Planning a traditional wedding today often comes with sticker shock. The average wedding in the United States now costs over $30,000, with California weddings commonly landing between $35,000 and $45,000 once venues, catering, rentals, and vendors are added. In the Tahoe region, full weddings frequently reach $50,000–$80,000+.

For many couples, that’s more stress than joy.

A Fairytale Elopement is different.
Here, you’re paying for a beautiful private forest venue, professional photography, and a meaningful ceremony surrounded by nature—not a massive production.

Below is a clear, simple look at what eloping at Fairytale Elope truly costs, and why so many couples find this experience both emotionally fulfilling and financially freeing.

All you need for a simple, heartfelt elopement in nature.

Included:

• The couple + 2 guests
• 1 hour of venue time for your ceremony and portraits
• 1 hour of professional photography
• All edited digital images
• Print release so you may print anywhere you like
• Use of our bridal dressing room, mirrors, and two indoor bathrooms
• Access to our forest clearing, waterfall, gardens, and canyon overlook for photos

For many couples—especially those eloping alone or with just parents—this is all they want and need.
A short, beautiful ceremony. A quiet forest. A waterfall. Stunning photos.
Nothing more required.

Most couples choose to invite a small group of close family or friends, add a little extra photography, or spend more time exploring the property.

A typical Fairytale Elope total falls around $1,500, which often includes:

• Additional guests ($25 each after the first two; babies and dogs are free)
• Extra photography ($350 per hour)
• Extra venue time for gathering in the forest or gardens ($100 per hour)

Even with these additions, the entire day is still a fraction of the cost of a traditional wedding—and far more relaxed.

A large wedding charges for every detail: chairs, tables, centerpieces, sound systems, catering, bartenders, rentals, staff, and layers of vendor fees.

A Fairytale Elopement is simple on purpose.

You’re paying for what truly matters:

• A beautiful place to exchange vows
• A private, natural setting that feels magical without decorations
• Professional photography from a host with more than 20 years of experience
• The freedom to linger with loved ones or continue celebrating off-site however you choose

Less noise. Less pressure. Less cost.
More time together. More meaning. More beauty.

Think of our pricing as building blocks. You choose only what fits your vision:

• Bring just the two of you, or invite up to ~30 guests
• Keep it short and sweet, or extend your time for exploring, gathering, or portraits
• Have your ceremony in the forest clearing, beside the waterfall, in the gardens, or at the canyon overlook
• Enjoy a quiet picnic onsite—or head off to a restaurant or small reception elsewhere

Your elopement can be simple, elaborate, quiet, joyful, or adventurous, but it will always feel yours, not mass-produced.

Couples don’t come to Fairytale Elope to save money—though most are pleasantly surprised.
They come because they want a day that feels:

• authentic
• beautiful
• peaceful
• true to who they are

Cost is just one more reason an elopement is the best choice for many couples—a way to celebrate love without sacrificing financial health, sanity, or meaning.

In California, a marriage license requires at least one witness to sign. The license has space for two, but only one is necessary.

Here’s how that works at Fairytale Elope:

• If I am officiating your ceremony, you will need to bring at least one guest to serve as your witness.
• If you bring your own officiant, I am happy to act as your witness.
• California law does not allow one person to act as both the officiant and the witness on the same license.
• Your first two guests are included in our base price, and either (or both) may serve as witnesses if you choose.
• If you're eloping just as a couple and need a witness, I can often arrange someone to be present — just let me know ahead of time so I can make the proper arrangements.

This keeps the legal side simple while giving you flexibility, whether you elope alone, with just one friend, or with a small circle of loved ones.