PLANNING · BUDGET
How Much Does It Cost to Elope in 2026?
A complete, honest breakdown of elopement costs — from the $159 Las Vegas chapel to the $15,000 Tuscany villa. Real numbers, no fluff, and exactly where to save.
Larry Leo
Updated April 2026
Editorially Independent
Affiliate links never influence recommendations
Expert-Written
Written by a father of two eloped daughters
Regularly Updated
Last reviewed: April 2026
The most common question I get from couples considering an elopement is some version of: "How much does this actually cost?" It is a reasonable question, and the honest answer is more nuanced than most articles will tell you. I have helped hundreds of couples plan their elopements over the years, and I have seen the full spectrum — from a couple who eloped at their county courthouse for $87 total, to a pair who spent $22,000 on a private villa ceremony in Tuscany. Both were exactly right for the couples involved.
What I can tell you with confidence is this: the typical couple spends between $1,500 and $5,000 on their elopement, and the average US wedding costs $36,000. That gap — roughly $30,000 — is money that can go toward a house, a honeymoon, or simply a more financially stable start to your marriage. This guide will walk you through every cost category, give you three complete example budgets, and show you exactly where the smart savings are.
The Short Answer: What Most Couples Spend
If you just want a quick number before reading the full breakdown, here it is. These ranges reflect 2026 pricing across the most popular elopement types:
| Elopement Type | Typical Cost | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Courthouse only | $100–$500 | Marriage license + courthouse fee |
| Simple local elopement | $500–$1,500 | Officiant + basic photography (1–2 hrs) |
| All-inclusive package | $1,500–$5,000 | Officiant, photographer, florals, coordination |
| Destination elopement | $3,000–$10,000 | Package + flights + accommodation |
| Luxury destination elopement | $8,000–$20,000+ | Premium venue, full-day photography, resort stay |
The most important thing to understand is that "elopement cost" is not a single number — it is a collection of individual decisions, each of which you control. The sections below will show you exactly what each decision costs and where the real leverage is.
Line-Item Cost Breakdown
Whether you are building your own elopement from scratch or evaluating what a package includes, here is what each service category typically costs in 2026. I have included a "Larry's Tip" for each category based on what I have seen couples get right — and wrong — over the years.
| Service | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage License | $30–$100 | $30–$100 | $30–$100 |
| Officiant | $100–$250 | $250–$500 | $500–$1,500 |
| Photographer (2–4 hrs) | $500–$1,000 | $1,000–$2,500 | $2,500–$6,000 |
| Videographer | $500–$1,000 | $1,000–$2,500 | $2,500–$5,000 |
| Florals / Bouquet | $50–$200 | $200–$600 | $600–$2,000 |
| Hair & Makeup | $150–$300 | $300–$600 | $600–$1,500 |
| Venue / Permit | $0–$100 | $100–$500 | $500–$5,000 |
| Attire (dress + suit) | $200–$500 | $500–$1,500 | $1,500–$5,000 |
| Rings | $300–$1,000 | $1,000–$3,000 | $3,000–$15,000 |
| Accommodation (2 nights) | $100–$300 | $300–$800 | $800–$3,000 |
| Celebration Dinner | $50–$150 | $150–$400 | $400–$1,000 |
| Total (ceremony only) | $500–$2,000 | $2,000–$6,000 | $6,000–$20,000+ |
Larry's Tips by Category
Photographer: This is the one category where I never recommend going budget. Your photos are the only tangible thing you will have from your elopement day. A $500 photographer and a $2,500 photographer produce fundamentally different results. If you need to cut costs elsewhere, cut them here last.
Videographer: Unlike photography, video is genuinely optional. If your budget is tight, skip the videographer and ask a trusted friend to film a few minutes on their phone. The ceremony itself is usually 10–15 minutes — a steady phone video captures the essence.
Florals: A DIY bouquet from a wholesale flower market costs $30–$60 and can be genuinely stunning. Trader Joe's and Whole Foods also carry excellent flowers. This is one of the easiest places to save $200–$400 without any visible difference in photos.
Venue / Permit: The most beautiful elopement photos I have ever seen were taken on public land — national parks, state beaches, national forests. These locations cost $0–$350 for a permit and are often more visually dramatic than any private venue at any price.
Three Complete Elopement Budget Tiers
Abstract cost ranges are useful, but what most couples really want to know is: "What do I actually get for my money?" Here are three complete, realistic elopement budgets at different price points, based on real packages and vendor rates in 2026.
