2021 Elopement cost
LET'S DISCUSS HOW MUCH IT COSTS TO ELOPE, AND HOW IT COMPARES TO A BIG WEDDING
How much does it cost to elope?
Let's break it down into what you may want to consider to start planning your elopement day.
1. PHOTOS
Typically couples spend a big portion of their elopement cost on photos and travel. Photos are one of the few tangible pieces of your wedding day you can keep forever. One of the major benefits of eloping is the amazing images you capture and get to treasure for a lifetime with your partner.
2. TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATIONS
The second primary expense to consider in your elopement cost, is your travel and accommodations. These expenses vary widely based on your setting and how bougie you want to be!
FLIGHTS
CAR RENTAL
AIRBNB / HOTEL
3. WEDDING DIGS
When you are trying to figure out how much does it cost to elope, don't forget your clothes! Like your traditional wedding, you'll want wedding attire in some form. But as for what to wear for an elopement, there really is no right or wrong! A few things to consider when choosing a look for your elopement: (1) does it fit with the terrain and weather of your setting?, (2) does it pack easily?, and (3) can you move easily in it?
Unlike a traditional wedding, there's a good chance you'll be moving around quite a bit in your wedding dress. Again, you can make your outfits as unique as you are! Or keep it simple, as there's no rule book!
4. RINGS
Don't forget the rings! I'm sure you didn't, but it can be quite a big expense to add when budgeting for your elopement. And if you've already decided to take a nontraditional path to saying your vows, you may opt for a ring company that makes unique, alternative rings. Either way, add this to your list for planning.
5. MARRIAGE LICENSE & OFFICIANT
A very important piece of the elopement puzzle! Where you live and where you decide to get eloped will dictate your marriage license requirements. Residency and setting will also determine if you need an officiant/witnesses, or whether you can self-solemnize. Contact your local county clerk for more information on marriage license requirements. Don't forget to add this to your elopement cost.
Please don't let all of this scare you away from eloping. A good photographer and guide can help you through this process. :)
6. HAIR & MAKEUP
Finding a hair and makeup artist is completely optional but a fun way to glam up on your elopement day. If you're great at doing your own hair and makeup or you're more of a minimalist and don't really wear makeup, this frees up money in your elopement cost for something else!
7. FLORALS
Florals in my opinion are almost a "must" for any elopement or wedding! I love how couples create something that represents their unique style using flowers. There's so much versatility when it comes to a bouquet and boutonniere. Peep Pinterest to find some awesome inspiration for your florals!
7. DESSERT
Another thing couples could budget when planning their elopement is dessert. One of my favorite things: sweet treats! Whether you fancy donuts, a cake, cupcakes, little chocolates or anything of your Willy Wonka dreams, it's a fun addition to any elopement celebration.
8. FUN ADVENTURES & ACTIVITIES
There are so many adventures and activities with which you could fill your elopement day. Always dreamed of hiking to a stunning waterfall to say your vows and then jumping off into the deep blue? Or taking a helicopter to a glacier in the New Zealand winter to say "I do" to the love of your life? Want to hire a personal chef to cook a private, gourmet meal in your Airbnb for your wedding night?
All of these things - plus so much more! - are possibilities to help you celebrate your bright future together. Make your dreams a reality and make your wedding day everything you could ever dream of!
SHOULD YOU ELOPE?
Only if you want the most authentic and intentional, truly you wedding day of your dreams!!
After capturing so many stunning elopements as a photographer, I may be a little biased. But as you can see, eloping gives you the ability to be flexible, authentic, intimate and meaningful. You get to celebrate your love uniquely and in a way that reflects the character and spirit of your relationship. There are many reasons to elope, but if you are a DIYer, balling on a budget, non-traditional or simply want to do things your own way, one amazing reason to elope is you'll likely spend a lot less than if you had a big, traditional wedding.
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Places I shoot at regularly
Carmel | Nevada | Utah | Oregon | California | Colorado | Los Angeles | Puerto Vallarta | Arkansas | Long Beach
Long Beach | Big Sur | Monterey | Moab | Las Vegas | Valley of Fire State Park | Yosemite National Park | Palm Springs | Bonneville Salt Flats |
Joshua Tree | Petit Jean Mountain | Little Rock
