It’s been pretty well documented that I am an advocate of elopements. I’ve done numerous deep dives on the topic and how they have evolved societally over the years. However, what I have not done has covered the cost of elopements and how they save money in its own dedicated platform. With that in mind, I believe I should remedy that right here and now.
The best place to begin is the cost of an elopement. Now, there are numerous factors to consider and differentiate. According to Sarah Linda (2023), the largest costs are as follows: wedding attire, permits, hair and makeup, floral bouquet, officiants, and photographers. Admittedly, there was also the added caveat of travel, which many people still associate with elopements - known as destination elopements. I will note that here, but will most focus on the specific costs of the actual event. The Epic Elopement (2022) recommends that the best way to save money is to book the venue and vendors first. The vendors, including the officiant, photographer, and makeup artist may cost anywhere between $950 up to $13,700 (Linda, 2023). For reference, as a photographer, I offer my services starting at $250 for elopements. On average, venues cost $5,767 in 2022 (Wedding Report, 2022). However, if you choose to marry at the City Hall, the cost, depending on the state, is the marriage certificate that ranges between $30-$150 (Baskas, 2023).
Now, there are also free venues to indulge in. Locations such as National Parks, botanical gardens, and local beaches are all free locations where you can book your elopement. (Linda, 2023). There are also ways to get around paying for everything full price, such as renting or borrowing necessary items such as attire and accessories, as well as shopping secondhand for your dress, suit, accessories, and jewelry (Epic Elopement, 2022). While those alternatives can be difficult to settle on, the option is still there.
The most clear way to contrast how elopements will save you money is to compare them to a traditional wedding. The most expensive elopements are often still far cheaper than a traditional wedding (Krueger, 2023). A study from 2021 showed that the average wedding cost for that year was $34,000 (Linda, 2023). Meanwhile, a more recent study shows that the average has reduced slightly to $33,000 (Chertoff, Jane, and Georgie, 2023). Conversely, elopements can range between $2,500 to more than $16,000 (Epic Elopement, 2022) (Linda, 2023). Even at the higher end of the cost, the elopements costs are 47% of what the average traditional wedding costs.
Elopements have surged in popularity over the last five years or so, specifically, ever since 2020. Although the surge was likely due to unfortunate circumstances, the beauty surrounding the ceremony cannot be undersold. They have also proven to be an exponentially more cost effective method of joining together in holy matrimony. I hope to have highlighted that point clearly and effectively, that you have learned something today, and that you have an excellent week.
Warmest regards,
Logan Clark
Works Cited
Baskas, Harriet. “How Much Does It Cost to Elope? Here's the Breakdown.” The Knot, 18 December 2023, https://www.theknot.com/content/cost-to-elope. Accessed 10 July 2024.
Chertoff, Jane, and Georgie Darling. “How Much Does the Average Wedding Cost in 2024?” Zola, 28 December 2023, https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-the-average-cost-of-a-wedding. Accessed 10 July 2024.
“How Much Does it Cost to Elope? Guide for Elopements in 2022.” The Epic Elopement, 3 January 2022, https://theepicelopement.com/eloping-101/cost-to-elope/. Accessed 10 July 2024.
Krueger, Alyson. “How Much Does It Cost to Elope?” Brides, 17 April 2023, https://www.brides.com/elopement-cost-5114438. Accessed 10 July 2024.
Linda, Sarah. “How Much Does It Cost to Elope [2024].” Sarah Linda Photography, 31 July 2023, https://www.sarahlindaphotography.com/blog/cost-of-eloping. Accessed 9 July 2024.
“6 Ways to Save for Your Elopement.” The Epic Elopement, 22 July 2022, https://theepicelopement.com/blog/how-to-save-for-elopements/. Accessed 9 July 2024.
“2022 Average Wedding Cost in the U.S. Increased by 7.3% to $29,195.” The Wedding Report, 2022, https://wedding.report/index.cfm/action/blog/view/post/pid/1731/title/2022_Average_Wedding_Cost_in_the_U_S__Increased_by_7_3__to__29_195. Accessed 9 July 2024.