For an increasing number of couples, elopement is a cost-effective alternative to the blowout traditional wedding. But what does the budget breakdown actually look like for eloping? It might not be anyone’s favorite part of planning, but figuring out what to expect will help you skip the stress and focus on the fun.

So, how much does it actually cost to elope?

Short answer: it depends.

Better answer: it depends on what YOU want out of the experience.

Let’s dig into some real numbers, actual examples, and ideas for how to make the most of your budget—whatever it is!

Why do elopement costs vary so much?

The cool thing about eloping is it’s basically the choose-your-own-adventure book of marriage ceremonies. You get to decide the destination, the vibe, the timeline, and the guest list (or lack thereof). How much or how little of standard wedding fare you want to include is completely up to you. That kind of freedom is so awesome and sets the stage for a unique, highly personal experience—but it also means there’s simply no universal price tag.

What you may spend depends on a variety of factors:

• How far are you planning to travel and where?
• Will it be one day or multiple?
• What type of vendors are bringing?
• How DIY are you willing to be?

You can absolutely have a gorgeous, deeply personal elopement on a tighter budget OR go all-out on a multiday adventure with every little detail dialed in. Your day, your way! It’s part of what makes eloping such a great option for couples, regardless of finances.

Real Costs: What You Might Actually Pay For

Here’s a breakdown of what typically goes into an elopement budget (with real price ranges):

Photography:
$3,000–$8,000+
The one thing that lasts longer than the day. Most couples spend the bulk of their elopement budget here—especially for full-day or multi-day coverage.

Travel + Lodging:
$500–$3,000
This depends on whether you’re flying across the country or just heading a few hours away. Think gas or flights, places to stay (Airbnb, glamping, car camping), and travel insurance if it’s needed!

Florals + Details:
$100–$800
You can go full bouquet and boutonnière, wildflower bundles from Trader Joe’s, or even forage a few blooms if you’re feeling wild (ethically, of course).

Hair + Makeup:
$200–$600
Optional, but can be a confidence booster!.

Permits + Marriage License:
$50–$300
Depends on the location. National parks and certain public lands require special use permits—I’ll help to make sure you’re all squared away!

Outfits + Accessories:
$100–$1,500+
Wear what makes you feel like you. Could be a thrifted vintage suit, a fancy dress you only wear once, or your favorite boots and a leather jacket.

Food + Celebration:
$100–$500
Picnic on the beach? Dinner at your favorite restaurant? Pizza in the back of the subaru? The vibe is up to you.

Extras + Activities:
$50–$2000
Like: kayak rentals, a jeep tour, a ski-lift adventure, or even a boat charter. The personal and unique activities that make your day feel unmistakably yours!

Sample Budget Scenarios

Option 1: Lowkey and Local (~$4,000-$6,000)
Intimate, grounded, and centered entirely on the two of you.
This is for couples who want a relaxed and meaningful experience close to home, with a simple plan that still feels unforgettable. 

A day like this might include:

• A scenic location in your home state (coast, gorge, forest overlook, etc)
• Half-day photography to cover your ceremony, portraits, and a few cherished moments together
• Outfits that feel authentically you—from your own closet or thrifted
• Local or DIY florals, handwritten vows, and keepsake vow books
• A cozy Airbnb, cabin, or campsite to start and end the day together in bliss
• A special golden-hour ceremony followed by your favorite snacks, a walk on the beach, or stargazing

Remember—simple doesn’t mean small and small doesn’t mean it isn’t deeply personal.

Option 2: Two-Day Celebration (~$6,000-$10,000)
One day to celebrate with all your people, one day just reserved for the two of you.
This is perfect for couples who want a chance to celebrate with their chosen family, but still crave that intimate elopement experience—without having to compromise or cram everything into a single day.

A two-day plan might look like:

Day 1 — Your Personal Elopement Day
• A slow morning together at your lodging of choice (a fire lookout, a beachside bungalow, etc)
• Getting ready, first look, and your private ceremony
• Portraits at a couple of scenic spots that fit your vibe
• A meaningful, romantic activity: a picnic, a short hike, reading letters from loved ones, etc
• Closing out the day with your favorite meal, a crackling fire, and quiet time together

Day 2 — Celebration Day
• Meet up with your friends and family at a beautiful, accessible location
• A casual pre-party: brunch, backyard barbeque, a rented communal cabin, etc
• Group photos and candid moments that capture your loved ones 
• A mini-reception with toasts, speeches, or a different symbolic activity that matters to you
• The two-day elopement structure gives your love story room to breathe—no rushing, no pressure, just pure connection with the people who matter most.

Option 3: The Full Immersive Experience (~$10,000-$15,000+)
Elevated, intentional, and styled specifically around everything you love.
This is for couples dreaming big—stunning locations, curated experiences, and a wedding adventure that unfolds over two thoughtfully planned days. The sky is truly the limit here!

What this can include:

• A location (or several) that feel cinematic and meaningful
• Two full days of photography to capture both your personal elopement time and a celebration with loved ones
• A small, on-location team of vendors: planner, florist, hair + makeup, private chef or catered dinner, etc
• Luxury lodging or a beautifully designed rental that sets the tone for your weekend extravaganza
• Special touches like a styled tablescape, handcrafted details, welcome gifts for guests
• Activities that reflect you like kayaking, bouldering, a cozy cabin dinner, etc
• A whole second day reserved just for celebrating with your people and documenting the full, unforgettable experience

Elopement doesn’t have to mean cutting costs—it just means all the money you would spend on a traditional wedding can instead serve only to heighten your joy. Because it’s more than a wedding day, it’s your love story and it deserves to be told with beauty, care, and breathing room.

Where to Save vs. Splurge

Save On:
Outfits (borrowed, thrifted, or non-traditional)
DIY elements (hand-foraged florals, vow books, signage)
Local travel (stay in-state to have an adventure while cutting costs)
Fewer vendors (only include what adds value to you)

Splurge On:
Photography (no surprises here—immortalize your memories)
Comfort (pick a cozy place to stay and have a backup plan for weather)
Experiences: horseback riding, canoeing, the candlelit dinner
Anything that maximizes joy on your wedding day!

The Folksy Take

At Folksy Elopements, I help couples build elopement adventures that feel intentional, immersive, and hella personal without any of the lousy overwhelm that is all too common when it comes to planning.

No matter your budget, I’m here to advise as you make choices to support your vision without stretching you thin.

That might look like:

• Choosing beautiful, accessible locations that don’t require a ton of extra permits or complicated travel accommodations
• Structuring the day around real experiences—cozy mornings, shared fun, and moments that feel like yours instead of a whole production
• Connecting you with queer-affirming, queer-owned, or genuinely queer-friendly vendors who truly understand and support the community
• Ideas for simple but sentimental touches like reading letters from loved ones, swapping personal gifts, or sharing a delicious meal from a recipe that impacted your love story

You don’t need a huge budget—you just need the right plan.

Enter: me! Tell me your vision and I’ll help you create an experience with intention, imagination, and more than a few tasty snacks along the way.
Eloping can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be. It all depends on you, as a couple, having the best day ever—whatever that means to you!

Don’t worry if you have no idea where to start! I help all my couples find spots that feel right for them and their needs.

We will find the right locations for your love story!

If this has your heart screaming HELL YES then it’s time to reach out. I’d love to hear your love story and help you plan something fantastically folksy for just the two of you.

Got the wanderlust bug? Here’s more inspiration to fuel your journey!