How much does an elopement cost in the UK in 2026?
If you’re amongst the increasing number of couples considering the intimate and personal experience of eloping (yay!) over planning and paying for a more traditional wedding – this post is for you! I’m an elopement planner and photographer based in Wales and some of my most asked questions include “Can you give me an estimate on how much an elopement costs in the UK?”, “How much does an elopement cost in the UK for a couple wanting a simple ceremony?”, “We’re budgeting for our big day; how much does an elopement cost in the UK on average?” and also “Considering the various options, how much does an elopement cost in the UK if we include a photographer and a small celebration afterwards?” and so to answer these questions – here’s all the info you need to understand how much an elopement can cost in 2026.
You’ve probably already looked into how to plan an elopement in Wales and maybe you’ve also already decided on the best time for you to elope, but when it comes to paying for it all – how much does an elopement cost in the UK and what does eloping actually entail financially? Is it safe to assume that it’s cheaper to elope than it is to have a traditional wedding in 2026? How do you budget for an elopement? And does eloping really save you money? These are just some of the questions you may currently ask yourself and so in this post, I’ll take a look at the real cost of eloping by comparing it to traditional weddings, and we’ll also cover how you can plan an elopement if you’re on a bit of a budget. Because – let’s face it – we’re all feeling the squeeze right now.
The Real Cost of Eloping
So depending on your location and other basic factors such as the type of ceremony you envisage (legal or symbolic), what type of accommodation you prefer (luxury, weekend away with family, super romantic bolthole with outdoor hot tub, or rustic campsite) and how long you want to stay there (day/weekend/week), whether (or not) you’d like to include other suppliers to help with details like hair and make-up, flowers, photos, cake etc – the cost of eloping in the UK can vary significantly. Plus there can be other elements to factor in such as your wedding rings, outfits (including those for your kids and/or dogs if they’re joining you) and any post-elopement celebrations and activities. Unlike traditional weddings, which can cost upwards of £20,000 on average, elopements are typically more cost-effective because couples who elope tend to spend the majority of their budget on things they really enjoy (think a romantic weekend in a cosy log cabin in the woods overlooking the mountains) rather than on things that couples having a traditional wedding are expected to spend money on.
Cost of eloping versus a traditional wedding
One of the main attractions of eloping is the intimacy and intention it offers and how it allows you to fully tailor your entire wedding day around the things you enjoy doing together. And of course – there are potential savings to be had. Traditional weddings often involve extensive guest lists, venue costs, catering for all the guests (whether you like and/or know them or not), decorations, and entertainment – all contributing to a higher overall cost. In contrast, the cost of eloping primarily involves the marriage license & legal fees, ceremony charges, and the couple’s personal expenses (travel, accommodation, attire), which can – of course – significantly reduce the financial strain.
Is It Cheaper to Elope?
Yes, eloping is cheaper than hosting a traditional wedding, mainly because costs are lower given that expenses typically associated with larger weddings (venue hire, catering, decorations, etc) are minimised. Ultimately, however, the final cost can vary widely based on how luxurious or simple you want your elopement to be and also the type of ceremony (legal or symbolic) and the location you choose.
Let’s take a look at
Let’s take a look at Hitched (a leading UK online wedding planning tool), which suggests that the average cost of a wedding in the UK in 2025 is estimated to be between £20,090 and £25,625 with an average number of 80 guests. Costs vary significantly (depending on the type of wedding chosen) but can be broken down as follows:
Venue hire – £8,800
Catering per head (80 guests) – £6,400
Wedding dress – £1,350
Photography – £1,300
Videography – £1,150
Wedding band/DJ – £1,050
Flowers – £1,050
Invitations & paper goods – £300
Wedding hair & makeup – £690 (bride & bridal party)
Total £22,090 (couples also spent on average £4,300 on their honeymoon).
So, how do you budget for an elopement?
Start by talking about your priorities
What aspects of your elopement are most important to you and your partner? Is it the location, the ceremony, photography, your outfits, or perhaps a combination of these? Knowing your priorities will help you allocate your budget more effectively.
