One of the best parts about eloping is how magical the experience can be without breaking the bank. But how much does it cost to elope? In this article, I’ll discuss common elopement expenses and what you can expect to spend.

The cost of eloping is usually between $4,000 and $18,000, depending on location, guest count, and vendors. With so many options for eloping, you can plan a budget-friendly or more expensive wedding.

Below, I’ll share an overview of costs, ideas for your elopement, and tips for sticking to a budget. 

Wedding vs. Elopement Cost

According to a recent wedding study, the average wedding cost in the United States in 2023 was $35,000. However, elopements are typically far less than that, starting around a few thousand dollars.

Elopements and weddings can vary significantly in cost, depending on your wedding experience, location, and guest count. 

How much does it cost to elope at city hall?

A city hall elopement is usually less than $100. However, this depends on where you’re getting married. The cost typically includes your marriage license and the ceremony fee.

How much does it cost to elope outdoors?

Eloping outdoors is my favorite because the opportunities are endless, and there are many free and affordable options. Not to mention, nature is the best decor – and it’s free!

Whether you want to get married at a park, on the beach, in the mountains, or on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, there are countless possibilities.

How much does it cost to elope at a venue?

Eloping at a venue is usually the most expensive option because you’re paying for the space, whether or not you have a large wedding. Most couples spend between $3,000 and $11,000 for a wedding venue. However, you can elope at a smaller venue for anywhere from $500 to $2,000.

Cost of Eloping: Expenses to Consider

Aside from where you exchange your vows, there are other expenses you’ll want to consider when eloping. Below, I’ll share a breakdown of possible elopement costs. 

Keep in mind that your expenses will vary depending on the kind of elopement you’re planning, such as destination or close to home, loved ones joining vs a just-us elopement, and simple or more extravagant. You can also forego some of the expenses below for lower costs.

• Venue  – $0 to $2,000
• Travel – varies
• Accommodation – $50 to $300 per night
• Attire – $500 to $3,000
• Photographer – $3,000 to $10,000
• Officiant – $300 to $600
• Florist – $200 to $500
• Hair & makeup – $150 to $600
• Food – $100+
• Activities – $30 to $1,000
• Total – $4,330 to $18,100 if you include each expense above

Venue

Average cost: $0 to $2,000

For an affordable elopement, I recommend choosing an outdoor space or courthouse ceremony.

If you want loved ones to join you or a more private experience, you can choose a venue that accommodates your ideal wedding.

Travel

Average cost: Varies

If you’re having a destination elopement, you’ll need to consider the cost of travel. This can vary greatly, depending on if you’re driving or flying and where you’re getting married.

If you’re working with a small budget, I recommend choosing somewhere that’s a short drive or flight away. However, if you want to plan a memorable elopement and honeymoon experience, consider a destination elopement. 

A few of my favorite elopement locations include the Dolomites, Colorado, and Montana.

Accommodation

Average cost: $50 to $300 per night

Most accommodations are at least a couple of hundred dollars per night. If you’re planning an adventure elopement, you might go camping, which costs less than a hotel or vacation rental.

Some elopement venues, like Cement Creek Ranch in Colorado, one of my favorites, also have on-site accommodations. This is ideal if you want a more convenient experience and to fully enjoy your accommodation and venue.

Attire

Average cost: $100 to $2,000 for a dress & shoes and $400 to $1,000 for a suit & shoes

The cost of your elopement attire depends on your style. With so many clothing options, you can easily get amazing outfits on a smaller budget or splurge on nicer attire. The best part about eloping is the experience is entirely up to you!

If you’re planning a hiking elopement, you may also need a change of clothes and hiking shoes.

Photographer

Average cost: $3,000 to $10,000

The average cost of elopement photography depends on experience and location, but it’s well worth the investment! There’s nothing like looking back at stunning photos to remember your magical elopement for years to come. Sharing photos also allows you to include your loved ones on your special day.

