How to Have a Tariff and Recession-Proof Elopement
Let’s face it gang, things are crazy right now. In a world where the economy feels like it’s constantly shifting interest rates rising, travel prices fluctuating, and import tariffs making even the smallest luxuries feel steep, planning a wedding might seem like a financial landmine. If you’re wondering how to elope on a budget, then you’re not alone. Knowing how to elope on a budget can make a significant difference in planning your big day.
But here’s the truth: eloping is one of the smartest, most freeing, and most financially flexible ways to tie the knot. It gives you room to breathe, get creative, and focus on what matters most—your connection, your vows, and the experience itself.
I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately and I’ve decided to compile a list of ways to help combat the price tags related to elopement.
First of eloping or having a micro wedding is your best bet when trying to elope on a budget.
Forget the $500 centerpieces and the 10K flower budget.
1. Ditch the Imports, Embrace the Local
Tariffs and import taxes can sneak into wedding budgets in surprising ways—think designer dresses made overseas, custom décor shipped internationally, or imported wines for a private dinner.
Instead of depending on high-cost international goods, here’s how to localize your elopement:
- Rent or buy locally made attire (or better yet—thrift it!)
- Choose vendors who use local florals, foods, and materials
- Support small, independent makers who keep their production regional
This not only keeps your costs grounded but also makes your elopement more sustainable and meaningful.
2. Elopements = Built-in Recession-Proofing
Traditional weddings often feel like a domino effect—big venue, big guest list, big catering bill, big expectations. And when economic times get tough, that kind of financial pressure can hit hard.
Elopements, on the other hand, strip away the noise:
- No venue markup
- No 100-person dinner tab
- No pressure to impress
It’s about experiences over extravagance, and understanding how to elope on a budget is key to making it all work. Connection over convention.
You can invest where it matters—like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, photos you’ll treasure forever, or a cozy, intentional stay in nature—without the bloat. Think of your venue options, It could be a Yosemite Valley Elopement, An Oregon coastal Seaside micro wedding, A Northern California Ceremony in the Redwoods. The options are endless and permits generally cost a couple hundred dollars.
3. Travel Smart: Avoid Price Spikes & International Costs
International destination weddings can come with a wave of unpredictable expenses—exchange rates, visa fees, foreign vendor markups, and yes, tariffs or import fees if you’re shipping anything for your day.
To keep things stress-free:
- Eloping within the U.S. (think national parks or public lands) is almost always cheaper and simpler than going abroad.
- Choose drive-to destinations—places where you don’t have to gamble on airfare spikes.
- Skip the checked bags by keeping things light and simple.
Pro tip: many of the most jaw-dropping locations—Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Zion, Big Sur—are already here, and already unforgettable.
4. Invest in What You’ll Actually Remember
In uncertain times, every dollar counts. But that doesn’t mean you should cut everything—it just means being intentional.
Put your budget toward things that last:
- Photographs that feel like art
- A place that feels like escape
- Moments that feel like magic
Skip the fluff, the imported favors, and the trendy extras. Focus on what brings you joy now, and what will still make you smile ten years from now.
I hope this was helpful. I think there’s so much uncertainty right now but that doesn’t mean a dream wedding day has to wait. There’s ways to do it that’s financially responsible and knowing how to elope on a budget can help make that dream a reality. I am here to help!
If you want more ideas or want to chat about how we can create the day of your dreams, let’s chat!
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