How Much Does It Cost To Elope?
Budget is a factor in any wedding day & elopements are no different. However, an elopement isn’t just a way to cut costs or save money & you should still invest in your wedding day! So…how much exactly does it cost to elope?
This guide will break down your elopement budget, and what you should plan for when it comes to the big day.
While technically you can get legally married for the cost of a marriage license, most couples spend on average $7,000-$20,000 for their elopement day. The reason that is such a huge range is you get to determine exactly what you view as a priority for your elopement day. So…what exactly is the breakdown for an average elopement budget?
AVERAGE ELOPEMENT BUDGET
Travel: $500 - $2,000
Attire: $500 - $3,400
Officiant: $450 - $800
Bouquet: $150 - $300
Photographer: $4,600 - $10,000
*most elopement photographers also serve as planners
Wedding Planner (optional): $1,000 - $4,000
The Cost of Eloping vs. a Large Traditional Wedding
It’s nothing new that traditional weddings can be pricey. According to The Knot, the average wedding in the United States costed $34,000 in 2021 — that’s half the median income of the average family in the United States. That’s a large investment with most of the money being spent on things you will not see again after the day is over.
While eloping is usually less costly, it is only an added bonus. Your elopement is still the day you get married. It is so important and still worth investing in. The difference is when you elope, you are investing in an authentic experience rather than a production for other people. You get to decide what is important to you & what you would like to spend your money on.
Every elopement is different & the options are endless when it comes to what you can do for your elopement day. This makes it difficult to give a short answer to “How much does it cost to elope?” You can have a destination ceremony across the globe, stay in a luxury resort, go camping, have a day filled with adventurous activities, or elope close to home—it’s entirely up to you.
Many couples I have worked with said they chose to elope because they value experiences over things. A traditional wedding didn’t align with their vision or goals. Thousands of dollars is a lot of money to spend, and how we spend our money is a direct reflection of what means the most to us.
Average Cost of a Wedding:
$34,000
What You Get:
A venue to host 150-300 guests
Catering for 150-300 guests
Photography and/or videography
Wedding attire
Decor for ceremony & reception locations
Officiant
Music from a band or DJ
A planner to keep track of everything
A rushed timelines with little to no time with your partner
An experience steeped in tradition, whether you identify with it or not
Average Cost of an Elopement:
$10,000
What You Get:
Photography
Wedding attire
A bouquet & other personal details
An experience & adventure with your partner
A personally crafted authentic celebration that aligns with your values
Why Should You Invest In Your Elopement?
There is a common misconception that eloping is for “cheap” couples — those who want to tie the knot quickly and get it over with. They don’t want to invest time or money into their day. While that may have been true when elopements were something that stays in Vegas, that’s no longer what it is about.
Eloping is all about getting married in a way that actually feels right for you. It’s about being intentional about how you spend your wedding day, instead of just follow the blueprint of what you’re “supposed to do.” I’d say that is worth celebrating!
The great thing about elopements is that you get to spend money on the things that matter most to you. You can save on catering for 200 and invest in traveling somewhere epic, or riding a helicopter, or anything else you can dream up. When you’re budgeting for your elopement, asking “How much does it cost to elope?” and talking with your partner, decide what is important to you. Figure out which experiences you want to spend money on & what would make your elopement day amazing!
What Goes into an Elopement Budget?
Whether you create a budget ahead of time, or figure it out as you go, you’ll need to know the cost of eloping. So, here’s everything you will need to think about!
YOUR WEDDING ATTIRE
Your dress, suit, or whatever you decide to where for the ceremony will definitely be important to plan for! With elopements, it’s usually best to keep things a little more casual (a huge beaded ballgown may be a bit difficult to explore the outdoors in). That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t invest to make sure you feel your best on your wedding day. For some, looking at alternative wedding dresses can be a good way to find something more comfortable & to save some money. Bridesmaid dresses are often gorgeous, and you can check out places like Lulus or BHLDN for inexpensive bridal attire. Don’t forget to budget for alterations too!
If you want some new shoes for the occasion, I recommend hiking boots or something comfortable — make sure you can walk, hike, and adventure!
MARRIAGE LICENSE
This can be easy to forget, but paperwork does cost money! The cost does depend on where you elope, but it usually ranges from about $50-$100. Check this before you go to the county clerk’s office & remember that a lot of them only accept cash.
CEREMONY PERMITS
When you get married outdoors, you often need a permit. This depends location to location, and some places only require a permit for ceremonies over a certain number of people. Some places don’t require a permit at all, but they can range anywhere from $25-$500. This sure beats the cost of a traditional wedding venue. National parks are typically more expensive to tie the knot in, while state parks, national forests, and other public lands are usually on the cheaper side. Keep in mind that you still need to pay any entrance fees for the park as well.
RINGS AND ACCESSORIES
If you have wedding bands, these will be a consideration, as well as any other jewelry or accessories you plan to purchase for your elopement day. These costs vary widely, so this one depends on your priority.
TRAVEL COSTS
If you need to travel to your elopement location, the cost of gas or plane tickets can definitely add up. There’s also the cost of lodging, which can vary widely — from Airbnbs, to camping, to luxury resorts.
ADVENTURE GEAR
Along with the regular wedding costs, asking “how much does it cost to elope?” also depends a lot on what you want to do. Adventure gear can be hiking backpacks, headlamps, kayak rentals, hot air balloon rides…anything you can dream up! It’s important to be prepared for exploring, so do some research to ensure you’re ready for what you have planned.
ELOPEMENT VENDORS
Your vendors will likely be one of the biggest expenses, but they’re definitely work it! Don’t cut costs when it comes to the people who are responsible for making sure your day runs smoothly. Some couples only hire a photographer, while others want a makeup artist, cake designer, florist, officiant, elopement planner, and videographer — so decide which vendors are most important to your day!
The Cost of Elopement Photography
An elopement photographer is one of the most important things you will invest in for your wedding day! Not only will they be there to capture the once-in-a-lifetime memories, but they’ll be able to guide you through planning your elopement, from finding the perfect spot to recommending vendors and places to stay. An experienced, quality elopement photographer will be more expensive, but they’ll have the backup gear required to ensure your photos are safe, and the knowledge to make your elopement the best it can be. Elopement packages start at $3,000 — so contact me if you’re ready to get planning!
The cost of eloping isn’t about where you spend that hard earned cash. The value of an elopement is in crafting a true-to-you wedding experience you are proud of. The financial cost can play a huge role depending on where you want to elope, what activities you choose to partake in, and many other factors that are personalized to your unique taste. Ultimately, it is 100% up to you what you spend, but the dollar amount has no effect on the value of your wedding day. Choosing an elopement where you are free to be yourself and spend the entire day with your partner while committing your lives to one another is truly a priceless experience.
So, are you ready to throw out the stressful plans in exchange of a true-to-you elopement?
I WANT TO HELP! CONTACT ME AND LET’S START PLANNING YOUR DREAM MARRIAGE CELEBRATION.
