How Much Does It Cost To Elope In Michigan?

THE AVERAGE COST OF A MICHIGAN WEDDING

As of 2024, the average cost of a wedding in Michigan is $29,000. That’s a decent down-payment on a house, right?! Of course, that’s just an average- many couples have weddings that cost less, and many have weddings that cost a lot more. But here in Michigan, for a traditional wedding, you can plan on shelling out around $20,000 to $50,000 for your big day.

WHAT DOES THAT MONEY PAY FOR?

Here’s a typical breakdown of a traditional wedding in Michigan:

Average cost of reception venue: $12,800
Average cost of wedding photographer: $3500
Average cost of wedding/event planner: $2,100
Average cost of live band: $4,300
Average cost of reception DJ: $1,700
Average cost of florist: $2,800
Average cost of videographer: $2,300
Average cost of wedding dress: $2,000
Average cost of wedding cake: $540
Average cost of catering: (price per person): $85
Average cost of transportation: $1,100
Average cost of favors: $450
Average cost of rehearsal dinner: $2,700
Average cost of engagement ring: $5,500
Average cost of wedding invitations: $530
Average cost of hairstylist: (price for bridal hair): $200
Average cost of makeup artist: (price for bridal makeup): $140
Average cost of officiant: $250
Average cost of alcohol: $2,900
Average cost of additional jewelry: $360
Average cost of ceremony ensemble: $900
Average cost of additional, non-musical entertainment: $1,500
Average cost of event rentals: $2,500
Average cost of lighting and decor: $1,900

And don’t forget that, aside from your photography and videography, pretty much everything on this list is not going to matter after the day of your wedding. Sure, you’ll have memories, and you’ll have photographs to look at. You’ll also have a really expensive dress that you won’t ever wear again, and you’ll have to figure out what to do with it. You’ll also have created tons of waste. The average wedding produces 400 lbs of garbage.

WHAT ABOUT ELOPEMENTS?

I have something exciting to tell you…

…you can have an amazing, unforgettable, elopement in Michigan for less than half of the cost of an average wedding! You’ll be able to share an intimate, exciting experience of a lifetime, and not worry about expectations from other people, and the pressure and stress of putting together a big, traditional wedding. Eloping is less harmful to the environment, and allows you to really make the most of your wedding day!

THE COST TO ELOPE

Let’s look at an example of an elopement vs. a traditional wedding. Keep in mind that when it comes to planning your elopement, the sky’s the limit! There are no rules, and you can do anything that feels right for you. You can literally go anywhere, and do anything!

PHOTOGRAPHER

I’m passionate about helping couples have a wedding day that’s all about them- what they love most- and what they want. I have first-hand experience from my own wedding, as well as helping multiple couples plan their elopements- all over the globe. So if you don’t want to hire a planner, I can help you DIY!

The average cost of your experience with me is $5500, and that includes everything- ideas for your day, helping you with your timeline for the day, recommendations for places to stay, things to do, other wedding vendors, and documenting your wedding day story in amazing, meaningful photographs that you get to keep forever. All travel costs and extra fees are included, so you don’t have to worry about anything!

TRAVEL COSTS

For this example, let’s say you’re planning to elope in the UP (a pretty spectacular idea!). It depends on where you’re coming from, but let’s use the Chicago area as an example. You can drive to the western Upper Peninsula in less than a day.

A PLACE TO STAY

There are lots of hotels and other places to stay in Michigan’s UP. I recommend choosing a place that offers some kind of privacy and comfort. A historical inn like the Laurium Manor, or a Bed & Breakfast, or an Airbnb like these.

Assuming you’ll probably want to stay for a few days to relax, enjoy local activities and sightseeing, and to make the most of your trip, we’ll use 5 nights as an example.

TRANSPORTATION

You’ll need a way to get around on your trip, so let’s say you decide to rent a car. Not just any car, though- this is your wedding! Let’s have you rent a big truck with high clearance so you can go explore the wild north while you’re here.

Get ready for this- we’re still only at $7500 for your elopement! Less than half the cost of an average traditional wedding in Michigan!

VENDORS

Let’s add in the cost of having an officiant for your wedding ceremony, hair and makeup styling for one person, and a bouquet. Because…why not?!

The costs for these extra vendors can vary a lot, so let’s just say:

FOOD

Let’s be honest- food is important. You’re going to want to eat out, try all the pasties, and not have to worry about your budget. Let’s overestimate and plan on $175/day. That way you have plenty extra for local beer and craft cocktails. And maybe you want a special meal on your wedding day.

ACTIVITIES

Since you’re here for a few days, you’ll probably want to partake in some local activities. This can vary widely, depending on the location! Here are some ideas for you.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

You’ll probably want to send out announcements to your friends and family, to let them know you’ve tied the knot. So let’s add 150 announcements from Basic Invite, at $1.50 each. When you use the promo code LUMEPHOTO at checkout, you’ll get 30-40% off!

And that makes the grand total for this elopement…

And that number can vary greatly! It’s possible to elope for far less, depending on where you choose to elope, where you stay, if you invite guests, and what you want to include. It’s also possible to spend a lot more creating a lavish, luxurious experience!

Like I said, the possibilities are really endless, and if you decide to work with me as your elopement photographer and guide, I’ll be happy to help you plan the most amazing experience that’s exactly the way you want it.

If you’re ready to start talking about what that might look like for you, just reach out!