03/15/2026
Research Does Indeed Show that Expensive Weddings are Correlated with Higher Divorce Rates. I'm not too sure about the 20k figure... I'll read up on it.
A study from researchers at Emory University found that couples who spent more on their weddings were actually more likely to divorce than those who kept their ceremonies modest. In the study, weddings costing over $20,000 were associated with higher divorce rates, while couples who spent less often reported longer-lasting marriages. Researchers suggest the issue isn’t the wedding itself, but the financial pressure and expectations that can follow an expensive start. The findings highlight an important idea: long-term relationship success tends to be built on communication, shared values, and financial stability—not the size of the celebration that begins it.