How much does it cost to elope?
Full pricing breakdown
Eloping can be an appealing alternative to a traditional wedding, often offering a more intimate and less stressful experience. But how much does it actually cost to elope?
This guide breaks down the various expenses associated with elopements to help you plan your elopement.
The Cost Of Eloping
how to allocate your budget
One of the biggest misconceptions is that couples who elope are just trying to save money. While elopements are typically much more affordable than a traditional wedding, this is actually not the reason most couples elope.
The difference is that when you elope you can decide exactly what YOU value, and what you want to allocate your money towards. Early in your planning process, you should identify what’s most important to you both and splurge on that, while potentially cutting costs on things you don’t care as much about.
When we eloped, our priority was to get married at a beautiful location on our bucket list and have epic photos and videos. With this said, we allotted the majority of our funds towards traveling to our dream location and hiring the best photo/video team we could find.
Is eloping cheaper than a wedding?
elopements VS weddings cost
It is true that eloping typically is much less of a financial burden than a large wedding. With big, traditional weddings the largest cost is often the wedding venue. Wedding venue prices can be outrageous, being in the double or triple digits for the venue fee as well as food and beverage minimums on top of that.
This is one of the biggest reasons we eloped- we weren’t interested in paying tens of thousands of dollars to throw a big party where dinner and drinks were on us. Instead, we chose to get married in the mountains and not pay a dime for the “venue”. This way, we could allocate those funds towards experiences like traveling to Italy, staying in a 5 star resort during our elopement, and hiring our photo/video team for three full days.
Micro Wedding Cost
elopements VS weddings cost
How many guests you plan to invite will significantly impact how much your elopement costs. If you’re planning a micro-wedding (15+ guests) instead of an elopement, you will likely need to reserve a small wedding venue or ceremony location. You may also want to have a dinner or reception which can have high costs for the space and sometimes food and beverage minimums.
PRICING & COST ANALYSIS
Elopement Cost Factors
how to allocate your budget
Your elopement can be as simple or as extravagant as you want! That’s the beauty of planning an untraditional wedding. Here are the main factors you should look at while considering where you want to allot your funds and that impact how much does it cost to elope.
Legal and PROCESSING Fees
marriage license and officiant
Marriage License
The only expense that’s actually essential is the marriage license, since it makes your elopement official! This typically ranges from $30 to $60 depending on your location. It’s worth noting that each state or county has its own specific requirements, so it’s a good idea to check with your local clerk’s office ahead of time.
Officiant
Another key consideration is the officiant fees. This can vary widely based on who you choose to officiate your ceremony. If you hire a professional officiant, the cost could range anywhere from $200 to $500+, depending on their experience, location, and the specific services they offer. However, if you’re leaning towards a more personal touch, you might consider having a friend or family member officiate. This can often be done at no cost, though you may still want to offer a token of appreciation. Alternatively, in Colorado you have the unique option to self-solemnize—essentially, marrying yourselves without the need for an officiant.
Travel + Transportation
flights and rental cars
Flights
Domestic elopements often involve lower travel costs than international locations. International elopements typically involve higher travel costs, including flights, transportation, and potentially higher accommodation expenses. The cost of flights can vary widely depending on the destination, time of booking, and season. For domestic elopements, round-trip flights within the U.S. might range from $200 to $600 per person, while international flights can range from $500 to $2,000 or more per person.
Rental Cars
If your elopement destination requires driving, rental car costs can add up. You may need to rent a high clearance vehicle such as a jeep to get to some of the more off-the-grid spots. Depending on the type of car and rental duration, expect to pay between $30 to $100 per day.
Accommodation
lodging
Hotels
Hotel prices vary greatly depending on the destination and the level of luxury. Budget-friendly hotels may cost around $50 to $150 per night, while luxury resorts or boutique hotels can range from $200 to $1,000+ per night.
Private Estates (VRBO + AirBnB)
This can be a cost-effective and flexible option, with prices ranging from $50 to $300 per night for a private room or entire home.
Unique Lodging Experiences
For those looking for something special, consider options like glamping, bed and breakfasts, or unique accommodations like treehouses or yurts. These can cost anywhere from $100 to $500+ per night.
Locations
elopement locations and venues
Elopement Locations
Public Land (National Forests, National Parks, etc.) – $0 to $300 for permits
Reservable Ceremony Site
Reservable Sites – $$
Small Wedding Venue
Wedding Venues – $$$
Food & Drinks
picnics, dinners and more
Micro Wedding Reception
How many guests you plan to invite will significantly impact how much your elopement costs. When you invite many guests, typically you will then plan a dinner or reception which can have high costs for the reception space as well as sometimes food and beverage minimums (which can be thousands of dollars).
