How Much Does it Cost to Elope?

How much does it cost to elope? This is one of the BIGGEST questions I get from couples who are just starting out in their elopement planning journey. And while it might not be one of the most fun topics for everyone, it’s such an important question to ask.

So how much does it really cost? Here’s the short answer…I find that most couples tend to spend somewhere in the $10,000-$50,000 range. But, like with most things when it comes to eloping, this can fluctuation wildly depending on the kind of experience you want to have. Things like lodging, guest count, travel, season, and permits can determine whether your costs swing up or down.

Want to keep things simple with a permit and just the two of you in your local area? You totally can. Want to go all out with an epic Airbnb, private chef, helicopter ride, and invite your closest friends and family along for the experience? Also very possible.

There is no one-size-fits-all, so you can absolutely tailor your elopement budget to fit your needs. Keep reading to learn more about the cost of an elopement, what’s actually worth spending money on, and how to create a day that fits your budget without sacrificing the experience.

The Realistic Cost of Eloping

I want to start by saying this loud and clear: the cost to elope is not a fixed number at ALL. It can truly be whatever you want it to be, and you get to decide how much you’re willing to invest in your day.

With that in mind, how much does it cost to elope in real life without going totally bare bones? I find that most of the couples I work with end up spending somewhere between $10,000 and $50,000 on their elopement in the United States.

On the lower end, that usually includes couples who aren’t inviting guests, are DIY-ing a few things like florals or hair and makeup, and really just want to invest in a few key pieces, like photography and lodging.

On the higher end, you’re typically looking at couples inviting friends and family, bringing in multiple vendors (who may be charging a travel fee depending on where they’re located), and adding in some fun adventure elements like a helicopter ride, jeep rental, or other once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience.

What Drives Up the Elopement Cost

When you start digging into your elopement budget, there are a few key factors that can really shift the overall cost to elope.

First up: vendors. The beauty of an elopement is that you get to decide exactly who you want to include in your day based on your vision and your budget. If you want a full vendor team, expect your elopement to cost more. Or you can keep things super simple with just a few essentials. There’s no wrong way to do it.

Lodging is another big cost factor. I’ve seen couples book stunning Airbnbs that cost hundreds or thousands per night, and I’ve also had couples choose camping or more budget-friendly stays. Both are amazing and totally valid options. Just know that the bigger the accommodation, or the more popular your location, the higher your accommodation costs will be.

And finally, guests. This is usually the biggest factor I see driving up elopement costs, since once you invite people, you’re also thinking about things like meals, transportation, lodging, and sometimes even rentals or extra logistics.

The Emotional Cost to Elope

While there’s a lot of focus on the financial side of things, something I don’t think gets talked about enough is the emotional “cost” that can come with planning an elopement, especially when you’re deciding whether or not to include friends and family.

And I want to be super clear here, I’m not anti-guests at ALL. But if you do choose to include people, it naturally adds more logistics and more interpersonal dynamics to navigate. The day starts to lean a bit more toward a destination wedding experience, which is totally amazing if that’s what you’re going for.

I just always want couples to have the full picture, beyond just the dollar signs, so you can make choices that feel really aligned with the kind of day you actually want.

How to Prioritize Spending for a Peak Existence Elopement Experience (No Matter the Size of Your Wallet)

When it comes to elopement costs, there are typically two buckets each item will fall into: essential expenses (the things that make the basis of your experience actually possible) and additional expenses (those nice-to-have items that make your day truly feel like yours).

The Cost to Elope: Essential Expenses

These are the expenses you’ll want to factor into your elopement budget, no matter what. They also tend to make up the bulk of your overall cost, so it’s smart to plan for these first before moving into any additional “nice-to-have” extras.

Lodging

Unless you’re local, lodging is one of the main costs you’ll want to account for in your elopement plans. The good news is that, unlike some other essential categories, you actually have quite a bit of control here! Depending on where you choose to elope, you may have a range of lodging options, from free dispersed camping to super luxurious Airbnbs.

Transportation

Transportation costs will also vary depending on where you’re coming from and where you’re choosing to elope. If you’re within driving distance of your destination, your travel expenses will be much lower than if you need to fly and rent a car. Either way, this is another area where you can usually find some flexibility depending on your priorities and budget.

Marriage License 

No matter what your elopement looks like, you’ll need to factor in the cost of a marriage license. In the United States, marriage licenses typically range from around $20 on the low end to the mid $100s on the higher end, depending on the state and county you’re getting married in.

Permits

If you’re eloping in a national or state park, you’ll likely need a special use permit. These usually range anywhere from $50 to a few hundred dollars or more, depending on the location and type of ceremony. 

Photography

I know I’m a little biased here, but as an elopement photographer, I truly believe it’s one of the most essential and worth-it parts of your day, especially since your photos are one of the only tangible things you get to keep and relive forever.

Most elopement photographers typically start around a couple thousand dollars, with pricing going up into the five-figure range depending on things like experience, coverage, and travel.

And yes, while that can sound like a lot to some, photography is more than just photos. It’s also an investment in your memories and your experience, and I genuinely believe it’s one of the areas worth prioritizing within your budget.* A good elopement photographer will do way more than show up on your day and photograph. They’ll get to know you and learn how to tell your story visually in a way that doesn’t look like anyone else’s.

To help with that decision, I wrote a full guide on how to choose the right elopement photographer for you.

The Cost to Elope: Additional Expenses

Once you’ve covered the non-negotiables, this is where things get really fun and customizable. There’s really no limit to the additional vendors and details you can include in your day, and the cost can vary a lot depending on what you choose.

For example, with attire, you could go with a simple wedding dress for a couple of hundred dollars, or invest in a designer piece that feels like the one. It really just depends on your priorities.

