Let’s be real… talking about money isn’t the prettiest part of planning an elopement, but it’s definitely the most important.
If you’ve been wondering how much does it cost to elope in the Adirondacks, you’ve probably seen everything from $500 simple courthouse elopements to $15,000+ luxury experiences… and none of it actually gives you a clear answer. It’s confusing, it’s vague, and it doesn’t help you figure out what you actually need.
I know that because I eloped in the Adirondacks myself. I was searching the exact same things you are right now. And honestly? I walked away from most of those blog posts more confused than when I originally started.
I’ve seen numbers all over the place, but when I eloped, it came out to around $10K and looking back, there are many things I would absolutely do differently.
So I’m going to break this down for you based on both my personal and professional experience. That means talking about how much I spent, what I think you can probably skip out on and what truly matters if you want your wedding day to feel like a full-fledged experience rather than a “quick get it done and move on.”
Table of Contents
- The Average Cost of an Adirondack Elopement Based On Different Budgets
- What Actually Affects the Cost To Elope In The Adirondacks
- Full Breakdown Of What It Cost To Elope In The Adirondacks
- What You DON’T Need to Spend Money On
- What I Would Do differently If I Could Elope All Over Again
- If You’re Still In The Dreaming & Envisioning phase
- If You’re Ready To Take The Next Step
The Average Cost of an Adirondack Elopement Based On Different Budgets
Simple/Minimal Elopement ($1,500-$4,000)
Some couples truly just want to get the paperwork done and that’s a completely valid choice.
That usually looks like a quick ceremony, maybe somewhere roadside or easy to access, followed by a small celebration like a toasts or grabbing food nearby. It’s simple, it’s low-key, and it’s focused more on the legal side of things than the overall experience.
Couples going this route typically keep things very minimal by staying in a budget-friendly hotel, doing their own hair and makeup, choosing a more affordable or secondhand dress, and picking a location that doesn’t require permits or additional costs. They also tend to either skip photography altogether or hire someone with more limited coverage or experience to keep costs down.
This can be a great option if your priority is keeping things simple but it’s usually not what couples are looking for when they want a more intentional, experience-driven elopement day.
Mid-Range/Experience-Focused Elopement ($4,000–$9,000)
This is the range I personally fell into when planning my own elopement and it’s where a lot of couples land when they want something that feels meaningful without going all out.
For us, the biggest investments were our photographer and the Airbnb we stayed in, since we needed a large enough space to hold our immediate family members we invited.
Elopements in this range usually involve being really intentional about what matters most when it comes to spending. Couples might prioritize photography or a unique place to stay, while simplifying other areas like food, attire, or florals to keep things balanced and affordable.
It often looks like choosing a beautiful location that doesn’t require permits, incorporating something a little more adventurous like a hike or exploring a scenic spot, and finding simple ways to celebrate. Whether that’s a homemade meal, a casual dinner, or just taking the time to really slow down and actually enjoy the day together.
Luxury Full Experience Elopement ($9,000-$15,000+)
Let’s be real. This price point can feel like a lot at first. But when you compare it to the cost of a traditional wedding (or even a smaller one with 50 guests), which can easily reach $30,000–$50,000+, it starts to make a lot more sense.
This is the range for couples who want their elopement to feel like a full experience. For them it’s not just the ceremony, but the entire day (or even multiple days) built around what they feel matters most.
Depending on how long you want to stay, the types of activities you want to include, and how elevated you want the experience to feel, this can look different for everyone. I work with a lot of couples who choose to elope just the two of them and really lean into the experience, sometimes even turning it into a full-on honeymoon adventure.
That might look like having both photography and videography for full-day coverage, staying in a beautiful Airbnb with mountain views, bringing in a private chef for dinner, or planning something unforgettable like a helicopter tour over the Adirondacks.
Other couples include a small group of family, book a more private mountain venue for their ceremony, and keep the rest of the day relaxed with full-day photography and a catered dinner back at their Airbnb.
At this level, it really comes down to what matters most to you and building the day around that.
I’ve never had a couple regret investing in their experience.
But reality is, elopements don’t have a fixed price and that’s where a lot of the confusion comes from.
Two couples could both elope in the Adirondacks and have completely different budgets depending on how they want their day to feel and what they choose to include.
So instead of thinking about it as one specific set cost, it helps to understand what actually impacts the price of your elopement. Because that’s what allows you to build something that fits both your vision and your budget.
What Actually Affects the Cost To Elope In The Adirondacks
Your Priorities and Experience Level
Your budget ultimately is going to be based on your priorities and the level of experience you want to have.
Some couples are chill with keeping things simple and low key while others want full immersive experiences to make their day feel special.
And there is nothing wrong with either of them, it just depends on what’s important to you.
The more intentional and experience driven your elopement day becomes, the more you’ll invest into things that support that.
Location and Accessibility
This is a big factor for a lot of couples, especially if you’re planning to include family members who may not be able to hike or access more remote locations.
Because of that, your options can be a bit limited. Instead of choosing a free hiking trail or more private spot, you may need to look at locations that are easier to access.