Private Chef
You could also decide to hire a private chef at a vacation rental for an intimate backyard party. This is typically a good option for a dinner of just a few friends and family, or just the two of you. A small celebration which you can host at a restaurant or private estate will be much more affordable than a large group of people who you’ll need to reserve a private space for.
Picnic Celebration
Couples eloping without any guests, or just a few, can opt for a luxury private dinner set up by a designer, a charcuterie board picnic with champagne or a simple pizza and beer celebration on top of a mountain. As you can see, the cost for food and drinks for your elopement can vary drastically depending on what you want for your day.
wedding Cake
A cake for two to 10 people typically costs between $50 to $300. You might also consider a cake topper! If cake isn’t your thing you could get cupcakes or another dessert that you love.
Wedding Planners
planning & design
If you’ve ever been to a traditional wedding, you’re likely familiar with wedding planners. They coordinate vendors, guests and help with various tasks throughout the day. You may want to hire a planner if you’re planning to invite a large number of guests that would need coordinated, or have them do a set up for you such as decorate a space for the ceremony or reception.
However, not all couples that elope need to hire a planner. As long as you are hiring a photographer who is specialized in elopements in the area you plan to get married, and aren’t planning to invite a lot of guests or have any elaborate set up, you likely don’t need to hire a planner.
While we can’t speak for all photographers, as elopement specialists at Authentic Collective we are photographers and videographers AS WELL as elopement planners. This means we don’t hire or communicate with other vendors for you, but we assist with pretty much everything else!
This includes but isn’t limited to:
- A custom location guide for you to find the perfect spot
- Permit information and application assistance
- Personalized timeline / elopement itinerary creation
- Unique lodging ideas for your chosen area
- Local vendor suggestions
- Wedding day kit (oxygen, hand warmers, etc.)
Photographers & Videographers
cost of photography and videography
Average Cost Of Photography & Videography
While the cost of an average photographer in the US ranges from $4,000 to $6,000, there are newer photographers who are still learning who charge much less, and specialty elopement experts who charge much more. The reason photographers who specialize in elopements generally charge more than traditional wedding photographers is due to all of the additional services they include in their packages (they basically act as your photographer AND planner). If you hire a photographer who isn’t a elopement specialist in the area you’re planning your elopement, you will have a lot more work to do (finding the right location, local vendors, lodging, building a feasible timeline, etc.).
You can get a photographer and videographer at pretty much any price point. However, it’s important to understand that generally the lower the price, the lower the experience and quality of work. Hiring a cheap photographer or videographer generally means they are new, meaning you have a higher risk of not liking your photos/videos (or worse- they could not have the proper systems/backups in place and even lose them completely). Be sure to look at their reviews on Google to verify that they have lots of happy clients.
Quality & Experience
One of the biggest factor that determines a photographer’s price is their experience and quality of work. It’s important to ensure their experience and portfolio they have matches the type of event you’re planning. For example, just because someone has beautiful work shooting big weddings at traditional venues does not mean they have the experience and portfolio shooting elopements in the mountains, and vice versa. Find someone who specializes in shooting the exact type of event you are planning, and is local to the area or very familiar with it. (AND be sure to look through full galleries, not just social media or blogs).
Number Of Photographers
Some photographers work alone (meaning you’ll have just one photographer for your elopement) while others work as a team. Hiring one photographer is generally more budget friendly, while hiring a team may cost a bit more but of course has it’s benefits. Having two shooters means you get double the coverage, which can add variety to your gallery and generally be helpful for various situations throughout the day. We’ve also heard from our past clients that having us as a husband/wife team felt more like hanging out with friends rather than having a third-wheel.
Amount Of Coverage
Another huge factor in pricing is the amount of coverage you book (how long the photographers will be with you documenting the day). This can range from just a couple hours, to a few days of coverage. Ultimately, this is personal preference. Some prefer just to have their ceremony documented and a few portraits- while others want to make their elopement a full day or multi-day experience.
When we eloped, we opted for a THREE day elopement. We wanted to make the most out of our elopement, and having three days of photo/video coverage meant we got to explore numerous stunning locations, include fun activities like taking a boat ride, and have different outfits for each day. You can view real elopement timeline examples here to get an idea of how much coverage you want for your day.
Eloping couples who value their photos and videos more than almost anything, tend to spend the majority of their funds towards their photo/video team. View our elopement pricing and packages.
