Getting Married in Vietnam | Prices, Budget, and Practical Advice
Dreaming of a beach wedding in Vietnam, surrounded by a tropical setting, without going through a 300-guest traditional Vietnamese banquet? You’re not alone.
More and more foreign couples are choosing Vietnam for a simple and elegant Western-style ceremony, often held on the beach or in a garden. But before saying “I do,” one question always comes up: how much does it really cost?
In this guide, I’ll explain the real prices, the main expenses to plan for, and the common pitfalls to avoid so you can organize your wedding in Vietnam without blowing your budget.
What Kind of Western-Style Wedding Can You Have in Vietnam?
We’re not talking here about a traditional Vietnamese wedding with extended family, red envelopes, and karaoke. Most foreign couples choose a more intimate and simple setup, in the spirit of a destination wedding.
The most popular options include beach weddings, tropical garden ceremonies, terraces with a view, or even a small private resort. There’s no need for a religious ceremony if you simply want to celebrate your union symbolically with your loved ones.
Some couples choose to have a civil ceremony at the embassy before or after, while others get legally married in their home country and come here just for the celebration.
The most important thing is: everything is customizable. You can write your own vows, choose your music, decorate with a floral arch, hire a photographer, and plan an outdoor dinner… It’s your wedding, at your pace, in a setting you won’t find anywhere else.
Key Wedding Expenses to Plan For
Even if you’re organizing a simple wedding, there are always a few essential costs to anticipate. Here are the main ones to keep in mind:
1. The Venue
It’s often the part that makes you dream… and the one that costs the most. A private beach at a resort, a tropical garden, a villa facing the sea, prices vary depending on the season, the location (Hoi An, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang…), and the level of service.
Expect to pay between 20 and 60 million VND (€750 to €2,300) for venue rental only, and much more if you go for an all-inclusive package.
2. Decoration
Flowers, arches, chairs, rugs, lanterns… If you’re starting from scratch, every detail has a price. Local vendors often offer decor packages, but the total depends on the style and complexity.
Plan for 10 to 30 million VND (~€400 to €1,200) for elegant yet reasonable decoration.
3. Photographer and/or Videographer
You don’t need a full film crew, but a good photographer makes a big difference. Local professionals offer day packages, sometimes with an assistant or drone included.
Average cost: 5 to 15 million VND (~€200 to €600).
4. The Ceremony Itself
If you choose to hire a professional officiant (in English or French), plan for 3 to 10 million VND (€120 to €400). Some resorts include this service in their wedding packages.
Alternatively, you can also ask a friend to lead the ceremony.
5. The Meal or Cocktail
Whether you go for a sit-down dinner, a buffet, or a cocktail-style reception, the cost typically ranges from 500,000 to 1,500,000 VND per person (€20 to €60). With around 20 guests, you’ll quickly reach 20 to 30 million VND (~€750 to €1,150) for the meal alone.
All-Inclusive Package or à la Carte?
When planning a wedding in Vietnam from abroad, the easiest option is often to go with a wedding package. These all-inclusive formulas are offered by many hotels, resorts, or specialized agencies. You choose a venue, a decor style, a menu, a photographer, and they take care of the rest.
In Hoi An, several resorts specialize in weddings, such as the Victoria Hotel, Palm Garden Resort, and Bliss Hoi An, all of which offer dedicated wedding packages.
The big advantage is that you don’t have to manage anything on-site, especially if you don’t speak Vietnamese. Everything is coordinated by a team, and sometimes you’ll even have a French-speaking or English-speaking contact.
But be careful: these packages are often more expensive, because everything is outsourced. And most importantly, you’ll have less freedom. The caterer, decor, music, and photographer are often pre-selected or limited to a short list.
Wedding Planner
On the other hand, organizing your wedding à la carte or working with an agency like Lotus Events gives you much more flexibility. You can choose a charming, intimate venue, work with independent vendors, and add a more personal touch… but it does require time, reliable contacts, and sometimes a bit of patience.
My advice:
If you’re in a hurry or can’t visit Vietnam before the big day, go with a package from a reputable resort. But if you’re looking for a more authentic or less cookie-cutter wedding, finding and managing your own vendors can really be worth it.
Mistakes to Avoid
Planning a wedding abroad is exciting… but it can quickly become a headache if you fall into common traps. Here are the most frequent mistakes I see from couples wanting to get married in Vietnam:
1. Underestimating Timelines
Even for a symbolic ceremony, you should plan at least 3 to 6 months in advance. Some venues get booked quickly during peak season (from November to March), and the best vendors are snapped up early.
The longer you wait, the fewer options you’ll have, and the higher the prices may be.
2. Trying to Manage Everything Remotely Without a Local Contact
If you organize everything from abroad, without visiting the venues or meeting vendors in person, you’re taking a risk. Misleading photos, poor decoration, last-minute menu changes… it happens.
Having a reliable local contact (wedding planner, friend, or expat) can save you from a lot of unpleasant surprises.
3. Not Having a Backup Plan for Rain
Vietnam is beautiful, but the weather can be unpredictable, especially during the rainy season (May to October). If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, make sure to have a covered backup option. Don’t just assume that “it’ll be fine”… you might regret it.
4. Thinking “It’s Vietnam, So Everything Will Be Cheap”
Yes, Vietnam is more affordable than France. But a quality wedding still requires a real budget. If you want a beautiful setting, a good photographer, fresh flowers, a great meal… you’ll have to invest accordingly.
Trying to cut costs too much can result in a cheap-looking outcome.
How Much Does a Wedding in Vietnam Cost?
Of course, it all depends on the venue, the number of guests, and your preferences. But to give you a clear idea, here’s a realistic budget for a well-organized, intimate Western-style wedding (15 to 30 people) in a beautiful setting, without going over the top.
Sample Budget for a Beach Wedding in Hoi An or Da Nang:
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Venue rental | 25–50 million VND |
| Decoration & floral arch | 15–30 million VND |
| Ceremony officiant | 3–7 million VND |
| Photographer + videographer | 10–20 million VND |
| Meal + drinks (20 guests) | 25–40 million VND |
| Extras (music, gifts, coordination) | 5–10 million VND |
Estimated Total
80 to 150 million VND → roughly €3,000 to €5,500
This kind of budget gives you an elegant wedding, on the beach or in a garden, with a personalized ceremony, beautiful photos, and a warm, festive evening with your loved ones.
If you opt for a “full package” in a 4- or 5-star resort, expect to pay more like €6,000 to €10,000, depending on the options and the season.
My Opinion
Getting married in Vietnam is absolutely possible, stunningly beautiful, and often much more affordable than in Europe.
But it’s not something to take lightly either.
If you want a successful Western-style wedding in a tropical setting, you’ll need to plan a realistic budget, choose the right vendors, and most importantly, plan ahead. Don’t fall for “too good to be true” prices or vague promises. And don’t forget the weather, it can change everything.
My advice:
Keep it simple but well executed, choose a venue you truly love, and don’t try to copy a Pinterest wedding from Bali. Vietnam has everything you need to create a wedding that’s genuine, elegant, and unforgettable, without breaking the bank.