Tier 1: The $1,500 Local Outdoor Elopement
This is the most common elopement I help couples plan. It is entirely achievable, genuinely beautiful, and leaves you with professional photos you will be proud of for the rest of your life. The key is choosing a free or low-cost public location near where you live, keeping the guest list to zero or two witnesses, and being strategic about which vendors you hire.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Marriage license | $50 |
| Officiant (friend ordained online via ULC) | $0 |
| Photographer (2 hrs, emerging local talent) | $600 |
| DIY bouquet from Trader Joe's | $40 |
| Attire (off-the-rack dress + suit from J.Crew) | $400 |
| Location permit (state park or public beach) | $50 |
| Celebration dinner for two | $150 |
| Miscellaneous (tips, snacks, emergency kit) | $100 |
| Total | ~$1,390 |
Tier 2: The $5,000 All-Inclusive Package Elopement
This is the sweet spot for most couples who want a truly memorable experience without the stress of coordinating every vendor individually. An all-inclusive elopement package from a provider like Simply Eloped or a comparable provider or an adventure elopement specialist typically handles the officiant, photographer, florals, and coordination in a single booking. You add accommodation and travel on top.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Marriage license | $75 |
| All-inclusive elopement package (officiant, photographer 3 hrs, florals, coordination) | $2,200 |
| Hair & makeup | $350 |
| Attire (dress from BHLDN + suit rental) | $800 |
| Hotel (2 nights, boutique property) | $500 |
| Celebration dinner for two | $250 |
| Miscellaneous (tips, travel, emergency kit) | $300 |
| Total | ~$4,475 |
Tier 3: The $12,000 Destination Elopement (Hawaii)
A destination elopement in Hawaii is the most popular "splurge" elopement I help couples plan. The combination of dramatic natural scenery, warm weather year-round, and a mature elopement vendor ecosystem makes it genuinely worth the investment for couples who want an extraordinary experience. The cost breakdown below assumes two people flying from the continental US to Maui for five nights.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Flights (2 round-trip, continental US to Maui) | $1,200 |
| Marriage license (Maui County) | $65 |
| Hawaii elopement package (officiant, photographer 4 hrs, florals, lei ceremony) | $2,800 |
| Videographer (3 hrs) | $1,200 |
| Hair & makeup | $400 |
| Attire (dress + suit) | $1,200 |
| Hotel (5 nights, mid-range Maui resort) | $2,500 |
| Celebration dinner (oceanfront restaurant) | $400 |
| Miscellaneous (tips, activities, emergency kit) | $500 |
| Total | ~$10,265 |
For hotel options in Maui, the Stay22 widget below shows current availability and rates across all booking platforms:
Where to Stay
Hotels & Accommodations near Maui, Hawaii
Elopement Cost by Destination
Destination is the single biggest variable in elopement cost. The same ceremony — officiant, 3-hour photographer, simple florals — can cost $800 in the Smoky Mountains or $3,500 in Tuscany. Here is a realistic comparison of all-in costs (ceremony package + 3 nights accommodation, excluding flights) for the most popular elopement destinations in 2026:
| Destination | Package Cost | Hotel (3 nights) | Total (excl. flights) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas, NV | $159–$3,000 | $200–$1,500 | $400–$4,500 |
| Smoky Mountains, TN | $500–$3,000 | $200–$1,000 | $700–$4,000 |
| Colorado (Rockies) | $900–$4,500 | $400–$2,000 | $1,300–$6,500 |
| Hawaii (Maui) | $790–$5,000 | $600–$3,000 | $1,400–$8,000 |
| Oregon Coast | $800–$3,500 | $300–$1,500 | $1,100–$5,000 |
| Sedona, AZ | $700–$3,500 | $350–$1,800 | $1,050–$5,300 |
| Lake Bled, Slovenia | $1,200–$4,500 | $400–$2,000 | $1,600–$6,500 |
| Tuscany, Italy | $1,400–$8,000 | $500–$3,000 | $1,900–$11,000 |
| Paris, France | $1,500–$6,000 | $600–$3,000 | $2,100–$9,000 |
| Caribbean (Sandals) | $3,500–$8,000 | Included | $3,500–$8,000 |
For Colorado elopement hotel options, the widget below shows current availability:
Where to Stay
Hotels & Accommodations near Estes Park, Colorado
Elopement vs Traditional Wedding: The Real Cost Comparison
The average US wedding in 2025 cost $36,000, according to The Knot's annual survey. That number has increased every year for the past decade. Here is how a well-planned elopement compares on a category-by-category basis:
| Category | Traditional Wedding | All-Inclusive Elopement | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venue | $5,000–$15,000 | $0–$500 | $4,500–$14,500 |
