As we approach proposal season and wedding planning time, you might be thinking about what you want your day to look like. Colorado is an excellent place for a unique and adventurous wedding day spent hiking, exploring scenic views, and creating memories to last a lifetime! But everyone knows, some aspects of wedding planning can turn into a headache. As a Colorado elopement photographer, I help couples find dream locations for their big day while ensuring their memories are captured authentically and personally. I know as much as the next person, that while wedding planning, it’s important to stay on budget! Luckily, I’ve got a few tips to help save money on a Colorado elopement.

Skip the Wedding Venue, Head Outdoors

One of Colorado’s biggest allures to visitors and couples getting married is the breathtaking scenery around every corner. While planning your wedding, you might consider skipping a traditional wedding venue. Instead, save money on your Colorado elopement by eloping outdoors! Many of my elopement couples opt for a private ceremony in a unique location. Some locations have a small permit fee, to use their location, but it is nominal compared to a traditional venue. Of course weather can be a risk, but if you are a go with the flow kind of couple and up for a true adventure, I think it’s worth the risk! And after your vows, it’s always nice to head out to eat at a fancy restaurant!

Skip Catering to Save Money On Colorado Elopement

While an elopement can be anything you and your partner want, traditionally, elopements are smaller in guest count and have less ‘events’ throughout the day. If this sounds ideal to you, then you can consider skipping catering or fancy meals, and opting for a light buffet-style meal or passed appetizers if you are having an intimate reception after your vows. Throughout the elopement and after-celebrations, you’ll be able to enjoy food leisurely while being with guests and your partner. There is no need to worry about timing with passed apps!

Hire a Day of Coordinator Instead of Wedding Planner

Next, consider hiring a day of coordinator instead of a full-blown wedding planner. Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you can’t have a strong vendor team supporting you along the way! A day of coordinator is a more affordable option for couples looking for someone to keep them on time on their wedding day while ensuring things run smoothly, but for couples who may not need up front planning help ahead of the wedding day. You may not need a full-blown wedding planner, but a little support doesn’t hurt!

Save Money on Colorado Elopement with Speciality Florist or Faux Flowers

Another simple way to save a few bucks while wedding planning is to use a specialty florist, faux flowers or dried flowers! Flowers bring the wedding together and make things seem real for many couples; however, they can get expensive quickly. Consider working with a florist specializing in smaller events or local businesses, as they often have special pricing for smaller orders. If you’re traveling to Colorado for your elopement, consider faux flowers, or dried flowers! That way you’ll even be able to travel to and fro without without worrying about a beautiful arrangement falling apart. And in the pictures, no one can tell!

Rent or Buy Wedding Dress Second-Hand

One of the most exciting parts of wedding prep is finding the perfect outfits for the big day! While wedding dresses can come with a hefty price tag, yours doesn’t have to. Consider renting your wedding dress from a former bride or buying one second-hand. You can even pass the trend on by renting or selling your dress after your big day, and re-coup some of your costs. It’s such a great way to help other couples enjoy their dream wedding day while you save money on your Colorado elopement! This site has a list of a few places Colorado brides can purchase a second hand, vintage or consignment wedding dress.

Set a Budget To Save Money on Colorado Elopement

While this may seem obvious and crucial for any big purchase or event, set a budget and then stick to it! There’s nothing wrong with sitting down together and discussing how much you want to spend on your wedding day and what is doable. Often, when we don’t have these conversations, we can spend way more than anticipated. Whether you and your partner are paying for the wedding or the family is helping, sit down with the necessary parties and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Get Married on a Weekday

Did you know getting married on a weekday is usually less expensive than on a weekend? Often, some venues and vendors offer weekday discounts to fill up their schedules while offering couples great deals on excellent services. Travel accommodations are also less expensive during the week, making for an all-around more affordable experience. If you and your partner can take the time off work and plan a weekday wedding, do it!

Hire an Elopement Photographer

Lastly and most importantly, hire a photographer specializing in elopement photography! Photographers like myself who capture elopements often have packages specifically for these events. This helps you and your partner not get overwhelmed by deciding how many hours you’ll need coverage for, and what you’re looking for. Instead, I can help you make the right decision for your big day based on my experiences at other elopements. Your love story deserves to be captured unique to you and I’m here to support you along the way!

Planning your dream elopement and looking for more inspiration? Head to my Pinterest here.

Already planning your elopement and dreaming of an elopement photography experience with me? Let’s chat!