Weddings aren’t exactly known for being budget-friendly, are they?
But every big expense tied to your big day can be turned into an opportunity to score some serious travel rewards. We’re talking about using a travel rewards credit card to cover your wedding costs and turning those payments into a honeymoon you’ll never forget.
Picture flying to French Polynesia with points or unwinding in a breathtaking overwater bungalow in the Maldives—all funded by your wedding expenses. And yes, it’s entirely possible.
Now, to make this work—and to avoid the traps people often fall into—you’ll need a solid strategy.
Let’s walk you through how to create a wedding credit card game plan and explore the best card options to maximize your rewards.
How the Right Credit Card Can Turn Wedding Costs into Big Rewards
We all know weddings come with a hefty price tag, but here’s the upside—those expenses can work in your favor if you play your cards right (pun intended). Even better, you might find yourself earning perks like companion passes or elite status with your favorite airline or hotel loyalty programs, setting the stage for future travel adventures.
The trick here is to choose the best credit card for your wedding costs. Start by breaking down your budget, figuring out how you want to use your rewards, and picking a card that delivers real value beyond your wedding day. Ideally, you want a card that gives you enough perks to offset any annual fees—and then some.
Now, if you aren’t the one covering all the wedding expenses, don’t worry. It’s common for parents to chip in (or even pay for the bulk of it). If that’s the case for you, there’s still a way to earn rewards. You could refer them to apply for a card you already use and score a referral bonus in the process. Or, you could add them as an authorized user on your account, letting their spending help you rack up even more points.
Smart Ways to Use Credit Cards for Wedding
If you already have a dream honeymoon destination in mind—like a specific airline or hotel chain you love—it’s smart to use a co-branded airline or hotel credit card. These cards reward you with perks and points tied to your preferred brand, giving you a head start on your honeymoon plans.
On the other hand, if flexibility is more important to you, a general travel rewards card might be the better choice. These cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for a variety of options, including flights, hotels, and even statement credits. Some of these cards don’t have annual fees, making them an excellent option for managing wedding expenses without adding extra costs.
Another tip is to consider how your major wedding costs will be categorized. For example, if your reception venue codes as dining or a hotel, using a card that offers bonus points in those categories can help you maximize your rewards even faster.
So, which card is the best fit for you? Let’s explore some of the top credit card for wedding expenses and find the one that aligns with your plans.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
When it comes to planning your wedding—and the honeymoon after it—the Chase Sapphire Reserve® might just be your best ally.
Let’s start with the wedding expenses. If your reception venue or hotel falls under the “travel” category, this card could save you $300 right off the bat thanks to its annual travel credit. Beyond that, every dollar you spend on hotels booked through Chase Travel℠ earns you 10X points, and other travel purchases still earn 3X points. Essentially, those wedding bills are setting you up for some serious rewards.
Now, let’s talk about what happens after the “I dos.” Whether your honeymoon involves international flights or local escapes, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® has you covered. You’ll earn 5X points on flights booked through Chase Travel℠ and 3X points on flights purchased through other providers. And let’s not forget Priority Pass Select™ membership, which lets you kick back in airport lounges while you wait for your flight. If you’re someone who loves skipping the long airport lines, the card even reimburses up to $120 in Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or Nexus fees every four years.
Yes, the annual fee is $550, but, with all the perks and points you’ll earn, it’s surprisingly easy to get more value than what you’re paying for.
Why We Think It’s a Great Pick
| You’ll save $300 annually with the travel credit—perfect credit card for wedding-related hotel or venue expenses. |
| Earn 10X points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Travel℠. |
| Get 5X points on flights booked through Chase Travel℠. |
| Enjoy 3X points on travel and dining (including takeout and delivery). |
| Redeem points at 1.5 cents each for travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards. |
| Access Priority Pass Select™ lounges to elevate your honeymoon travel. |
| Receive up to $120 in statement credits for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or Nexus. |
| Enjoy complimentary DashPass for easier food deliveries (through December 31, 2024). |
| No foreign transaction fees—ideal for international trips. |
Things to Consider
| The $550 annual fee might feel high at first glance, but the perks more than make up for it. |
| To get the most value, you’ll need to book travel through Chase to maximize the 1.5 cents per point redemption rate. |
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
When it comes to those smaller wedding expenses that quickly add up—like paying your photographer, florist, or hairstylist—the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a reliable go-to. It’s straightforward, rewards every purchase, and comes with no annual fee.
What’s not to love?
