Let’s just call out the elephant in the room. This is one of the first questions every couple asks (including you!) after deciding to elope. So, how much does it cost to elope in 2026? The answer is: it depends.
After working with dozens of couples, I’ve noticed the same thing over and over again. Most people aren’t looking for the cheapest option…they just want to understand what they’re actually paying for. So, let’s break it down in a way that actually helps you build a realistic elopement budget.
Are Elopements Actually Cheaper Than Weddings?
They can be (and often are), but they don’t have to be.
There’s this idea still floating around that elopements are the “cheap” option…like you’re sacrificing something meaningful by choosing to elope. That’s just not true.
You can have a $2,000 elopement or a $15,000+ elopement experience.
Just like you can have a backyard wedding or a $50,000 venue (yes, that’s real life!).
Modern day eloping is not about being cheap, but instead focusing on the intention of the day you’re creating.
For most couples that I work with, that means prioritizing:
- The overall experience
- Intentional time together
- Details that are meaningful
- Splurging on what matters the most to you
Average Cost of an Elopement in 2026
Most elopements fall somewhere between: $5,000-$20,000 total (which is still under the average cost of a full-blown wedding ($36,000) according to Zola.
But again, this depends on the:
- Location (local vs. destination)
- Travel
- How many vendors you hire
- How “all out” you want to go
Typical Elopement Costs Breakdown
1. Photographer (Me!)
Budget: $2,000-$10,000+
This is usually the biggest investment since you are not having to book a wedding venue. As an elopement photographer my packages also include planning support like:
- Timeline planning
- Location scouting
- Experience building
Basically, I’m doing wayyyy more than just showing up with a camera and calling it a day.
Couples that book my elopement photography packages are investing on average $5,500
2. Travel (Flights, Gas, Rental Car)
Budget: $200-$2,000+
This is dependent on whether or not you’re planning on eloping locally or a destination like Iceland (I have the ultimate elopement guide for Iceland here). This is one of the biggest variables.
If you’re considering eloping in the Southeast, I have several blogs that you can head to next to start planning your destination elopement in Tennessee, Georgia, and The Blue Ridge Mountains
3. Lodging (Airbnb, Cabin, Hotel
Budget: $1,000-$4,000
A lot of couples eloping will turn this into part of the overall experience, rather than just a place to sleep.
Sometimes that looks like a cozy cabin in the Smoky Mountains, an Airbnb with a view, or a weekend stay vs. a full week experience.
4. Wedding Attire (Dress, Suit, Shoes)
Budget: $500-$10,000
Depending on your priorities, this is one of the most flexible parts of your elopement budget.
You can:
- Rent a dress & suit
- Find something stunning from places like Anthropologie Bridal
- Shop secondhand or vintage
- Or go all in on a designer look
There’s no “right” way to do this. It really comes down to what feels like you and how you want to experience your day. I’ve documented couples that have kept it super simple and spend more on travel or photography, while others dream of the dress and build their budget around that.
5. Hair, Makeup, Florals, Cake
Budget: $50-$2,000+
This is where things can swing a lot depending on your priorities. I’ve worked with couples that have decided to go the DIY route 100%, and couples that outsource it all.
Here are a few real examples from my couples:
- Full-service florist: $2,000+
- Hair & Makeup: $500-$1,500+
- Bouquet from a farmers market: $35
- DIY Trader Joes/Publix flowers: $20
- Publix/Walmart Cake: $20-$50
6. Permits & Location
Budget: $0-$200 (often free in the Southeast!)
A lot of elopement locations are free or require a small special use permit fee.
In many places like Georgia & Tennessee, no permit is required. However, my elopement packages cover up to $200 of permits needed for photography.
So, instead of spending thousands on a venue… you can put that money towards your experience. (Whooohoo!)
3 Realistic Elopement Budget Examples
Low Budget Elopement – $6,000-$8,000
For the couple who wants something simple but intentional.
- Photographer: $5,000
- Airbnb (short stay): $800
- Florals: DIY ($20-$50)
- Cake: Grocery Store ($20)
- Hair and Makeup: DIY
- Travel: Gas ($100)
- Wedding Attire: Off the rack, secondhand ($500-$1,000)
Focus: Prioritizing photos + experience, keeping everything else simp
Mid-Range Elopement (~$8,000 – $12,000)
A balance of experience + a few extras.
- Photographer: $6,000–$8,000
- Airbnb (2–4 nights): $1,500–$2,500
- Hair & Makeup: $200–$400
- Florals: $150–$500
- Cake: $50–$150
- Travel: Moderate
- Wedding Attire: $1,000–$3,000 (Anthro bridal, tailored suit, elevated look)
Focus: Comfort, a little luxury, still intentional spend
Higher-End Elopement (~$12,000 – $20,000+)
For couples who want a full experience.
- Photographer: $8,000+
- Airbnb/Luxury stay: $3,000+
- Private chef / dinner experience
- Full florals
- Hair & Makeup team
- Travel + activities
- Wedding Attire: $3,000–$10,000+ (designer dress, custom suit, multiple looks)
Focus: An experience-driven wedding day without traditional wedding stress
How to Decide Your Elopement Budget
I always encourage the couples that come to me to think about what they care about the most. Your budget should reflect your priorities, not what Susy Q did for her elopement, a stranger you saw break down her elopement on Tiktok, or what your family thinks you should prioritize.
For most couples, it comes down to:
- Do we want an experience or just a quick ceremony?
- Do we care more about photos or extras?
- Are we traveling or staying local?
- Do we have a dream dress vision or not?
Once you answer those questions, your budget becomes way easier to figure out.
Where You Actually Save Money When You Elope
One of the best parts about eloping is the amount of money that you are saving in this modern-day wedding industry.
You’re typically not paying for:
- A $5,000-$20,000+ wedding venue for just 8 hours
- Catering for 100+ guests
- Rentals, staffing, tips for vendors, etc.
- Wedding invites/stationary
- Florals for the whole property
And in many cases, your “venue” is literally free when you choose to elope! (the best part in my opinion)
This means you can invest in the photographer that you’ve been eyeing for months, stay somewhere beautiful or go somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit, and create an experience that you will remember for a lifetime.
Sooo… Can You Elope On A Budget?
Absolutely. But, you can also go “all out”, travel somewhere incredible, and invest in the things that matter the most to you. Modern day eloping is not about spending less, it’s about spending your money on the things that are most important to you.
Let’s Start Planning Your Elopement!
If you’re still figuring out what your day could look like, I have some great blogs that you can head to next:
- Adventure elopement elopement ideas to make your day unique
- How to plan an elopement from start to finish
- What an adventure elopement actually is
And if you’re ready to start building a day that you’re excited about, I’d love to be a part of it! Go ahead and fill out the inquiry form below to get started!
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