How To Budget Your Elopement Wedding
Are you planning an elopement?
If yes, then you must have come to the point when you need to figure out how to budget your elopement.
Typically, these intimate affairs tend to cost significantly less than traditional weddings, but the average cost is harder to define as every elopement differs according to the taste of the couple.
To help you, I have broken down the elopement cost with realistic budgets that can help you envision your dream day with perfection.
Here's a quick and effective guide for you:
Tips for Planning an Elopement Budget
The first step in planning a wedding is to establish a realistic budget and guest count. I and I'll guide you through each step. At the end of this post, you'll also find a workbook for additional help.
Be specific about how you want to budget your elopement or how much you will be spending.
As I mentioned, every vision is unique, and a lot depends on the style and preferences of the couples; therefore, below are some of the few things that can go into the elopement budget.
Wedding Permit & Ceremony Venue
Like many couples, you can save money for your elopement by choosing places that are free to get married.
But if you want something exclusive you may require a wedding permit and pay an additional expense for a private venue. In essence, the permit typically ranges from $50 - $1500+.
If you have plans to get married in national or state parks, then entrance fees, apart from the wedding permit fees, may also be applicable.
If you want something exclusive, then you'll have an additional expense for privacy.
Elopement Wedding Attire
When choosing your clothing, you can go with simple or as extravagant as you like.
As you have decided to elope, you have all the flexibility to allocate your budget to what is more important, even if it means buying an amazing wedding dress.
Typically, the cost can range from $500- $3000+, and don't forget to factor in the cost of alterations if required – usually from $100-$1000.
Likewise, the groom's suit, on average, can range from $300 to $800+. Include the shoes and accessories and finalize your complete attire budget.
Elopement day Hair & Make-Up
In traditional weddings, the couple pays the additional cost of styling their wedding party or family members.
This amount significantly gets saved when you are eloping. For elopements, it's just the two of you, which averages to $300-$1000 per person this is for someone to come to your venue and to style your hair & makeup.
Elopement Florals
Florals can include bouquets, arch ceremony decor, hair accessories, etc.
Adding flowers is a great way to elevate your wedding day's look and feel instantly. A florist may charge you between $300 and $2000 and up depending on your ceremony decor and tablescapes.
Elopement Officiant
Some couples don't hire professional officiants for their elopement. They bring in their friends or family members. If you plan to bring in your friend, then you should factor in their additional cost as well.
However, if you select a professional officiant, the cost can range from $300 to $1000, depending on how much you would like your ceremony to be personalized.
Travel to your elopement destination
This is an important aspect that cannot be missed. As you are planning a destination elopement, you need to consider how you will reach there.
Think about the cost associated with the plane tickets, car rental, etc., if you are traveling to a faraway location. In the elopement & honeymoon budget workbook, we have a worksheet that helps you break down the whole travel expenses separately.
Lodging for the elopement & honeymoon
When you are away from home, you need a place to stay.
You can budget your elopement by booking an Airbnb stay or a camp. You can also book a luxurious resort or private Villa if you want to elope in style. There are tons of options available, and in most places, Airbnb has many great options along with customized support you want on your special day.
I suggest choosing something nice at least for 1-2 nights if not longer to enjoy also on your honeymoon.
Photographer
Photography will be one of the most significant investments you will make on your special day. On average, a professional elopement wedding photographer will cost you anywhere between $1500 and $6000+ Anything less than this amount can result in the hiring of less experienced photographers – which is not worth it.
So while choosing a photographer, make choices wisely.
Elopement weddings demand an intimate, fun, and stress-free experience. Elope with style, make it memorable and iconic – this is a magical day for you and your loved one.
How you want to elope is truly up to you, but I can help you budget your elopement through the Elopement & Honeymoon Budget Workbook. With this, you will be able to learn how to establish a realistic budget while enjoying the excitement of your planning journey!
