Introduction:
Weddings are a celebration of love, and for many budget-conscious brides, eloping has become an appealing alternative to traditional ceremonies. Planning an elopement allows couples to create an intimate and memorable experience while keeping costs under control. If you’re a couple on a budget who is dreaming of a magical elopement, LOOK NO FURTHER! This ultimate guide is how I would best recommend crafting a beautiful and affordable adventurous celebration that feels both luxurious and photos still result in stunning, breathtaking moments!!
Define Your Vision
Start by envisioning the elopement of your dreams. Consider the ambiance, the location, and the overall theme you desire. Do you imagine a fairytale-like ceremony amidst a picturesque landscape in a state park? Or perhaps a modern courthouse elopement? Defining your vision will serve as the foundation for all subsequent planning decisions. An important question to ask yourselves is: what experience holds the most value between you both? Is it wine tasting in Napa Valley?Hiking the Rocky Mountains? Venturing around your favorite theme park? Make sure that it’s an adventure that makes you go, “HELL YES!!!!”.
Set a Realistic Budget:
Before embarking on any wedding planning journey, it’s crucial to establish a budget. Determine how much you’re willing to spend on your elopement, including travel, accommodations, ceremony essentials, props (bouquet, accessories, etc.), wedding permits (in national parks or other regional parks) and any additional details you’d like to incorporate. Knowing your total cost budget upfront will help you prioritize and make informed decisions throughout the planning process. Let’s provide an example..
Let’s say you’re wanting to go to Iceland, but only have a total budget of $5,000. Iceland is considered one of the most expensive countries in the world. Realistically, $5,000 will not be able to cover all accommodations, travel, photography, etc. There are unique places in the United States that may give similar landscapes for much cheaper like Alaska. Make sure to do your research and create a budget that is both realistic and comfortable for the both of you!
$5,000 Budget Example:
You’ve decided that you want to adventure elope, but live in Arizona. You wanted the picturesque landscapes of the Grand Canyon National Park, so you drive about 3.5 hours from Phoenix, packing homemade sandwiches for lunch. You arrive at your local luxury glamping accommodation and take the next few hours to settle in and gather additional accessories for the wedding. You drive to a local grocery store to make a bridal bouquet and boutonniere, then turn back to meet with your adventure elopement photographer. Your photographer arrives to capture your “getting ready” photos before the enchanting elopement in the evening. You drive to the mesmerizing elopement location and say your vows as the sun sets across the canyon. You leave, cherishing the special memories of your special union, and arrive at your favorite fine dining or local restaurant. You spend your first night married in your unique luxury hotel, popping some champagne to end the night. You both wake up early and grab a coffee on your way out to the Grand Canyon Village to shop for some memorabilia.
$5,000 Budget Breakdown:
-$300 gas
–$500 luxury glamping accommodation
–$2,500-4,000 adventure elopement photography
-$20 sandwiches
-$14 coffee
-$40 bottle of champagne
-$200 grocery store bouquet and boutonniere
-$200 gift shop/memorabilia
–$150 marriage license, envelope, and legal processing fee
–$240-500 permit application and National Park Service fee
**HELPFUL HINT: ASK ME ABOUT THE LOCATIONS I WILL SHOOT FOR FREE IN!!! All that will need to be covered are my travel costs, and I will do the rest for free!***
Choose the Perfect Location:
Selecting a stunning yet affordable location is a key element of planning your adventure elopement. Consider picturesque parks, beaches, mountains, or even a cozy Airbnb as your ceremony backdrop. Look for destinations within driving distance or search for budget-friendly flight options to keep travel expenses in check. Opting for off-peak seasons can often lead to significant cost savings as well! Ensuring that your adventure elopement does not fall on the weekend of a popular sporting event, community event, or national event is a helpful way to find those off-peak weekends or seasons! Let’s provide another example…
You and your significant other met at the beach and now this holds a special place in your hearts. You conveniently have friends or family who live in San Diego or another coastal city! Ask to crash with a friend or family member and find a less popular beach to elope in during the Fall or Winter. This will help with tourism traffic and competing for a beautiful spot. Heck, if all else fails, nothing is wrong with a good ol’ Vegas elopement!!
