how much does an elopement cost?
elopement calculator, definition & details
UPDATED FOR 2026
According to a specialized study by the knot, a traditional wedding costs around $33,000. This can vary depending on the number of guests, the venue, and especially your budget.
Is elopement a reliable way to create a high-quality wedding without breaking the bank? It's not that simple, but I'll help you understand it better in the following chapters.
In this world, everything has a price, and elopement is no exception.
It all depends on how much you're willing to spend on what's valuable to you. Whether you spend astronomical sums or a limited amount, the overall cost won't change who you are or the values you hold dear. So, what's the point of investing in an elopement—whether for adventurous couples or the more cautious ones?
Let's start with the basics: What is an elopement, and does it cost as much as a traditional wedding?
An elopement is very different from a wedding; an elopement focuses on YOU and your EXPERIENCE, not on trivial marital details that will stress you out during the entire planning process.
Perhaps it's going to the Philippines and finding yourselves diving and swimming with fish and sharks; booking a helicopter flight to announce your vows atop an Alps peak (perhaps skiing or snowboarding down for the more adventurous couples); traveling to Mongolia and spending a few days on horseback to exchange vows on a mountaintop, on the shores of Lake Khyargas, or in the vast Mongolian grasslands; flying to Sri Lanka and kitesurfing after the ceremony on the beach; or wintering in northern Norway to witness the Northern Lights and then falling asleep in a traditional Norwegian cabin.
Because you only get married once, you might as well have a personalized experience that reflects your values and memories that are unique to you both.
Have you ever wondered if you really wanted a bachelor/bachelorette party? Talking with guests you haven't seen in years; or why your partner should have to remove your garter with their teeth in front of everyone?
Some "traditions" aren't for every couple. By choosing to elope, you're parting ways with traditions you didn't want at a traditional wedding; which doesn't mean you have to get rid of all traditions, but just keep the ones that truly resonate with you.
I) what is an elopement?
Average cost of an elopement: $11,150
Average cost of a traditional wedding: $33,000
- Ceremony venue + hall rental: $6,000
- Catering: $10,500
- Wedding dress + accessories: $2,700
- Suit & accessories: $1,300
- Decorations: $1,900
- Flowers: $2000
- Entertainment/DJ: $1,200
- Photographer: $5,000
- Wedding rings: $1,400
- Cake: $500
- Makeup/Hair: $500
TOTAL: $33,000
II) COMPARISON BETWEEN TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE AND ELOPING
- Visa + Marriage Permit: Approximately $150
- Caterer: $400 (for a couple)
- Wedding Dress + Accessories: $2000
- Suit & Accessories: $1300
- Decorations: $300
- Flowers: $200
- Photographer: $3500
- Wedding Rings: $1400
- Cake: $250
- Makeup/Hair: $250
- Officiant: $500
- Travel & Accommodation: Between $1000 (in France) and $4000 (worldwide)
- An epic adventure & memories that will last a lifetime for you and your partner: Priceless $$$$
- A personalized and authentic experience just for you: Priceless $$$$
TOTAL: $11,150 / $14,150
The easiest way is to compare, isn't it? Below these few sentences, you'll see the average cost of a traditional wedding and then that of an elopement. Of course, these are averages, and prices can vary depending on the venue, the number of guests, and also the exact price of each vendor.
III) What are you actually paying for with an elopement? How much can you expect to save?
If you've carefully analyzed the comparison, the price difference between a traditional wedding photographer and an elopement photographer is quite significant. In an elopement, the photographer doesn't just take pictures; they're also the planner, the coordinator, and the point of contact for all your questions.
A good elopement photographer will spend hours researching the best locations, Airbnbs, the best lighting for the photos, and the right vendors. In terms of photography, it will depend primarily on the photographer you choose and their unique artistic style.
And for everything else, you save on venue rental, catering, and stress. You reinvest that money in the experience you've created by blending adventure, art, love, and honeymoon; and me! <3
A full page of help with elopements awaits you if you have any questions.
IV) Invest in what you believe in; think of yourself first
If there is one thing I often hear in discussions with newlyweds, it is "I would have liked to do that..." or "I regret having done that at my wedding...", and it makes me sad. Not being able to create your dream wedding/elopement for trivial reasons is awful.
My advice: invest in what you love, in the activities and venues you choose. Invest in your love.
Never forget that the money you spend on your wedding/elopement doesn't change the values you uphold or who you are.
You should be able to get married your way, not because "my parents will kill me" or "my friends won't like it." It's not up to them to decide for you. Does elopement sound like the perfect idea for you? Then be sure to check out the blog, which is full of articles to help you plan your elopement.
inquire and be ready!
Envoyer le message
contact me to start planning your europe elopement
votre histoire
Give me your thoughts, I'll make them real !
J'ai hâte de raconter
your first names*
Vos préNOMS
email*
phone number*
NUMERO DE TELEPHONE
Where do you think eloping ?
DATE DE L'EVENEMENT
how much guests do you want to be with you?*
LIEU DE L'EVENEMENT
When you do think eloping ? Did you already choose a date ?*
compte insta
Have you ever traveled together ? What was the best travel ?
message
menu
a propos
Why would you like eloping ?*
If your ideas are not yet clear, it doesn't matter, most couples do not yet know where their intimate wedding will take place.
where do you live?*
Envoyer le message
inquire and be ready!
votre histoire
contact me to start planning your europe elopement
J'ai hâte de raconter
Give me your thoughts, I'll make them real !
Vos préNOMS
your first names*
email*
NUMERO DE TELEPHONE
phone number*
DATE et lieu DE L'EVENEMENT
When you do think eloping ? Did you already choose a date ?*
combien d'invités aimeriez-vous avoir avec vous ?
Where do you think eloping ?
qu'aimez-vous dans ma photographie ?
how much guests do you want to be with you?*
ecrivez ce que vous ressentez : quelle est votre vision de l'amour ? de votre mariage ?
Have you ever traveled together ? What was the best travel ?
Why would you like eloping ?*
If your ideas are not yet clear, it doesn't matter, most couples do not yet know where their intimate wedding will take place.
where do you live?*
planning resources
Your gender, sexuality, skin color don't matter as long as you are kind in your heart. <3
planning resources
Your gender, sexuality, skin color don't matter as long as you are kind in your heart. <3