You’re standing in the middle of Sahuaro Ranch Park on a 97-degree Saturday in May, squinting at your cousin’s phone as she tries to show you centerpieces on Pinterest, while the DJ tests speakers and your fiancé realizes he forgot to order chairs. The sun is hot. Your budget seems like it’s metaphorically melting. It’s official:
Planning and paying for a wedding is a full-time job.
Whether you’re envisioning a low-key gathering at one of Glendale’s historic ranch venues or a grand ballroom affair near Arrowhead Towne Center, getting married in Arizona’s heartland can absolutely be affordable and memorable with just a little bit of strategy.
Here’s how to make your big day work for your wallet and your wishlist.
1. Set a Realistic Wedding Budget
Before you fall in love with that $7,000 floral arch, take time to map out what you can realistically spend. From venue deposits to catering expenses, it’s important to be aware of what a wedding actually costs.
What Is the Average Cost of a Wedding in Arizona?
The average cost of a wedding in Arizona can vary widely! For example, wedding venues in Glendale can range from a few thousand dollars to $15,000 (or even more). Meanwhile, the full cost of a wedding in 2025 can exceed $30,000.
Here’s what we recommend budgeting for:
- Your venue: Glendale offers stunning spots at every price point. But be aware: Spring bookings fill fast, and summer weddings may require indoor cooling upgrades.
- Your catering and decor: Local vendors often offer bundled pricing. Also, shop around for in-season florals or buffet-style menus.
- Your other must-haves: Think attire, photography, DJ or band, officiant, guest transportation, and insurance.
2. Explore Wedding Venues That Fit Your Style
Maricopa County is full of hidden gems. Are you drawn to a scenic view? Or maybe you seek a climate-controlled ballroom? With a bit of searching, you’ll find it here—and with a bit more research, you’ll likely find something that fits into your realistic budget.
We polled a few of our Arizona team members, and here are some of their favorites:
- Mountain Shadows Resort: Perfect for a dusky outdoor wedding with Camelback Mountain views.
- The Country Club at DC Ranch: A refined, rustic venue with Sonoran charm and sweeping desert backdrops.
- Blackstone Country Club: Private and serene, ideal for couples looking for a romantic, upscale experience.
- El Chorro Lodge: Historic, lush, and iconic—great for garden weddings and timeless photos.
- Papago Golf Club: Great for dramatic desert scenery and flexible indoor-outdoor layouts.
Every couple has a different vision, and Maricopa County makes it possible to find the right fit at nearly any price point. Just be sure to ask about seasonal pricing, outdoor permits, and vendor flexibility when you tour.
3. Open a Dedicated Wedding Savings Account
You’ve got a budget—now it’s time to protect it.
Open a separate savings account for wedding expenses to track progress and avoid dipping into everyday funds.
If it helps, BNC National Bank offers options such as our Basic Savings or Premium Money Market accounts. (Our Premium Money Market account allows you to earn tiered interest based on your balance, so your funds can grow while you plan.)
Often, newly engaged couples set up automatic transfers to designated wedding accounts each payday, and treat that like a recurring expense leading up to their wedding day—just like rent or utilities. You can even invite family contributions to go directly into this fund.
As a bonus, joint savings accounts for weddings can be a great first step in learning to manage money together.
4. Consider Financing or Credit Options for Beautiful Weddings on a Budget
Even with the best savings habits, some expenses hit harder than expected, such as the deposit for your dream venue or that once-in-a-lifetime photographer.
If you’re finding that you need a little extra wiggle room in your wedding budget, know that your team at BNC National Bank can assist with:
- Personal loans with competitive rates and flexible terms.
- Personal lines of credit for additional flexibility.
- Credit cards with relevant rewards (which can be especially ideal if you want to rack up benefits toward your honeymoon).
5. Don’t Forget the Hidden Costs If You’re Planning a Wedding on a Small Budget
Weddings have a funny way of introducing surprise expenses at the worst time. (Consider it a marital form of Murphy’s Law.)
If you expect cash-related catastrophes and budget for them upfront, you’ll give your future self a huge helping hand.
As a heads-up, commonly overlooked costs to consider may include:
- Permits or insurance fees for park weddings
- Vendor gratuities (typically 10-20 percent)
- Heat-related rentals such as portable A/C or shaded tents
- Alterations and last-minute wardrobe tweaks
- Backup plans for inclement weather (even in Arizona)
Even if you think you’ve got all your bases covered, adding a 10-15 percent buffer to your total budget gives you breathing room for the unexpected. That might seem like a lot, but remember, it’s your cushion—and, in a best-case scenario, that might be cash you get to keep!
Ready to Plan Your Glendale Wedding?
At BNC National Bank, we know planning a wedding isn’t just about one big day. It’s about building a life together, starting with shared goals and financial confidence. Whether you’re saving, borrowing, budgeting, or just figuring it out together, we’re here to help during all of life’s moments, big or small.
Have questions? We would love to answer them. Contact us online or schedule an appointment at one of our 11 local branches in Arizona and North Dakota, including our Glendale location.
A beautiful wedding shouldn’t break the bank. And with a little planning, it won’t.
