fairytale wedding, look no further than the Czech Republic. The capital, Prague, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with gothic and baroque architecture that provide unique wedding venues. Venues such as the Vrtba Garden, with its beautiful terrace offering panoramic views of the city, offer reasonable rates for ceremonies.
The Czech Republic is also known for its fine wines and beers, which can add a special touch to your wedding reception.
In the Czech Republic, with an average wedding budget of CZK 200,000 (approximately €8,000 according to « Wedding LTD, 2023 »), you could have a fairytale wedding in Prague. The budget could cover a ceremony and reception for about 50 guests, complete with traditional Czech food and drinks, basic decor, music, and a photographer.
Romania: Transylvanian Charm
Romania, particularly Transylvania, offers a rich history and an enchanting landscape for weddings. Castles such as Bran and Peles can serve as breathtakingly unique wedding venues.
Bucharest, Romania’s capital, is an up-and-coming wedding destination with a vibrant city life and venues that cater to various budgets.
In Romania, for an average wedding budget of RON 30,000 (approximately €6,000), you can arrange a lovely wedding and if you saved more, you can afford a ceremony at… the Bragadiru Palace in Bucharest (here is an example, but in French).
In conclusion, Europe has plenty to offer when it comes to affordable weddings that are rich in history, culture, and stunning views. Remember that the key to a memorable wedding isn’t just the location but also the experiences and memories you build during this special occasion.
