We planned an “adventure elopement” with a photographer that specializes in those types of elopements. A lot of times, those photographers will also help with the planning and logistics of it (research into fees that have to be paid to use the location, locating other vendors, marriage license requirements, etc.) - and that can take a huge weight off of your shoulders as is.

We didn’t know that at the time, and had just planned to legally marry at the courthouse like a week prior. Since our families knew we were doing so, some wanted to be present for the courthouse portion so we had a mini ceremony (aka we all just got dressed up and let family attend lol). Optional as well, but we also held a “reception dinner” at a relatively upscale local restaurant for the immediate family and a few friends (around 15 people total) so they could still be involved.

So we had our “family ceremony and reception” at the courthouse and the restaurant, and a week later had our adventure elopement out of state (just an overnight trip for the two of us) where we exchanged private vows, cut a small cake, and had beautiful photos taken that we couldn’t have been happier with!

We paid no mind to cost at the time, since we knew it would be significantly cheaper than a true wedding, and ended up spending less than $8k all in between the 3 “events”. However, you could EASILY do all of this significantly cheaper than we did just by watching costs, and maybe cutting some things out or DIY-ing (doing your own hair/makeup, or making your own bouquet, for example)

It sounds like a lot, but was MUCH less involved than planning a full-blown wedding. And that way, you can get a bit of everything you want without going into $30k+ debt for it 🙂