Download the FREE CHECKLIST
10 Questions To Ask Elopement Photographers
before Your Hire them
Don’t hire a photographer before asking them these 10 essential questions!
Hair & Makeup
professional or self-done
Professional Hair & Makeup
Another expense to consider is hair and makeup. Professional services can add a touch of glamour to your special day, and prices typically range from $150 to $600 for one person, depending on the experience of the stylist and the complexity of the look you’re aiming for. You might opt for a professional if you want to feel pampered, or you could go the DIY route if you’re confident in your own skills or prefer a more natural look.
DIY Hair & Makeup
Choosing DIY hair and makeup for your elopement is a great way to save money and personalize your look. Instead of hiring a professional, you can create your style using your own makeup and tools. This option gives you full control and lets you practice until you perfect your look. With plenty of online tutorials, achieving a polished appearance at home is easier than ever. The only costs involved are for any additional products you might need, making it a budget-friendly choice that still lets you feel special on your big day.
Flowers
bouquet, boutonnieres, etc.
Bouquets & boutennieres
While elopements are often simpler than traditional weddings, flowers and decorations can still play a beautiful role in your ceremony. A bouquet and boutonniere are classic choices, and a small, elegant arrangement typically costs between $50 and $150. If you have a favorite flower or want something a bit more elaborate, this could push the cost higher, but even a modest bouquet can add a touch of natural beauty to your day.
Installments
If you’re considering additional decor, such as an arch or a simple ceremony setup, these costs can vary based on your vision. A basic setup might cost around $100 to $300, especially if you’re going for a DIY approach with rented or easily sourced materials. However, if you want a more elaborate backdrop, or if you’re hiring a professional decorator, the price can increase. The good news is that with an elopement, you have the freedom to scale the decor to fit your personal style, whether that means a few simple touches or a more elaborate setup.
Attire and Accessories
outfits, rings & more
Wedding Rings
Rings are another significant aspect to budget for. Wedding bands can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the materials and design. If you’re looking for something simple, a classic band can be quite affordable. However, if you want custom designs, engraving, or precious stones, the price will increase accordingly. The important thing is to choose rings that symbolize your commitment in a way that resonates with both of you!
Wedding Dress/Suit
When it comes to elopements, your attire and accessories can be as simple or as extravagant as you desire. For your wedding dress or suit, the costs can vary greatly. If you’re going for a budget-friendly option, you might find beautiful dresses or suits for a few hundred dollars, often available at department stores or online retailers. On the other end of the spectrum, if you’ve always dreamed of wearing a designer gown or tailored suit, those can easily run into the thousands. The key is to choose something that feels right for you, whether it’s a simple white dress or a custom-made suit.
Stationary
invitations, announcements, etc.
Invitations or announcements
For your elopement, invitations or announcements are a simple way to share your special news with loved ones. If you’re planning a low-key ceremony, digital invitations can be a cost-effective and eco-friendly option. For a more personal touch, you might opt for printed announcements, which can range from $100 to $500 depending on the design and quantity. Whether you choose to go digital or traditional, sending out invites or announcements ensures that your family and friends are included in your celebration, even if they can’t be there in person.
Vow Books
Vow books are a lovely touch for your elopement, providing a special place to write and keep your vows. They typically cost between $20 and $50, depending on the design and whether they are custom-made or bought off the shelf. These small, elegant books can be cherished keepsakes, and writing your vows in them adds a personal and meaningful touch to your ceremony. Whether you opt for simple, classic designs or personalized options, vow books help make your vows even more memorable and meaningful.
Elopement Activities
picnics, tours and more
When planning your elopement, the activities you choose can play a big role in shaping the overall experience. Like other aspects of eloping, you can choose what you want to do and how much you want to spend. There are plenty of free activities such as hiking, scenic drives, stargazing, swimming, campfires, etc. However, there are also elopement ideas and activities that you could splurge on for a one of a kind experience. Here are some ideas which will impact how much it costs to elope.
Low Cost activities
A common low cost activity is a picnic, might cost around $50-$100+, depending on what you pack. Renting a sleigh for a winter ride could set you back $50-$100 per person. Renting a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard usually falls within the $40-$100 range, while a private sailboat tour averages at $500.
High Cost activities
A hot air balloon ride can cost upwards of $1000+, while a helicopter tour is often priced at $300-$600 per person. Horseback riding might range from $75-$150 per person. Keep in mind that if you want your photo/video team to document the activity, you’ll also need to pay for any expenses they may incur as well.
ELOPEMENT COST FAQs
QUESTIONS
