How Much Does it Cost to Elope?

Wondering how much does it cost to elope? You’re not alone! More couples are choosing adventure elopements and small weddings, drawn to the idea of exchanging vows in breathtaking outdoor settings.

But one big question remains: Is eloping really cheaper than a traditional wedding? In this guide, we’ll break down the average cost of elopement vendors, compare expenses with traditional weddings, and help you understand what to budget for your dream elopement experience.

Is Eloping Cheaper than a Wedding?

Many people think eloping saves a ton of money, but that’s not always true. While elopements are usually more affordable than big weddings, the cost really depends on what’s important to you. On average, an adventure elopement costs $10,000 to $18,000, which is much lower than the $34,385 average for a traditional wedding in Washington State.

But elopements aren’t just about spending less—they’re about making the day special for you. Some couples keep things simple and spend only a few thousand dollars, while others choose luxury experiences, travel to incredible locations, or even plan multi-day celebrations.

Traditional Wedding vs. Elopement: Cost Breakdown

To better understand the financial differences, here’s a side-by-side comparison of typical wedding expenses:

This breakdown highlights how elopements typically cost significantly less, depending on how elaborate the experience is.

By choosing an elopement, couples can redirect their budget toward adventure, travel, and meaningful experiences instead of large guest lists and traditional wedding expenses.

It’s important to note that these figures are the average cost and can vary based on individual preferences, locations, and specific vendors chosen.

Breakdown of Elopement Expenses

Here’s a look at the biggest costs of an adventure elopement and what to budget for:

Elopement Photographer

Photography is one of the most important parts of an elopement. In the Pacific Northwest (PNW), an experienced elopement photographer costs between $4,200 and $10,000.

At Running Wild Studio, we do more than take pictures—we help plan your day, find the perfect locations, and make sure everything runs smoothly so you can enjoy your adventure.

Want to know more about our pricing? Elopement Packages and Pricing

Elopement Wedding Attire

Couples spend about $2,000–$3,000 on wedding outfits. Designer dresses can go over $10,000, but most eloping couples find beautiful dresses for about $2,000, including alterations.

If you’re on a budget, stores like Etsy, Lulu’s, Asos, David’s Bridal, and BHLDN have dresses for under $800. Many eloping couples choose practical outfits, like hiking boots for mountain weddings or flowy dresses for beach ceremonies.

Are you dress shopping? Check out our Best Elopement Dresses blog.

Permits

To use a National Park or State Park as a wedding venue, you are required to get a permit. Permits range anywhere from $0 to $500.

Marriage License

Marriage licenses cost $50 to $100, depending on the state. Some places have waiting periods, while others let you get married the same day. If you’re eloping abroad, research the country’s marriage laws—you might need to sign legal papers at home first.

Elopement Officiant

Hiring an officiant costs $0 to $1,000. You can have a friend officiate for free or hire a professional, especially if they need to hike to your ceremony spot. Some states even allow self-solemnization, meaning no officiant is required.

Lodging

Expect to spend $250–$1,000 on places to stay. Many couples choose cozy cabins, yurts, or unique Airbnb rentals to make their elopement feel extra special.

Travel

Travel costs can range from $500 to $15,000, depending on flights, lodging, and whether you elope locally or abroad. If you want to save money, consider using credit card points, asking for Airbnb gift cards as wedding gifts, or picking a nearby location.

Florals

Bouquets and boutonnières usually cost $400–$500, but dried bouquets from Etsy cost around $100–$250. Some couples skip flowers altogether and use wildflowers from their elopement location.

Food

A small picnic costs about $500, while hiring a private chef can be $3,000. Whether you want a gourmet meal under the stars or a simple charcuterie board, food can be a big part of your special day.

Videographer

Elopement videography costs $3,000 to $10,000. Many couples love having a video to remember their adventure and share with family and friends.

Wedding Cake

Custom cakes cost $500 to $1,000, but a simple store-bought cake is as little as $40. Some couples choose cupcakes, donuts, or a local bakery’s signature dessert instead.

Hair & Makeup

Expect to spend $300–$1,500 for professional hair and makeup, especially if the stylist travels to your location. If you’re hiking or facing unpredictable weather, find a stylist who specializes in long-lasting, adventure-proof looks.

