How much does it cost to elope??
If you want to elope in California, you’ve probably been asking yourself this question. Maybe you’ve googled it, or maybe it feels overwhelming and you just don’t know where to start. In this guide I will help ease the stress surrounding the question of how much does it cost to elope in California, and give advice for how much you might spend on an elopement that is right for you! If you’re also wondering how to elope, I can help with that too.
Table of Contents
- Different factors of elopement costs in California
- The Breakdown of Elopement Costs
- Average California elopement costs
- Tips for budgeting for your California elopement
Budgeting can be one of the most stressful parts of planning an elopement, but I’m here to tell you it doesn’t have to be!
Let’s start with the different factors that can go into elopement costs…
Different Factors for Costs to Elope in California
This list includes everything you might spend money on, so that you don’t forget something and realize later you have more to spend money on. That being said, it’s a long list. So before you glance over this list and feel overwhelmed by it’s length, remember not everything on this list will apply to you and your ideal elopement!
How Much it Costs to Elope in California
Please keep in mind this list in no way guarantees prices for any piece of your elopement. Every elopement is different and each location and vendor are different! This is just a comprehensive list of pricing I’ve seen over the years in my experience as an elopement photographer in California. Let’s get into the numbers! Here’s the breakdown:
Venue & Ceremony Site Costs for Elopements in California
Beaches: California’s coastline is covered in picturesque beaches perfect for an intimate elopement. Whether you’re looking for a moody PNW vibe coastal elopement or a sunny So Cal elopement, there are so many great options. Many of these beaches require permits, ranging from $100 to $500, depending on the location and number of guests.
Parks: California is home to numerous national and state parks. Yosemite, for example, charges $150 for a wedding permit. Other parks might charge between $50 and $300.
Private Estates: For a more private setting, consider renting a private estate or vineyard. These venues can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the location and amenities offered.
Officiant Fees
Hiring an officiant typically costs between $200 and $500. If you have a friend or family member officiate, you might save on costs, but ensure they are legally able to do so in California. You can get ordained online!
Travel and Accommodation Costs
Depending on where you’re coming from, travel costs can vary significantly. Flights within the U.S. might cost anywhere from $200 to $500 per person. Accommodation prices also vary greatly between camping, glamping, hotels, Airbnbs, and resorts:
- Hotels: $100 to $400+ per night.
- Airbnb/Vacation Rentals: $150 to $500+ per night, depending on location and property size.
If you’re staying in a popular area like Big Sur or San Diego, expect these prices to be higher.
Permits, Licenses & Insurance
Marriage License: The cost of a marriage license in California is approximately $90.
Event Permits: As mentioned, certain locations require permits. This can range from $50 to $500 depending on the venue.
Insurance: If you are renting private property for your elopement or intimate wedding, they may require you to have event insurance. Event liability insurance can range from $75 to $250.
Elopement Photography Costs
Your photography cost varies depending on your unique elopement experience and what your photographer offers. In addition to documenting your elopement day, I help my couples plan their dream adventure elopement day since I have experience crafting elopement days. Capturing your special day is crucial, and you will be spending a lot of your elopement day with your photographer, so it’s important that you hire somebody you vibe with! That’s why I jump on calls with my couples before we book, to make sure we are the perfect fit for your day. Photography packages for elopements can range from $1,000 to $10,000+, depending on the photographer’s experience and the package details. This might include several hours of coverage, a certain number of edited photos, and sometimes even a pre-wedding session. You can see my elopement packages & pricing here.
Florists and Decor
Flowers and decorations add a personal touch to your elopement. Expect to spend between $200 and $1,000 on bouquets, boutonnieres, and basic decorations. For more elaborate setups, the cost can increase.
Hair and Makeup Costs for your Elopement
Hiring a professional hair and makeup artist can cost between $150 and $500. This ensures you look your best for your special day and your photos! If you want your friends and family to have their hair and makeup done as well, this will cost more.
Elopement Attire Costs
Elopement attire can be as simple or extravagant as you like:
- Wedding Dress: $200 to $2,000+
- Suit/Tuxedo: $100 to $500+
- Other attire costs: 1 or more pairs of shoes, maybe an extra pair that’s comfortable to hike in and then a nice pair for photos or your ceremony. Hairpieces, veils, cufflinks, and jewelry should be budgeted for too if you’re planning to have them!
Miscellaneous Elopement Expenses
Don’t forget to budget for other potential costs:
- Transportation: Renting a car might cost between $50 and $100 per day.
- Meals: Depending on your preferences, dining costs can vary a lot from fast food to fine dining.
- Tips: If you’re tipping your vendors, make sure to budget for that too.
More factors to consider for your elopement budget:
- Videographer
- Planner
- Musician / Band
- Caterer or Private Chef
- Passes to enter parks & Parking
- Tables / Chairs
- Cups / Plates
- Alcohol & Other drinks
- Signs / Stationary
- Invites / Save the Dates / Announcements
- Favors for guests
- Guest Book
Average Costs to Elope in California
The average cost of an elopement in California can be anywhere from $10k-20k+. This may sound like a lot, but keep in mind the average cost of a wedding in the US is $28k. Most of that money gets spent on the venue, which can be as much as $10k itself. With elopements you are more than likely avoiding this!
Tips for Budgeting your Costs to Elope
Tip #1: Choose which factors are the most important to you for your elopement. For example this could be your photographer, florals, and lodging. Prioritize your budget for these factors, and spend less on other vendor packages or decorations.
Tip #2: Budget with flexibility. Things happen and plans can change, and you don’t want to be stressed about money at the last minute. The best way to avoid that is to budget with some wiggle-room just in case! Then enjoy a stress-free elopement experience.
Tip #3: Make your purchases meaningful. Hire based on your values and what will make your day special, not based on what you think you’re supposed to do or what somebody else thinks you should do. After all, this is your elopement day!!
A few more tips for your Elopement Budget…
These tips are things I’ve helped couples with over the years to budget for the pieces they care about the most.
- Hire vendors local to your elopement location
- Cut down your guest list if possible – no reason to spend money on people who you don’t truly want there with you. One of the best parts of eloping is that it is truly an intimate experience, either just the two of you or with a few of your closest family and friends.
- Choose experience over material things. If you’re dreaming of an epic helicopter flight to a glacier in Alaska, consider saving on florals and food.
- If a luxury lodging experience is not one of your priorities, you can save money here by camping or even glamping!
- Rent instead of buy your outfits.
- DIY your flowers and decorations.
- Eloping during the off-peak season can save you money on venues and accommodations.
- Digital Invites: Save on stationary by sending digital invites
Keep in Mind
Overall it’s important to remember, this is your elopement day. It’s your once-in-a-lifetime experience marrying your best friend. If you want to go all out, do it! If you’re not sure what parts of your elopement are the most important to you, I can help you figure that out during planning. A lot of couples don’t know how truly magical their day can be before we get on a call and talk about it! If you’re ready to start planning your epic, magical elopement experience of a lifetime, reach out! Hiring a photographer that will help you plan and knows how to craft elopements is a great first step to planning yours.
What Next?
Now that you know how much it costs to elope in California, learn all about how to elope in California to get the best tips for finding venues, photographers, making decisions about your day and help ease any overwhelm you may be feeling about how to begin planning!
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