A Romantic Escape: How to Elope in Jamaica
Are you dreaming of a spontaneous, intimate wedding surrounded by the beauty of nature and the rhythm of the Caribbean? Look no further than Jamaica! With its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture, Jamaica is the perfect destination for couples seeking a memorable elopement experience. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to plan your dream elopement in Jamaica.
Elopement guide
If you've stumbled upon this post, chances are you're in the midst of wedding planning, possibly contemplating the costs associated with elopements compared to the extensive planning involved in a larger wedding for over a hundred guests.
Alternatively, you might have always envisioned an intimate elopement or a small wedding and are curious about why it might seem costly. In this post, I'll be sharing valuable insights into budgeting, including real-life case studies of elopement budgets based on experiences with my couples.
Many couples opt for elopements with the intention of saving on wedding expenses. While it's true that larger weddings often come with bigger budgets, it's crucial to recognize that the cost of your elopement is influenced more by the experience you desire than by the size of your guest list. I'll be delving into these considerations and providing practical examples from the elopements my couples have had.
THE COST OF AN ELOPEMENT VS A BIG WEDDING BUDGET
The distribution of your elopement budget will differ significantly from the typical breakdown of a larger wedding budget.
In a conventional big wedding budget, it's customary to allocate approximately 50% of your funds for the venue and catering, designate 10% for the planner, allocate 5% to each major vendor (photographer, DJ, florist, attire), and then distribute the remaining 20% among incidentals such as invitations, favors, gifts, and so on.
However, when it comes to elopements, this budget allocation structure undergoes notable adjustments.
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Hi, I'm Garfield! I'm a Jamaican Wedding & Family photographer. I create timeless family photos with an eye for connections, details, and soft Natural light.
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With an elopement budget, you might easily spend 30% or more of your budget on your elopement photographer or planner and only 5% on your food.
The best advice I have for any couple planning an elopement is to design the day around the budget, not the other way around. If you only have $10,000 for your wedding, prioritise what your must have vendors and costs are, then figure out what additions you could bring to your day with the remainder.
ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY
This is going to be one of the biggest expenses of your elopement budget. Most elopement photographers do more than take photos. Unless you hire a specific elopement planner, your photographer is going to be your point person. They make recommendations about locations, timelines, other vendors… they’re literally your go-to person for your elopement.
Which is why they don’t come cheap. In general, elopement photographers view your elopement day as hugely significant and just as deserving of the same kind of coverage as a big wedding, which is why so many offer full day elopement coverage.
Attire
Selecting your attire is a straightforward yet crucial aspect.
After all, you've got to wear something, right? 😉
There are two ways you can take. The traditional approach involves visiting a wedding dress boutique for brides and exploring suit rental or purchase options for grooms.
Alternatively, you can opt for more budget-friendly choices by browsing online stores for affordable wedding dresses and acquiring reasonably priced suit pieces from department stores.
Regardless of your choice, prioritize comfort.
And let's not overlook accessories, with the rings taking center stage!
HAIR & MAKE-UP
This is a category that’s optional. Maybe you’re super awesome at doing your hair and make-up… or maybe you’re super low maintenance… or maybe you’re just feeling like you want to be totally pampered, the choice is yours.
LODGING & TRAVEL
Maybe you’re staying at a posh hotel or an AirBnB.
Another aspect of this expense is in travel fees your vendors may have. If you’re eloping in a very remote area, it may cost you more to get vendors to get out there.
food
Absolutely, you still need to enjoy a good meal on your elopement day.
While you may not be arranging a caterer for a large group of guests, considering your dining options is essential. If you're planning an adventure in the wilderness, why not pack a delightful picnic?
Alternatively, you and your spouse could opt for a fancy dinner out in your wedding attire or relish a romantic evening in with a private chef. The possibilities are diverse, and the costs can vary widely.
PARTING THOUGHTS
When it comes to the expense of elopements, the key takeaway is that while they are generally more budget-friendly than larger weddings, the cost can still be substantial based on the quality of the experience you desire.
Couples choosing to elope often align their spending with the values they hold for the day, opting for DIY solutions in some aspects or omitting certain elements while indulging in other areas such as activities and capturing the essence of the day.
Should you require assistance or guidance, feel free to reach out to me, and let's commence the planning of your Exciting Jamaican elopement!
