Planning a traditional wedding usually comes with a hefty price tag—and let’s be honest, you’re probably wondering how to cut wedding costs without also cutting the joy from your big day. That’s where eloping comes in. It gives you the chance to celebrate without draining your savings or stressing over a never-ending budget.
You’ve got venue rentals to photography to consider, and elopements let you streamline your expenses while still focusing on the moments that matter most. And since this article comes to you from Asheville, North Carolina, we’ll use our own examples as inspiration for how to cut wedding costs wherever you’re planning to tie the knot. The bottom line? Eloping can save you thousands compared to a traditional wedding—all the while keeping things meaningful, personal, and stress-free.
If you want a comprehensive guide on how to plan your elopement, check out our How to Elope Guide for tips, ideas, and inspiration.
1. Venues: Your Venue Value Vitals
To get the most bang for your buck when you want to cut wedding costs, let’s start with a popular wedding venue here in Asheville, The Crest Center and Pavilion, as highlighted on The WeddingWire. It has breathtaking views and very upscale amenities, so there’s no surprise that their basic packages start at $16,950 and covers all the essentials like tables, chairs, and linens. If you seek premium packages which also include your catering and audiovisual, you can spend upwards of $21,000. This just illustrates how much money traditional weddings can be.
For couples eloping, venue costs are so much significantly lower—unless you’re booking a venue like the Biltmore to which we applaud – go big or go home, right? But for the majority of us, we need to be more cost conscious. Many elopers can choose from picturesque outdoor locations or unique settings that are free, or more privately at Airbnb properties that can offer affordability and flexibility.
Benefits of Airbnb as Elopement Venues:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Airbnbs can range from $150 to $1,000 per night, giving you a place to say your vows and rest your head. Two birds, one stylish stone.
- Unique Settings: Choose a rustic mountain cabin or a luxurious home with panoramic view, these Airbnbs can create distinctive and intimate backdrops for your vows.
- Flexibility: Many Airbnbs allow small gatherings and let you bring in your dream team of photographers, florists, and caterers. (Just make sure to ask first—no one wants a surprise visit from the police to help you “celebrate.”)
Weddings Over Waterfalls: A Unique Airbnb-Style Venue
We’ll admit it—this is a shameless plug, but we promise it’s worth it (and it might just help you cut your wedding costs). Weddings Over Waterfalls is a dedicated wedding venue, perfect if you want something uniquely magical. For a very nominal fee, you get access to the entire venue—just the same as a big wedding—plus the freedom to bring in your favorite professionals which we will not permit otherwise.
Here’s what we offer:
- Private trails and breathtaking waterfalls as the backdrop for your ceremony.
- Spaces for catering, photography, and intimate receptions, all tailored to your vision.
- Moss-covered pathways, live-edge tables, and illuminated waterfalls that transform your evening into something truly unforgettable.
So, if you’re ready for a wedding that feels personal, breathtaking, and stress-free, we’d love to help make your dream day a reality!
- Private trails and breathtaking waterfalls for your ceremony.
- Spaces for catering, photography, and intimate receptions.
- Moss-covered pathways, live-edge tables, and illuminated waterfalls for a magical evening.
Click here if you want a more comprehensive guide on choosing the right location, click here
2. Caterers: Cost Savings Sans Catering
You can definitely cut wedding costs by rethinking your catering as it’s one of the priciest parts of a traditional wedding. There are plenty of ways to keep it delicious and not break the bank.
In Asheville, top-rated caterers offer everything from buffets to plated dinners. For instance, you could go for a buffet option to keep things casual and budget-friendly or spring for a plated dinner if you’re dreaming of something a little more formal.
- Sage and Spice Catering: Farm-to-table buffets start at $35 per person, plated meals at $45, and stations at $57, with hors d’oeuvres from $15 per person.
- Black-Eyed Susan Catering: Upscale southern comfort food starts at $35 per person for buffets, $45 for plated meals, and $57 for stations.
- Dining Innovations: Premium personalized menus range from $65 to $80 per person, with hors d’oeuvres starting at $58 per person.
Eloping drastically reduces catering costs. Couples can enjoy a private dinner at a top Asheville restaurant ($100–$300 for two), hire a personal chef ($300–$600), or even cook a romantic meal together.
3. Flowers: Blowing Blooms
Floral arrangements are a classic part of wedding décor, but they can also be a major expense, especially for traditional weddings that call for everything from bouquets to elaborate centerpieces. In Asheville, for instance, wedding floral costs often range from $2,000 to $5,000. But, now that we’re looking to cut wedding costs, simplify without sacrificing style.
- Stargazers Designs provides full-service floral arrangements, including bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces, and venue décor, with packages starting at approximately $3,500.
- All the Pretty Flowers, offering similar services with packages beginning around $3,000.
Eloping simplifies your floral needs, often requiring just a bouquet and boutonniere, with costs ranging from $150 to $500.
4. Photographers: Savings on Snaps
Photography is one of the single most treasured investments for a wedding, and in Asheville, traditional wedding photography packages usually range from $3,500 to $8,000, with top-tier photographers sometimes charging $10,000 or more. If you’re looking to cut wedding costs without losing quality, consider shorter coverage or hiring an elopement photographer who specializes in intimate ceremonies—they’re pros while staying budget-friendly
- JCM Photography: Packages start at $3,800 for eight hours of coverage, including an engagement session and full-resolution images.
- Destination Eloped: Their packages start around $1,100, covering essentials such as bouquets, boutonnieres, and small-scale venue décor.
5. Coordinators: Wallet-Wise Wedding Wizards
Wedding coordinators are your unsung heroes because they handle everything from vendor logistics to keeping timelines on track. In Asheville, a full-service coordinator can set you back between $2,500 and $5,000, with luxury packages climbing to $10,000. If you’re looking to cut wedding costs, try scaling back to a day-of coordinator or working with a venue that includes planning assistance—sometimes less is more when it comes to keeping things stress-free and affordable.
- Mingle Events and Rentals: Packages start at $2,800 for partial planning and $5,500 for full-service coordination.
Elopements, on the other hand, are naturally stress-free and rarely need a dedicated coordinator. With no long guest list or complicated timelines, you can slash wedding costs by managing the details yourselves or leaning on your venue to handle the logistics. Keep things tight and on budget.
Conclusion: Eloping: The Stress-Free Way to Say ‘I Do’
Eloping is the perfect way to celebrate—magically, intimately, and without the same financial stress of a big wedding. If you choosing venues like Weddings Over Waterfalls and an elopement package, you’ll simplify your vendor choices and really cut wedding costs and still create all the memories.
Save big, love bigger—because eloping lets you focus on what truly matters: love.
Click here if you’re looking for a comprehensive, complete how-to-guide on eloping?