Decor

Most elopements don’t need much decor, but if you want to add some, costs range from $100–$5,000. Simple touches like fairy lights, candles, or a floral arch can make any location feel magical.

Activities

Many elopements include fun activities like hiking, kayaking, or helicopter tours. Costs range from free to $5,000+, depending on what you choose. Some couples plan full-day adventures, like sunrise hikes, stargazing, or even camping under the stars.

2 Real Elopement Cost Examples

Example 1 | A&S’s Destination Elopement in Scotland

Amy & Sam planned a destination elopement to the Isle of Islay, a small island off the coast of Scotland. They booked an 11-hour package with us explored multiple areas on the island and booked a private Boat tour with a seafood dinner included.

Check out: Coastal Scotland Elopement

Scotland Destination Elopement Cost Breakdown

Example 2 | Washington State Elopement

Alex & Ryan decided to elope in another state and flew over to the beautiful Washington for their elopement with some of their friends and family members. They booked us on our 9-hour elopement package.

Ou-of-State Elopement Cost Breakdown

More Elopement Examples

Stunning Rialto Beach Elopement

Wildflower Iceland Elopement

Artist Point Elopement in Washington

5 Ways to Cut Costs on an Elopement

1. Guest Count: The fewer guests you have, the less you’ll need to spend on catering, transportation, and other logistics. Keep your guest list small, and focus on the people who mean the most to you. With an intimate ceremony, you can keep costs down without sacrificing the experience.
2. Elopement Photographer Who Can Sign Your Marriage License (Officiant): Many elopement photographers are also officiants or can legally sign your marriage license. By hiring a photographer who is also an officiant, you can cut out the need for a separate officiant and streamline your wedding day plans.
3. DIY Hair, Makeup, and Flowers: Instead of hiring professionals, you can do your own hair and makeup or ask a friend or family member to help. For the bouquet, you can buy affordable flowers from a store and create your own arrangements. This not only saves money but also adds a personal touch to your big day.
4. Rent or Buy Affordable Wedding Attire: Wedding dresses and suits can be expensive, but there are many affordable options available. You can rent high-quality wedding attire or buy a secondhand dress or suit. Many brides are also opting for simpler, more relaxed outfits that still feel special but are much more budget-friendly.
5. Choose a Low-Cost Location Close to Home: Staying close to home can save you a lot on travel expenses. Instead of booking an expensive venue, consider eloping at a local scenic spot like a nearby national park or hiking trail. Many outdoor locations offer stunning backdrops for your ceremony without the need for a venue rental fee. You’ll only need a permit in certain cases, and these areas often provide beautiful views, perfect for creating unforgettable photos. Plus, it allows you to enjoy a more relaxed experience without the added stress of travel.

These tips can help you create a meaningful, beautiful elopement while keeping your budget in check.

Invest in What’s Important to You

While cutting costs is important, it’s also crucial to invest in the aspects of your elopement that matter most to you. If having stunning photography to capture your memories is a top priority, it might be worth allocating a larger portion of your budget to hiring an experienced elopement photographer. 

Similarly, if you want a unique or meaningful experience, like a private ceremony with a custom vow exchange or special adventure activity, invest in those details that will make your day feel truly special. 

By focusing on what matters most to you and your partner, you can create an unforgettable experience without feeling like you have to compromise on what’s meaningful.

So, Is Eloping more Affordable than a Traditional Wedding?

Yes, in general, planning an elopement tends to be more affordable than a traditional wedding. One of the main reasons is the smaller guest list. With an elopement, you don’t have to spend on catering, venue rentals, or decor for a large crowd—making it easier to manage how much does it cost to elope.

When you plan an elopement, you also avoid the need for extensive decorations. Instead of investing in expensive flowers and venue setups, you can direct your budget toward creating a more personal and meaningful wedding experience.

Whether you choose to say your vows on a mountaintop, in a national park, or at a unique destination, planning an elopement offers endless possibilities for a wedding that reflects your love story.

Elopements allow for flexibility, letting you design a day that feels authentic to you and your partner. Whether it’s a quiet ceremony in nature or an exciting adventure, your elopement can be exactly what you want.

Planning an elopement lets you focus on what truly matters—creating unforgettable memories together while keeping things simple and special.