How Much Does an Elopement Cost? Full Breakdown

Elopement Tips & Advice,
8 min read Jan 27, 2024

Numerous modern-day couples choose elopement as an alternative to a normal wedding. Taking off to a different country to get married seems to be an exciting idea, and let’s be honest, it usually is. Elopement is a spontaneous adventure that a couple decides to take on to have more freedom and intimacy on their special day. However, that does not mean that every couple goes away to a different country or chooses to elope locally without any plans or companions.

Some couples bring their closest friends or family members with them because they prefer avoiding the big ceremony. Others still organize a party for their guests upon arrival but decide to have a moment for themselves somewhere far away. Overall, eloping with your significant other has no rules, and that is the beauty of it, right?

Regarding the destination, you can tie the knot just about anywhere! Naturally, you would choose a place that would suit your personality best. Whether it is a mountain or beach elopement, it will totally depend on your individual preferences. Either way, it is a thrilling and outstanding experience for everyone! But what we are here for are the expenses. If you were wondering “how much does an elopement cost”, we are here to help you find out more!

What are the Elopement Expenses?

Like we said, eloping doesn’t mean that you should get away without any plans. Most couples actually decide to organize a small, intimate ceremony, and that includes certain elopement costs. The great part about this is that you have the absolute freedom to spend any amount you want or have.

For example, you can save money on flowers, but spend more on plane tickets. You and your partner are there to make this decision. Below are some of the most common expenses you might come across:

  • Travel Expenses

The first part of planning your elopement is choosing the destination. Once you do that, you need to book a flight or other means of transportation, depending on your location.

The price range will be determined by the date and the place that you want to visit. This might cost you from $200 to $2000. You will need to consider various factors before booking a flight. Perhaps you can hire an elopement planning company to assist you with such needs because they will help you cut expenses immensely!

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  • Accommodation Costs

Once you land in your desired destination, you need to have a place to unpack and get ready for the big day. You can rent out a house, a hotel room, an AirBnB, opt for glamping, the options are truly numerous. Therefore, the price varies too!

The accommodation cost can vary from $250 to $1500. This is based on various factors, such as the city that you choose, what are the basic room requirements, a private cottage in the woods, or maybe you want something closer to the city center like renting a suite. Some couples settle for smaller AirBnB’s, while others want to spend some quality time in a resort.

Accommodation depends on personal preferences, but as we have mentioned before, you have the freedom to save or splurge on anything you want. Just make sure to book through a legitimate site.

  • Photographer/Videographer

Eloping to your dream destination to get married cannot remain off the record. Most couples want to have a video or photos of their big day and we have a hunch that you do too. Therefore, another elopement cost is hiring a photographer or a videographer.

Different photographers offer different packages. Some newlyweds want an entire series of pictures and videos, while others prefer to have fewer yet artistic pictures. Others want an album, and some require a special kind of editing style. All of this affects the price, which can vary from $2000 to $7000.

  • Venue

Even though you might not want a big ceremony, you will still need a venue to either say I do’s or celebrate your love story after. Sometimes, the hotel you are staying at is going to offer you the venue as well, but sometimes you have to look for a separate location if exchanging your vows in the great outdoors is your jam. You would need to choose whether you want to celebrate indoors or outdoors, tie the knot by the sea, in the countryside, have a picnic after the ceremony, and so on.

Of course, all of this is considered when it comes to calculating the price. Similar to accommodation, the price will vary from $300 to $1300. If you have your friends and family joining, naturally the cost will rise.

  • Outfits

Many couples still want to wear charming elegant clothing paired with their own statement jewelry and accessories during their elopement, others love an unconditional quirky attire that would reflect their personalities. Some love to go all casual and laid back. However, whatever you choose, the brand and quality will have a big part in determining the price.

For example, some couples opt for pre-loved attire that won’t go over $700. Others prefer spending more on their dream outfits – like designer pieces, over the accommodation. You can pay under $500 up to $10000 depending on your preferences. It is all about what you want and how will the wedding clothes you wear complete your story.

