What Does a Fairytale Elopement Really Cost?

If you’re dreaming of an intimate, nature-filled wedding experience that feels magical, personal, and—let’s be honest—financially sane, you’re not alone. More and more couples are ditching the traditional big wedding in favor of something smaller, simpler, and way more meaningful.

At Fairytale Elope, we specialize in elopements and tiny weddings that embrace the beauty of nature without the chaos and cost of a 200-guest affair. But how much does a real elopement here actually cost?

Let’s break it down with a real-world scenario:

An Elopement with 12 Guests — The Full Experience

Meet our hypothetical couple: They want to celebrate their love surrounded by close family and friends (just 12 people total, including themselves). Their plan is simple:

• A beautiful forest ceremony at Fairytale Elope

• Two hours of photography to capture the day

• A delicious dinner afterward at one of Pollock Pines’ best restaurants

• Overnight accommodations for themselves and a few guests

So what’s the grand total? You might be surprised.

1. Venue + Photography: $1,150

Our base package includes one hour of venue use and photography for up to 8 people for $600. Since this couple has 12 guests, they’ll need to add:

• 4 additional guests at $25 each = $100

• An extra hour of venue use for a relaxed timeline = $100

• Another hour of photography to fully document the magic = $350

Total: $1,150

This includes full access to our enchanted forest ceremony spots, waterfall, flower gardens, rope swings, and of course, beautiful professional photos to remember it all.

2. Dinner at 50 Grand Restaurant: $780

After the ceremony, the group heads to 50 Grand Restaurant, a cozy local spot known for its hearty meals and rustic charm. We’re budgeting about $65 per person, including dinner, drinks, and tip for a nice meal out.

Total: $780 for 12 people

3. Overnight Accommodations: $650

Not everyone needs to stay the night, but let’s say the couple and 2–3 other couples are traveling in. Whether they book a cozy Airbnb cabin or a few hotel rooms, you can expect to spend:

Approx. $650 total for multiple guests

4. Optional Extras (Because Why Not): $350

Even minimalist elopements deserve a touch of magic. Our couple might choose to add:

• A bridal bouquet and boutonniere: $125

• A picnic basket or small cake to enjoy in the forest: $100

• Simple decor or DIY touches: $125

Want to bring a live musician or a harpist? That’s another $200–$400, but not everyone adds this. For now, let’s say they opt for flowers, a little food, and some personal touches:

Total: $350

The Final Tally?

Item Estimated Cost

Fairytale Elope Venue + Photography $1,150

Dinner for 12 $780

Lodging for guests $650

Add-ons (flowers, picnic, décor) $350

Grand Total $2,930

A Full Wedding Experience—Without the Debt

Let’s put this in perspective: The average California wedding in 2024 cost over $45,000. That’s ten times more than our couple’s entire elopement—and they still get a full ceremony, amazing photos, time with loved ones, a fancy dinner, and sweet memories to last a lifetime.

The best part?

No chaotic seating charts. No crowd control. No debt.

Just love, laughter, and a few happy tears in the forest.

Ready to Start Planning?

If this sounds like your kind of day, we’d love to help you bring your dream elopement to life. Reach out and let’s talk about creating your fairytale.