How much does it cost to elope?

GUIDE TO FIGURING OUT HOW MUCH DOES IS COST TO ELOPE

There are many reasons why couples choose to elope, but the cost of a big wedding can definitely be a factor! but, how much does it actually cost to elope?

So how much does it Cost to Elope?

Each year, millions of couples across the world plan their wedding day. according to the knot, the average cost of a wedding in 2019 was $33,900. yep, you read that right! thirty fucking grand – enough for a new car, and enough for a down payment on a house. with wedding venues alone averaging $15,439, throwing even the most budget-friendly traditional wedding can put a financial strain on a couple. wedding stress is real, and when couples start taking out loans just to pay for the big day, you know there’s a problem. while there are many reasons why couples choose to elope (check a few out here), the cost of a big wedding can definitely be a factor! but, how much does it cost to elope? 

While there is no set cost for an elopement – it can vary just as much as the cost of a wedding – elopements tend to be less expensive. plus, the best thing about eloping is that you’re spending your money on experiences, not things! when you spend money on your elopement, the memories and experiences that you have are going to last forever! the same can’t be said for centerpieces and monogrammed napkins.

Cost to Elope | The Average Breakdown

Travel and Accommodation: $1500

Marriage License + Permits: $250

Photographer: $6,500

Attire: $2,500

Flowers: $500

Hair and Make Up: $500

Food: $500

Desert/Cake: $300

Day of Coordinator: $2,200

Officiant: $300

How much does it cost to Elope | Vendors:

When it comes to your elopement, having a great team of vendors on your side can make all the difference. you’re eloping because you wanted a stress-free wedding experience, right? your elopement vendors are there to guide you through the process and to make sure everything goes smoothly! when you’re asking, “how much does it cost to elope?” remember that a good team on your side is one of the best investments you can make. so, let’s break down the average cost of vendors in the united states.

PHOTOGRAPHER – AVG. $9,600

If we’re being honest photography/videography can be one of couples biggest expenses when it comes to eloping but its a pretty damn important part of your day and is something you should never settle on. this service alone is going to be the memories you get to keep forever. as an elopement photographer, I’m there not only to take the photos but also to be your guide throughout the whole experience. I send every couple a list of personalized location recommendations, vendor recommendations, and personal planning tools so that you can relax and enjoy the planning process. my elopement packages start at $4800 locally, and average around $9,600 for couples who book me.

FLORIST – AVG. $400

Some couples just get a bouquet for their elopement, while others like to have a floral arch to stand under during the ceremony. you can also get flower crowns, boutonniers, and even floral collars for your dog! elopement flowers can range anywhere from $150 for a bouquet, to $2000 for an all out floral extravaganza.

HAIR AND MAKEUP – AVG. $500

While you can totally do your hair and makeup yourself, getting pampered can be a lot of fun, and a professional will be able to give you tips for making sure your makeup stays looking fresh through any and all adventures! bridal hair and makeup averages $400-800.

DAY OF COORDINATOR – AVG. $2,200

Depending on how many guest you’re having or what types of things you plan on doing during the day, there is a huge value in having someone be accountable for all the things on your day so you are focusing on what matters most: living in the moment and enjoying your experience. I’ve found the average day of coordinator cost about $2,200.

How much does it cost to elope | Other elopement costs:

Some other things to think about when calculating your elopement budget are your attire (suit, dress, shoes…) and food!

ATTIRE – AVG. $2,500

When it comes to finding your elopement attire, you can spend anywhere from $200 to $3,000 – depending on what you decide to wear! wedding dresses and alterations can be pretty expensive, while suits tend to be on the cheaper side. you’ll also need footwear! 

FOOD – AVG. $500

Food is something couples often forget about. if it’s just the two of you and you’re planning to bring a small picnic, your costs will likely be much smaller than if you’re having guests at your elopement and need enough food to feed everyone.

to see a list of everything you’ll need to bring to an elopement, check out this post – the ultimate elopement checklist.

ADVENTURES – $200

The last thing to consider when planning your elopement, is the adventures you want to have. a hike is a great free adventure, but you can also take a helicopter ride, rent a canoe, hire a personal chef… the options are endless! 

TRAVEL AND LODGING – AVG. $1500

This can be one of the biggest costs of an elopement. if you’re eloping in your home state, you’ll save money on a flight, but if you’re jetting off to the opposite side of the globe, an international flight can cost as much as $1000. I have a little trick for saving money on a flight – sign up for SCOTT’S CHEAP FLIGHTS! It’s totally free, and you’ll get amazing deals on flights sent straight to your email inbox. if you don’t know where you want to elope yet, this can be a fun way to make that choice – check your email every day, and when an irresistible deal pops in, book the ticket! hey, it’s better than closing your eyes and spinning a globe 🙂

Even if you are eloping close to home, booking a cute airbnb or a hotel room can be an amazing way to make your elopement day even more awesome! it’s always fun to stay somewhere other than home, right?! and, picking a place with lots of windows and good lighting will guarantee that your elopement photos turn out in-freaking-credible. lodging options vary, and you can stay in an airbnb for as little as $40 a night, or an all inclusive beachside resort for up to $600 per night. you could plan an elopement ceremony at your airbnb, or even camp for free if you’re willing to get down and dirty – it all depends on what kind of elopement experience you want!

MARRIAGE LICENSES AND PERMITS – AVG. $250

When it comes to eloping, you’ll need to think about the legal stuff too! it may not be as glamorous as picking an elopement location or finding the perfect dress, but in order to make sure your marriage is valid and your ceremony is legal, you’ll need to know this stuff.

A marriage license is required in every us state, and you can get one at any county clerk’s office in the state in which your ceremony is happening. marriage licenses can cost as little as $10, and as much as $115. on average, a marriage license costs around $40. it depends on your state, and even on which county you’re in!

If you’re eloping on public land such as a national or state park, you’ll most likely need a permit to have a ceremony. the cost of a permit varies, and each park has their own rules and guidelines, so make sure to do your research! an elopement permit can cost as little as $25, and as much as $400. national park elopements usually have the highest permit costs, while some public lands don’t require a permit at all!

OFFICIANT – AVG. $300

Not every couple hires an officiant, but if you’re eloping with guests, it’s definitely a good idea! an elopement officiant will be able to personalize a ceremony for you, and create a personal, heartfelt experience. on average, an elopement officiant costs $300.