Set a Budget
Seems so obvious, right?! Decide on the total amount you’re willing to spend on your elopement and be realistic about your financial situation. No good planning a day that’s over-the-top luxury if your budget is small. Also, consider setting aside a contingency fund for any unexpected expenses.
Break down costs
To work out how much your elopement is going to cost you – you’ll need to research and list all potential expenses. Now – I’ve done a bit of a generic exercise for you below, but of course, I have no idea what type of wedding ceremony you’re dreaming of, what your taste in clothes is or how much money you’d love to spend on your kids/dogs/others on your elopement day.
- Legal & venue fees: The cost of a marriage licence in the UK (we call it Giving Notice, which is basically just you signing a piece of paper) is £35 per person (unless you’re not a UK citizen, in which case it’s £47 per person). Expect to pay £57 for a basic ceremony in a registry office, and you’ll also need to cover room charges, which can go up to £200 (or more if you prefer a pretty ceremony-only venue to which the registrars will have to travel). If you decide on a 2-part wedding day that also includes a symbolic ceremony (on a beach, on top of a mountain, by a waterfall), you will also have to factor in costs for your celebrant. As with photographers, their charges do vary, but expect to pay on average £600.
- Travel and Accommodation: Include travel costs to and from your elopement destination and any accommodation before or after the ceremony. How much you spend on travel and accommodation is entirely up to you. Some of my previous couples have stayed in luxury country houses with their family for a week, booked a scenic log cabin in the middle of a forest or overlooking the mountains, and some have also travelled in their camper van or stayed on a campsite. There are options for everyone, ranging from £20/night on a campsite to £1000 for the week in an Airbnb.
- Wedding dress/suit: Consider the cost of outfits for both of you, whether you’re going for something formal or more casual. Also include items you intend to buy for your kid(s)/dog(s)/other(s). You can pick up a pre-loved wedding dress from Oxfam for £50 (I’m not saying you have to. I’m just saying you could if you wanted to) or spend in the region of £600 for a dreamy dress from Needle & Thread. Plus everything in between.
- Photographer: If capturing the moment is important to you, research and include the cost of hiring a professional. Expect to pay on average £1500 for shorter coverage of your day, or let your photographer help you plan a more adventurous multi-day experience. If you choose to elope to a beautiful part of the UK that you are not familiar with (Wales, Scotland, Ireland) – go for a photographer like me who specialises in elopement photography – we know the area you’ve chosen like the back of our hand and can help you craft a totally bespoke adventurous wedding/elopement day showing you all the best places and knowing when to go where for the most magical sunsets and sunrises for a truly once-in-a-lifetime wedding day.
- Rings: Allocate a portion of your budget for your wedding bands. Prices vary greatly depending on your preferences and the materials you love, with options ranging from buying from the high street to creating something entirely extraordinary and original.
- Celebratory Meal/Activities: Whether it’s a fancy dinner at Ynshir or Sheeps & Leeks, a simple picnic, or a pizza takeaway in your hot tub after an adventure-packed wedding day, don’t forget to include the cost of your post-elopement celebration. Add memorable activities such as a guided family kayak adventure on Llyn Padarn if your budget allows, or check out the best budget-friendly things to do in Eryri (Snowdonia) if you’re on a tight budget.
- Extras: Flowers, cake, hair and make-up, or any other additional elements you wish to include. These are beautiful additions to any wedding day and look great in pictures, so if you can, I’d highly recommend you allocate some of your money on extras. You will probably end up spending less on flowers than you would if you budgeted for a more traditional wedding, as you don’t have to dress a room (just go for a beautiful, big bouquet and/or flower crown), and probably have a smaller cake (especially if there are just the two of you).
How much does an elopement cost in the UK?
