Planning a destination wedding cost in Abu Dhabi means understanding how different elements — from the venue and catering to décor and entertainment — contribute to your total spend so you can create a realistic Abu Dhabi wedding budget that reflects your dream celebration. Venue and catering typically form the largest portion of expenses, and Abu Dhabi wedding packages price often depends on the type of venue you choose and what’s included. Many luxury hotels and resorts offer wedding packages that are priced per person; these can start from around AED 150 per head at smaller venues and go up to AED 600+ per person at high-end five-star properties during peak seasons. Larger events at premium venues commonly result in minimum spends rather than simple per-head pricing, so it’s important to get a detailed breakdown from your chosen venue.
When considering UAE wedding venue cost, couples planning medium-sized events at reputable luxury hotels in Abu Dhabi often see venue charges ranging from approximately AED 80,000 to AED 150,000 or more, depending on the scale and services included. Outdoor gardens and beachfront locations are typically slightly less expensive (around AED 30,000–70,000) but still require additional spend for décor and guest amenities.
Beyond the venue itself, catering and food are central to your Abu Dhabi wedding budget. Many packages bundle catering, but for standalone services, prices vary based on cuisine, service style (buffet versus plated), and guest count. Décor, floral arrangements, lighting, and thematic setups significantly influence overall spend; elaborate themed décor for multi-event Indian weddings can easily add tens of thousands of dirhams to your total. Photography and videography services in Abu Dhabi generally range from several thousand dirhams to AED 30,000+ for luxury cinematic packages that include drone video and multi-day coverage.
Professional wedding planners — often essential for destination celebrations, especially for non-residents — charge anywhere from AED 10,000 to AED 50,000+ depending on the level of coordination and number of events. They help manage vendors, negotiate contracts, and ensure that your Abu Dhabi wedding budget stays on track.
Overall, a modest destination wedding in Abu Dhabi with around 100–150 guests might cost in the region of AED 150,000 to AED 300,000 when including venue, catering, décor, photography, and coordination. Larger, more luxurious weddings — often involving multi-day festivities, premium décor, bespoke catering, and entertainment — can exceed AED 500,000 or more comfortably.
To plan effectively, start by defining your guest count and preferred venue category, compare Abu Dhabi wedding packages price options, and allocate separate budgets for décor, photography, entertainment, and planner fees. With careful research and early bookings, you can create a beautiful Abu Dhabi destination wedding that meets your expectations while keeping your budget well managed.