This card earns you 1.25X miles on all purchases, which makes it a fantastic option for expenses that don’t fit neatly into bonus categories.
Planning your honeymoon? The VentureOne Rewards Card offers even more opportunities to earn. Capital One has a robust network of up to 18 hotel and airline transfer partners, giving you flexible redemption options for your travels. Plus, if you book hotels or rental cars through Capital One Travel, you’ll earn an impressive 5X miles.
Best of all, there’s no annual fee. That makes this card an excellent choice for anyone looking to save money while still enjoying solid travel rewards.
What Makes It Stand Out
| Earn 1.25X miles on all purchases—simple and stress-free. |
| Earn 5X miles on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel. |
| Enjoy no foreign transaction fees, making it perfect for international honeymoon travel. |
| Access a broad network of up to 18 hotel and airline partners for flexible redemptions. |
A Couple of Drawbacks
| It doesn’t offer many bonus spending categories. |
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
If you’re planning to spend big on your wedding, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a powerful tool to earn rewards on just about everything. For a modest $95 annual fee, this card delivers solid value, especially for expenses that don’t fall into typical bonus categories.
With the Venture Rewards Card, you’ll earn 2X miles on every purchase—yes, every single one. That means whether you’re paying the caterer, the florist, or the venue, you’ll be racking up miles without having to worry about category restrictions.
And the benefits don’t stop there. Capital One has an impressive lineup of 18 hotel and airline transfer partners, giving you the flexibility to redeem miles however you like. If you decide to book your honeymoon hotel stay through Capital One Travel, you’ll earn an even bigger reward: 5X miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars.
This card also comes with some great travel perks to make your honeymoon even more enjoyable. You’ll get up to $120 in credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, which makes breezing through airport security a breeze. On top of that, you’re treated to two complimentary visits each year to Capital One Lounges—a little luxury that can go a long way.
Once the wedding festivities are over, the Venture Rewards Card is just as useful in newlywed life. You can keep earning 2X miles on everyday expenses like bills and groceries, which makes offsetting the $95 annual fee incredibly easy.
Why We Think You’ll Love It
| Earn 2X miles on all eligible purchases, giving you solid rewards on every wedding-related cost. |
| Score 5X miles on hotels and rental cars when you book through Capital One Travel. |
| Take advantage of up to $120 in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credits, making travel easier and faster. |
| Enjoy two complimentary visits per year to Capital One Lounges for a more relaxing travel experience. |
| Benefit from Hertz Five Star Status for a smoother car rental experience. |
| No foreign transaction fees, which makes this card great for international honeymoons. |
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
| The 5X miles bonus is only available when booking hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel. |
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
If you’re a fan of Southwest Airlines, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card could be your golden ticket to stretching your wedding spending even further. For those of us who know how valuable the Southwest Companion Pass is, this card is a smart way to earn it while covering your wedding expenses.
Here’s how it works: the card typically comes with a welcome bonus ranging from 40,000 to 80,000 Rapid Rewards points. If you pair this with the welcome bonus from a Southwest business credit card, you’ll be just shy of the 135,000 points required to qualify for the Companion Pass. Your wedding purchases could easily make up the difference, thanks to the naturally high expenses tied to your big day.
What’s the big deal about the Companion Pass? It allows you to bring someone (like your new spouse!) with you on any Southwest flight for just $5.60 in taxes and fees. It’s valid for the remainder of the year you earn it and the entire following calendar year. So, if your wedding is in January, you could use the Companion Pass for nearly two years. That’s not just for the honeymoon—you’re looking at cheap flights for anniversaries, weekend getaways, and more.
For an annual fee of $149, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card gives you access to the Companion Pass and a slew of other valuable perks that make flying Southwest even better.
Why We Think This Card Is Worth It
| Earn 3X points on Southwest purchases: This includes flights, in-flight purchases, and even Southwest gift cards. |
| Earn 2X points on everyday expenses: Internet, cable, phone services, select streaming subscriptions, local transit, rideshare, taxis, tolls, parking, and more. |
| Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners. |
| $75 Southwest annual travel credit: This offsets half the annual fee right away. |
| 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points annually: A helpful boost if you’re working toward the Companion Pass. |
| Four Upgraded Boardings per year: Perfect for nabbing better seats (subject to availability). |
| 25% back on in-flight purchases: This includes drinks, snacks, and Wi-Fi, credited back to your account. |
| 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQP) for every $5,000 spent annually: A great way to work toward A-List status with Southwest. |
Things to Keep in Mind
| This card is really only a great fit if you’re someone who regularly flies Southwest. |
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is an excellent option if you’re searching for a travel rewards card that balances affordability and great earning potential.
