Creating a Budget for Your Colorado Elopement

Eloping in Colorado offers couples the chance to celebrate their love amidst some of the most breathtaking and diverse landscapes in the United States. From the majestic Rocky Mountains and serene alpine lakes to vibrant cityscapes and charming small towns, Colorado provides a stunning backdrop for your intimate wedding ceremony. While elopements are often more affordable than traditional weddings, it's still essential to create a detailed budget to ensure that all aspects of your special day are covered without any unexpected surprises.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process of creating a budget for your Colorado elopement. We'll break down the typical costs associated with eloping in Colorado, provide real numbers to give you a clear understanding of what to expect, and offer tips on how to prioritize your spending. Whether you're dreaming of a simple ceremony atop a mountain peak or a luxurious celebration in a cozy lodge, understanding the financial aspects will help you plan a beautiful and memorable elopement.

By the end of this article, you'll have a solid foundation for planning your elopement, equipped with practical advice and insights to help you make informed decisions. With careful budgeting and thoughtful planning, your Colorado elopement will be a seamless and unforgettable celebration of your love.

Setting Your Overall Budget

Determining Your Total Budget

The first step in creating a budget for your Colorado elopement is to determine your total budget. This amount will depend on your financial situation, priorities, and how much you're willing to spend on your elopement. Consider any savings you have set aside for the occasion, as well as any contributions from family members or loved ones. It's important to have a clear understanding of your financial limits to avoid overspending and added stress.

Allocating Your Budget

Once you have a total budget in mind, you'll need to allocate it across the various elements of your elopement. These elements typically include:

1. Travel and Accommodations

2. Attire

3. Photography and Videography

4. Ceremony Costs

5. Permits and Fees

6. Meals and Celebrations

7. Miscellaneous Expenses

To give you a clearer picture, let's assume a total budget of $10,000 for a Colorado elopement. Here's a suggested allocation:

• Travel and Accommodations: $2,500

• Attire: $1,200

• Photography and Videography: $3,000

• Ceremony Costs: $800

• Permits and Fees: $200

• Meals and Celebrations: $2,000

• Miscellaneous Expenses: $300

These numbers are just a starting point and can be adjusted based on your specific preferences and priorities. It's crucial to prioritize elements that are most important to you and be flexible with less critical aspects.

Creating a Detailed Budget Plan

Creating a detailed budget plan involves listing all potential expenses within each category. This helps you get a comprehensive view of where your money will go and ensures you don't overlook any critical costs. Start by researching average costs for each category in Colorado and adjust according to your specific needs and desires.

Using a spreadsheet or budget planning tool can be incredibly helpful in organizing and tracking your expenses. This allows you to easily update your budget as you make decisions and keep everything organized.

Travel and Accommodations

Travel Costs

Travel costs will vary depending on your starting location and the distance to your elopement destination in Colorado. If you're flying, you should budget for airfare, airport transportation, and possibly car rental. For couples driving to Colorado, consider gas, tolls, and parking fees.

Example Costs:

• Round-trip airfare for two from Los Angeles to Denver: $600

• Airport transportation (shuttle or taxi): $100

• Car rental for 3 days: $300

• Gas and tolls (if driving): $100

If you’re traveling during peak tourist seasons or to remote locations, costs might be higher. Booking flights and rentals well in advance can help you secure better rates.

Accommodations

Your accommodation costs will depend on the type of lodging you choose and the length of your stay. Colorado offers a range of options, from budget-friendly hotels and vacation rentals to luxurious mountain lodges and boutique hotels.

Example Costs:

• Budget hotel: $100 per night

• Mid-range hotel or vacation rental: $200 per night

• Luxury lodge or boutique hotel: $400 per night

For a 3-night stay, here are potential accommodation costs:

• Budget hotel: $300

• Mid-range hotel: $600

• Luxury lodge: $1,200

Tips for Saving on Travel and Accommodations:

• Look for special deals or packages for elopements that include accommodations and other amenities.

• Consider off-peak travel times to save on airfare and lodging.

• Use loyalty points or rewards programs if available.

• If you're inviting guests, provide a range of accommodation options to fit different budgets.

Attire and Awesome Clothing options

Wedding Attire

Your wedding attire is an important part of your elopement, but it doesn't have to break the bank. Whether you choose a traditional wedding dress and suit or something more casual and adventure-friendly, there are options to suit every budget.

Example Costs:

• Wedding dress: $500 - $1,500 *obviously this can range WILDLY but you can find some gems in this price point

• Suit or tuxedo: $200 - $600

• Shoes and accessories: $100 - $300

For a total budget on attire, you might spend anywhere from $800 to $2,400.

Alternative Options:

• Renting attire can be a cost-effective option, especially if you don't plan to wear it again. Rental costs for dresses range from $100 to $500, and suits typically cost $50 to $200.

• Consider purchasing gently used or sample sale items for significant savings. Websites like Stillwhite and Nearly Newlywed offer beautiful pre-owned dresses.

• Opt for non-traditional attire, such as a nice dress or suit you can wear again. High-street stores like BHLDN and ASOS offer stylish and affordable options.

Hair and Makeup

Professional hair and makeup services can enhance your look and make you feel special on your big day. Prices will vary based on the complexity of the style and the artist's experience.

Example Costs:

• Hair styling: $100 - $200

• Makeup application: $100 - $200

For both services, you might spend around $200 to $400.

Tips for Saving on Hair and Makeup:

• Look for package deals that include both hair and makeup services.

