How Much Does It Cost To Elope?

Overview

• Elopement vs. Traditional Wedding: The Price Gap
• The Essentials: Legal Requirements And Registry Costs
• Choosing Your Style: Budget vs. Luxury Elopements
• Hidden Costs To Budget For
• Explore Australia’s Backyard With A Destination Elopement
• How A Personal Loan Can Help Create The Perfect Day
• Choose A Quality Wedding Over Quantity 

As you ask the question, “How much is it to elope?”, it’s well worth comparing the common costs of an elopement against a traditional wedding ceremony and reception. 

The major difference between the two lies in the “per head” costs. For 100 guests, you could very easily find yourself with a $20,000 bill just for catering, alcohol, and venue hire, before even purchasing a dress.

By eloping and opting for a streamlined, small and possibly spontaneous wedding, you put those funds towards other essentials. You might reallocate them towards a high-end wedding photographer or even a special overseas honeymoon. 

In the end, many Australian couples opt to elope and still enjoy a beautiful ceremony that respects their long-term financial health while maintaining the magic of the moment.

Whether you choose to elope or opt for the complete white wedding experience, there are numerous non-negotiable expenses you must include in your budget to make it all official and legal. Thankfully, these costs are the most affordable.

To guarantee that your marriage is recognised by law, you’ll need the following:

• Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM): You’ll need to lodge this mandatory form at least one month before your wedding date.
• Registry Office Fees: Prices vary by state, but a standard weekday ceremony at a Births, Deaths, and Marriages (BDM) office typically costs between $350 and $550.
• Marriage Certificate: A standard official certificate usually costs around $60, which is essential for name-change processes.
• Private Celebrant: A private celebrant may charge between $400 and $900 if you’re looking for a ceremony away from the Registry Office. 

Once you’ve ticked these administrative boxes, you have the legal freedom to marry anywhere you like, from a local park to a remote mountain peak!

One of the great benefits of eloping is that there is no one set way to approach it. You and your partner might summon friends and family to the local registry office and treat them to a meal at a favourite pub or restaurant afterwards. It’s a relatively inexpensive option that will likely set you back no more than $1,500. Or, you might spend more than $5,000 to fly interstate or overseas with just a couple of witnesses and a celebrant. You still get a small and low-key wedding in a more deluxe location. 

There are no set rules for how much it costs to elope. You can do – and spend – what you like.  

Many couples typically spend somewhere between $2,000 and $5,000 on the conventional trimmings associated with weddings (i.e. flowers, photography and outfits), without the additional expenses of a 100-person guest list. Compare that to the $36,000 cost for the average Australian wedding, and it’s easy to see why eloping becomes an appealing option.

Even a micro wedding has its logistical quirks and hidden costs you’ll need to prepare for if you want to avoid unexpected spending. While you may save on reception catering, you should still account for the professional services that help you preserve the memory of your day. 

Keep These In Mind

To help you plan a realistic budget, keep these common “hidden” expenses in mind:

• Professional photography: Most eloping couples spend the bulk of their budget on photography, with short-coverage packages starting around $1,500.
• Council permits: If you plan to marry on a public beach or in a botanical garden, you likely need a permit. This may cost anywhere from $100 to $500.
• Travel and transport: Don’t forget to include Uber fares, fuel, or even a chauffeured car to get you to and from your location.
• Dress and suit alterations: Even a second-hand or high-street dress often requires professional tailoring to fit perfectly.

Budgeting for these smaller expenses will keep your special day stress-free and without last-minute financial surprises.

It’s no secret that Australia is rich with some of the world’s most stunning locations for an elopement wedding. From the rugged cliffs of Tasmania to the tropical Whitsundays, we are certainly spoiled for choice. 

Travelling interstate can be a great way to turn your wedding day into an extended holiday. While the flights and luxury accommodation may increase overall costs, they often double as a “staycation” honeymoon. 

Many island resorts around Australia now offer specific elopement packages that include a celebrant, flowers, and a romantic dinner for two, often costing around $3,000. Packages like these can make the planning process significantly easier, allowing you to show up and enjoy the ride (as well as the picturesque scenery).

Even a modest elopement budget can benefit from a little extra financial leg-up to make the experience really special. 

If you have found the perfect photographer or dream dress that may take you over your planned budget, but you know they’ll really elevate the occasion, a small personal loan can bridge the gap. At Redtree Finance, we provide quick and transparent lending options up to $5,000, allowing you to fund your wedding costs upfront, without draining your emergency savings. 

By spreading the cost into manageable instalments, you can focus on the excitement of your upcoming nuptials rather than checking your bank balance every time you book a vendor.

At the end of the day, the answer to “how much does it cost to elope?” depends entirely on your personal values and how you want to remember your wedding day. 

Whether you spend under $1,000 for a registry wedding, budget $2,000 for a beach or forest ceremony, or spend $5,000 for a destination wedding, the result is the same: a legal, loving commitment to your partner. By choosing an intimate ceremony, you are choosing to start your married life on a solid financial footing. 

If you are ready to start planning but need a little assistance to cover the costs of your rings, attire, or travel, Redtree Finance is here to help. Our straightforward application process is designed for everyday Australians who want to make their milestones happen today.

What is the cheapest way to get married? 

If you’re looking to reduce costs for your big day, getting married at the Registry Office will be the cheapest option. In South Australia, the maximum number of attendees is 30, including the couple, the legally required two witnesses, photographers, and any other guests. You’ll be charged a total of $436.00, which includes the $138 Notice of Intended Marriage fee and ceremony/venue hire of $294. Other states and territories in Australia may have a different fee structure. 

Is $5,000 enough for a wedding? 

Definitely! Once you have paid all the essential legal and administrative fees and charges to make your marriage official, you can spend as much or as little as you like on your wedding ceremony. Red Tree Finance offers secured loans up to $5,000 that you can use to fund your big day or supplement any savings that you’ve already accumulated for your wedding. 

What is the 50/30/20 rule for weddings? 

In the same way that you’d apply the 50/30/20 rule to budgeting for a family income, you can do the same as you plan your wedding. In this context, you would allocate 50% of your budget to the essentials such as venue hire, catering and outfits. 30% will go to things like booking a photographer and entertainment, as well as the venue decor. Set aside 20% for those factors you can’t always plan for, like extra guests or any other unplanned expenses.

The information provided in this blog is of a general nature and is provided without considering your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as financial, investment, or other professional advice.Before making any financial decisions or taking action based on the information presented, you are strongly encouraged to assess its appropriateness in light of your individual circumstances. Red Tree Finance does not intend to provide personalised financial advice, and you should seek independent financial, legal, tax, and other relevant advice tailored to your unique situation.