If your wedding venue falls into the “hotel” or “restaurant” category, you’re in for a treat—this card earns you 3X points per dollar on those purchases. That means every dollar spent on your reception, catering, or hotel expenses is also helping you rack up valuable Citi ThankYou® points.
When it’s time for your honeymoon, the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card offers even more opportunities to save. Book a $500+ hotel stay through CitiTravel.com, and you’ll receive a $100 discount, which can go a long way in stretching your travel budget. You’ll also earn 3X points on honeymoon flights, helping you maximize your rewards while enjoying your first adventure as a married couple.
Even after the wedding and honeymoon, this card remains a valuable tool for your everyday spending. You’ll continue earning 3X points on essentials like dining, groceries, gas, and even EV charging stations. Plus, with the ability to transfer points to 18 hotel and airline partners, you’ll have the flexibility to use your rewards however it suits you best.
Thanks to its diverse earning categories and redemption options, the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card makes it easy to offset the $95 annual fee long after your wedding is over.
Why This Card Is a Great Pick
| Earn 10X points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions when booked through CitiTravel.com. |
| Earn 3X points on flights, hotels, dining, groceries, gas stations, and EV charging stations. |
| Earn 1X point on all other purchases. |
| Get a $100 hotel discount when you book a $500+ stay through CitiTravel.com—perfect for your honeymoon. |
| No foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international travel. |
| Includes World Elite Mastercard benefits, giving you extra travel and shopping perks. |
A Few Considerations
| While the earning potential is strong, the card doesn’t offer a lot in terms of additional perks or premium benefits. |
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
If your wedding reception is at a Hilton property, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card can help you rack up a ton of points on your big day. With up to 12X points earned on eligible Hilton purchases (assuming your venue codes accordingly), this card is tailor-made for Hilton loyalists who want to make the most of their wedding expenses.
But it doesn’t stop there. You can keep earning 12X points during your honeymoon if you’re staying at a Hilton hotel or resort. Plus, the card includes complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, giving you perks like room upgrades, free breakfast, and late checkout—little luxuries that can elevate your honeymoon experience.
This card also offers a $200 annual statement credit, issued as four $50 credits throughout the year, for direct Hilton purchases. And if you charge $15,000 to your card in a calendar year, you’ll receive a free night reward—perfect for an anniversary getaway or your next vacation.
Even after the wedding, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card continues to shine with 6X points on everyday expenses like dining at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery), grocery shopping, and U.S. gas purchases. You’ll also earn 4X points on U.S. online retail purchases, giving you a solid return on your post-wedding spending.
For Hilton loyalists, the $150 annual fee is easy to offset with all these earning opportunities and perks.
Why This Card Stands Out
| Earn 12X points on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels and resorts. |
| Earn 6X points on U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery. |
| Earn 6X points on grocery shopping at U.S. supermarkets. |
| Earn 6X points on U.S. gas station purchases. |
| Earn 4X points on U.S. online retail purchases. |
| Earn 3X points on all other eligible purchases. |
| $200 annual statement credit for direct Hilton purchases, given as $50 credits quarterly. |
| Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, offering room upgrades, free breakfast, and more. |
| Free night reward after spending $15,000 in a calendar year. |
| No foreign transaction fees—perfect for international travel. |
Things to Keep in Mind
| There’s no complimentary free night reward included just for having the card—you’ll need to earn it through spending. |
United Club℠ Infinite Card
If your wedding venue codes as travel—and you’re loyal to United Airlines—the United Club℠ Infinite Card is a premium choice for turning your wedding expenses into valuable rewards.
For starters, you’ll earn 2X miles on all travel purchases, which covers costs like wedding venues categorized as hotels. And for honeymoon flights, this card truly shines, offering 4X miles on purchases with United, including tickets, Economy Plus®, in-flight dining, and Wi-Fi.
You’ll also enjoy complimentary United Club membership, giving you access to airport lounges where you can unwind before your honeymoon flight. Additionally, the card grants you Platinum Elite status with IHG One Rewards, providing elevated perks for IHG hotel stays—a great option for honeymoon accommodations.
While the $525 annual fee might seem steep, the impressive rewards and travel perks can easily make up for it if you take full advantage of what this card offers.