That can look like booking a venue with a view, or securing a permit or reservation for a location in nature that doesn’t require much walking(like Whiteface Mountain or Marcy Field).
These types of locations are often more convenient, but they can come with additional costs depending on the space and requirements.
Time and Coverage
This is one of the biggest factors that affects both the cost and the overall feel of your elopement day.
It’s easy to assume you only need a couple of hours for the ceremony and a few photos but the amount of time you build into your day directly impacts how rushed or relaxed everything feels.
Take it from someone who thought they could fit an entire wedding day into 4 hours. LOL.
Shorter coverage really only gets you so far, and a lot of the meaningful parts of the day can end up feeling rushed, or even missed. Especially when everything has to fit into a tight window.
On the flip side, when you invest in more time and coverage, you give yourself flexibility. If things run behind, you’re not stressed. If you want to slow down and actually take in the moment, you can.
That extra time can look like spending the morning with family, having a relaxed ceremony, and then setting aside time later (or even the next day) for just the two of you to go off on an adventure.
You’re not watching the clock or worrying about whether you got enough photos with your mom. You actually have space to experience the day in its entirety.
Guest Count
The number of guests you include can have a big impact on how much you end up spending.
Take it from someone who originally wanted it to be just the two of us but ended up having around 20 family members tag along.
Even something as simple as making sure your Airbnb has enough space for everyone, or that everyone is fed, can start to add up quickly.
When you keep it small, or just the two of you, it completely changes the cost of things. You have more flexibility with locations, fewer logistics to worry about, and more freedom to focus on the experience itself.
And it’s totally okay if you still want your family involved, it just means a little more planning and a slightly bigger budget to make sure it turns out like you envisioned.
Full Breakdown Of What It Cost To Elope In The Adirondacks
Photography
For many couples this is the biggest investment. If you want to make the planning process as easy as possible, hire an experienced elopement photographer early on. Most photographers that specialize in elopements(like myself) will help you plan your entire day, from a secluded location to your lodging and even the style of your cake. And if they provide additional items like an officiant, albums, or content creation EVEN BETTER. So it’s very important you don’t skimp out here.
Most couples spend between $4,000-$10,000 on an elopement specific photographer.
Videography
Some couples opt out of this just because they value photos more than video because it’s a tangible item. However, having your day told in motion can be a unique way of remembering the little moments in the day that you may have forgot about. I always recommend videography if you have the budget for it, even if it’s just for the ceremony portion of your day.
Most couples spend between $4,000-$8,000 on videography, bonus if they also hike!
Location/Permits
It’s important that we honor the rules and regulations of wherever you decide to get married. Most of the areas in the Adirondacks are free but if you decide to get married in an area that requires a permit or reservation, the cost can vary. Prices are always changing so it’s important to inquire with the location you’re thinking of ahead of time so you know exactly what to expect.
Most couples who end up needing a permit spend anything from $0-$4,000.
Officiant
If you’re really tight for money you can opt out of this if your photographer(like me) is ordained and can officiate your elopement! But if you prefer to have a more formal set up where an officiant will give a beautiful customized sermon about your love, then definitely get an officiant like my husband, Josh! Or you can even have a friend or family member get ordained quickly online and officiate for you.
With that being said couples usually spend between $0-$500 at the most for an officiant who will trek up a mountain with them! I think that’s a steal personally.
Lodging
Lodging is another big doozy on the list but it’s one of the most important investments.
Why is lodging so important for your elopement day you might be asking?
Well, unlike traditional weddings where most venues are built to endure bad weather or has multiple backup options… eloping in the wilderness doesn’t exactly have that. SO with that being said your lodging becomes your backup for photos, ceremony, or a place to hangout until bad weather passes.
That means it should be relatively suitable to accommodate your guests, visually appealing for photos, and vibey in case you end up spending more time there than anticipated. So the more you invest in this aspect of your day, the more comfortable you’ll be, and you’ll be happier with the photos if the aesthetic is nice!
Personally I ended up splurging on the air bnb we rented and I was so happy we did. We were able to have the ceremony on the deck with a gorgeous view of the mountains. It gave us flexibility to have our ceremony on the beautiful deck, have all of our family members present, and was the perfect setting for relaxing after dinner.
Most couples spend between $1,500-$5,000 depending on how long you plan on staying, if you’re having family members stay with you, and how large and fancy of a place you want!
Food
Food is probably one of the more flexible parts of an elopement day as the cost can range greatly depending on the vibe and setting you’re shooting for. I’ve seen everything from grabbing pizza downtown, doing a homestyle family meal, to luxury dining at a restaurant and even having food catered to an air bnb.
So I can confidently say that this part of the day can range anywhere from $20-$2,000 depending on how many people need to be fed. Just remember this is an elopement and they usually are under 20 guests.
Florals
I like to tell my couples that florals don’t need to be this big elaborate purchase. You can choose somewhere local where it may cost slightly more for something more personalized to the Adirondacks. Or you can go as simple as grabbing a price chopper bouquet. Or even consider making your own fake bouquet or purchasing a nice fake set online. Unless you’re looking to have your entire air bnb decked out in florals or you’re buying for multiple people, this can be pretty easy and simple.
