The Cost of a Wedding in Dubai

Dubai is known across the globe for its skyscrapers, luxury lifestyle, and world-class hospitality. But beyond its stunning skyline and extravagant shopping malls lies a vibrant wedding industry that caters to locals, expatriates, and international couples alike. Dubai has established itself as a premier destination for luxury weddings, attracting high-net-worth individuals who want to celebrate love with elegance and flair.

Whether you’re a local Emirati planning a traditional wedding or a couple flying in from abroad for a beachside destination wedding, Dubai offers endless possibilities and just as many expenses. So, how much does a wedding in Dubai really cost?

This guide will walk you through the full cost of a Dubai wedding, covering everything from luxury venues and bridal jewelry to wedding planners, entertainment, and hidden extras.

Why Choose Dubai for Your Wedding?

Before diving into numbers, it’s important to understand why Dubai is such a popular location for weddings.

• Luxury at Every Level: From seven-star hotels to private islands, Dubai offers unmatched opulence.

• Cultural Fusion: Dubai accommodates a mix of cultures and traditions, from Arabic weddings to Indian, Western, and Persian ceremonies.

• Top-tier Services: You’ll find some of the best wedding planners, designers, caterers, and photographers in the world.

• Accessibility: Its central location makes Dubai ideal for hosting guests from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

However, this level of luxury doesn’t come cheap. Let’s explore the major costs.

1. Wedding Venues in Dubai

Venue rental is one of the largest expenses in any wedding. In Dubai, it can range from modest to mind-blowingly extravagant.

Hotel Ballrooms

Dubai is home to some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Popular choices include:

• Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

• Atlantis The Palm

• Armani Hotel in Burj Khalifa

• One&Only Royal Mirage

• Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah

For a ballroom that holds between 150 and 400 guests, venue rental can start at 30,000 AED and go beyond 300,000 AED depending on the hotel, season, and customizations.

Outdoor Venues & Beach Weddings

Beach weddings and garden receptions are very popular, especially from October to March when the weather is cooler. Beachside venues can start from 20,000 AED and climb depending on the exclusivity of the location, décor, and catering.

Couples looking for a high-end destination wedding might consider private desert resorts, yacht weddings, or villas on The Palm each with price tags reaching 500,000 AED or more.

2. Wedding Planning and Coordination

In a city like Dubai, a wedding planner isn’t just helpful it’s almost essential, especially for large-scale or destination weddings.

Top-tier wedding planning agencies in Dubai handle everything from concept creation to on-the-day execution. Depending on the size and complexity of the wedding, planners may charge between 15,000 AED to 100,000 AED.

Services typically include:

• Budget planning

• Vendor coordination

• Timeline creation

• Guest management

• Design and aesthetics

• Legal paperwork (for foreigners)

Hiring a wedding planner ensures that your event runs smoothly and lives up to the luxurious standards Dubai is known for.

3. Bridal Jewelry and Gold Gifts

Bridal jewelry is a central part of many Middle Eastern and South Asian weddings, and Dubai often dubbed the City of Gold offers one of the largest selections in the world.

Gold Jewelry

Traditional weddings often require a full bridal gold set that includes:

• Necklace

• Earrings

• Bangles or bracelets

• Rings

• Headpieces and anklets (optional)

Gold prices in Dubai are competitive, but high-end pieces from luxury brands or custom designs can push the cost to 50,000–150,000 AED or more.

Diamonds and Designer Pieces

Couples with a larger budget often turn to luxury jewelers like:

• Cartier

• Van Cleef & Arpels

• Bvlgari

• Graff

• Harry Winston

Purchasing bridal diamond sets or high-carat engagement rings can add another 100,000–500,000 AED depending on the brand and specifications.

4. Designer Wedding Dress and Groom’s Attire

Dubai brides spare no expense when it comes to wedding fashion. Whether it’s a bespoke Western gown or a traditional Arabic or Indian bridal outfit, designer fashion plays a huge role.

