When comparing the COST OF A WEDDING versus the COST TO ELOPE in 2023…

Remember your elopement is special because you’re doing things your way, filling your wedding experience with things you love, and creating memories that excite you…NOT because of the cost to elope…

As you calculate how much you will spend on your ideal elopement, keep in mind that there are tons of ways to streamline, prioritize, and trim down things that are common in traditional weddings to create the adventure story you want! 🙂 Or–and maybe even more importantly!– you’ll find things that you may prioritize MORE highly because you are choosing to adventure instead!

My clients will attest that they hear me say this a MILLION times:

We will do whatever is right for YOU as our first priority.  This is YOUR story.

So even though something may show up on this list for elopements, it doesn’t have to be something for you! And equally, if there’s something you absolutely want to do or have for your elopement, but it’s not on the list, ADD IT IN:-D  Build for what you love–you have full permission to ditch the rest 😉

Cost to Elope Data for 2023

While the breakdown comparison for each “wedding” item (think florals, venue costs, food, etc) are detailed below, here’s the gist:

The data on Traditional Wedding Average costs is courtesy of our friends over at the hub of traditional, The Knot, from their Wedding Cost Survey report.

Side note:  Are you a spreadsheet nerd like me, and want ALL this data in an Excel/Numbers/Google Sheets version so you can build and adjust your own elopement costs & budget?  YES! I see you, boo. ❤️️ Read through & then ping me at the details at the bottom of the post to get your very own copy! 😄

So, without further ado, let’s build your adventure, shall we?!?  🥳️ 

Browse the categories below, and click on the “Expand for More Details!” link to see the rest of the comparison!

Ceremony + Reception venue:

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Traditional Wedding – Average National Cost	$11,300
Elopement – Us Two + the Crew	$3,263
Elopement – Just Us Two	$1,337

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The Knot study covers the reception, BUT, doesn’t note an average cost for a ceremony location.  So, unless your reception venue is doing double duty for ceremony & party, you’ll likely want to plan for a cost for the church, etc.

Elopement costs are likely to include Special Use Permits for the ceremony & “reception” location, and,  I’ve considered the cost of  lodging in here, as that’s part of the “reception/location” cost in an elopement.  I’ve pulled average costs for my “home base” area in the Southeast US, so  adjust appropriately for  your target destination and desired vibe!

While there’s lots of places to shift cost in an adventure elopement, permitting & any other access fees are a few of the non-negotiable.

These fees, though relatively small, help lessen the chance of a complication with being denied access to your location on your elopement day, help our public lands managers monitor & manage capacity at some of the most sought after places, and, help us as an adventure elopement community provide support to the places we all want to enjoy:-)

Us Two + the Crew – $250/permitting + $3,000 Luxe Airbnb House for 12 in the Blue Ridge Mtns for 3 nights

Just Us Two – $250/permitting + $1,000 Luxe Airbnb House for 2 in the Blue Ridge Mtns for 3 nights

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Wedding photographer:

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Traditional Wedding – Average National Cost	$2,700
Elopement – Us Two + the Crew	$4,280
Elopement – Just Us Two	$4,280

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Wedding photography coverage varies widely from a couple of hours to 12 hour days, so the average cost from the Knot study reflects that range.

The rough average for an 8 hour traditional wedding is probably closer to $4,000 for an experienced photographer who provides some sort of package offering. And remember as you consider cost to elope vs a traditional wedding, your adventure elopement photographer will likely be wearing many hats for you like the wedding planner and/or a day of wedding assistant you would have hired for a traditional wedding.

So… Could you elope without a photographer?  Sure, technically you could!  Should you?  Nah, no way! 😉  As possibly the only other witness to your vows and adventure experience, your photographer is critical in helping you capture your memories, and, the story to share with others.

And, like a traditional wedding, your adventure elopement coverage should be more than just a quick hour of snapshots! A full day or more of memories and adventure are the way to go and working with a photog who specializes in this adventure space makes the difference in quality, and, in helping you plan your elopement and being a great resource in the actual adventure too!

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Wedding / Event planner:

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Traditional Wedding – Average National Cost	$2,000
Elopement –  Us Two + the Crew	$0
Elopement –  Just Us Two	$0

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Depending on your photographer selected for an elopement, often, this is part of the support they provide!

For my clients, there’s huge benefit to one stop shop, as I am your help to plan all the way from location ideas – to permitting – day of timelines – vendor coordination,  through to your day of coordinator, adventure guide, and, photographer!

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Reception DJ / Entertainment:

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Traditional Wedding – Average National Cost	$1,750
Elopement –  Us Two + the Crew	$0
Elopement – Just Us Two	$0

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As it works for your location, and in consideration of other guests or users in the space beyond you two (& the crew!), pack your bluetooth travel speaker and tee up your offline playlist for your first dance song wherever we are!