Why You’ll Love This Card
| 4X miles on United purchases, including tickets, Economy Plus®, in-flight food, beverages, and Wi-Fi. |
| 2X miles on all other travel purchases, making it ideal for wedding venues that code as hotels. |
| 2X miles on dining, including eligible delivery services. |
| 1X mile on all other purchases. |
| Complimentary United Club membership for lounge access. |
| Free first and second checked bags for you and a travel companion—perfect for honeymoon travel. |
| $120 credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or Nexus to skip long airport lines. |
| Platinum Elite status with IHG One Rewards for added perks during IHG hotel stays. |
| Avis President’s Club® membership, providing exclusive car rental benefits. |
| 500 Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) for every $12,000 spent annually (up to 8,000 PQP per year). |
| 25% back as a statement credit on in-flight food, drinks, and Wi-Fi on United flights. |
| No foreign transaction fees, making it perfect for international honeymoons. |
A Few Things to Consider
| This card is best suited for those who frequently fly with United Airlines to truly maximize its perks. |
Bilt Mastercard®
The Bilt Mastercard® might not be the first card you think of when it comes to wedding spending, but it’s a surprisingly strong contender. The Bilt Mastercard® earns 3X points on dining and 2X points on travel purchases. So, if your wedding venue codes as a hotel or a dining purchase, you’re in a great position to maximize your rewards.
Honeymoon expenses like flights and hotel stays also earn 2X points, making this card just as valuable when planning your first big adventure as newlyweds.
And here’s where the Bilt Mastercard® stands out: after the honeymoon, you can use it to pay your rent—even if your landlord doesn’t accept credit cards. Bilt will convert your payment into an appropriate format and make sure you avoid credit card transaction fees. You’ll earn 1X points on your rent payments, up to 100,000 points per year.
With up to 16 hotel and airline transfer partners, the Bilt Mastercard® gives you plenty of flexibility for redeeming your points. Just keep in mind that to earn points, you’ll need to use the card at least five times during each billing cycle—a small habit to develop for a $0 annual fee card that delivers so much value.
Why You’ll Love It
| 3X points on dining, including restaurants and takeout. |
| 2X points on travel purchases, including hotels and flights. |
| 1X points on rent payments (up to 100,000 points per year). |
| 1X points on all other purchases. |
| Double points on Rent Day (excluding rental payments), giving you an extra earning boost. |
| BiltProtect feature to safeguard your credit score when paying rent. |
| No foreign transaction fees, which makes it great for international trips. |
A Few Things to Note
| You need to use the card at least five times per billing cycle to earn points. |
Citi® Double Cash Card
If you’re looking for a straightforward card to cover wedding expenses that don’t fall into bonus categories, the Citi® Double Cash Card is a fantastic choice. With this card, you’ll earn unlimited 2% cash back on everything—1% when you make a purchase and another 1% when you pay it off. It’s perfect for those “everything else” expenses that tend to pile up during wedding planning.
But what makes this card even better is its flexibility. Your rewards are earned as Citi ThankYou® points, meaning you can redeem them as cash back or transfer them to select travel partners like JetBlue TrueBlue, Wyndham Rewards, and Choice Privileges.
Want to unlock even more value? Pair the Citi Double Cash Card with the Citi Premier® Card. Doing so allows you to transfer your ThankYou points to Citi’s full network of up to 18 transfer partners at a 1:1 ratio, opening up even more redemption options for flights, hotels, and more.
With a $0 annual fee, the Citi® Double Cash Card offers a simple, no-fuss way to earn rewards on purchases that don’t fit into other categories, making it a smart addition to your wallet for both wedding planning and everyday spending.
Why We Think It’s Worth Considering
| Earn 2% cash back on all purchases—1% when you buy and 1% when you pay. |
| Redeem rewards as cash back or ThankYou points for added flexibility. |
| 3% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel℠ portal (for a total of 5% cash back on eligible purchases; offer ended Dec. 31, 2024). |
| Transfer points to partners like JetBlue TrueBlue, Wyndham Rewards, and Choice Privileges. |
| Pair it with the Citi Premier® Card to unlock the full Citi transfer network with a 1:1 point transfer ratio. |
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
| The list of transfer partners is somewhat limited compared to other travel rewards cards. |
| Some transfer ratios for select partners are less than 1:1. |
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
When it comes to wedding expenses that don’t fit neatly into bonus categories, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is here to help. With this card, you’ll earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase.
But that’s just the beginning. The card also earns 5% cash back on travel purchases made through Chase Ultimate Rewards, and 3% cash back on dining (including takeout and delivery) and drugstore purchases. Whether you’re paying for last-minute travel arrangements or ordering food while juggling wedding tasks, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® ensures you’re rewarded every step of the way.