  • Wedding Planner

Finally, a wedding planner can be a life-saver when it comes to organizing the elopement. Although you want a small intimate ceremony, you still need to make certain plans. If you do not want to deal with vendors or do not know how to curate your destination elopement, hiring someone to pull everything off stress-free is always a great idea.

Wedding planners can cost from $1000 to $3000, and of course, the overall expense depends on your demands and creativity. But trust us, you want to relieve yourself of the planning stress and completely focus on enjoying the experience!

Elopement Wedding VS Normal Wedding Cost

Many see elopements as romantic getaways but also as wise financial decisions. Elopement costs are often much less than normal wedding expenses. This opportunity is for you and your partner, so you do not have to worry about getting a big fancy traditional venue and providing meals for 100 guests – and even more!

Sometimes, the most expensive elopement can be cheaper than a regular wedding. Some of the expenses such as attire and photographers remain the same. But, for example, you can save over $5000 on food and drinks. Furthermore, decorations for a large venue are much more costly than those for a smaller one.

Considering that, only a few people are involved, so you will not need tons of flowers and welcome bags. This alone can save you over $4000. Apart from that, embarking on this adventure is a unique experience on its own!

Simply Eloped Packages

The average elopement cost is around $1000, but this is relative because all elopements are different. Simply Eloped is a company founded with a goal to help out all couples looking for someone to organize the special getaway. All you have to do is choose the destination, and we are here to assist you until the very end!
Simply Eloped can offer you some great packages that will nicely fit your budget. We have everything you need and more, it is up to you to choose from their wide selection. With us, you don’t have to wonder “how much does an elopement cost”, since everything we offer is transparent and precise. Without further ado, we are going to present you with some of the best offers:

  • Seed

This package will cost you about $400, and it includes the officiating services, location advice, and advice on getting your marriage license in the state of your choice! This will definitely come in handy to ensure you are steered in the right direction. The package can help you stop worrying about how much does an elopement cost considering the basics, and ensure that your wedding goes smoothly!

  • Sprout

Sprout includes everything from the Seed package plus some extra offers! You will need to pay around $750 for this package, but you will receive 75+ edited pictures of the ceremony in a digital form! The best part is that you can customize it to your preferences. For example, you can choose to pay a little extra to add more pictures to the deal.

  • Bloom

As the name states, Bloom offers flower delivery plus everything from the Sprout package! You can get a Nosegay bouquet and floral design of your choosing. The package cost starts at $1099, which is very close to the average elopement cost!

  • Oasis

If you want the full package, go for Oasis! It has everything from the Bloom package plus two hours of photography and one hour of videography. You can also add extra photography hours later on!
Furthermore, this package includes a ceremony coordinator and hair and makeup services for one person. The cost starts at $1825, and it is absolutely worth it!

Majestic Adventure Elopement Package

The Adventure Elopement Package is designed for couples who want excitement and romance all in one! Pick any place you want, and we will make sure that we adjust it to your needs. You do not have to worry and think about “how much does an elopement cost” here either because the Wildflower Package is pretty affordable.

Cliffside, waterfalls, beach weddings, and mountain top elopements are all included. Choose your date and allow yourself to experience your ideal elopement. You can even customize the elopement and set everything to suit your and your partner’s needs.

The adventure elopement costs anywhere from $2,500 to $4500. The prices can vary based on your preferences and ideas. Bear in mind that this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

The package also offers you a couple’s portrait session, a photography session, transportation, and much more. If you do not want to handle the planning, we are here to solve that as well. Regardless of the given destination, safety is always in the first place, but we would never omit the fun element either!

The Bottom Line

Now you have the answer to how much does an elopement cost. Elopements may seem like hasty ideas sometimes to mostly your family and friends, but we have never heard of a couple that regretted making that decision. In the end, what matters the most are your wishes – it is your day and you may choose to celebrate it however you see fit. Just make sure that you are in good hands and experience a real-life fairytale for a few days!

Elopement Tips & Advice
Written by Janessa White

Janessa White is the co-founder of Simply Eloped and has helped thousands of couples plan elopements. As an expert in the field, she has been featured on Brides.com, Vox, and HuffPost. Janessa thinks elopements are the ultimate way to tie the knot.