The budget plays a major role in any wedding celebration – and elopements are no exception! Elopements aren’t just about cutting costs and saving money, and an elopement shouldn’t be about taking shortcuts. How much does eloping cost?

Here is a breakdown of what you should plan for when going over your elopement budget:

The Cost of Eloping vs a Traditional Wedding

It’s no secret that traditional weddings are an expensive investment. The average wedding these days is $25,000! That’s a lot of money and most of it is spent on things for your guests, and things that you won’t see again after the day is over.

Eloping is most of the time a lot less costly than a wedding. The difference is that you get to spend your money on what’s important to you! So depending on your budget and what you two have decided you want to spend on your day it can be as little as a few hundred/thousand to as much as you choose. Hiking for the most part is free, going to an all inclusive resort is not. 

What Goes into an Elopement Budget?

People tend to think that eloping is just for “cheap” couples – those who don’t want to commit to a long or expensive wedding day, or who aren’t interested in paying for anything. However that is far from the truth. Eloping is simply making you spend your wedding day celebrating it how you both want it to be. You decide what to budget, what experiences you want to share together that day. 

Your Wedding Attire

Your dress and suit will be dependant on the type of elopement you plan to do. If it’s a mountain top hike you don’t need a massive ball gown. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t invest to make sure you feel incredible on the big day! Don’t forget to budget for alterations too!

Marriage License

The cost depends on where you elope, but in Alberta they usually cost around $40 at the registry. 

Ceremony Permits

When you get married outdoors, you often need a permit. This depends on the location, and some places only require a permit for ceremonies over a certain number of people. Some places don’t require a permit at all. 

Rings and Accessories

Consider the cost of your wedding bands in your budget if you haven’t already got those. Will you be purchasing any jewellery to wear, hair pieces, veils? What about floral boutonniere?

Travel Costs

If you plan to travel out of town factor in the costs of all your travel such as gas, hotels, airbnbs, plane tickets, meal budget, etc.

Adventure Experiences

What adventures will you be doing together that day? Will you be renting kayaks, paddle boards? Going on a helicopter tour? Do your research on costs of what you want to do and make sure it fits into your budget. 

Your Vendors

The cost of your vendors may be the most expensive aspect of your day. Decide on what you will need, will you hire a photographer, videographer, florist, makeup artist, elopement planner, commissioner.

Your typical elopement photographer will cost anywhere from $800-$2800. An elopement videographer will cost anywhere from $800-$4500 depending on the coverage time and their experience.