There’s a myth that couples only elope to save money. While it’s true that skipping a 200 person guest list and pricey venue helps, an elopement budget isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about spending with intention. When you choose to elope, you’re deciding to invest in experiences, moments, and details that actually matter to you not in traditions or expectations that don’t fit. Whether your elopement budget is $5,000 or $20,000, the goal is the same: create a day that feels personal, adventurous, and true to your story!

Elopement vs Wedding Cost: What’s the Difference?

A traditional wedding often costs $30,000–$40,000 or more once you factor in the venue, catering, and décor, while an elopement budget usually falls between $5,000–$15,000 depending on travel, priorities, and guest count. By choosing to elope, you get to skip big expenses like renting a large venue, catering for hundreds of guests, and large scale decor rentals. Instead, your elopement budget goes toward the things that truly matter: photography, travel, permits, activities, and meaningful little details that bring your day to life!

Typical Elopement Budget (With Ranges)

Here’s what you can expect to include in your elopement budget for Yosemite National Park

Photography – $2,000–$15,000
The most important investment for reliving your day. Many couples choose to splurge here.

Permits & Park Fees – $150–$300
National parks like Yosemite require permits for ceremonies—I help couples handle this process.

Travel + Lodging – varies
Flights, car rentals, cozy Airbnbs, or cabins. This often feels like part of the adventure itself.

Florals – $150–$800
Bouquets, boutonnieres, or small ceremony pieces. Bonus if your florist can design something packable for hikes.

Hair & Makeup – $250–$1,500
A must for all-day coverage in outdoor conditions.

Officiant – $300–$800
Or, if you want to simplify your elopement budget, I can also legally officiate!

Meals or Celebration Dinner – $100–$1,500+
Think private chef at your Airbnb, a lakeside picnic, or dinner in town.

Attire – $300–$2,500
Dresses, suits, boots, accessories. It varies, but comfort and style both matter!

Extras – varies
Vow books, custom signs, adventure gear, or keepsakes that add personality to your day!

Where to Save Without Sacrificing Experience

Your elopement budget doesn’t have to stretch everywhere. These are the easiest areas to save without losing meaning! 

• Skip elaborate decor, Yosemite’s cliffs and meadows are already stunning!
  
• No venue rental needed when you choose a national park.
  
• Keep your guest count small (or just the two of you!).
  
• Thrift, borrow, or re-wear outfits!
• Add DIY touches like vow books or post-elopement dinners at your Airbnb.

Where It’s Worth It to Splurge

While there are plenty of ways to save, there are also areas of your elopement budget that are absolutely worth prioritizing. These are the things that add meaning, ease, and a little bit of magic to your day!

Photography – This is the one investment you’ll never regret. Long after the the adventure ends, your photos are what you’ll look back on to relive the emotions, the views, and the story of your day.

Activities or experiences – Want to paddle board across a mountain lake, or stargaze, or hike to a summit at sunrise? These once-in-a-lifetime experiences are what make your elopement unforgettable and deeply personal!

Stress-free support – Hiring professionals who know the area, handle permits, and create a smooth timeline will free you up to be fully present. Less stress = more space to soak in the adventure!

Meals & memories – Even if it’s just the two of you, don’t skip celebrating! Whether that’s a private chef at your Airbnb, charcuterie at sunset, or pizza under the stars, sharing a meal turns your day into a full experience.

Comfort – Splurging a little here goes a long way. An Airbnb, a private driver for winding mountain roads, or even a massage after a hike can elevate your elopement from “fun” to “unforgettable.”

At the end of the day, the splurges in your elopement budget should be about what feels most meaningful to you not what tradition says you “should” spend on.

Sample Elopement Budget

Here’s how different couples might use their elopement budget:

• Budget-Friendly (~$5,000)
  Yosemite Valley ceremony, photo coverage, permits, simple dress/suit, DIY bouquet, Airbnb, and pizza dinner.
  
• Mid-Range (~$8,000)
  Sunrise Glacier Point ceremony + sunset portraits, full-day photo coverage, hair & makeup, florals, and a private chef dinner.
  
• Luxury (~$20,000+)
  Weekend elopement in Yosemite with guests, photo + video team, floral design, private venue rental, custom attire, and live music.

Planning a Yosemite Elopement? Book me as your Yosemite Elopement Photographer!

At the end of the day, your elopement budget should reflect your priorities! Not tradition, not trends, and definitely not anyone else’s expectations. Whether you’re planning a $5k Yosemite elopement or a $20k Sequoia weekend, your day can be intimate, adventurous, and completely you! Looking for a Yosemite elopement photographer? Let’s connect! Contact me here!