New York City continues its reign as most expensive place to get married in the U.S. with couples spending $76,787 on average, according to the annual Real Weddings Survey by TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com.

The survey revealed that the average amount couples spend on weddings in the country reached a high since 2008 at $28,427, not including the honeymoon. Spending in nearly every category also increased, including money spent on a photographer, venue and wedding planner.

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"In general, you're seeing couples a little more comfortable with their pocket books," said Anja Winikka, site editor for TheKnot.com. "Most spending is up across the board. They're adding a few more flowers. They're going for the higher-end dress."

The average amount spent on a wedding dress in 2012 was $1,211, compared with $1,121 in 2011. The average number of guests is 139.

This year, spending per guest increased to $204 from $196 in 2011.

"Couples are concentrating on their guests and creating a holistic experience for guests. It's not just about a dazzling dress and me, me, me," she said.

More couples this past year, one in four, provided shuttles and buses for guests to attend their wedding.

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New York City has been the most expensive place to get married in the country since TheKnot.com began asking this question in 2007. The least expensive place to get married is Alaska, with an average of $15,504 per wedding.

Winikka said the amount of spending is likely tied to rent and the cost of living.

"To own and run a business in Manhattan is that much more expensive than in the rest of the country," she said.

New to this year's list of 20 most expensive places to get married are Savannah, Ga. (17th), Sacramento/Reno/Tahoe (18th), and Illinois (20th).

1. New York City (Manhattan) category:

Average spent per wedding: $76,687

2. Chicago category:

$49,810

3. New York Metro (Long Island, Hudson Valley and NYC Outer Boroughs) category:

Average spent per wedding, respectively: $49,002, $46,300, $39,602

4. Northern/Central New Jersey and Southern New Jersey category:

Average spent per wedding, respectively: $48,496, $35,375

5. Rhode Island category:

Average spent per wedding: $47,399

6. Santa Barbara/Ventura, Calif. category:

Average spent per wedding: $42,319

7. Boston category:

Average spent per wedding: $39,239

8. Philadelphia category:

Average spent per wedding: $38,369

9. Connecticut category:

Average spent per wedding: $38,009

10. San Francisco category:

Average spent per wedding: $35,344

11. Los Angeles category:

Average spent per wedding: $35,308

12. San Diego and Orange County/Inland Empire, Calif. category:

Average spent per wedding, respectively: $34,136, $33,848

13. Baltimore category:

$33,366

14. Washington, D.C./Northern Virginia category:

Average spent per wedding: $33,118

15. Houston category:

$31,978

16. Southern Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas)

Average spent per wedding: $31,288

17. Savannah, Ga.

$30,618

18. Sacramento/Reno/Tahoe

Average spent per wedding: $30,458

19. Hawaii

Average spent per wedding: $29,636

20. Illinois

Average spent per wedding: $29,489