How Much Does It Cost to Elope in 2024? Elopement Cost Calculator

elopement planning

Sep 15

Written By Ashton Jack

WHAT DOES AN ELOPEMENT COST COMPARED TO A LARGE, TRADITIONAL WEDDING?

(HINT: IT’S MUCH CHEAPER)

Let’s talk money.

Before we get into elopements specifically, let’s talk about weddings in general. According to The Knot Real Weddings Study, the cost of the average wedding in 2022 was $30,000. We’re talking big weddings, held at venues, with catering for somewhere like 100-300 guests. And that number was even higher in some cities—in Manhattan, that average was a whopping $83,000. Even in 2020 during COVID-19, despite all the postponements and cutting of costs, the average cost of a reception-only event was a whopping $19,000 (source).

Not everyone has this kind of money lying around—and while some folks might have help from their parents or family, not everyone shares that privilege or wants to ask their loved ones for help. Plus, aside from cost, a lot of folks elope for reasons other than money, and would rather put that kind of money toward another big life goal—like the down payment of a house!

On the other hand…

How much does an elopement cost?

Well… that’s a good question. And one that I typically answer with another question:

What is your budget?

Because that’s how much an elopement costs—that’s the simplest and best way I can put it! YOU get to decide what costs are involved, and how much to spend on each. Other than the cost of a marriage license in your state or country (typically between $50-100), there are no set costs for an elopement. There are no rules, because there is no rulebook! You threw that out the window when you decided to elope.

I’ve found that most adventure elopements cost somewhere between $5000-$10000, and most of those costs go toward your photographer, travel & accommodations, and attire. You get to set your budget based on what you can afford. For example—want to set a budget right now of $7,000, because that’s what you’ve saved up and can afford? Great—that’s your budget! You can throw an incredible elopement for that much, just like you can throw an incredible elopement for twice that, or a quarter. Some couples have spent tens of thousands on an adventurous elopement trip and honeymoon of a lifetime, pulling out all the stops, but that doesn’t mean your elopement has to cost that much, and there are so many opportunities to have a beautiful, even luxurious elopement for much less.

Travel costs can be especially fluid, and there is such a sliding scale. Also recognize that from state to state and country to country, travel costs will differ, as will the cost of vendors and activities.

In terms of budget, think of it as your wallet being the limit: you spend as much as you want, based on what you value and what you can afford. You might consider shelling out for a several-week-long trip for a combination adventure elopement and honeymoon in a different country or somewhere you’ve never been, or you could elope close to home for very little and put that money toward a photographer and some rings.

Budget breakdown for a traditional wedding vs. an adventure elopement

What can you expect an adventure elopement to cost? What kinds of expenses should you be taking into consideration?

Here’s a list that compares the average costs of most ‘traditional’ weddings (that is, weddings at venues with usually 50+ guests) versus an adventure elopement, with or without a handful of guests.

Costs will vary from location to location.

A.) TRADITIONAL WEDDING

Photographer: ~$2,500-7,000

Event planner: $2,500+

Officiant: $500+

Marriage license: $50-100

Venue: ~$8,000+

Catering: $10,000+

Cake/dessert: $500+

dress/attire: ~$1,000-3,000

Hair & make up: $500 for bride + $75-150 for each bridesmaid

Flowers: $2,000+

DJ/band: $1,500+

invitations: $400-750

Travel, transport, & accommodation: $0-800+

Decorations & extras: $500-2000+

TOTAL: ~$30,000+

B.) ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT

Click the + sign for a breakdown on each item!