• Consider having a friend or family member help if they have experience in hairstyling or makeup.

• Practice a DIY look beforehand and bring your own products.

Photography and Videography (*cough cough, US!!*)

Importance of Professional Photography and Videography

Capturing the memories of your elopement is crucial, and hiring a professional photographer and videographer ensures you have high-quality images and videos to cherish forever. Prices will vary based on the experience and reputation of the professionals you choose.

Example Costs:

• Professional photographer: $2,000 - $4,000

• Professional videographer: $3,00 - $5,000

For a combined photo and video package, you can expect to spend around $3,000 - $9,000. This ranges a ton depending on experience and how people price themselves. We used to cost $10,000/elopement but found that we wanted to still offer a premium service to a wider range of people so cut our prices in half to serve more people!

Tips for Saving on Photography and Videography:

• Look for package deals that include both photography and videography services. (Like us!)

• Hire professionals who specialize in elopements for tailored services and potentially lower rates than a wedding or commercial professional shooting your elopement.

To be honest, photos and videos are one area of the elopement process that we believe is worth the money. If you hire experienced elopement professionals they not only capture the elopement but can help with planning, finding locations, giving recommendations on where to stay, guide you through the marriage license process, and even connect you with other vendors like chefs, florists and officiants. They’re kind of your one-stop shop for elopement planning and are worth the money. If you want to chat with us about eloping in Colorado, we’d be stoked to connect and help answer any questions you have!

Ceremony Costs

Officiant Fees

Hiring an officiant to perform your ceremony is essential, and fees can vary widely based on their experience and the level of customization you desire.

Example Costs:

• Civil officiant: $100 - $300

• Professional officiant: $300 - $600

If you opt for a friend or family member to officiate, make sure they are legally ordained to perform the ceremony. The team behind Castlehouse, Roo and Mallory, have actually both officiated the ceremony before! In Colorado you don’t technically need an officiant but sometimes it’s fun to have one.

Permits and Venue Fees

Some locations, especially public lands like national parks, require permits for wedding ceremonies. Additionally, if you choose a private venue, there may be rental fees.

Example Costs:

• National park permit: $50 - $300

• Private venue rental: $500 - $1,500

Tips for Saving on Permits and Venue Fees:

• Choose a location that doesn’t require a permit, such as certain public beaches, parks or certain wilderness areas.

• Consider having your ceremony at a place of personal significance that doesn’t charge a fee.

Decorations and Rentals

Depending on your location, you might need to budget for basic decorations and rentals, such as an arch, chairs, or floral arrangements.

Example Costs:

• Simple floral arrangements: $100 - $300

• Arch rental: $100 - $200

• Chair rental (per chair): $5 - $10

Meals and Celebrations

Post-Ceremony Celebration

A celebratory meal is a wonderful way to mark your elopement. Whether you opt for a romantic dinner for two, a picnic, or a small gathering with close family and friends, there are many options to fit your budget.

Example Costs:

• Romantic dinner for two at a fine dining restaurant: $150 - $300

• Catered picnic: $50 - $150

• Small reception with catering: $500 - $1,500

Cake and Dessert

Don't forget to budget for a cake or other celebratory desserts. Many bakeries offer small, custom cakes ideal for elopements.

Example Costs:

• Custom elopement cake: $50 - $200

• Assorted desserts: $30 - $100

Additional Tips:

• Look for restaurants that offer elopement or small wedding packages.

• Consider a DIY approach for picnics or small gatherings to save money.

• Opt for a smaller cake or dessert selection to fit the size of your celebration.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can provide peace of mind by covering unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage. You definitely don’t need it but if you’re coming from out of the country to Colorado, it may be nice to have!

Example Costs:

• Travel insurance for a 3-day trip: $50 - $100

Tips and Gratuities

Remember to budget for tips and gratuities for your vendors, including the officiant, photographer, videographer and any catering staff.

Example Costs:

• Tips for vendors: $20 - $50 per vendor

Other Unexpected Expenses

Set aside a contingency fund for any unexpected expenses that may arise during your elopement. This could include last-minute changes, additional transportation costs, or emergency purchases.

Example Costs:

• Contingency fund: $200 - $500

Creating a budget that feels good to you!

Creating a detailed budget for your Colorado elopement ensures that all aspects of your special day are covered and helps you avoid unexpected expenses. By breaking down your total budget into categories such as travel and accommodations, attire, photography and videography, ceremony costs, permits and fees, meals and celebrations, and miscellaneous expenses, you can prioritize your spending and make informed decisions.

Remember, the key to a successful elopement is not how much you spend, but how well you plan and personalize your day to reflect your unique love story. With careful budgeting and thoughtful planning, your Colorado elopement will be a beautiful, memorable, and stress-free celebration of your love.

Need a Colorado elopement planner, photographer and videographer? Hit us up!

We’re here to support you in your journey. Whether it’s just the two of you eloping at the top of the mountain or with your family at an accessible alpine lake, we’re here to help make it happen. To provide truly authentic experiences and the highest quality elopement films, we only accept a very limited number of intimate weddings and elopements each year.

THIS ISN’T JUST AN CONTACT FORM, IT’S THE POTENTIAL START TO AN AWESOME FRIENDSHIP.

For that reason, we read every inquiry and respond within 24-48 hours to get started as soon as possible on making your dream skiing elopement a reality. The more information you give us here provides us with an opportunity to craft a more meaningful film, personalized experience, and overall awesome relationship with you and your partner :)