How to Plan an Elopement or Microwedding in Houston (and Beyond) for Under $5k
How to Plan an Elopement or Microwedding in Houston (and Beyond) for Under $5k
If you’re here, you’ve probably Googled “Houston elopement under $5000” and ended up in a swirl of Pinterest boards, Reddit threads, and twenty-five open tabs about courthouse ceremonies versus all-inclusive venues. I see you. It’s overwhelming.
I’ve been there myself. When my husband and I shifted from planning a big wedding with 100+ guests to creating a cozy, heartfelt elopement with just ten of our closest people, everything changed. We pulled it together in about three months and spent under $4k. And honestly, it was the best decision we made.
This isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about re-centering your day around what actually matters to you. The hugs. The vows. The freedom to wear Doc Martens if you want to. The joy of knowing you don’t have to start your marriage in debt.
Let’s break down how you can plan an intimate celebration that feels like pure magic, without spending tens of thousands.
Why Choose an Elopement or Microwedding
For couples in Houston and across Texas, elopements and microweddings are more than a budget move. They are a values move. Here’s why couples keep choosing smaller celebrations:
- Less stress, more presence. You are not juggling a massive timeline or twenty vendors. You can actually enjoy the day.
- Room for creativity. State park vows. Backyard dinner. Downtown rooftop views. Smaller plans unlock playful ideas.
- Quality over quantity. Invest in what matters most to you, whether that is photography, florals, or the outfit that makes you feel like the main character.
- Authenticity. If being the center of attention makes you shrink, an intimate guest list can feel like a breath of fresh air.
Step 1. Define Your Vision
Start with a question. When you picture your wedding day, what do you feel. For me, it was intimacy, adventure, and ease. That pointed us to Enchanted Rock with just ten guests. For you, it might be a candlelit dinner in Montrose or a sunrise vow exchange on Galveston beach.
Step 2. Photography Is Non-Negotiable
I will be real. As a photographer, this was the one area I refused to skimp on. You do not need ten vendors, but you do need someone who will document your day beautifully. Years from now, the photos are what bring you back.
Choose a photographer who understands intimate timelines, natural movement, and the way you want to feel when you look back. That feeling is the brief.
In Houston, expect to allocate about $1500 to $3000 for elopement or microwedding coverage. Many photographers, me included, offer flexible packages for smaller celebrations.
Step 3. Rethink the “Venue”
Here is the secret. You do not need a ten-thousand-dollar venue to get married.
- Courthouse weddings. Elegant and simple. Fees are usually around one hundred dollars.
- Parks. Brazos Bend. Hermann Park. Enchanted Rock. Permits are often under fifty dollars.
- Homes and Airbnbs. One cozy location for getting ready, the ceremony, and dinner after.
Step 4. Outfits That Make You Feel Like You
Your dress, suit, jumpsuit, or boots do not need to cost thousands to feel amazing. My dress was from David’s Bridal. My husband’s suit was from Express. The details, like a sheer overskirt and white Docs, made it ours.
Set aside three hundred to eight hundred dollars each for outfits and accessories. Prioritize comfort. You will look better when you feel good.
Step 5. Prioritize Your Personal Touches
Smaller weddings make room for intention. A few affordable touches that carry heart.
- Florals. Faux or seasonal blooms photograph beautifully. Ling’s Moment is a favorite for mix-and-match stems.
- Vow books. Simple pocket journals make the ceremony feel grounded and personal.
- Dinner after. Skip the giant reception. Book a table for your closest people at a spot you love.
Sample Microwedding Budget Under $5k
Here is a realistic breakdown based on my experience and what I see with clients.
- Photographer: $2000
- Attire for two: $800
- Hair and makeup: $300
- Florals: $200
- Permit or venue fees: $100
- Officiant: $200 (or ask a friend to get ordained online)
- Dinner celebration: $1000
- Marriage license: $90
- Extras (jewelry, vow books, details): $200
Total: ~ $4,890
Final Thoughts
Your wedding is not less important because it is smaller. If anything, it is distilled down to what truly matters. The people who show up. The promises you make. The way you look at each other and realize this is it.
Eloping or planning a microwedding in Houston can be romantic, stress-free, and budget-friendly. Courthouse. Park. Backyard. Under twinkle lights. Your story deserves to be captured beautifully.
If you are dreaming up your own under-$5k day, I would love to help you plan and photograph it. Years from now, I want you to feel the same thing we felt. We did the damn thing.
