How Much Does It Cost to Elope? Cost Breakdown and Tips

Thinking about eloping? You're probably wondering about the financial side of choosing an intimate celebration over a traditional wedding. Elopement costs can vary dramatically based on your priorities, from simple courthouse ceremonies to elaborate destination celebrations.

The beauty of eloping is having complete control over your budget and spending decisions. You can skip expensive elements that don't matter to you and invest in what truly reflects your relationship, whether that's stunning photography, an incredible location, or a memorable experience.

This breakdown covers everything you need to know about elopement expenses, from venue and vendor costs to smart saving strategies that help you create your dream celebration without overspending.

How Much Does Eloping Really Cost?

The cost to elope typically ranges from a few hundred dollars for a simple courthouse ceremony to several thousand for an elaborate destination celebration. Most couples spend between $2,500 and $8,000 on their elopement, depending on their location, vendor choices, and celebration style.

Modern eloping isn't about secretly running away to get married. It's about choosing an intimate celebration over entertaining a large crowd. This shift in perspective allows couples to allocate their budget differently than traditional weddings.

Your elopement budget depends entirely on what matters most to you as a couple. Some prioritize professional photography to capture every moment, while others focus on an incredible location or experience. The flexibility to customize your celebration around your values makes elopements appealing to budget-conscious couples.

The beauty of eloping lies in this control over your spending. You're not obligated to include traditional wedding elements that don't resonate with your vision or budget.

Elopement vs Wedding Costs: What's the Real Difference?

Traditional weddings require significant investments in guest-dependent expenses that elopements simply don't need. The average wedding costs $36,000, according to the Zola Wedding Cost Index (ZWCI) and have been climbing steadily, making elopements an attractive alternative for couples who want to celebrate without the financial investment.

The most significant savings come from eliminating large guest counts. Wedding catering costs scale directly with attendance, while elopement meals might involve just a special dinner for two to six people. Venue requirements also differ dramatically. You don't need spaces that accommodate hundreds of guests.

Here's where your money goes differently:

• Catering expenses: Traditional weddings require full meal service for large groups, while elopements might include a celebratory dinner or picnic
• Venue size: No need for ballrooms or large event spaces when you're celebrating with just a few loved ones
• Rental items: Skip the table linens, centerpieces, and extensive seating arrangements
• Entertainment: Replace expensive bands or DJs with curated playlists or intimate acoustic performances

Location plays a huge role in cost differences. In Chicago, a traditional wedding for 150 guests averages $81,029, while Salt Lake City couples spend $36,549 for similar celebrations. Elopements in these cities follow the same regional pricing patterns but at much smaller scales.

Many couples find that spending less overall allows them to invest more in specific elements that matter most to them. You might choose premium photography or extend your celebration into a multi-day experience without breaking your budget.

What Goes Into Your Elopement Budget?

Planning an elopement budget requires thinking differently about wedding expenses. Instead of traditional categories like "reception venue" and "catering for 150," you'll focus on elements that enhance your intimate celebration.

Venue and location costs

Your venue choice sets the foundation for your entire elopement budget. Options range from completely free to luxury experiences that rival traditional wedding venues.

Public spaces offer the most budget-friendly options. National parks, state parks, and beaches typically require only modest permit fees. These permits range from $50 to $300, depending on the location and season. Many couples find stunning backdrops in these natural settings without expensive rental fees.

Private venues cater specifically to intimate celebrations. Boutique hotels, small restaurants, or specialty elopement venues may charge hourly rates or require minimum spending commitments. These costs typically range from several hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on what's included in the package.

Destination locations add travel considerations to your venue planning. Some destinations offer elopement packages that bundle ceremony space, accommodations, and basic vendor services. These packages can provide value by combining multiple expenses into one streamlined cost.