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Floral Designer / Florals:

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Traditional Wedding –Average National Cost	$2,700
Elopement – Us Two + the Crew	$502
Elopement – Just Us Two	$263

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Y’all.  Elopements need beautiful florals too, so don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!  😉 Florals make a truly fun addition to an elopement, as their beauty so striking in context of the adventurous surrounds!

If you’re really looking to trim your elopement costs and are a bit of a crafty soul, there are more DYI options to lessen expense that are now more feasible since you’re not designing for an entire traditional wedding.

And, if you’re not in love with the idea of traditional florals (yeah, bouquet o’ roses, we’re looking at you!), you can always explore some less traditional but totally rad options like succulent wedding bouquets and  wooden wedding florals  before you decide to forgo the florals 😉

Us Two + the Crew  cost estimate includes 6 other floral pieces for other guests (eg 4 parents + 2 main attendants) plus the main bouquet & boutonniere.

Just Us Two is estimate for a bouquet & boutonniere ($200 and $45, respectively)

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Videographer:

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Traditional Wedding – Average National Cost	$2,200
Elopement – Us Two + the Crew	$3,200
Elopement – Just Us Two	$3,200

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Like wedding photography, coverage varies widely for a traditional wedding from a couple of hours to 12 hour days, so the average from the Knot study reflects that range. A professional, experienced videographer who is prepared to work outdoors in adventure conditions will make the difference in quality.

Not every couple chooses videography, but those that do absolutely love the outcomes!

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Wedding Garments:

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Traditional Wedding – Average National Cost	$2,150
Elopement – Us Two + the Crew	$2,150
Elopement – Just Us Two	$2,150

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There’s a dress or wedding formals for every style, budget, and, length of time to wedding day! While $2150 is the average, I’ve definitely seen (and can share ideas for) gorgeous dress and other garment options for less, and, options for quick delivery too 🙂  Garments don’t have to break the bank as you figure out your cost to elope!

For suiting options, there’s some good, cost effective rental options I can recommend if you don’t want to splurge for a tux/suit of your very own. And, like dresses, there’s a lot of different options and levels of formality/cost in non-dress garments for elopements. Comfort and personal happiness is key!

PRO TIP: The Knot’s survey is silent on if alterations are included in their costs for wedding outfits, so, be prepared for that added expense if you need them!

Technical alterations on dresses involving beading, some types of lace fabrics, etc can be up to a couple hundred dollars (or more) depending on your local market.  And, don’t forget, expedited fees for  short lead time elopements add cost as well!

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Wedding Cake:

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Traditional Wedding – Average National Cost	$550
Elopement – Us Two + the Crew	$65
Elopement – Just Us Two	$0

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For you and the crew, estimate is for a small cake, but depending on location, this may be folded into general catering costs as a cake may not travel well 😉  Just Us Two cost for celebratory treat is included in the catering/meal cost 😉

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Catering:

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Traditional Wedding – Average National Cost	$7,500
Elopement – Us Two + the Crew	$200
Elopement – Just Us Two	$50

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Catering costs can be ALL over the board as there’s lots of factors you can tweak to manage costs as you’d like. Note that what’s listed as cost to elope below are for catering or food during the actual elopement segment of the adventure!  But, as estimates:

Traditional Wedding – $75/person (assumes 100 guests)

Us Two + the Crew – $16/person (assumes 12 total people for a light picnic style breakfast/afternoon snack)

Just Us Two – $20/person (assumes 2 people for a light picnic style breakfast/afternoon snack & maybe a celebratory treat!)

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Rehearsal Dinner:

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Traditional Wedding – Average National Cost	$2500
Elopement – Us Two + the Crew	$741
Elopement – Just Us Two	$116

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Elopement costs for this can vary widely, as you may or may not have a “rehearsal dinner”, depending on location/set up:-)

Us Two + the Crew  estimate covers $50/person (drinks, apps, + dinner) plus tax & tip for 12. At a cabin or away from restaurants?  A potluck, a grill out, a private chef, caterer, or, another home cooked options all work great too!

Just Us Two estimate covers $45/person (drinks, apps, + dinner) plus tax & tip for 2.

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Transportation:

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Traditional Wedding – Average National Cost	$1,000
Elopement – Us Two + the Crew	$1,220
Elopement – Just Us Two	$1,070

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Elopements may need airfare to get to a destination, and, once there, may need an SUV or similar for access to rad places!