Expect to pay roughly the same amount for an elopement photographer as you would for a traditional wedding photographer, or more if you’re hiring someone who also offers planning services or more all-inclusive service packages.
Along with the photography we also offer planning, officiating, decor/gear rentals, announcement design, so while you might spend a little more on a photographer, it ends up saving you money in other areas! A good planner can also help you save money on travel and other costs with their expert recommendations.
This will of course vary depending on how far you’re traveling! Elope close to home, somewhere you can drive to, or pull out all the stops for the destination elopement/honeymoon trip of a lifetime!
Don’t forget the flights and a rental car if you’re flying, plus accommodations for where you’ll be staying.
Marriage licenses typically cost around $50-100 depending on which state you’re applying in. If you think about it, this is truly the only fixed costs involved with getting married!
NOTE: Marriage laws vary from state to state. Research the marriage laws in whichever state you want to elope.
One of the greatest things about elopements is the ability to get married on public lands! You can get beautiful, jaw-dropping vistas for practically free, if not totally free.
Often, the only fee involved in booking your venue is an event/special use permit! These are usually $50-$150 in most areas. Some public land locations don’t require a permit at all!
Great news: many elopement photographers offer officiating services too, so you don’t have to find or hire an extra party to come alongside you.
If you are hiring a pro, expect to pay about $300-800 depending on what travel will be involved.
Or, you could also consider asking a friend or loved one! It’s super easy to get ordained online at ULC.org.
Or, consider filling out your paperwork at the courthouse before or after your adventure, and opt for a symbolic ceremony day-of.
NOTE: Marriage laws vary from state to state. Research the marriage laws in whichever state you want to elope.
Depends on where you shop! You can find inexpensive elopement-style dresses on sites like Lulus for less than $200. Elopements are often more casual than traditional weddings, so gents often forgo a full suit/tux which can help cut costs too.
Another optional expense! Expect to spend about $300 for a pro florist.
Or, you could DIY your own bouquet for much less, or pick one up from a local grocery store or market, or forgo them entirely and let the scenery around you provide the florals!
Another optional expense! Expect to spend about $300-600 for a pro, or DIY with makeup you already own!
Varies depending on the kind of activities and food you want to involve!
Consider a simple picnic with food from a local grocery store, or takeout Chinese food, or hire a private chef to cook you a gourmet dinner.
Don’t forget the dessert! Consider a small elopement cake for two, a box of donuts/macarons, or s'mores by the fire.
Great news: you don’t need to hire a planner for your elopement. You could hire a dedicated planner if you have super elaborate plans or really need the extra help… although you could also hire a specialized elopement photographer (like me) who can double as your elopement planner and guide!
You'll want to factor in any outdoor/camping gear you need to buy for your adventure, or any decor you want to include like an arbor or any dinner/picnic decorations. You could also consider adding on extra activities like guided tours, Jeep or boat rentals, helicopter tours—let your imagination run wild!

TOTAL: $5,000-$10,000+

Elopement Cost Calculator

To give you an even better idea of what an adventure elopement might cost for YOU, here’s my handy-dandy elopement cost estimator!

If you’re still worried about the costs of an adventure elopement, know there are options!

Ways to cut costs for your elopement:

Hire a photographer that can serve as your planner, officiant, and more—save money by not having to hire extra hands! (We offer planning, officiating, decor & supply rentals, video, and more.)
Ask your loved ones that instead of wedding gifts, you’re asking for funding for your elopement/honeymoon trip. (Yes, you can still have a registry even if you’re eloping!)
Buy and plan with intentionality. Don’t care about a wedding cake? You don’t need one. Down for takeout pizza and a hike into the mountains? Do that!
Thrift your wedding attire or buy used instead of buying new—or look for inexpensive but lovely dresses on sites like Lulus (ballpark $100-300).
Instead of shelling out thousands on your wedding rings, check out these amazing weddings rings for much less on Etsy! Some couples like to start with simple jewelry, then upgrade to something nicer after some time.
Forgo the professional hair & makeup artist—check out tutorials online to practice DIYing your own!
Forgo the flowers—or grab a simple bouquet from a nearby grocery store or farmer’s market!
Go for a road trip! Consider driving to your destination instead of flying.
Go for a camping adventure! Not for everyone, but for the couple who doesn’t mind roughing it, consider camping instead of booking lodging for your adventure elopement.
Postpone the honeymoon—maybe now isn’t the time for a big trip, but that’s okay! A lot of couples like to have a “mini” vacation for their elopement, then save up for a bigger adventure later on.

Whatever you decide, know these don’t have to be sacrifices, but rather intentional decisions made with care. Details are just that—the focus is truly about you two getting married, and as long as you two are doing that in a way that feels authentic and good to you, that’s all that matters!

what is important to you?

While even the more extravagant of adventure elopements are usually SIGNIFICANTLY less expensive than traditional large weddings, though that isn’t the only reason most couples elope. Ultimately, it comes down to deciding what you want and what is important to you.

For example, is it important to you that all of your family and friends are there by your sides as you say your vows to one another, or would you rather keep the intimacy of that moment to yourselves?

Do you want to adventure somewhere new and foreign and experience something new together for your wedding day? Do you want to visit somewhere you’ve never been before, and stay a few extra days or a week or two and turn it into an epic double elopement-honeymoon trip? Or is there perhaps a place you love close to home that’s calling your name?

Do you care about the details? The flowers, the attire, the jewelery… or are there perhaps ways you could prioritize what’s important, maybe put more money towards your photographer, or a down payment on a house or other savings fund?

If you’re still on the fence about whether or not an elopement is right for you, here’s another blog post I wrote going over the top reasons couples choose to elope, plus questions to ask yourself to help you make your decision!

Is an elopement right for you?

read on

HEY THERE, WE’RE

WILDERPINES ELOPEMENTS

Creating wildly intentional & intimate adventure elopements for rad couples in the PNW

We’re here to inspire you and help you create a unique, intentional, unforgettable wedding experience that reflects who you are, then to capture it all so you can relive those moments forever.

If you’re looking for more information on how to elope in the Pacific Northwest or beyond, get in touch and let’s start planning your dream elopement!

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