How Much Does a Small Wedding Cost in New Jersey? (Real Budgets for 20–60 Guests)
If you’re planning a small wedding in New Jersey, one of the first questions you’re probably asking is:
How much is this actually going to cost?
The answer of course depends on your guest count, venue type, and priorities—but there are some realistic ranges that can help you set expectations. One of the biggest misconception I see is that small wedding = cheap. Even with fewer guests, there are certain costs that stay relatively consistent no matter the size of your celebration.
That said, intimate weddings often allow couples to spend more intentionally and focus on the pieces that matter most. In this post I’ll break down what small weddings in New Jersey typically cost based on different guest counts.
What is a Considered a Small Wedding?
For the purposes of this post, a small wedding usually means:
20–60 guests
A restaurant or non-traditional venue
A celebration centered around meaningful guest experience
This size range offers a lot of flexibility and tends to be where intimate weddings feel especially personal.
Average Cost of a Small Wedding in New Jersey
Here are typical total budget ranges I see for intimate weddings in NJ:
Guest Count | Typical Budget Range
20 guests - $20,000 - $25,000
30 guests - $30,000–$40,000
40 guests - $40,000–$50,000
50–60 guests - $50,000–$75,000
These numbers can vary widely depending on:
weekday vs. weekend
venue type
level of design
photography and entertainment choices
Where Your Wedding Budget Goes
Venue + Food & Beverage (50–70%)
This is typically the largest expense.
For intimate weddings in New Jersey, common pricing looks like:
Private dining rooms: $3,000–$10,000 minimums
Restaurant buyouts: $20,000+ minimums
Traditional venues: $15,000+ rental fees
Restaurants are often one of the best options for smaller weddings because they include built-in atmosphere, furniture, and catering.
Photography (10–15%)
Most couples invest approximately:
$4,000–$8,000+
Photography pricing tends to be fairly consistent regardless of guest count unless you are truly eloping.
Planning + Coordination (10–15%)
Typical ranges:
Month-of coordination: $3,000–$7,000+
Partial planning: $5,000–$8,000+
Full planning: $8,000–$15,000+
Small weddings may be more intimate, but they still require careful logistics and thoughtful design.
Florals + Decor (5–15%)
Typical ranges:
$3,000–$7,000+
Smaller guest counts often allow couples to allocate more of their budget toward impactful floral moments.
Music and Entertainment (6% - 10%)
Curated playlist: minimal additional cost
DJ: $2,000–$4,500+
Live musicians: $1,000–$5,000+
Tax and Gratuity
In New Jersey, taxes and service charges can add significantly to your food and beverage total. NJ Sales tax is 6.625% and is added on top of food, beverage and administrative fees. It’s important to ask your venue about gratuity. Some pay their staff a higher than average hourly wage and therefore suggest a smaller gratuity (could be 5-8% of food and beverage). Some suggest a tipping how you would in a restaurant, closer to 18-20% of food and beverage cost.
This is one of the most commonly overlooked parts of a wedding budget.
Real Budget Examples
25-Guest Restaurant Wedding in North Jersey (Weekday)
Venue + food & beverage: $9,000
Photography: $4,500
Planning: $6,500
Florals: $2,000
Music: $1,200
Estimated total: $20,000–$25,000
40-Guest Outdoor Wedding Venue (Saturday)
Venue rental: $7,500
Catering + bar: $12,000
Photography: $6,000
Planning: $8,000
Florals: $3,500
Estimated total: $35,000–$45,000
60-Guest Full Buyout (Saturday)
Venue + food & beverage: $30,000
Photography: $7,000
Planning: $11,000
Florals: $7,000
Music: $2,500
Estimated total: $55,000–$70,000+
How to Keep Costs Lower
If your goal is to keep your budget more manageable, the biggest cost-saving levers are:
Choosing a weekday wedding
Hosting brunch or lunch instead of dinner
Keeping guest count aligned with venue minimums
Using a restaurant instead of a traditional venue
Focusing on a few meaningful design elements
These choices usually have a much bigger impact than cutting smaller details.
Can You Have a Small Wedding in New Jersey for Under $20,000?
Yes—especially if you:
Keep your guest count closer to 20–30 people
Choose a restaurant venue
Get married Monday through Thursday
Keep rentals and décor minimal
Opt for a more “inclusive” package like my weekday wedding package
Many couples are surprised by how much is possible when the venue and timing are chosen strategically.
Why Small Weddings Are Still Worth It
The biggest benefit of a smaller wedding isn’t necessarily spending less. It’s having the ability to be more intentional. With fewer guests, couples often prioritize better food, stronger design choices and most importantly more quality time with each guest.
That shift tends to create a wedding that feels deeply personal.
If you’re ready to start planning your intimate wedding in NJ, send me a note here!