Eloping to Las Vegas is a popular option for couples looking to get married quickly and easily without the stress and expenses of a traditional wedding. While eliminating many typical wedding costs like the venue, food, and attire, there are still some basic expenses to factor in when eloping in Vegas.
Average cost to elope in Vegas
On average, the basic cost to elope in Las Vegas typically ranges from $500 to $2,000. This covers the marriage license fee, officiant services, and any chapel rental fees. Additional costs like photography, flowers, attire, rings, and a hotel stay can add another $1,000 to $5,000+ to the overall price tag.
Cheap Vegas elopement cost
For couples looking to minimize their elopement costs, it’s possible to have a very budget-friendly Vegas elopement for $100 to $500. This typically includes:
- Marriage license fee: $77
- Basic chapel ceremony with no frills: $100-$300
- Officiant tip: $50+
- Gas and parking fees
By forgoing a professional photographer, flowers, rings, nice outfits, and other non-essential expenses, couples can have an ultra-affordable Vegas elopement. The trade-off is having fewer keepsakes and a less lavish experience.
All-inclusive Vegas elopement packages
Many chapels and planners in Vegas offer all-inclusive elopement packages that combine several elements into one flat rate. These typically include:
- Chapel rental
- Choice of ceremony decor
- Bridal bouquet and boutonniere
- Officiant services
- Recorded ceremony music
- Wedding photography (30-90 minutes)
- Digital images and/or photo album
- Limousine transportation
All-inclusive packages provide ease and convenience at an average price of $1,500 to $3,500. Luxury packages with higher-end flowers, transportation, photography and other amenities can cost $5,000 to $10,000.
Minimum Vegas elopement costs
At a minimum, couples will need to budget for the following basic expenses when eloping in Las Vegas:
Marriage license fee
This mandatory fee paid to the county clerk’s office is $77 for a Nevada marriage license. Both members of the couple must appear together to apply in person.
Officiant services
The officiant legally performs the marriage ceremony. Average starting rates are $100-$250 for a basic ceremony without frills. High-end officiants can charge $500+.
Chapel rental
Many chapels charge an hourly rental fee for use of their ceremony space. Average chapel rental fees range from $200 for a small chapel on an off day to $2,000+ for prime locations on weekends.
It’s possible to just pay the officiant fee and marry at a public location in Vegas to avoid chapel rental fees. However, this offers less privacy.
Additional average Vegas elopement costs
While not mandatory, most couples opt to invest in certain extras to enhance their Vegas elopement experience:
Photography
To preserve memories of your big day, professional wedding photography averages $300-$600 per hour in Vegas. Limited mini-session packages are also sometimes available starting around $300-$500.
Videography
Video packages to film the ceremony and highlight reel usually range from $500 for 1-2 hours of basic coverage up to $3,000+ for an extended multi-hour production.
Flowers
Fresh floral arrangements give a boost of romance and beauty. Bridal bouquets start around $100-$150 and boutonnieres at $15-$30 each.
Attire
While optional, having at least a nice dress and suit elevates the occasion. Budget $500+ for a wedding dress and $200+ for a rental tuxedo.
Rings
Bands and rings to exchange vows over start at $100-$300 for simple gold bands and upwards of $1,000+ for diamond engagement rings.
Hair & makeup
Pro hair and makeup services typically range from $100-$300 per person.
How to save money eloping in Vegas
From package deals to off-peak days, here are some top tips for cutting costs on your Vegas elopement:
- Opt for a weekday instead of a weekend for chapel discounts.
- Book a morning or daytime slot for lower hourly chapel rates.
- Skip print photos and just get a downloadable digital album.
- Buy a budget wedding dress online instead of an expensive bridal gown.
- Make your own simple bouquet using grocery store blooms.
- Have a cake & champagne toast instead of a pricy reception dinner.
- Take Uber or the Monorail instead of hiring a limo.
- Get ready in your hotel room rather than paying for salon services.
- Purchase affordable rings online from stores like Etsy.
What does a Vegas elopement include?
A basic Vegas elopement package includes:
- Marriage license
- Officiant
- Chapel ceremony space
Semi-complete packages provide a few extras like:
- Bouquet and boutonniere
- Recorded music
- Basic photography
- Wedding day coordination
All-inclusive packages feature amenities like:
- Premium floral decor
- Photography & videography
- Limousine transportation
- Wedding hair & makeup
- Reception dinner and cake
Popular Vegas chapels & venues
Top chapels and venues for elopements in Vegas include:
Chapel of the Flowers
– Traditional chapel with comprehensive packages
– Address: 1717 Las Vegas Blvd S
A Little White Wedding Chapel
– Famous first chapel on the Vegas Strip
– Address: 1301 Las Vegas Blvd S
Graceland Wedding Chapel
– Kitschy Elvis-themed weddings
– Address: 619 Las Vegas Blvd S
The Little Neon Chapel
– Simple, affordable drive-thru chapel
– Address: 1501 Las Vegas Blvd S
Wee Kirk O’ the Heather
– Historic chapel open since 1940
– Address: 231 Las Vegas Blvd S
Venues on the Las Vegas Strip
– Many major hotels offer elopement packages
– Examples: Bellagio, The Cosmopolitan, Caesars Palace
Vegas elopement FAQs
Does it cost money to elope in Vegas?
Yes, the bare minimum costs are around $200-$300 for the marriage license and officiant fees. Most couples spend $500-$2,500 to also cover a chapel, photographer, attire and other expenses.
Can you get married in Vegas at 18?
No, you must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent in Nevada. With parental consent, males and females can marry at 16-17.
Can you get married the same day in Vegas?
Yes, after applying for your marriage license in person you can generally marry the same day in Vegas. There is no waiting period in Nevada.
How long does it take to get married in Vegas?
The marriage license process takes about 15-30 minutes. Chapel ceremonies typically last 20-30 minutes. Allow 1-4 hours total to complete the entire Vegas elopement process from start to finish.
What should I wear to elope in Vegas?
Anything from a full wedding gown to a sundress or pantsuit is fine. Some chapels require formal attire while others allow casual dress. Opt for whatever makes you feel best on your special day.
Bottom line
Eloping to Las Vegas offers couples a quick, easy, and affordable alternative to a traditional wedding. Basic elopement costs typically run $500-$2,000, with all-inclusive packages averaging $3,000-$10,000 for those wanting a more lavish Vegas experience. With the right research and planning, you can craft the perfect Vegas elopement within almost any budget.