How Much Does It Cost to Elope? A Complete Guide for Couples Who Need Urgent Official Documentation

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming—venue fees, guest lists, catering costs, and months (sometimes years) of planning can add up to tens of thousands of dollars. But for couples who are ready to say “I do” without the stress or price tag of a traditional wedding, eloping is the perfect alternative.

At Get Married Today, we specialize in low-cost, same-day elopements for couples needing a fast, legally binding ceremony and official documentation—especially for immigration, military, international travel, or legal name change purposes.

If you’re asking, “How much does it cost to elope?” — this blog post will answer all your questions.

📍 Need to elope today? Book your appointment now at GetMarried.Today

🥂 What Is an Elopement?

An elopement traditionally meant running away to get married in secret. Today, eloping simply means having a small, private, stress-free wedding—often planned quickly and on a budget.

Unlike traditional weddings, which can take months to plan and cost a fortune, elopements are fast, intimate, and significantly more affordable.

Elopements are ideal for:

• Couples on a tight budget
• Military members before deployment
• Immigration purposes (e.g., green card, K-1 visa)
• Travelers seeking a legal union for international recognition
• Those who simply don’t want a big, traditional wedding

📍 Learn about fast wedding planning at Zola

💸 How Much Does It Cost to Elope?

Eloping can range from $200 to $2,000 or more, depending on the location, services, and legal documentation you require. Here’s a breakdown of common costs associated with elopements:

1. Marriage License Fees

A marriage license is required to make your elopement legally binding.

California marriage license costs:

• Public license: ~$91
• Confidential license (no witness required): ~$85

📍 Learn more at California Department of Public Health

2. Officiant Fees

You need a licensed officiant to conduct the ceremony and sign your marriage license.

• Typical officiant cost: $100–$500
• Get Married Today officiant: Included in our low-cost elopement packages

📍 Check officiant pricing at Wedding Wire

3. Venue Costs (Optional)

Elopements can take place:

• At home (Free)
• In a public park or beach (May require a $50–$300 permit)
• In a chapel or venue ($200–$1,000+)

📍 Find top elopement venues in California at Wedding Spot

4. Traveling Officiant Service

Don’t want to leave your hotel or home? We offer traveling officiant services.

• Our traveling officiant service starts at just $250
• Same-day appointments available anywhere in California

📍 Book your traveling officiant at GetMarried.Today

5. Apostille Certification (For International Use)

Getting married in the U.S. and need to register your marriage in another country?

• Apostille is essential under the Hague Apostille Convention
• Processing starts at $185
• We partner with Orange County Apostille for rapid certification

📍 Learn more about apostille services at The Hague Conference on Private International Law

6. Photography, Attire, and Add-ons (Optional)

Want to capture the moment or dress up?

• Photographer: $250–$1,000+
• Hair/makeup: $100–$300
• Flowers: $50–$200
• Elopement dress: $100–$500

📍 Find budget wedding dress ideas at The Knot

💍 Total Estimated Cost of an Elopement in California

Typical elopement with Get Married Today:
✅ Starts at $300–$500, including license issuance, officiant, and ceremony.
✅ Add apostille and document shipping if needed for international couples.

📍 Book your affordable elopement today at GetMarried.Today

🌍 Who Is Eloping For?

Our services are perfect for couples who need:

• 🛂 A fast, legally binding marriage for immigration or visa processing
• 🎖 A quick military marriage before deployment
• 🧳 A legally recognized marriage before traveling internationally
• 💑 A private, no-fuss elopement without guest lists or expectations

📍 Explore marriage and immigration processes at USCIS

✈️ International Couples & Apostille Services

Are you visiting from:

• The United Kingdom (UK)
• Australia
• Germany
• Mexico
• Any Hague Apostille Convention country?

We’ll issue your legal California marriage license and work with our apostille partners to ensure your marriage certificate is valid back home.

📍 Orange County Apostille is our trusted partner for rapid apostille processing.

📋 What to Bring to Your Elopement Appointment

To ensure a smooth process, bring:

• Valid government-issued ID or passport
• Full names and birthdates of both parties
• If applicable: divorce papers (if previously married)

📍 Check ID requirements at US Marriage Laws

🕐 Available 24/7 for Elopements

We’re open every day, including:

• Weekends
• Holidays
• Evenings

Perfect for:

• Last-minute marriages
• Travel deadlines
• Urgent documentation needs

📍 Learn how we support couples needing emergency marriages at GetMarried.Today

💬 What Our Happy Couples Are Saying

🌟 “We eloped in less than an hour. So easy and affordable!” – Maria & James (Immigration case)

🌟 “We didn’t want a big wedding—this was fast, romantic, and stress-free.” – Ben & Sarah (Military couple)

🌟 “Got married on a Saturday night and had our apostille processed the next week. Excellent service!” – Anna & Felix (UK Visitors)

🤝 Why Choose Get Married Today?

✅ We issue your marriage license
✅ We perform your ceremony
✅ We process your apostille (if needed)
✅ We come to you or host your ceremony
✅ We make it fast, legal, and unforgettable

📍 Book your appointment now at GetMarried.Today

📌 Summary: How Much Does It Cost to Elope?

💡 Average Total: $500–$1,000 for a complete, legal elopement with apostille if needed.

📝 Final Thoughts

If you’re considering eloping, know this: it doesn’t have to be expensive, complicated, or stressful. Whether you’re planning for legal reasons or simply want a meaningful ceremony without the pressure of a big event, Get Married Today is here to help.

🎯 Same-day weddings, legal documentation, and international apostille processing—we handle it all.

📍 Book your appointment today at GetMarried.Today

Helpful Resources:

• California Marriage License Information
• Immigration Marriage Guide – USCIS
• Apostille Convention – Hague Conference
• Vital Records – Request Certificates
• Wedding Planning Tools – The Knot
• Elopement Ceremony Inspiration – Brides

Now that you know how much it costs to elope, don’t wait. Say “I do” the easy way—with Get Married Today.
📍 Book Now and start your forever today.