**HELPFUL HINT: National Parks and regional parks will typically be the biggest bang for your buck! Most will require a wedding or photography permit, that are typically very affordable for those nature-loving hippies choosing the adventure elopement route! Here is a helpful article on the cheapest locations to elope in the United States.
Keep the Guest List Intimate:
One of the perks of eloping is the freedom to share this special moment with a select few. Limiting the guest list to less than 15 people who are close family members or a small group of friends can help you save on expenses like catering, seating, and accommodations. By focusing on those closest to you, you can create a more meaningful and personal experience. After all, your budget adventure elopement is about those treasured intimate moments while saving $$$ in the bank!
***HELPFUL HINT: If you are having a hard time limiting your guest list, and aren’t wanting to “hurt feelings”, just you two should elope. Simple as that!!! You can still include your loved ones by live-streaming the ceremony on Facebook or Instagram. This gives you both the ability to cut costs even more as well as having a more private adventure!
DIY Decor and Personal Touches:
Creating a romantic atmosphere doesn’t have to break the bank. Embrace your creative side and consider DIY decorations. Incorporate nature’s beauty by creating your own bouquet/boutonniere or buying affordable flowers from a local florist. Some brides don’t want the hassle of traveling to grocery stores of florists to assemble their bouquets (especially when traveling), so a great alternative would be buying an Amazon artificial flower bouquet. Handwritten vows, personalized signage, or even crafting your own wedding accessories can add a heartfelt touch to your elopement without straining your budget.
**HELPFUL HINT: A unique way to save costs with wedding bands is to get in touch with a local blacksmith or welder who does wedding bands. Some blacksmiths and welders have classes that you both can take together to forge wedding accessories, using more affordable materials. HELLO?!? Awesome date idea!!! Here’s a prime example.
If you’re wanting to buy cheaper wedding bands without doing a class, you can find some awesome custom-made ones on Etsy! Here are more examples of what that looks like:
–https://www.etsy.com/shop/NaomiJaneMetalsmith?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=506261394
–https://www.etsy.com/shop/ManlyJunction?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=1239885263
–https://www.etsy.com/shop/LadiesAndGentsBands?ref=l2-about-shopname&page=1#items
–https://www.etsy.com/shop/ReclaimedWoodDezigns?ref=l2-about-shopname
Simplify Your Attire:
Finding a gorgeous wedding dress or suit doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. Explore online marketplaces, sample sales, or consider renting your attire. Look for alternative options like white dresses or jumpsuits that are elegant yet affordable. For grooms, a well-tailored suit or a stylish ensemble can create a dashing look without the high price tag. One of my previous grooms found an entire custom suit at GOODWILL for less than $20 (incredible, right?!?). Here are some great retails to save some cash!
–Lulu’s Wedding Dresses on Sale
Capture the Moments:
Preserving the memories of your special day is essential!! Sure, your uncle has a “nice camera” and can take photos. But, has he mastered the manual settings for optimal shooting? Does he know what to do if there’s direct sunlight or heavy rain? Overall, wouldn’t you rather he enjoy the day with you then to potentially miss important moments? There are many benefits to hiring a professional photographer who can create captivating photos, provide expert advice, and who will capture the emotions of your special union. So if you’re having trouble deciding how to keep your guest list small, don’t forget about the power of photos. As a professional photographer who specializes in destination adventure elopements myself, I do offer financing options so that investing in your special day isn’t a hassle!
Celebrate Intimately:
After exchanging vows, it’s time to celebrate your union! Plan a romantic dinner for two at a local restaurant for a delicious wine pairing meal or organize a reception at your favorite local brewery to celebrate with craft beers, cake, and friends. If you prefer privacy, consider hiring a private chef or ordering takeout from your favorite local restaurant. This intimate celebration allows you to savor the moment while enjoying a delicious meal without extravagant costs!
Conclusion:
Planning an elopement on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing romance, luxury, intimate moments, or the beauty of your special day. By setting a realistic budget, selecting an enchanting yet affordable location, keeping the guest list intimate, incorporating personal touches, simplifying attire, capturing the memories, and celebrating intimately, you can create a memorable elopement that reflects your love while being mindful of your finances. Remember, the most important aspect of your elopement is the commitment you and your partner share, and that is priceless.
