Money as a couple: How much does it cost to elope?
The cost to elope is far lower than a traditional wedding, with the main costs being legal fees, outfits, a photographer and perhaps travel. In a worked example, a local elopement costs about 1,500, and some couples hold a small party later.
By Wealtie Team · 3 min read
Key takeaways
- The cost to elope is far lower than a traditional wedding.
- In a worked example, a local elopement costs about 1,500.
- The main costs are legal fees, outfits, a photographer and a celebration meal.
- A small party later lets family and friends celebrate without the cost of a big wedding.
How much does it cost to elope?
Much less than a traditional wedding. Eloping usually means marrying with just the two of you, or a couple of witnesses, without a large guest list or reception. Without venues, catering for dozens and lots of decorations, the cost drops dramatically. For many couples, it's a way to focus on the commitment and put the money towards a home, travel or savings. It also removes much of the stress of planning a large event.
What does an elopement cost?
Here's a worked example of a local elopement, in round numbers that work in any currency:
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Photographer, two hours | 500 |
| Outfits | 400 |
| Celebration meal | 250 |
| Legal and ceremony fees | 200 |
| Flowers and small extras | 150 |
| Total | 1,500 |
Your own costs depend on where you marry and what you include. Some couples spend much less, with outfits they already own and no photographer. Others elope somewhere beautiful, adding travel and accommodation. Even then, the total is usually far below a traditional wedding.
What are the legal requirements?
They vary by country. Most places require giving notice in advance, paying a fee and having witnesses, often two. Check the rules where you'll marry, including documents you need and how long before the date you must give notice. If you marry abroad, requirements can be more complex. Booking the earliest or latest slot of the day at a registry office is sometimes cheaper.
Where can you elope?
- A registry office or civil ceremony venue, often the cheapest option
- A favourite outdoor spot, where ceremonies are allowed
- A meaningful place, like where you met
- Somewhere scenic you travel to, combining it with a honeymoon
If you travel, include transport, accommodation and any permits in your budget. Off-season travel keeps the cost down and often means quieter, more beautiful locations. The honeymoon budget covers planning the trip.
Rings and outfits
Rings and outfits don't need to be expensive. Simple bands, vintage rings or family heirlooms are popular with eloping couples. Outfits can be anything that makes you feel special, from a smart suit or dress you already own to something second-hand.
Do you need a photographer?
Not necessarily, but many eloping couples see photos as the main thing they want to keep. A short session of an hour or two captures the ceremony and portraits for much less than a full-day wedding package. A friend acting as witness and photographer is another option. Many photographers offer elopement packages designed for short ceremonies.
Keep it personal
Writing your own vows, choosing a meaningful location and sharing a special meal afterwards make an elopement memorable without spending much. Some couples also record a short video message to send to family.
Plan the day
Even a small elopement benefits from a simple plan: the time of the ceremony, where you'll take photos, where you'll eat and how you'll get between them. Booking a table in advance and checking opening times avoids last-minute costs and stress on the day.
What about family and friends?
Some people feel hurt if they're not invited, so think about how you'll tell family. Telling close family in person, before posting online, is often appreciated. Many couples share the news with a call, a video or a letter, and some hold a small party later. In a worked example, a relaxed party for 30 guests at home or in a pub costs about 600, still far less than a traditional wedding. How to host dinner on a budget has ideas.
How does eloping compare with a wedding?
A traditional wedding often costs many times more than an elopement. The wedding budget shows where the bigger costs come from. Eloping isn't right for everyone, since some couples value a big celebration with loved ones, but for those who prefer simplicity, the savings can make a real difference to their first years together.
Put the savings to work
Deciding in advance what the money you'd have spent on a wedding will go towards, like a deposit, an emergency fund or a trip, makes the choice feel even more worthwhile.
Some couples worry that eloping will upset family. Telling close relatives in advance, or sharing photos and a video soon after, can help. A simple celebration later gives everyone a chance to mark the day together without the cost of a full wedding.
How do you track elopement costs in Wealtie?
Add a savings account for the elopement and move money into it as a transfer, which isn't counted as spending. Log costs in an events line in your expense categories, and keep a limit in the budget tracker for everyday spending.
Questions people ask
In a worked example, about 1,500 for a local elopement, covering a photographer, outfits, a meal and legal fees.
Usually advance notice, a fee and witnesses. Rules vary, so check where you'll marry.
Much cheaper. A traditional wedding often costs many times more.
Many couples share the news by call, video or letter, and some hold a small party later.
This article is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Your situation is your own; check the numbers that apply to you before you act on them.
