The Average Cost of a Wedding in Buffalo, NY
Buffalo, New York is a city known for its rich history, historic architecture, lakefront views, and surprising affordability compared to larger metropolitan areas. Buffalo and its surrounding suburbs offer a unique blend of romance and value and have quietly become one of the best-kept secrets for couples looking to tie the knot. However, costs can vary significantly based on guest count, venue choice, and personal preferences. Here's a comprehensive breakdown to help you budget effectively.
According to recent data, the average cost of a wedding in the Buffalo area is around $32,394.
The Big Picture: What Drives the Cost?
Notting Hill Farm, one of the best New York wedding venues, stands out with its abundant natural light, beautiful wood crossback chairs, elegant linens, timeless yet sophisticated lighting, and exquisite panoramic views from the reception space.
Several factors influence the cost of a wedding in Buffalo, but the biggest one is the guest count. The more people you invite, the more you’ll spend—not just on food, but also on space, rentals, favors, and staffing.
Smaller weddings (50–100 guests) generally cost between $15,000 and $29,000.
Mid-size celebrations (100–150 guests) tend to land around $21,000 to $26,000.
Larger affairs (150–200 guests or more) can quickly escalate from $30,000 to $70,000, depending on how lavish you go.
What might start as an intimate gathering can snowball into a major production once you start adding in everything from lighting and drapery to signature cocktails and custom dessert tables.
Venue Vibes: Where the Magic Happens
Venue costs in Buffalo can range wildly depending on the location, the day of the week, and the season. Some couples opt for historic mansions or waterfront venues on Lake Erie, while others go for rustic barns in nearby towns like East Aurora. Even better…opt for a venue that provides a day-of coordinator and additional staff to do all the heavy lifting on your day. After all, you and your fiancé are the guests of honor on your special day.
Basic venue rentals start around $1,000, but upscale or in-demand spaces can run up to $20,000.
Many venues now offer all-inclusive packages that cover catering, rentals, staffing, and more, averaging between $7,000 and $15,000, and often reducing the planning stress.
Planning a wedding reception in Buffalo NY? Notting Hill Farm is a luxury barn wedding venue with elegant but rustic elements in a perfectly private and stunning setting.
If you’re looking for a unique spot, Buffalo has plenty to offer—from the industrial-chic spaces of converted warehouses to scenic outdoor venues nestled in the rolling countryside. Nestled on a 215-acre farm estate on the outskirts of the quaint village of East Aurora on a quiet country road, Notting Hill Farm offers a secluded and serene setting with a million-dollar panoramic view not available at any other venue in Western New York.
Feeding the Crowd: Catering Costs
Food and drink are often the biggest single line item in a wedding budget. In Buffalo, catering prices typically range from $60 to $150 per person, depending on the menu, service style (buffet vs. plated), and bar options.
For a guest list of 150, that puts your catering bill somewhere between $9,000 and $22,500.
Many couples opt for local favorites, incorporating Buffalo wings, beef on weck, or local beer into cocktail hour. Some even hire food trucks for a casual, fun twist during the reception.
Notting Hill Farm's professional in-house catering company, Zambistro, ensures fresh, upscale wedding cuisine; buffet, plated, sit-down, family style or stations, to please every palate. Photo by Brittany Ford Photography.
Capturing the Moment: Photography & Videography
Good photography is worth the investment—it’s one of the few parts of the wedding you get to keep forever. In Buffalo, professional photography packages start around $1,500 and can go as high as $8,000 depending on coverage time, second shooters, and whether you include albums or engagement shoots.
Videographers are often in the same range. If you want cinematic edits and drone footage, expect to be on the higher end of the price scale.
The Pretty Stuff: Flowers, Decor, and Styling
Buffalo florists and designers are known for bringing charm and creativity to weddings at a variety of price points. Simple packages for bouquets and centerpieces can cost around $1,200, while more elaborate floral installations, arches, and custom centerpieces can bring the total up to $5,000 or more.
Notting Hill Farm’s stunning pickled pine interior, rustic dark-stained beams, and abundant natural light are the perfect backdrop for lavish custom seating charts like this one from Beck & Forth. Photo courtesy of Moonshine Photography.
Décor often includes rentals like linens, signage, lighting, and seating, which can add another $1,000 to $3,000 depending on your vision. Did you know that at Notting Hill Farm, we offer decor for free? Our Something Borrowed decor packages offers three beautiful, up-to-date, quality decor packages including charger plates, table numbers, card boxes, and signage. We also provide trios of pillar candles in glass hurricanes, glass votive holders and candles, and extra-tall pillar candles in glass hurricanes for our mantel or your sweetheart table, and all table linens, all included, no extra cost, saving you thousands of dollars!
Let the Music Play: DJs and Entertainment
Entertainment is a make-or-break aspect of the reception. DJs in Buffalo typically average between $600 and $2,500, while live bands—especially those with more members or specialized sets—can range from $4,000 to $9,500.
Want to level up the party? Some couples also bring in photo booths, live artists, or even magicians for a bit of unexpected flair.
Dressing the Part: Attire and Beauty
Bridal gowns in Buffalo can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $4,000, depending on designer and detail. Add in alterations and accessories, and you’re likely spending another $300 to $600.
Groom’s attire usually falls between $400 and $1,200, whether it’s a rental tux or a custom suit. Hair and makeup services for the bride and bridal party generally range from $400 to $1,000, depending on how many people are included and whether trials are involved.
Beautiful moments captured in Notting Hill Farm’s scenic pastures. Photo by Megan Ann Photography.
Budget-Savvy Tips for Buffalo Brides & Grooms
Off-season dates like April or November can dramatically lower venue and vendor costs but won’t have the weather concerns of mid-winter.
Friday weddings are as popular as ever and often come with a discount.
Smaller guest lists = smaller bills. Think quality over quantity.
Bundle services with vendors who offer multiple roles—like a venue that includes decor and coordination.
Final Thoughts: Is a Buffalo Wedding Worth It?
Absolutely. Buffalo and the entire Western New York area offer an ideal blend of affordability, charm, and creativity for couples who want a memorable wedding without breaking the bank. Whether you're dreaming of a lakeside ceremony, a historic venue with exposed brick and chandeliers, or a charming post-and-beam barn like Notting Hill Farm, Buffalo has something for everyone. With smart planning and the right priorities, you can host a stunning wedding that reflects your personality!
We hope you enjoyed this blog detailing the average cost of a wedding in Buffalo, New York. We encourage prospective couples to come tour with us at Notting Hill Farm and experience our stunning property and find out for yourself why we are the best value amongst wedding locations in Buffalo by visiting nottinghillfarm.com.
Supporting Local
At Notting Hill Farm, we’re committed to raising awareness about the importance of supporting locally owned wedding venues. You can make a difference by writing a Google review, following these venues on social media, and sharing recommendations whenever you can. Your support means the world to us and to small business owners across the country. We’re excited to give a heartfelt shoutout to some of our incredible venue owner colleagues nationwide. If you’re planning your big day, consider choosing a locally owned venue—find some of the best through the Wedding Venue Map. Oxbow Acres, Sparks Museum & Event Center, Lizton Lodge, Homestead 32, The Postmark, Hightower Falls, The Venue At Springfield Estates, Heart D Farm, Brandt 1910, The Haycraft, Century Farms
