As 2024 draws to a close, we’re swept away by the magical love stories that unfolded, each one like a fairy tale brought to life. Couples who got married in 2024 redefined what it means to celebrate love! 2024 weddings were all about letting love shine center stage – like a storybook romance come true! Here at Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel, we were honored to see so many magical love stories come to life, each one as unique and enchanting as the couples themselves.
We’re so excited to see what 2025 has in store for us, but we wanted to end the year by recapping what we learned and what we loved from 2024 weddings! Let’s go!
2024 Wedding Stats
- In 2024, the average wedding cost is hitting a high of over $30,000, with more couples budgeting between $30k-$50k.*
- In terms of wedding size, the sweet spot for 2024 couples (33.51%) was 100-150 guests, with 30.53% inviting less than 100 and 35.95% inviting over 150.*
- The global average age for marriage typically falls between 33 and 35.^
- Engagement timelines for 2024 couples averaged 1-1 ½ years.*
- 89% of couples begin planning their wedding before getting engaged, with some even selecting their date and booking their venue.*
- In terms of wedding planning in the United States, most couples have a 15-16 month planning period.^
- September and October were the most popular months to get married in the U.S.^
- 55.06% of couples chose to stay close to home, planning local celebrations so most guests could drive. Meanwhile, 28.27% opted for venues a bit farther away within the U.S., requiring longer travel for many attendees. Only 8.84% of couples hosted their weddings right in the hometown of the majority of their guests, making it a truly local affair.*
- Regarding wedding vendors, photographers remain the most sought-after professionals, capturing timeless memories that couples treasure forever.^
- 45% of US couples reported having a signature cocktail planned for their big day.^
Stats marked with * were sourced from the Zola First Look Report. Stats marked with ^ were sourced from The Knot Worldwide’s 2024 Global Wedding Report.
As wedding budgets rise and the demand for more personalized celebrations grows, it’s exciting to see the trends taking shape! Let’s explore some of our favorite—and most surprising—2024 wedding trends we’ve discovered.
Our Top 3 Favorite 2024 Wedding Trends
Casual, Colorful Garden-Style Weddings
Photo by Benny Chiu of BYC Photography
The interest in casual, garden-style weddings reached new heights this year. Searches for “Colorful garden wedding” spiked 650% on Pinterest, with almost 180,000 searches for “garden wedding” phrases on Google every month!
In 2024, we saw an influx in requests to tour our outdoor wedding space and couples looking for the best garden wedding venue, and it’s easy to see why! Lush greenery, vibrant florals, and dreamy touches create an atmosphere that feels straight out of a fairytale. Think floral arches, tables draped in shades of green, and pops of color that enchant every detail. Garden weddings offer endless opportunities for personalization, letting you bring your dream wedding to life in the most magical setting.
Our enchanting outdoor garden is the perfect setting for a garden party wedding, featuring lush, picturesque landscapes. The space includes a charming gazebo, a tranquil koi pond framed by vibrant ferns, and a sparkling fountain, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere for your special day.
Extended Celebration Experiences
In 2024, couples aren’t just planning a ceremony and reception—they’re creating magical, multi-day celebrations filled with fun and unforgettable moments! From welcome parties and wedding after-parties to farewell brunches, more couples are extending their weddings into a weekend-long experience for their loved ones. This trend gives you more time to connect with family and friends, building a weekend full of memories leading up to the big day. It’s all about extending the joy and making the celebration last longer, adding layers of magic to your wedding experience.
At the Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel, our team is here to help you go beyond the traditional ceremony and reception, ensuring your guests have a fantastic time all weekend long (or longer!). With various event spaces, you can easily create distinct atmospheres for each event, whether it’s a rehearsal dinner, welcome party, or after-party—without the hassle of moving between venues. Plus, with on-site lodging for your guests, everyone can stay close to the action, eliminating transportation stress and making your wedding weekend even more magical and convenient.
Classic Looks & Vibes
Classic wedding vibes were hugely popular in 2024, and for good reason—classics are classic for a reason! On Pinterest, searches for “pearl jewelry wedding,” “vintage inspired wedding dresses,” and “vintage Italian wedding” all saw breakout increases. This year, we saw some of the most stunningly beautiful, timeless weddings at Anaheim Majestic Garden!
Imagine a fairytale castle wedding where elegance and sophistication meet timeless romance. Picture a romantic color palette of ivory, blush, and gold, with crisp white florals, long flowing veils, and vintage-inspired details. Think grand ballrooms, elegant table settings, and touches like calligraphy invitations and candlelit receptions that transport you to a magical world. As the standout Anaheim castle hotel, we know a thing or two about classic weddings and fairytale love stories! Let us help you create a wedding that feels both elevated and enchanting!