If there’s something you really want to splurge on, like a hair and makeup team, elevated florals, or special catering, and it fits within your budget, go for it. This is your chance to lean into what matters most to you and design a day that feels intentional and fully yours.

There are a ton of ways this can look, but here are a few additional ideas to keep in mind when thinking through how much it costs to elope:

• Flowers
• Food and catering
• Attire
• Hair and makeup
• Officiant
• Excursions (think Jeep rentals, helicopter rides, scenic flights)
• Guest expenses
• Videography
• Musicians, planners, and other vendors

I know I mentioned it before, but when it comes to additional expenses, guest costs are usually the most expensive. That’s because they impact multiple categories at once, including food, transportation, lodging, and sometimes even rentals or extra logistics. So it’s definitely something worth keeping in mind as you plan your day.

Determining What to Invest In

At the end of the day, your elopement is your chance to really treat yourselves, but what that looks like is going to be different for everyone. The important part is figuring out your priorities ahead of time and letting those guide your decisions.

For my own wedding, photography was something that mattered a lot to me. When I first started looking for a photographer, I had one I absolutely loved who was about four times my original budget. And while that was a no for me financially, I did end up choosing someone slightly above my initial range instead. And I don’t regret it for a second.

Budgets are real, and I never want anyone stretching beyond what feels financially comfortable, but if there’s something that feels really important to you, it’s worth prioritizing that investment when you can.

Examples of Budget-Friendly vs Premium Elopements

Okay, so let’s make this real. Because sometimes it’s way easier to understand elopement costs when you actually see them laid out.

Click through the examples of elopement budgets below to help you visualize what different choices might look like.

Elopement Budgets at Every Level

As you can see, costs can fluctuate depending on where you go, how long you stay, and what kind of experience you want to create. If you want to dig into what I specifically offer for photography (and how I structure elopement experiences and pricing), you can check out my elopement packages page! 

How Locations Can Affect the Cost to Elope

Not to keep repeating myself, but it’s honestly so true. There is no one set cost to elope. Even the location you choose is a factor in how much your elopement will cost.

For example, if you’re choosing to elope in Yosemite, you should expect to pay a bit more than if you were eloping in Flagstaff. A lot of that comes down to lodging, which can get expensive quickly, as options inside the park are limited and can fluctuate depending on popular times of year. This becomes even more of a reality when you factor in not just your stay, but also vendor travel and accommodations. Places like Yosemite tend to require more travel for everyone involved, as they are more remote. Still, you can find ways to DIY and save money by camping or keeping things simpler.

Outside of that, most other locations tend to be fairly comparable in pricing. For example, in places like Moab and Sedona, you can find both budget-friendly options that make them affordable elopement destinations in the U.S., as well as luxury stays if you want a more elevated experience.

To learn more about planning your elopement, you can read my full guide on how to elope.

Hidden Costs of Eloping

When you’re figuring out how much it costs to elope, there are a few hidden expenses that I see couples overlook pretty often.

The first is specialty transportation, like a Jeep or off-road vehicle. These can run a couple of hundred dollars per day, so if that’s something you want to include in your elopement, it’s good to plan for it early so it doesn’t sneak up on your budget.

Another thing I always recommend is building in buffer days. Try not to arrive the day before and leave the day after your ceremony. Instead, give yourself a little breathing room on either side of your elopement for travel delays, weather shifts, or just unexpected changes. It makes everything way less stressful, and your future self will thank you!

Another cost to keep in mind is permits. Not all permits are created equal, and some can be as much as $500 depending on location. You may also need to factor in national or state park entrance fees, which can add up to around $80 total.

But to keep things in perspective, if you’re comparing this to a traditional wedding venue, you’re often looking at significantly higher venue costs, so it’s helpful to keep that in mind as you plan.

How Much Does it Cost to Elope: Frequently Asked Questions

Can we elope for under $1,000?

Yes, you absolutely can elope for under $1,000, but it helps to be realistic about what that budget includes. Your day might look like having a friend officiate, grabbing flowers from the grocery store, camping, thrifting your outfits, and grabbing pizza after. And I genuinely love that kind of vibe, especially when it’s what you want! But if you want something a bit more elevated, like professional wedding photography or a more curated experience, you’ll likely need to plan for a higher budget.

Does the time of year significantly affect the cost to elope?

Yes, timing definitely affects cost. Off-season will almost always be cheaper, and the biggest savings usually come from lodging.

For example, places like Death Valley in late November can have lodging options inside the park for significantly less than peak wildflower season. Or take Yosemite. It’s typically one of the more expensive elopement destinations, but it is much more affordable in the winter.

You may also find that some vendors offer lower rates or seasonal specials during the off-season. If you’re flexible with timing, choosing an off-peak date can really help stretch your budget further. 

How much should I budget for an elopement officiant service?

While you can absolutely have a loved one (or me!) serve as your officiant for free, some couples do choose to hire a professional officiant. In most cases, you can expect to pay around $300 give or take, depending on travel and how customized the ceremony is. 

Are destination elopements always more expensive than local ones?

More often than not, yes. The biggest reason is travel. Even if your destination itself is affordable once you arrive, transportation, flights, and lodging can quickly add up and become a large portion of your overall budget.

I hope you’re now feeling good about answering the question: how much does it cost to elope!

The biggest thing I want to emphasize is yes, you want to stay within your budget, but you also want to treat yourself. Invest in the things that matter most to you, and when the day comes, soak it all in.

If you want to learn more about what your elopement day could look like with me as your guide, reach out. I’m always happy to chat about pricing, availability, and help you create a day you’ll genuinely cherish forever.

Blog post written by Sonder Studio