Let’s assume it’s just the two of you eloping to Wales for a weekend, and based on the generic examples above, here’s a breakdown of what you can realistically expect to pay (on average) for your elopement wedding:
Legal & venue fees – £750
Accommodation/fuel – £500
Wedding outfits – £750
Rings – £500
Photography – £1,500
Flowers/cake/make-up – £1,000
Paper goods (let people know you’ve eloped) – £250
Wedding day meal/activities – £500
Total £5,750 (massive saving!)
Now obviously you can re-allocate your funding as you please – maybe you want to add a romantic humanist-led ceremony but you don’t fancy a fancy meal, or you’re staying in a small hut for the weekend without family but want to include more guide-led activities. Just juggle your money around whichever way you like because how you spend your money is entirely up to you. From luxury or large properties for the whole family to come together for a weekend of celebration to just you and your dog in a tent or a campervan on a campsite for a week, the choice is all yours.
Eloping on a Budget
Eloping on a budget is entirely possible with careful planning and prioritisation. Consider a registry office ceremony followed by a mini adventure around beautiful locations nearby, minimalistic rings, make your own cake/floral decorations and enjoy a simple but still super romantic celebration. Remember, the essence of eloping is about the experience and the commitment being made, not the extravagance of the event.
Does Eloping Save Money?
Yes, in most cases, eloping can save you a significant amount of money. Without the financial pressure to entertain and accommodate large numbers of guests, you can focus your entire budget on personal preferences, making the day truly about your love for each other. Use whatever money you save on a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon, a future home, or other investments for your new life together.
So there we have it. Eloping in Wales is definitely an attractive alternative if you’re a couple looking to celebrate your love a bit on the wild side without the financial and logistical complexities of a traditional wedding. While the cost of eloping can vary, it generally offers a more budget-friendly way to start your married life. By focusing on what truly matters to you and your partner, and with careful planning and budgeting, you can create an intimate and memorable elopement that not only saves money but also resonates with your personal values and dreams for the future.
Thinking About Eloping in Wales? Let’s Do It Together!
Every elopement starts with a conversation – the spark that turns an idea into something real. If you’re imagining vows in Eryri or a quiet moment on the Llŷn Peninsula or Anglesey, I’m here to guide you gently through the planning.
CONTACT ME and let’s start creating your Welsh elopement experience. And don’t worry if you’re still piecing ideas together – that’s exactly where most couples begin. We’ll figure the rest out together.
FAQ Answers: How Much Does an Elopement Cost?
1. How much does it cost to elope in the UK?
Eloping in the UK is usually far more affordable than a traditional wedding, but your final cost depends on what kind of day you’re dreaming of. Most couples spend £2,000–£10,000, with the biggest variations coming from travel, accommodation, photography, outfits, food, and optional extras such as private chefs or adventure activities. If you’re eloping in Wales, you’ll often save money on travel compared to Scotland or Iceland – the landscapes are every bit as beautiful, but far easier to reach. Many couples choose a simple legal ceremony followed by personal vows outdoors, which also keeps costs low and stress-free.
2. What is included in an elopement photography package?
Most elopement photography packages include:
Coverage of your ceremony and adventures (I offer 3–8 hours);
A carefully edited online gallery to download, share, and print from;
Planning support, such as timeline guidance, location suggestions, and seasonal advice;
Optional extras like film add-ons, printed albums, or extended coverage
Some photographers (like me) also offer local insider knowledge – quiet mountain spots, coastal hideaways, weather-friendly backup plans, and tips for creating a day that feels simple and true to you.
3. Is eloping cheaper than a traditional wedding?
Almost always – yes! A traditional wedding in the UK can easily reach £20,000–£30,000+, while most elopements cost a fraction of that. With fewer guests (or none at all), you’re investing in what matters most: your experience, the setting, and the moments you’ll want to remember. Couples often tell me eloping gave them more freedom, more space to breathe, and a day that actually felt like them – without the pressure or overwhelm of a large event.
4. How do we budget for an elopement in Wales?
Start with the elements that matter most to you both – the parts that will shape how your day feels:
Photography
Accommodation
Travel
Outfits
Food or a small celebration meal
Optional touches like flowers, a private chef, or an adventure activity.