I recommend working with an elopement photographer like myself, who also offers planning support. When I work with couples, I help with location scouting, timeline planning, and vendor recommendations.

I have various elopement photography packages to accommodate different budgets and the experience you’re looking for, including multi-day, full-day, and mini-elopements.

Officiant

Average cost: $300 to $600

Most officiants charge between $300 and $600 based on location and if they’re traveling.

To save on this cost, you can work with a photographer like myself who can officiate your wedding. You can also elope in a state where you can self-solemnize your own wedding, like Colorado or Montana.

Florist

Average cost: $200 to $500

A florist typically costs far less for an elopement than a wedding. However, nature can make for your greenery and florals if you elope outdoors. Many couples I work with completely cut this cost or keep it minimal with a bouquet only.

Hair & makeup

Average cost: $150 to $600

The average cost of elopement hair and makeup in 2023 was $300. However, there’s wiggle room here. For example, an updo costs more than a blowout, and simple makeup costs more than airbrush.

Food

Average cost: $100+

The cost of food and activities depends on the kind of wedding you’re planning and if you’re inviting loved ones. One perk is that food expenses are far less for elopements than for weddings. However, if you’re having guests join you, you might choose to pay for their wedding day meal.

You’ll definitely want to celebrate your special day with a delicious meal, whether that’s from a caterer, with a picnic, or at a nice restaurant in town.

Activities

Average cost: $30 to $1,000

Elopements are often experience-based, but this can look however you want. Your activities can be anything that helps you have a special experience, whether hiking, kayaking, or having coffee together.

If you’re getting married in a park, activities like hiking will already be included in the cost. If you’re having a multi-day eloping or tying in your honeymoon, plan for additional costs.

Does eloping save money?

Eloping usually saves money because you don’t have to accommodate guests, and you can plan an authentic experience without worrying about the pressure of traditional wedding expectations and expenses.

How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Elopement

One of the best parts about eloping is that you can have a magical experience without going into debt. The tips below can help you have your dream wedding while sticking to a budget.

Decide on a Budget

Knowing your budget upfront can help you plan accordingly. You can also plan an incredible elopement experience that fits any budget.

Decide how much you can or want to spend on your elopement. I recommend choosing your ideal budget and one a little higher for wiggle room, if possible.

Hire a Photographer

Of course, you’ll want a photographer to capture all the special moments on your big day! But a photographer can also help you save money.

Photographers who offer planning support let you forego the expense of a planner. They can also help you stick to your budget with appropriate venue, vendor, and activity recommendations.

Choose an Inexpensive Location

With so many elopement destinations and venues to choose from, it’s easy to find the perfect one within your budget.

Outdoor locations are usually ideal because they’re free or affordable, and you can also create new memories while exploring nature together. Not to mention, natural beauty as a backdrop is free and gorgeous!

Elope During the Slow Season

If you’re flexible with timing and having a destination elopement, consider planning for the off-season. With this, you can usually save on accommodations and travel expenses. Activities may also be more affordable.

Have a Just-Us Elopement

Not only does a just-us elopement help you enjoy quality time together, but it can also save you money. Inviting guests often requires paying for a larger venue, food, and transportation. 

My husband and I had an intimate elopement with just the two of us, and it was perfect! After the wedding, we celebrated with loved ones by watching our elopement film together.

Plan Free or Budget-Friendly Activities

While you want to enjoy your elopement experience, you don’t have to break the bank doing it.

There are so many fun, budget-friendly elopement activities, including hiking, riding bikes, and having a first dance together.

How much does it cost to elope? Conclusion

I hope you found this article helpful! The cost of eloping can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on your unique experience.

The best part of eloping is that you can be whatever you want it to be. I’ve been a part of so many affordable and more pricey elopements, and they have all been magical. 

If you want support planning and capturing your elopement, I’d love to help! I enjoy working with adventurous couples dreaming of an authentic and memorable wedding day.