Best Wedding Loans in 2025: Compare Rates, Lenders, and Alternatives for All Credit Types

Getting married is one of life’s biggest milestones—and one of the most expensive. In 2025, the average wedding costs about $33,000, according to The Knot.

If you’re wondering how to cover those expenses, this guide walks you through how wedding loans work, when they might make sense, and the alternatives worth considering. The goal: helping you celebrate your big day without putting your future finances at risk.

Table of Contents

1. Do people take out loans for weddings?
2. How do wedding loans work? 
   1. How long does it take to get wedding loan funds?
   2. Can you get a wedding loans for bad credit?
   3. Are there wedding day loans with no credit check?
3. The best personal loans for weddings
   1. Credible: Best marketplace
   2. Upgrade: Best for fair credit
   3. LightStream: Best for excellent credit
4. Should you take out a loan for your wedding?
5. Pros and cons of wedding day loans
6. How to get a loan for a wedding 
7. Alternatives to personal loans for weddings

Do people take out loans for weddings?

Yes. With the average wedding now topping $30,000, it’s not unusual for couples to turn to financing to help cover the costs. In fact, a 2023 Provident Bank study found that about 22% of people used a personal loan or home equity loan to pay for their wedding.

For many, a loan offers a way to spread out payments over time rather than putting everything on high-interest credit cards. While not every couple chooses to borrow, wedding loans have become a fairly common option for those who want to manage upfront expenses without draining their savings all at once.

How do wedding loans work? 

Some lenders advertise “wedding loans,” but in reality, they’re just personal loans marketed for wedding expenses. A personal loan gives you a lump sum of cash upfront, which you repay in fixed monthly installments over a set term. You can use the funds for just about anything related to your big day—from the venue deposit to catering or even your honeymoon.

Instead of limiting yourself to lenders that market loans specifically for weddings, it’s smart to shop broadly. Banks, credit unions, and online lenders all offer personal loans, and you may find better rates and terms outside of “wedding loan” promotions.

How long does it take to get wedding loan funds?

Most lenders move quickly, since wedding expenses often come with strict deadlines. Some online lenders can deposit funds in as little as one business day after approval, while others may take up to a week. When planning your wedding, factor in this timing so you don’t get stuck waiting on funds. 

A fast approval could see the money in your account within a day, but some lenders take up to one week. Be sure to factor this in when planning your wedding expenditures.

Can you get a wedding loans for bad credit?

Yes, but you’ll pay more for it. Most personal loan lenders set a minimum credit score, and among our recommended options the cutoff is generally 580. That means you can still qualify with fair or even below-average credit, but the trade-off is often higher interest rates, smaller loan amounts, and added fees.

If your credit is in the 500s, expect fewer lender choices and higher monthly payments. A cosigner or co-applicant could help you qualify for a larger loan or better rate. But without that support, you’ll want to compare offers carefully and make sure the extra cost won’t strain your budget as newlyweds.

Are there wedding day loans with no credit check?

Not really. Legitimate lenders almost always require a credit check before approving a personal loan, even if it’s marketed as a “wedding loan.” Some lenders only perform a soft credit check during prequalification, which doesn’t affect your score, but a hard inquiry happens once you submit a full application.

If you see a lender promising “no credit check wedding loans,” it’s usually a red flag. These offers tend to come from payday lenders or other high-cost financing sources that can trap you in debt. A safer alternative is to look for lenders that offer prequalification, so you can compare rates without hurting your credit.

The best personal loans for weddings

If you’ve decided a loan makes sense for your wedding, the next step is finding the right lender. Terms and rates vary widely, and the best option for you will depend on your credit profile, how much you need to borrow, and how quickly you need the funds.

To make the process easier, we’ve highlighted a few standout choices below. These lenders earn a spot on our list for offering competitive rates, fast funding, and flexible terms. Importantly, they also work with a range of credit scores—including borrowers with fair credit—so you’re not locked out if your score isn’t perfect.

Credible

Best Marketplace for a Wedding Loan

4.9 _/5

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Why it’s a good option

Credible is a top-notch online loan marketplace that allows you to compare personalized loan offers from various lenders in one place. Its platform stands out for its simplicity and speed—borrowers can access prequalified rates from its network of lenders in just two minutes.

