The average, eye-popping cost of an Arizona wedding

Yes, but: It could be worse. Last year's national average was $30,000. Arizona ranks in the bottom half of states.

• New Jersey ($51,000), Massachusetts ($46,000), New York ($46,000), Rhode Island ($43,000) and Vermont ($43,000) take the (wedding) cake for priciest places to tie the knot.

By the numbers: Nationally, venues were the biggest expense for most couples, costing an average of $11,200. Here was the average cost of some popular vendors:

• Photographer: $2,600
• Hair stylist: $130
• Catering: $75/person
• Florist: $2,400
• DJ: $1,500

Jessica here: I'm getting married in April and find no enjoyment in confirming that weddings are ridiculously expensive.

• When I got the quote for my flowers, I thought the company had erroneously double-charged me. It had not. 😵‍💫

Be smart: Look at unconventional venues like a city or state park or explore other parts of Arizona to keep costs down.

• I'm saying "I do" in Prescott, and I've found my vendors are slightly more affordable than those my friends have used in the Valley.