I’ve pulled estimated rental costs for SUVs for my “home base” area in the Southeast US, and a placeholder of $375/plane ticket, so adjust appropriately for your target destination! Deals on car rentals AND airfare are possible, and I can share ideas on where to look!

Us Two + the Crew – Assuming everyone else pays for their airfare, but you pay for the car rental–Airfare for 2 with $110/day for SUV transport for 12 in the Blue Ridge Mtns for 3 nights/4 days

Just Us Two – Airfare for 2 with $75/day for SUV transport for 2 in the Blue Ridge Mtns for 3 nights/4 days

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Wedding favors & Wedding Party Gifts:

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Traditional Wedding – Average National Cost	$450
Elopement – Us Two + the Crew	$0
Elopement – Just Us Two	$0

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With the focus of an elopement on YOU vs your guests, wedding favors largely become optional, and, not expected by those who may be special enough to be invited to attend:-)

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Engagement ring:

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Traditional Wedding – Average National Cost	$6,000
Elopement – Us Two + the Crew	$6,000
Elopement – Just Us Two	$6,000

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Rings.  Oooooooheeeeeee, this is a biggie.  Cost of rings varies widely, and, and thus, greatly impacts your cost to elope.  But, honestly… Does it even need to be a ring? 😉  Mine was a carbon fiber road bike for racing—hey, to each their own! ;-D

And, truly, don’t be afraid to explore other options!  You’d be surprised how many couples prefer the everyday wearability of silicone rings (like Enso) which truly look great and most certainly won’t cost $6k 😉  (Hint–check out the two non-diamonds below–they’re Enso silicone rings for a climber couple who eloped!)

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Invitations:

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Traditional Wedding – Average National Cost	$580
Elopement – Us Two + the Crew	$160
Elopement – Just Us Two	$160

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Some eloping couples choose to still send out wedding announcements post adventure. So for figuring the cost to elope, the average national price from The Knot for printing + sending “Save the Date” cards is listed in the Elopement categories, as the Save the Date is pretty similar to an announcement card 🙂

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Hairstylist:

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Traditional Wedding – Average National Cost	$150
Elopement – Us Two + the Crew	$267
Elopement – Just Us Two	$267

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Hair services are optional, and cost listed is estimate for only one partner using a stylist.

PRO TIP: If you wouldn’t normally wear styled hair, your wedding/elopement day may not be the day to start as you may not feel “yourself”. While a “purposefully casual” style is possible with a stylist, know that simple and real is beautiful with elopements. We’re here for you, not the show of it:-)

If you do plan to use styling services, that’s rad too! Be aware your estimated costs may likely be higher than the national average as you may need to pay a premium for travel to your location + odd hours (many MUAs/stylists are not used to 3 am call time for a sunrise ceremony!)

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Makeup artist (MUA):

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Traditional Wedding – Average National Cost	$130
Elopement – Us Two + the Crew	$267
Elopement – Just Us Two	$267

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MUA services are optional, and cost listed is estimate for only one partner using a MUA.

PRO TIP: If you wouldn’t normally wear makeup, your wedding/elopement day wouldn’t be the day to start as you may not feel “yourself” in it. While a “natural”, no-make look is possible with a stylist, know that simple and real is beautiful with elopements.

If you do plan to use MUA services, that’s rad too! Be aware your estimated costs may likely be higher than the national average as you may need to pay a premium for travel to your location + odd hours (many MUAs/stylists are not used to 3 am call time for a sunrise ceremony!)

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Honeymoon:

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Traditional Wedding – Average National Cost	N/A
Elopement – Us Two + the Crew	N/A
Elopement – Just Us Two	N/A

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Not included here, as costs and timing of expense really do vary widely!

PRO TIP—if you choose to travel or a destination elopement location, some couples wrap extra time and fun around the elopement for a built-in honeymoon!

It might change your final cost to elope, but this definitely can help offset additional travel and lodging costs incurred booking a totally separate honeymoon at another time.  And, as a very legit bonus, bookending your elopement with more adventure helps ensure you GET a honeymoon vs the empty promise of “we’ll just do it later” 😉

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And that’s a wrap on your Cost To Elope summary!

Did I miss any costs for traditional weddings vs elopement comparison you want to know about?  Looking to get a copy of the Cost to Elope Comparison & Planning tool for your own use?!  Awesome!  Share your contact info here so I can send the tool your way, or, let you know when the post is updated with data requested!

OR, are you ready to build your own adventurous elopement?!?  Let’s do it! Please email me here and let’s get the ball rolling!

And, if you loved this list + info, share it with a friend or on your socials!  Sharing is caring, and, ALL couples deserve to know what other amazing wedding options are out there!  Happy Adventuring!

XOXO, Kate