We like Credible’s transparency. It offers comprehensive information on the rates and terms of each loan offer. This makes it easier for you to choose the best deal for your financial situation. Credible’s broad range of loan options ensures a likely fit for your specific needs and financial situation.

• Wide array of loan options
• Simple and fast application process
• Transparent rates and terms

Rates (APR)	7.74% – 15.94%1
Loan amounts	$1,000 – $200,000
Repayment terms	1 – 10 years
Min. credit score	580

Upgrade

Best Wedding Loan for Fair Credit

4.6 _/5

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Why it’s a good option

Upgrade is another solid option for borrowers, especially those with bad to fair credit (scores 560 and above) or consumers who need smaller wedding loans. Upgrade allows you to check your rates without harming your credit score, so you can consider it if you have excellent credit too. 

Upgrade offers decent rates on its personal loans, but they come with high fees, including an origination fee of 1.85% – 9.99%. It doesn’t provide specific “wedding loans,” but you can use one of its loans to pay for your wedding expenses. Upon approval, funds are deposited as soon as the next day.

If you have bad credit, Upgrade is unique because it allows you to use a car as collateral for a loan if you can’t get approved otherwise. Remember that if you default on the loan, Upgrade can repossess your car—which could make the start of your married life more difficult. 

• Credit health tool to monitor your credit score and get personalized recommendations
• Repayment terms: 24 – 84 months
• 15-day grace period before late fee is assessed

Rates (APR)	8.49% – 35.99%
Loan amounts	$1,000 – $50,000
Repayment terms	2 – 7 years
Min. credit score	580

LightStream

Best Wedding Loan for Excellent Credit

4.4 _/5

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Why it’s a good option

LightStream offers “wedding loans,” but they’re the same as its regular personal loans. With low rates and no fees, it could be a cost-effective option—especially considering its Rate Beat program, where it will beat any competitor’s offered rate by 0.10%. 

LightStream is a solid choice if you need fast funds to pay wedding vendors or buy supplies. LightStream’s application process is primarily automated. If you’re approved and complete all paperwork before 2:30 p.m. Eastern, LightStream will wire the money to your bank account that same day.

One of the few downsides to LightStream is that it’s exclusive. It tends to approve applicants with good or excellent credit (scores 660 and above) and doesn’t offer prequalification for its loans. You must submit a complete application when you apply, which can result in a slight dip in your credit score due to the hard credit check. 

• Rate Beat program: Will beat a competitor’s offer by 0.10% APR if approved for a lower rate elsewhere
• Unique satisfaction guarantee: Borrowers who are not satisfied with their loan experience can get a $100 refund
• Repayment terms: 24 – 84 months

Rates (APR)	7.99%% – 25.49%%, varies by loan type and credit profile
Loan amounts	$5,000 – $100,000
Repayment terms	2 – 12 years
Min. credit score	660

Should you take out a loan for your wedding?

Before signing on for a wedding loan, take a close look at how it will fit into your bigger financial picture as newlyweds. A loan calculator can help you estimate your monthly payments—then you can weigh those against your income, savings, and other goals.

If the numbers feel comfortable and your wedding plans are nonnegotiable, a personal loan could be a reasonable option. Just keep in mind that every dollar you borrow now is one you won’t have later for milestones like buying a house, starting a family, or building an emergency fund.

It’s also wise to have an open conversation with your partner about the trade-offs. Borrowing for a wedding is essentially choosing memories today over flexibility tomorrow. For some couples, that’s worth it. For others, it adds unnecessary stress at the start of married life.

A wedding is a “want,” not a “need”—and it’s fine to finance a want, as long as you can truly afford the payments.

Pros and cons of wedding day loans

We always recommend weighing the pros and cons before making financial decisions. In the case of a wedding loan, it should be a joint conversation between you and your partner. 

Pros

• Potential for lower interest rates

  Using a personal loan to fund your wedding often costs less than putting the costs on a credit card.

• Unforgettable memories

  You may decide it’s worth the cost to borrow the money to make memories.