| Catering (100 guests × $85/head) | $8,500 | Dinner for 2: $100–$300 | $8,200–$8,400 |
| Photography | $3,000–$6,000 | $800–$2,500 | $500–$5,200 |
| Florals | $2,000–$8,000 | $50–$600 | $1,400–$7,950 |
| Invitations & Stationery | $500–$2,000 | $0 | $500–$2,000 |
| DJ / Band | $1,500–$5,000 | $0 | $1,500–$5,000 |
| Wedding Planner | $1,500–$5,000 | $0–$500 | $1,000–$4,500 |
| Cake | $500–$1,500 | $0–$100 | $400–$1,500 |
| Favors & Décor | $500–$3,000 | $0 | $500–$3,000 |
| Total | $20,000–$50,000 | $1,500–$5,000 | $15,000–$45,000 |
I want to be clear about something: I am not suggesting that traditional weddings are wrong or wasteful. For many couples, a large celebration with family and friends is exactly what they want, and the cost reflects that. What I am saying is that if you are choosing between a wedding you cannot afford and an elopement you can, the elopement is not a compromise — it is a different kind of celebration, and for many couples it is a more meaningful one.
Hidden Costs Most Couples Forget
Even the most carefully planned elopement budget can be derailed by costs that are not obvious upfront. These are the ones I see most often catch couples off guard.
National park and location permit fees. Many of the most popular elopement locations — Yosemite, Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Teton, Zion — require a commercial photography permit for any professional photography. These permits cost $50–$350 depending on the park and must be obtained in advance, often months ahead for popular parks. Most all-inclusive package providers handle this on your behalf, but if you are booking vendors separately, confirm who is responsible for the permit.
Travel fees for vendors. If your ceremony location is more than 30–60 minutes from your photographer's base, they will typically charge a travel fee of $50–$200 or more for very remote locations. Always ask about this before signing a contract. One of the advantages of booking an all-inclusive package is that the vendors are usually local to the destination, so travel fees are either included or minimal.
Photo editing and delivery timelines. Some photographers charge extra for edited photos, rush delivery, or additional gallery access beyond a set time period. The standard is 4–8 weeks for delivery of a fully edited gallery. If you need photos sooner — for example, to share with family who could not attend — confirm the photographer's turnaround time and whether a rush fee applies.
Gratuities. Tipping vendors is standard practice and often forgotten in budget planning. A reasonable guideline: 15–20% for your photographer if you are thrilled with the experience, $50–$100 for your officiant, and 15–20% for hair and makeup. Budget an extra $150–$300 for tips across all vendors.
Marriage license processing time and expedite fees. Most marriage licenses must be obtained in the county or jurisdiction where you plan to marry, and many have a waiting period of 24–72 hours between application and issuance. If you are traveling to a destination and your timeline is tight, you may need to pay an expedite fee ($25–$100) or plan your arrival date carefully. For a full breakdown of marriage license requirements by state, see my elopement legal requirements guide.
The post-elopement celebration. Many couples plan a small celebration dinner or party after their elopement — either immediately after the ceremony or when they return home. This is a wonderful tradition, but it is a separate cost that is easy to underestimate. A nice dinner for two at a destination restaurant can run $200–$500; a casual backyard party for 20–30 people can cost $500–$2,000 depending on catering and venue.
How to Save Money Without Sacrificing the Experience
The best elopements I have seen were not necessarily the most expensive ones. They were the ones where couples made intentional choices about where to spend and where to save. Here are the strategies that consistently produce the best results.
Elope on a weekday. Most elopement package providers charge 10–20% less for weekday ceremonies. Friday and Monday are particularly good options — they are still easy for travel, but cheaper than Saturday and Sunday. At a $3,000 package, a 15% weekday discount saves $450.
Choose an off-peak season. Hawaii in January costs significantly less than Hawaii in June. Colorado in November is quieter and cheaper than Colorado in August. You will also have fewer crowds at popular venues, which often makes for better photography. The trade-off is weather — do your research on what "off-peak" actually means for your destination before committing.
