Cost of a Destination Wedding
Planning a destination wedding at The Maples Estate?
Let’s talk about what it really costs—without the guesswork.
If you’re searching for an honest, transparent guide to the cost of a destination wedding in Upstate New York, you’re in the right place.
Planning your wedding is incredibly exciting, but we know it can feel overwhelming trying to understand what goes into your investment—especially when you want something unique, intentional, and entirely your own.
At The Maples Estate, we specialize in design-forward, weekend-long wedding celebrations that feel like home—laid-back, beautiful, and full of meaningful moments. Our pricing is clear and transparent, and we provide expert planning support every step of the way. You won’t find cookie-cutter packages or surprise fees here. Instead, we tailor every experience to your vision, guest count, and priorities.
What Does a Destination Wedding at The Maples Estate Cost?
Most of our couples invest $75,000 and up for their full wedding weekend experience—though total cost varies depending on your specific celebration.
Here’s a breakdown to help you start budgeting with confidence:
Venue, Planning & Lodging: $37,500 - $42,500
The Maples Estate is the heart of your wedding weekend and includes:
Exclusive access to our 12.5-acre Upstate New York wedding venue from Thursday to Sunday
Lodging for 17 guests in our historic farmhouse (3-night stay)
Your wedding planner (hi, I’m Katie!) included in every package, offering either full-service planning & design or assisted planning
Weekend coordination, timeline management, and vendor recommendations
Access to all event spaces: tree grove, pavilion, cocktail lawn, wildflower meadows, and more
Lawn games, camp fires, tables, chairs and more—at no extra cost
Food, Drinks & Service: $10,000 - $50,000+
Food and drink are at the heart of any great celebration. Depending on your guest count and culinary goals, your catering package might include:
Welcome drinks, cocktail apps
Food truck, plated, family style or buffet dinner
Full bar or curated beverage menus
Late night snacks, dessert stations
Welcome party or farewell brunch
We’ll help you prioritize where it matters most (a fun taco truck? A seated farm-to-table dinner? Wood fired food? An ice-cream and pizza social?) and connect you with trusted pros who understand the Maples experience.
Caterers will range from $50 - $300 per person with some caterers beyond that price. Keep in mind, this may or may not include the cost for linens, cutlery, table and barware, alcohol or even service staff, so it’s best to review your contract to confirm all that’s included in the price before booking. Our clients often spend $200-250 per person for a full service caterer (food, beverages, staffing).
Service charges, taxes and gratuity are often billed separately.
Design, Florals & Décor: $5,000 - $25,000+
Your style sets the tone. Whether you envision a romantic garden aesthetic, eclectic color story, or something minimal and boldly modern, we’ll guide you in curating vendors that align with your vision and budget. You might invest in floral design, custom signage, tabletop rentals, lighting, and furniture—as much or as little as you want to bring your vision to life.
Many of our clients spend between $10,000 and $25,000 on these elements, though a more minimal design may be closer to $5,000 and a lux client may spend $100,000+.
Photography, Videography & Social Content: $4,000 - $35,000
Photography and videography are more than just documentation—they’re storytelling. Whether you're drawn to romantic, dark and moody, light and bright or a candid, documentary style photographer, we’ll help you find the perfect fit for limited or full weekend coverage.
Most of our couples spend $4,000–$15,000+ for photography, depending on hours of coverage and style.
Adding videography typically doubles that investment.
Some also opt for a social media content creator to capture behind-the-scenes or real-time moments.
Your visual team should be one that you trust completely—they’ll be with you through the most intimate and celebratory parts of your weekend.
Entertainment: $2,000 - $25,000+
Whether you’re envisioning a DJ or a live band, entertainment sets the tone for your entire celebration.
DJ Services: Typically priced between $2,000 and $10,000, a DJ can provide the versatility to curate your favorite songs and keep the energy high throughout your celebration. Many DJs offer add-ons like photo booths, lighting or props, which can increase the total cost.
Live Band: For a more dynamic experience, a live band can bring the energy. Prices for a 10-piece band usually range from $7,500 to $25,000+. Keep in mind that if the band is traveling from outside the area, lodging expenses (starting around $300/night) may be an additional cost.
Extras: $5,000 - $20,000+
Capture the magic and set the tone with the right vendors:
Hair & makeup: $85 - $150 per attendant per service, bride $250-$400 + trail + travel
Transportation: $1,000 - $2,500
Stationery: wide range
Attire: wide range
Specialty rentals: wide range
Welcome Bags: wide range
These costs depend on how you want to celebrate—and we’ll help you find just the right fit.
How to Stay on Budget Without Sacrificing Your Vision
Here’s what we recommend:
1. Start With Your Priorities: What matters most to you? Is it the florals? The guest experience? Incredible food? Let’s focus your investment there.
2. Let Us Help: Your wedding planner (me, Katie!) is included in every package. I’ll create a custom design board and budget to help guide your decisions.
3. Be Honest With Your Vendors: We work with vendors who value transparency and service over ego. They’ll help you get the most out of your budget, not upsell you on things you don’t need.
Why Couples Say It’s Worth It
We limit our weddings to a select number each year to ensure we can provide high-touch service and a deeply personal planning experience. Our couples walk away saying it was “the best weekend of our lives,” because it was personal. It was intentional. And it actually felt like them.
When you celebrate with The Maples Estate, you’re not just renting a venue. You’re booking:
A private, nature-immersed estate
Three nights in our historic farmhouse
Planning & coordination built-in
Space to slow down and celebrate fully
Freedom to select your own vendors
A true experience over a single event
We’re here to help you plan a wedding that reflects your values and vision—and guide you through it all with ease.
Ready to explore more?
Schedule an IN PERSON tour or book a call with me to chat about your dream Upstate New York wedding weekend. With many of our clients living across the country and even abroad, we also offer VIRTUAL tours. I cannot wait to meet you and chat through your wedding vision!
Check out our packages and pricing or available dates!
Interested in viewing a sample wedding budget? Check out this budget template to help you get started.
Keep in mind that your wedding budget will be unique to your vision, but to help you get started, we’ve included a couple of sample budgets in the document linked below. Simply click File > Make a Copy to personalize it and begin crafting your budget.