From there, decide where you want to invest and where you’re happy to keep things simple. The beauty of eloping in Wales is that you can create something breathtaking without big-wedding costs. Many couples choose a cosy cottage, a simple registry ceremony, and then exchange personal vows somewhere quiet in Eryri or by the sea – meaningful, beautiful, and budget-friendly.
5. What extra costs should we expect for a UK elopement?
A few things that couples sometimes forget to factor in:
Travel + fuel. Accommodation (usually 2–4 nights). Legal fees for a civil ceremony. Meals or a small celebration. Parking or national park car parks. Outfit tailoring or weather-friendly layers. Flowers or small details. Adventure extras like paddleboarding, boat trips, or a private chef. The good news? These are all flexible, and many couples keep things beautifully simple.
6. Do we need a permit to elope in Snowdonia?
For most small elopements in Eryri (Snowdonia), no permit is needed – especially if it’s just the two of you and I’m acting as a witness. But it’s still important to remember that the mountains, lakes, and open landscapes of Eryri aren’t official wedding venues. They’re living places shared by wildlife, locals, and visitors alike. Treat them with care, follow the Countryside Code, and always aim to leave every spot exactly as you found it (if not better).
7. How much does an elopement photographer cost in Wales?
Most experienced elopement photographers in Wales charge £1,200–£3,500, depending on coverage, travel, and included planning support. What you’re investing in is more than photos – it’s guidance, local knowledge, and someone who knows how to work with the weather, the light, and the landscape.
8. What’s the most affordable way to elope in the UK?
Wales – especially Eryri, the Llŷn Peninsula, and Anglesey – is a budget-friendly place to elope in the UK. Choose a simple registry ceremony, stay in a cosy Airbnb, support local businesses and artisans and explore the mountains or coast for your personal vows, and enjoy a relaxed meal afterwards. Beautiful, low-pressure, and intentional.
9. How do we plan a simple elopement with just the two of us?
Here’s the simplest path:
- Choose your location;
- Book your legal ceremony;
- Decide on your photographer;
- Find accommodation;
- Pick outfits you’re comfortable in;
- Add any small touches you want (flowers, picnic, private chef).
The rest? We refine together. Many couples start with just a feeling — that they want something quiet and intentional — and everything grows from there.
10. How far in advance should we book our elopement photographer?
Peak dates (May–October) book 12–18 months ahead, especially weekends. If your date is flexible, you may find availability sooner. Winter and weekday elopements are usually more open. The earlier you book, the easier it is to secure your preferred location, sunset timings, and accommodation.
What My Elopement Experience in Wales Means for You
Well, having photographed couples eloping to Wales since 2020, I’ve picked up some real-life skills along the way that can help couples just like you plan an adventurous elopement here. I know the ins and outs of Wales’ most scenic and hidden gems, from the dramatic coastlines of Pembrokeshire to the majestic peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia) and can suggest locations that match your vision, whether that’s a rugged mountain backdrop or a serene beach setting. I’ve also built a network of reliable and talented local suppliers, such as florists, videographers, and beauty artists who can deliver high-quality services to fit any elopement style and budget, and so I’ve compiled this post to simplify the process of grasping the true cost of eloping in 2026. When you choose to elope you are not choosing to marry on the cheap – you are simply choosing to marry in a more intentional way that allows you to have an incredible wedding experience and you will end up spending your money on all of the things you love and enjoy and not feel sad about having to spend it on things that don’t mean anything to you. If you’d like me to help you plan an incredible wedding experience in Wales, contact me.
You may also find these elopement planning guides helpful:
What is an elopement, and is eloping to Wales for me?
How to include your kids in your wedding day – elope to Wales with your children
The Ultimate Guide to Planning an Elopement in Eryri, Snowdonia
Eloping with your dog – the Ultimate 2026 Guide
The Best Places to Elope in Wales – 2026 Guide
Seasonal changes and the best time for you to elope in Eryri (Snowdonia).
INSTAGRAM @babsboardwellphotography