• Can help you build credit

  If you make all your payments on time, a personal loan can help you grow your credit score. This comes in handy if you want to finance a car or a house later.

Cons

• Start your married life with debt

  Money is one of the leading sources of stress in a relationship. When you start your married life owing money, you could face challenges if you can’t afford the loan payments.

• Delay other financial goals

  When you’ve borrowed for a wedding, you may have less money available to fulfill other financial goals, such as saving for a down payment on a house or starting a family. The balance on your wedding loan could also affect your debt-to-income ratio (that’s your pretax monthly income divided by your monthly debt payments), making it harder to get approved for a mortgage to buy a home.

• Increase the costs of your wedding

  Financing the cost of an average wedding over five years at a 10% interest rate could mean paying an additional $8,200 in interest alone. Weddings already cost a fortune; a loan will only boost those costs.

• Can hurt your credit score

  If you make late payments—or worse, default—wedding loans can harm your credit.

How to get a loan for a wedding 

Here’s what you can expect when applying for wedding loans.

1. Decide who is applying: First, figure out who will apply for the loan. Some lenders allow co-applicants or cosigners, who can help you qualify for a higher loan amount by adding more income to the application. Anyone on the loan is equally responsible for payments and can have a damaged credit score due to missed payments. 
2. Check your credit score: Before applying, make sure your credit report is accurate. You can contest any errors with the credit bureaus. Knowing your score helps you target lenders who work with borrowers in your credit range. 
3. Compare loan prequalification offers: Many lenders allow you to get a prequalification loan offer with just a soft credit pull rather than a hard check. This gives you an estimate of how much you may be able to borrow and what interest rates and monthly payments could look like.
4. Choose a wedding loan that fits: Review the loan offers to see which ones look like the right choice for you and your fiance. Monthly payments should feel comfortable, and you should feel positive about how the loan term fits your other financial goals as newlyweds.
5. Submit a formal application: After you select a lender, you’ll submit a formal application. You may need to supply a copy of your photo ID, pay stubs, and bank statements. The lender also runs a hard credit check at this time.
6. Sign your agreement and receive your wedding loan funds: If your application is approved, you and anyone else on the loan must review and sign the loan agreement. Then your loan funds will be deposited into your selected bank account. 
7. Start making payments: Make your loan payments on the first due date assigned by your lender. 

Alternatives to personal loans for weddings

Wedding loans aren’t your only option if you can’t pay cash for the big day. Before you take out a wedding loan, consider these alternatives: 

• Reduce wedding costs: You don’t need to spend a fortune to have a great wedding. Look for ways to cut expenses and pay out of pocket. For example, could you get married at your alma mater or a national park for less than the cost of a fancy venue?
• Scale back your guest list: Consider inviting fewer people to your wedding, reducing your spending on space, food, and drinks. 
• Push back your wedding date: If you can delay your wedding date, you’ll have more time to save up to pay cash. Taking on extra work or starting a side gig can help speed up your savings faster.
• Elope: The Provident Bank study revealed that 20% of respondents eloped to save money on the wedding. This may not feel right for everyone, but it may be attractive to some couples. You could always host a low-cost dinner or party to celebrate with friends and family when you return.
• Use a 0% interest credit card: If you can qualify for a card with a 0% promotional APR, you may be able to charge what you need for your wedding without paying interest for a certain period. This can be a solid option if you’re sure you’ll be able to repay the balance before the promotional period ends. 
• Tap into the equity in your home: You could use a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit to borrow against your home. The interest rate on a home equity loan or line of credit is often lower than a personal loan rate, so this could be more affordable. But consider that you’ll risk losing your home if you can’t pay it back.
• Crowdfund: Instead of wedding gifts, consider asking family and friends to help cover your wedding costs.

How we chose the best loans for wedding expenses

Since 2017, LendEDU has evaluated personal loan companies to help readers find the best personal loans. Our latest analysis reviewed 1,029 data points from 49 lenders and financial institutions, with 21 data points collected from each. This information is gathered from company websites, online applications, public disclosures, customer reviews, and direct communication with company representatives.

These star ratings help us determine which companies are best for different situations. We don’t believe two companies can be the best for the same purpose, so we only show each best-for designation once.