Now, here’s where the card gets exciting for points and miles enthusiasts. If you pair it with a premium Ultimate Rewards-earning card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Chase Sapphire Preferred®, you can convert your 1.5% cash back into 1.5X Ultimate Rewards points. These points can then be transferred to Chase’s 14 hotel and airline partners or redeemed for travel through Chase’s portal at a boosted value of 1.25 or 1.5 cents per point, depending on which Sapphire card you have.
This means your non-bonus category wedding expenses could turn into major rewards—perfect for planning your honeymoon or future trips as a married couple. With no annual fee, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a valuable addition to your wallet.
Why It’s a Smart Choice
| Earn 5% cash back on travel purchases made through Chase Ultimate Rewards. |
| Earn 1.5% cash back on all other purchases—ideal credit card for wedding costs that don’t fall into bonus categories. |
| Earn 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases, including eligible takeout and delivery. |
| Pair it with a Sapphire card to convert cash back into Ultimate Rewards points for greater flexibility. |
| Enjoy perks like DoorDash, Lyft, and Instacart+ benefits. |
Things to Consider
| There’s a 3% foreign transaction fee, so this card isn’t ideal for international spending. |
What to Look for in a Wedding Credit Card
Choosing the right credit card for wedding expenses can make a big difference in how much value you get back from your spending. But with so many options, it’s essential to focus on a few key features:
✔️ Bonus categories that align with your wedding-related purchases
✔️ The value of the rewards (points, miles, or cash back)
✔️ Annual fees and whether the perks justify them
✔️ Foreign transaction fees, especially if your wedding or honeymoon involves international spending
Before you decide, think about how you want your rewards to work for you. Do you prefer earning points with a specific airline or hotel? Or would you rather stay flexible with a general travel rewards card? And, importantly, are you focused on earning points, miles, or just straightforward cash back?
Let’s break down these considerations in more detail.
Making the Most of Bonus Categories
The average cost of a wedding in the U.S. is close to $30,000—a hefty price tag for most budgets. But here’s the silver lining: by using a rewards credit card, you can turn those expenses into valuable points or miles to soften the blow.
Think about it this way. If you charge $30,000 to a debit card, the money is simply gone. But if you put the same amount on a rewards credit card, you’ll earn points or miles that could cover part of your honeymoon—like a flight or hotel stay. You still have to pay upfront, but the added benefits make it a much smarter choice.
That said, how much you earn depends on the card you choose, the purchase categories it rewards, and how your purchases are coded. The way merchants classify their transactions—known as a merchant category code (MCC)—can significantly impact your rewards.
Here’s an example: Say your card offers 2X points on restaurants, and you’re planning your reception at a restaurant inside a hotel. You might expect to earn 2X points, but two potential issues could arise:
- Some card issuers, like Amex, may exclude restaurants inside hotels or other establishments from their restaurant definition.
- Even if restaurants are included, the purchase might be coded as a hotel expense instead, meaning you won’t earn those bonus points.
To avoid surprises and get the most out of your wedding credit card, follow these steps:
- Check the vendor’s transaction coding (MCC). Ask your vendor how their purchases are coded. You can even test it by making a small transaction with your existing card. This way, you’ll know exactly what to expect.
- Confirm the vendor accepts credit cards. Some vendors may not take card payments or might charge a processing fee. If there’s a fee, see if you can negotiate it or calculate how much it impacts your rewards potential.
- Plan your wedding before applying for credit cards. Knowing your venue and key vendors ahead of time will help you choose a card that aligns with your spending categories.
Use Your Wedding to Kickstart Your Rewards Journey
We know weddings can be expensive, but here’s the upside: those expenses are a fast track to earning major sign-up bonuses with travel rewards cards. Many cards offer thousands of points after meeting a minimum spending requirement, and with wedding bills adding up quickly, you’ll hit those thresholds in no time.
From there, it’s all about strategy. Use those sign-up bonuses to book honeymoon flights, secure amazing hotel stays, or cover other travel costs. You’ll feel like royalty flying to your destination or checking into a suite—without paying for it out of pocket.
But it doesn’t stop there. If you’re strategic about which credit cards for wedding you use, you can maximize points on every purchase:
- Non-bonus spending: For general expenses that don’t fall into a bonus category, pick a card with a flat earning rate on all purchases.
- Targeted purchases: For specific costs, like your reception venue or honeymoon flights, choose cards that reward dining, travel, or hotel stays to earn even more.
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