Unique venue options continue to gain popularity among eloping couples:

• Adventure locations: Mountain peaks, desert landscapes, or forest clearings that require hiking or special access
• Historic sites: Museums, gardens, or landmarks that offer intimate ceremony spaces
• Private estates: Vacation rentals or private homes that provide exclusive use for your celebration
• Water venues: Boats, lakeshores, or beachfront properties that create memorable backdrops

Photography and vendor expenses

Professional photography often becomes the largest single expense in an elopement budget. These images preserve your intimate celebration forever, making them a worthwhile investment for most couples.

Having lasting memories of your big day is a huge priority for most couples. We found that nearly 55% of couples are most willing to splurge on their photographer over any other category. - Emily Forrest, Head of Communications for Zola

According to the Zola Wedding Cost Index, wedding photographers typically charge $3,500 to $5,300 nationally. Elopement photographers often work within similar hourly rates, adjusted for shorter coverage periods, so your hours of coverage will provide the most cost flexibility. While ceremony coverage alone could average at $1,500, longer coverage & travel to a more adventurous location could be upwards of $6,000.

Officiant costs vary significantly based on your location and preferences. Professional officiants typically charge $200 to $800 for elopement ceremonies. However, some states allow self-solemnization, which eliminates this expense entirely while adding a personal touch to your ceremony.

Hair and makeup services become optional for elopements, unlike traditional weddings where they often feel mandatory. These services typically cost $800 to $1,200, but many eloping couples choose simplified beauty routines or handle preparations themselves.

Florists can provide simple but meaningful arrangements for elopements. Instead of extensive wedding florals that cost $5,100 to $7,600 according to the Zola Wedding Cost Index, elopement florals might include:

• Bridal bouquet: A carefully crafted arrangement that reflects your style
• Boutonniere: A coordinating piece for your partner
• Ceremony arch or backdrop: Simple arrangements that enhance your chosen location
• Petals or small arrangements: Decorative touches for your ceremony space

While florals average between $300 and $750 for a bouquet & boutonniere, adding in an arch will increase these costs. 

Videography services have gained popularity among eloping couples who want to share their celebration with family and friends who couldn't attend. The Zola Wedding Cost Index shows videographers typically charge $3,200 to $4,800, with elopement packages often scaled to shorter coverage periods, ranging closer from $2,500 to $4,000.

Travel and hidden costs to consider

Elopement budgets often include expenses that traditional local weddings don't require. Transportation to remote ceremony locations might involve rental cars, flights, or even specialized travel like helicopter rides or boat charters.

Accommodation costs vary dramatically based on your celebration style. Some couples book luxury resorts for multi-day celebrations, while others choose budget-friendly hotels for simple overnight stays. Consider whether you want your accommodations to be part of the experience or simply a practical necessity.

Weather-appropriate attire often gets overlooked in elopement budgeting. Outdoor ceremonies might require:

• Backup clothing: Weather-appropriate layers or alternative outfits
• Specialized footwear: Hiking boots, beach sandals, or weather-resistant shoes
• Accessories: Umbrellas, jackets, or sun protection items

Marriage license requirements vary by state and destination. Research requirements early in your planning process, as some locations have waiting periods or specific documentation needs. License fees typically range from $50 to $150, but destination weddings might involve additional paperwork or processing fees.

Celebration meals deserve budget consideration, whether you're planning a fancy dinner or casual picnic. Restaurant celebrations for small groups can range from $200 to $800, depending on your location and dining preferences.

Elopement Style vs. Budget 

Courthouse elopements represent the most minimal approach, with couples spending only on marriage licenses, ceremony fees, and perhaps a celebratory meal afterward. These celebrations focus entirely on the legal and emotional commitment without additional vendor services or elaborate locations.

Local outdoor elopements add modest costs for permits, basic vendor services, and transportation to scenic locations. Many couples in this category invest in professional photography while handling other elements themselves, creating beautiful celebrations within moderate budgets.

Destination elopements involve more complex budgeting as couples balance travel expenses with vendor costs in their chosen location. Some couples choose destinations specifically for their elopement package offerings, which can provide value by bundling multiple services.

Adventure elopements appeal to couples who want unique experiences as part of their celebration. These might involve hiking to ceremony locations, camping under the stars, or incorporating favorite outdoor activities into their day. Budget considerations include specialized gear, guides, or permits for remote locations.