Use public land instead of a private venue. Some of the most visually stunning elopement locations in the world are free or nearly free: national forests, state beaches, BLM land, public parks. A $50 permit for a national forest location can produce photos that are indistinguishable from a $3,000 private venue. The key is knowing where to look and how to get the permit.
Book a photographer who is local to your destination. A photographer who lives in Maui does not charge you a travel fee to get to Maui. A photographer from Los Angeles who flies to Maui for your elopement might add $500–$1,500 in travel costs. When evaluating photographers for a destination elopement, always check where they are based.
Get legally married at your courthouse first. If you want a symbolic ceremony in a dramatic location — a national park summit, a private beach, a European castle — you do not need to navigate the legal requirements of that location. Get legally married at your local courthouse (a 15-minute civil ceremony that costs $50–$200), and then have your symbolic ceremony wherever you want, with no legal paperwork complications. This is the approach I recommend to most couples planning international elopements.
Bundle photo and video with one vendor. Many photographers also offer videography as an add-on at a significantly lower rate than hiring a separate videographer. If video is important to you, look for a photographer who offers both — you will typically save 20–30% compared to hiring two separate vendors.
Consider an all-inclusive package. This sounds counterintuitive as a money-saving tip, but all-inclusive packages often cost 15–25% less than booking the same vendors separately. The package provider has established relationships with local vendors and passes the volume discount on to you. They also handle all the coordination, which saves you time and reduces the risk of costly mistakes. See my all-inclusive elopement packages guide for a full comparison of the top providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to elope?
The cheapest legal elopement is a courthouse ceremony, which typically costs $50–$200 for the marriage license and a small ceremony fee. If you want photography, hiring a local photographer for 1–2 hours adds $300–$800. Total: $350–$1,000 for a simple, legal, photographed elopement. If you want to go even cheaper, have a friend get ordained online through the Universal Life Church (free) and serve as your officiant — this is legally valid in most US states.
How much should I budget for a destination elopement?
For a destination elopement including flights, accommodation, and a mid-range package, budget $3,000–$8,000 per couple for domestic US destinations (Hawaii, Colorado, Smoky Mountains) and $5,000–$12,000 for international destinations (Europe, Caribbean). These ranges assume 3–5 nights of accommodation and a package that includes officiant, photographer, and florals.
Is eloping cheaper than a traditional wedding?
Almost always, yes — significantly so. The average US wedding costs $36,000. The average all-inclusive elopement costs $1,500–$5,000. Even a luxury destination elopement at $12,000–$15,000 is less than half the average wedding cost. The only scenario where eloping might approach traditional wedding costs is if you book a premium private venue, hire a full vendor team, and invite a small group of guests to a destination — at which point you are essentially planning a micro-wedding rather than an elopement.
Do elopement packages include the honeymoon?
No — elopement packages cover the ceremony only. Some resort-based packages (like Sandals) include accommodation as part of the package, but a dedicated honeymoon is a separate cost. Many couples use the money saved on their wedding to fund an extended honeymoon, which is one of the most compelling financial arguments for eloping.
What is included in a typical all-inclusive elopement package?
A standard all-inclusive elopement package typically includes: a licensed officiant, a professional photographer (2–4 hours), a bridal bouquet and boutonniere, ceremony coordination, and permit handling for the chosen location. Higher-tier packages may also include hair and makeup, a videographer, a champagne toast, and a post-ceremony portrait session. Accommodation, flights, and attire are almost never included. For a detailed comparison of the top all-inclusive providers, see my all-inclusive elopement packages guide.
How far in advance should I book an elopement package?
For popular destinations and peak season dates (June–September for most US destinations, November–March for Hawaii), book 3–6 months in advance. For off-peak dates or less popular destinations, 4–8 weeks is usually sufficient. The most important vendor to book first is your photographer — the best ones fill up fastest. Everything else can usually be arranged around the photographer's availability.
Ready to Start Planning?
Use the guides below to find the right package for your budget and destination. All packages have been personally reviewed and vetted.
Larry Leo
Father of Two Eloped Daughters · Founder, Elopement Packages Blog
Larry Leo built this resource after watching two daughters elope — one because COVID cancelled her entire wedding, one by deliberate choice. He's spent years researching elopement packages, venues, and planning resources so families and couples have the honest, practical information he wished existed when his own daughters were planning.