Most couples who are starting to plan a wedding or elopement have no idea how much things cost. Most people expect an elopement to be way cheaper, which is generally true. The best thing about an elopement is that even when you still hire professional, competent vendors, your overall cost will end up less than a traditional wedding. For example, in a traditional wedding, often the venue alone will cost upwards of $10,000. You could potentially do your entire elopement for less than that! Below, I’ll breakdown how much a real adventure elopement costs, based on what my actual clients spent. I’ll list out each thing they spent money on, how much it was, and the total at the end! You’ll see how much this can vary depending on what is important to you.
Real Client #1 Cost of Sunrise Hiking Elopement in Alberta
This couple did a sunrise hiking elopement in Kananaskis. They hiked up with me prior to the ceremony, and then did the ceremony after with a few family members close to the hike location. They live in Calgary, so travelling was not a big part of the cost for them.
Dried Bouquet – $138 – Heaven Party Flowers
Boutonniere – $25 – Heaven Party Flowers
Officiant – $450 – John Borrowman
Photography – $5000 – Lena Jenise Photography
Marriage Licence – $90
Dress – $470 – Azazie Bridal
Veil – Given to me by a friend
Vow Book from Etsy – $38 (we shared one vow book) – Springbok Craft Co.
Suit – $460 – Hugo Boss
Accommodation at the Kananaskis Lodge – $800
The total cost of this elopement was: $7471 CAD
Real Client #2 Cost of Sunset Helicopter Elopement in Alberta
This couple came from the US, so had some travel and accommodation costs in addition to everything else.
Photographer = $6114.69 CAD
Heli = $2254.96 CAD for me, Ben, Lena, + Officiant
Accommodation in Nordegg (Tree House) for 3 days = $1228.31 CAD
Hair + M/U = ~$687.87 CAD
Officiant = $541.66 CAD
Dress = $270 CAD
Veil = $348 CAD
Alterations = $208 CAD
Suit = $416 CAD
Ben’s shoes = ~$111 CAD (I used shoes I already had)
Accessories (all in CAD) = $48 earrings, $69 bride/getting ready robe, $27 vow books, $20 custom hanger for my dress, $22 custom slippers with Mrs.B on them, $97 spent at a craft store to make my own bouquet
Marriage License = $175 CAD
The total cost of this elopement was: $12,223 CAD.
Real Client #3 Cost of Sunrise Hiking Elopement in Alberta
This couple came from Ontario, so had some additional travel/accommodation costs.
Dress – $480 (on sale from $800)
Rental car – $1500 (for 8 days)
Photography – $6600
Airbnb – $ 3000 (for 8 days)
Officiant – around $400 for the day
Flight – around $3000 (return flight from Toronto to Calgary for 2 people)
Meals – one dinner at restaurant for 12 people – $700
The total cost of this elopement was: $15,680 CAD.
Real Client #4 Cost of Sunrise Hiking Elopement in Alberta
This couple came from another province as well, so had flights on top of these costs. They also hired a videographer.
Videography – Ring Tail – $2,499
Officiant- Cole Hofstra – $918
Photographer – $6600
Hair and Make up- Candice Dippenaar – $608 total (165 hair, 165 makeup, 200 early start fee)
Dress – $317
Marriage License- $175
Car for 5 days- $262
Mount Engadine Lodge – $691 for 1 night (totally with it, includes food and 2 seconds away from trail head)
Flowers and boutonniere – $80 on Etsy
Vow books/Ring box – $60 on Etsy
Total cost of this elopement: $12,191 CAD.
Now you can see there is a lot of variation in how much a real adventure elopement costs. Some couples choose certain vendors, others don’t. Some couples have to travel, others don’t. Different things are more important for different couples.
One thing I will note, is that photography and videography are two of the things that will last forever. Every other part of your day is temporary. So I wouldn’t cheap out on the ones capturing the memories. Because the photos and videos captured are the one thing that will remind you of all of the other parts of your day!
If you’re ready to book your adventure elopement, you can inquire by clicking here!
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