Luxury elopements focus on premium experiences and high-end vendors. Couples in this category might choose exclusive venues, designer attire, or extended celebration periods that create unforgettable experiences.

Each approach reflects different priorities and demonstrates that meaningful elopements happen regardless of budget size. The common thread among satisfied couples is intentional spending on elements that matter most to their relationship and vision.

Smart Ways to Save on Your Elopement

Strategic planning helps couples create their dream elopement while managing costs effectively. Smart savings come from understanding where to invest and where to simplify without compromising your vision.

Timing flexibility provides significant savings opportunities. Off-season wedding dates often mean lower vendor rates and better availability at popular locations. Weekday ceremonies can reduce costs by avoiding premium Saturday pricing that most vendors charge.

Consider these timing strategies:

• Shoulder seasons: Spring and fall often provide better weather than peak summer while avoiding premium pricing
• Weekday celebrations: Tuesday through Thursday ceremonies typically cost less than weekend events
• Morning or afternoon ceremonies: Earlier celebrations often cost less than evening events and can feel fresh and unique

Location choices impact your budget beyond just venue fees. Local elopements eliminate travel and accommodation costs. Research hidden gems in your area that might offer stunning settings without destination price tags.

DIY elements work particularly well for elopements because of their smaller scale. Simple decorations or playlist creation become manageable projects rather than overwhelming tasks. Focus your DIY efforts on elements that don't require professional expertise or safety considerations.

Vendor package deals sometimes provide better value than hiring individual services separately. Some photographers offer elopement packages that include both photo and video coverage. Certain destinations provide all-inclusive packages that bundle ceremony space, officiant, and basic vendor services.

Guest list decisions significantly impact your budget, even for intimate celebrations. Each additional person affects venue requirements, catering costs, and accommodation needs. Be intentional about who you include to keep your celebration truly intimate and budget-friendly.

Sustainable choices can provide both cost savings and align with your values. Consider borrowing items like decorations or accessories from friends, shopping secondhand for ceremony attire, or choosing vendors who prioritize environmental responsibility.

Create Your Elopement Budget with Zola

Wedding budget planning becomes much more manageable with the right organizational tools. Zola's wedding budget tool adapts perfectly to elopement planning, providing flexibility to customize categories to match your elopement priorities rather than forcing traditional wedding expense categories that might not apply.

Your Elopement Cost Questions Answered

Can you elope for under $1,000?

Yes, simple courthouse elopements with just marriage license fees, ceremony costs, and a celebration meal can easily stay under $1,000, especially if you handle photography and other elements yourself.

Do elopement photographers cost the same as wedding photographers?

Elopement photographers often charge similar hourly rates to wedding photographers according to the Zola Wedding Cost Index, but total costs are usually lower because you need fewer hours of coverage for intimate celebrations.

What's the most expensive part of eloping?

Photography typically becomes the largest single expense for most elopements, as couples prioritize professional documentation of their intimate celebration over other traditional wedding elements.

Is it cheaper to elope locally or at a destination?

Local elopements eliminate travel and accommodation costs, making them generally more budget-friendly than destination celebrations, though destination packages sometimes provide good value by bundling multiple services together.

Do you need wedding insurance for an elopement?

Wedding insurance can provide valuable protection for elopements, especially destination celebrations where weather, travel delays, or vendor issues could impact your plans and investment.

Plan Your Perfect Elopement

Your elopement should reflect your relationship and values while fitting comfortably within your budget. By understanding the costs involved and prioritizing what matters most to you as a couple, you can create an intimate celebration that feels both meaningful and financially responsible.

Smart planning and intentional spending allow couples at every budget level to create memorable elopements. Whether you choose a simple courthouse ceremony or an elaborate destination celebration, the most important element is commemorating your commitment in a way that feels authentic to your love story.

Ready to capture every moment of your intimate celebration? Find a top-rated photographer near you to preserve the memories of your special day.