Most couples spend $50-$200 on florals for elopements but if you want to go all out and have an arch decked out, or florals on tables and for guests that price can hike up to around $3k.
Attire
Attire is a topic that is very much personal preference. I’ve seen a couple spend upward of $5,000 on elopement day attire but I’ve also seen couples choose used items or cheaper choices online(I personally chose a used dress on sale for $300). If you’re hiking just remember that you’ll need comfortable hiking shoes and extra layers so that may add some costs.
I would say we can comfortably quote attire for the couple together from $500-$5,000.
Travel
Travel is truly dependent on where you’re coming from. I have couples that travel halfway across the country to the Adirondacks via an airplane where the flight cost may be upwards of $1,500 for two people. I’ve also had couples only drive a couple of hours to reach the Adirondacks.
So I would say you can price travel between $100-$2,000.
But like I mentioned earlier, a lot of these costs can vary depending on the type of experience you want to create and what’s important to you.
Hopefully this gives you some clarity and maybe even some relief, knowing that you can have an incredible elopement without blowing past your budget limit.
And in some cases, you might even find yourself realizing that some things are worth investing in a little more than you originally anticipated because it will impact your overall experience not just the images.
What You DON’T Need to Spend Money On
So what do you need to spend money on and what don’t you need? This is obviously just my opinion, so take it with a grain of salt. But if I had to prioritize, I’d say invest in the things that directly impact your experience, like your photographer and where you’re staying.
Travel is also one of those non-negotiables (unless you already live nearby… but most people don’t just magically appear in the Adirondack).
Videography can be awesome but it’s not one of those things you absolutely need. If you’re working with an elopement photographer who captures behind-the-scenes moments or content throughout the day, you may feel like you already have enough to relive those memories without needing a full videography team.
You can definitely cut out the officiant because most elopement photographers are ordained and legally sign off on the paperwork for you, or you can have a friend get ordained online.
Florals don’t have to be a huge expense if you’re not going all out on a floral arch or decor. You can keep this simple by choosing a fake set online or opting out of them entirely.
I personally think finding a free elopement location or choosing to have your ceremony at your air bnb is a more budget friendly option rather than paying permit and reservation fees.
I think there are plenty of good cheap options online for elopement day attire so don’t feel like you need to ball out on that one either.
When it comes to food you can definitely cut costs here. Instead of having it catered or hiring a private chef you can keep it more casual like cooking with family or grabbing food out on the town.
This looks different for everyone and is more so about what is truly important about your day. That’s why I personally love elopements because you can choose to invest in what you love and leave what you don’t.
What I Would Do differently If I Could Elope All Over Again
Nothing against my family, but if I could do it all over again, I would have made the day more about just me and my partner.
We eloped with around 20 of our closest family members. While it was still special, we ended up spending more than we anticipated and we didn’t entirely get what we wanted out of the day.
What we really wanted was quality time together, doing fun things, and feeling like we were the only two people in the world. And that’s a little harder to do when you’re trying to accommodate a group and sharing a house with everyone.
If I could do it again, I would have it just be the two of us and go with a smaller Airbnb focused on privacy.
I also would have brought in a private chef instead of having family cook for us, though it was a really sweet gesture.
This one is a big one: I would have hired an elopement-specific photographer and I would have booked them for more than four hours so the entire day could be documented without feeling rushed. I also would have added videography so we could relive more of those just us moments.
And beyond that, I would have leaned more into the experience itself. Something like starting the day with a helicopter tour over the Adirondacks, then heading out on a hike and saying our vows with gorgeous views.
Obviously, that’s a lot of changes but it all comes back to how you want the structure of your day to feel. And for us, including family shifted that more than we expected.
If You’re Still In The Dreaming & Envisioning phase
And if you’re still in the dreaming phase, that’s totally cool too.
If you’re not quite ready to make decisions yet and just want to keep exploring your options, I’ve put together a few guides to help you start thinking about what your elopement day could look like:
- How to Elope in the Adirondack Mountains
- When to Elope in the Adirondack Mountains
- Where to Elope in the Adirondack Mountains
These will help you start piecing things together, get inspired, and move forward at your own pace, without feeling pressured to commit to anything just yet.
If You’re Ready To Take The Next Step
If you’re ready to take the next step, hiring an elopement photographer who specializes in the Adirondack Mountains is one of the best decisions you can make. Someone who can help with the entire experience.
Having someone who understands the area, knows how to plan an elopement from start to finish, and can guide you through decisions based on your vision and your budget makes the entire process feel so much easier.
You have someone in your corner who’s transparent and will help you prioritize what truly matters to you. Someone who will bring your vision to life and someone who has an insider scoop on all things Adirondacks so you get the best bang for your buck!
And that’s exactly what I do for my couples.
So if this is the kind of experience you’re looking for, you can reach out below or check out my Adirondack elopement packages to learn more.
