Wedding or elopement? That's the question on so many couples' minds right now. You might be dreaming of a massive celebration with hundreds of friends, or you might prefer a quiet moment with just a handful of witnesses. It's a deeply personal choice, and honestly, there isn't a single right answer, only the one that aligns best with your values.
The financial reality of tying the knot
When we look at the numbers, the contrast is stark. Excluding the honeymoon, weddings today cost an average of $23,000 to $35,000. That's a lot of money.
When the price tag of a single day rivals the cost of a new car or a down payment on a home, it's natural to ask if it still makes sense for you. It's helpful to weigh the financial and emotional costs of each approach before you start booking venues. As the social stigma of eloping fades, more people are considering it. Pinterest actually reports a 128% increase in searches for "elopement photos" this year.
The case for the big wedding
For many of us, the dream has always been to gather everyone we love in one place. A big wedding gives you the chance to bring extended families together, make your aunts, uncles, and cousins happy, and enjoy being the center of attention. Plus, you'll almost certainly have a lot of gifts to open.
Of course, that experience comes with a price. Big weddings tend to be five-figure and sometimes six-figure affairs. With a larger guest list, the chances for family drama increase, although that can at least make for a great story later. Planning an event of this scale takes a massive amount of time and energy. And don't forget the post-honeymoon workload. You'll have a mountain of thank-you notes to write, which gets tedious after you open your fifth set of salt and pepper shakers.
The case for the intimate gathering
Maybe you don't want to spend your day managing 150 people. If a handful of special people would make you happier, a small wedding might be your sweet spot.
You'll almost certainly spend much less time, energy, and money here. You can D-I-Y your wedding and skip the expense of a wedding planner. Your choice of venues opens up significantly when you aren't trying to seat hundreds of people. Chances are you won't have dozens of out-of-town guests expecting to be fed and entertained all weekend.
However, a smaller guest list doesn't guarantee zero drama. Some family members or friends may be upset they didn't make the cut. You could be hearing about it for years, like how it's a shame Aunt Edna didn't see you get married before she passed. You'll also likely receive fewer gifts.
The elopement strategy
There's no question that eloping costs much less. Couples who used the website Simply Eloped reported their average wedding cost was just $1,485. Many of these couples invited a few guests, the average was 10, and chose a spot that was personally meaningful to them.
You can still hire a photographer or videographer to document the day and host a party for friends and family later. While you might face criticism for not having a real wedding or hurt feelings from uninvited guests, you'll still be just as married. You might not be able to register for gifts since etiquette experts frown on it, but you'll likely still receive a few.
How to elope in Vegas
The classic strategy for decades has been heading to Las Vegas. It's surprisingly easy. All you need to obtain a wedding license in Nevada is to follow a few simple rules:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have the required fee (approximately $102 as of 2024, though prices vary by county).
- Provide one form of I.D. each (driver's license, passport, or birth certificate).
There are no blood tests or waiting periods. Once you get the license, you're good to go. You can make an appointment at one of the 50+ wedding chapels in Las Vegas or often just walk in. Fees for a basic ceremony are low, often $199 or less. And yes, you can always pay extra for an Elvis impersonator if you're a "hunka hunka burnin' love."
Not near Nevada? Several other states offer same-day weddings with no blood tests required.
The Facet difference
Your financial life is about more than just investment returns, it's about making big life decisions like how to celebrate your marriage. At Facet, we believe financial planning should be a partnership, not a transaction. Our membership model gives you access to a CFP® professional who works with you to build a roadmap that fits your specific life goals.
Whether you're budgeting for a big bash or planning a strategic elopement to save for a home, we're here to help you weigh the financial implications of both. We don't charge asset-based fees, so our advice is designed to align with your best interests and overall wellness. You're on your own for the thank-you notes, though.