Bridal Dress

International designers like Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, Vera Wang, and Dior are in high demand. A couture dress may cost between 20,000 AED and 100,000 AED. Many brides also opt for a second or third outfit change, especially for events like the henna night, zaffa procession, or reception.

Groom’s Wear

Luxury menswear designers such as Tom Ford, Armani, and Dolce & Gabbana offer custom suits starting from 8,000 AED to 40,000 AED. Many grooms also invest in high-end watches and accessories as part of their wedding look.

5. Catering and Guest Hospitality

Dubai weddings are known for their grand buffets and five-star service. The catering cost depends on the guest count, the cuisine, and the reputation of the provider.

• Buffet per guest: 300 AED to 1,500 AED

• Premium menu with live stations: 500 AED to 2,000 AED per guest

• International cuisine (Arabic, Indian, Continental, Japanese, etc.) adds to the variety and the cost.

For a guest list of 200 people, catering could cost between 60,000 AED and 300,000 AED.

6. Wedding Décor and Floral Arrangements

The décor in Dubai weddings is often nothing short of cinematic. From cascading floral arches to crystal chandeliers and LED dance floors, the aesthetics reflect wealth and creativity.

• Basic floral and stage décor: 20,000–50,000 AED

• Luxury themes with imported flowers and full venue transformation: 100,000 AED to 500,000 AED

Couples often work with celebrity event designers and stylists to bring their wedding vision to life. Popular themes include Arabian Nights, Royal Palace, and Modern Minimalist Luxury.

7. Photography and Videography

Capturing the grandeur of a Dubai wedding requires experienced professionals using state-of-the-art equipment.

• Wedding photography package: 15,000 AED to 50,000 AED

• Cinematic videography with drones and multiple cameras: 30,000 AED to 100,000 AED

• Add-ons include pre-wedding shoots, photo booths, live social media coverage, and same-day edits.

These memories are meant to last a lifetime and the cost reflects that.

8. Entertainment and Live Performances

Entertainment in Dubai weddings ranges from cultural acts to international celebrities. Many high-budget weddings include:

• Traditional Arabic musicians or dancers

• Indian Bollywood performers

• Famous singers or DJs

• Fireworks, laser shows, and light projections

Live entertainment can cost between 20,000 AED to 500,000 AED or more, depending on the act.

9. Invitations, Gifts, and Wedding Favors

Elegant wedding invitations are the first impression your guests will receive. Many Dubai couples opt for custom, hand-crafted cards with:

• Gold foil

• Embossed logos

• Arabic calligraphy

• Embedded crystals

Costs for invitations can range from 3,000 AED to 20,000 AED.

In addition, personalized wedding favors, such as perfumes, chocolates, or miniature gold items, are offered to guests and can cost 50–500 AED per guest.

10. Honeymoon and Travel Costs

While not technically part of the ceremony, honeymoon expenses are often built into the overall wedding budget. Luxury destinations popular with Dubai couples include:

• Maldives

• Seychelles

• Switzerland

• Italy

• Mauritius

High-end honeymoon packages start at 30,000 AED and can exceed 150,000 AED for a two-week luxury experience with private villas, yacht rentals, and first-class flights.

Total Estimated Wedding Cost in Dubai

Grand Total: 275,000 AED – 2,500,000 AED+

Of course, these are just estimates. Couples with modest tastes can plan a tasteful wedding for under 200,000 AED, while those seeking royal-level opulence may easily spend millions.

Final Thoughts: A Wedding Like No Other

Dubai is the epitome of luxury and elegance, and weddings in this vibrant city reflect just that. Whether you’re envisioning a royal ballroom ceremony or a beachside sunset affair, the possibilities are endless and so are the price tags.

The wedding industry in Dubai is built to cater to dreamers: people who want an unforgettable experience, beautiful memories, and a celebration that reflects not just love, but status and identity.

For those who can afford it, Dubai is the perfect stage to say “I do” in style.