New Jersey is the perfect place for an elopement. It's close to New York City, but far enough away that it feels like a world of its own. Its beaches and mountains are stunning, and there are plenty of great restaurants, hotels and venues at which you can marry your partner in front of friends and family.


You don't need to spend a lot of money to have a beautiful wedding.

Elopements are a great option for smaller weddings because they're relatively inexpensive and can be customized to your needs. If you're looking to have an elopement, New Jersey is the perfect destination for you.

Here are just a few reasons why:

  • Elopements in NJ are less expensive than those in other parts of the country. The average cost of an all-inclusive elopement package in NJ is between $1,500 and $2,000—a far cry from what other parts of the country charge! Even better? You'll still get quality photography and planning services for a fraction of what traditional weddings cost.
  • You can get married any time during the year here! Unlike other states where temperatures may be too hot or too cold for outdoor ceremonies (and where it's difficult or impossible to find indoor venues), New Jersey offers four seasons so that no matter when you decide to tie the knot, there will always be beautiful weather options available!
  • You can say "I do" anywhere! Whether it's on a beach at sunset or overlooking Manhattan's skyline at nightfall—there's no shortage of gorgeous spots where couples have said "I do." And if none of those locations tickle your fancy...well...you can always host one indoors at one of our many historic venues throughout New Jersey!

Middletown, NJ

Middletown, New Jersey is an ideal place for eloping because it’s a large city with many venues and hotels. The average cost of a wedding there is $25,000.

Final Thoughts: Let’s face it; most people dream of getting married on the beach. If you don’t have time for a destination wedding, consider eloping in one of these great U.S. cities.


Eloping is a great way for couples to save money and get married quickly. If you’re looking for an affordable beach wedding, consider these 10 cities that offer beautiful beaches and great hotels.


Cherry Hill, NJ

Cherry Hill is the perfect place to have an affordable elopement. It's close to Philadelphia and New York City, and has many affordable venues. The Cherry Hill Inn is a great choice if you want something simple and intimate. They offer packages starting at $250 per couple, with all taxes included!

The average cost of an elopement in Scotch Plains, New Jersey is $3,000. The average cost of a wedding in Scotch Plains, New Jersey is $25,00They also have a great selection of wedding dresses and accessories. If you're looking for a more traditional wedding, Cherry Hill is the place to go. It's got everything you need: gorgeous churches, beautiful hotels and restaurants, and plenty of amazing photo opportunities!


Raritan, NJ

Raritan is a small town in Somerset County, New Jersey. It's home to the Raritan River and Raritan High School which has been ranked as one of the top high schools in New Jersey. The population is about 4,500 people and it has several parks and trails located throughout the town that make great locations for an outdoor wedding ceremony. They include:

  • Raritan Park
  • Heritage Park
  • Veterans Memorial Field

Guttenburg, NJ

Guttenburg is a small town in New Jersey that offers the closest thing to what you'd imagine when someone says "small-town America." It's got a historic Main Street, with shops like the Beehive and Bowling Green Candy Store, as well as plenty of natural beauty surrounding it.


In addition to being pretty close to NYC (only about 20 minutes away), Guttenburg makes for an excellent weekend getaway if you're looking for something off-the-beaten path.


If you're looking for a place to get married in New Jersey, Long Branch is one of the best places to consider. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants in the area where you can host your reception as well as have your ceremony on the beach. If you'd like to elope in New Jersey, Long Branch is definitely worth consideringThe town has a lot of history, and you can learn all about it at the Guttenburg Historical Society. The building itself is gorgeous, too: It's an old colonial-style mansion that was built in 1833 by the founder of Guttenburg.!


Long Branch, NJ

Long Branch is one of the best places to get married in New Jersey because it has a beautiful beach. You can have your ceremony on the beach and if you want to have your reception there as well, that's also possible! There are plenty of hotels with ballrooms or restaurants where you can host your wedding reception.

The next time you're planning an elopement, keep Long Branch in mind—it really is a great place for eloping!


Hackensack, NJ

If you’re looking for an affordable option that’s still close to New York City, look no further than Hackensack. This small town sits just across the river from Manhattan and offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in North Jersey. It might be a little farther away than some of our other options, but it's worth it!


Hackensack has two great venues to choose from: The John F Kennedy Park or Liberty State Park. Both are stunning locations with views of Manhattan and plenty of parking available (which is one thing we always think about when choosing a location).


The cost at JFK park is $3,000 and includes an officiant (if needed), all inclusive music package, photography & videography packages, champagne toast & cake cutting service fee (you can bring your own sweets), ceremony set-up/cleanup time for 10 hours total per day including ceremony time + 2 hour rehearsal at another location if needed (additional fee applies)


Morristown, NJ

Morristown is a great place for an elopement because it is affordable and has a lot of great places to take photos. Morristown is also close to New York City and Philadelphia, so you can plan a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of city life.


Morristown has many beautiful parks and historical buildings which are perfect for taking photos in front of, like Morristown National Historical Park, Van Nest Homestead Museum and the Morristown Green.


Morristown is a great place for an elopement because it is affordable and has a lot of great places to take photos. Morristown is also close to New York City and Philadelphia, so you can plan a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of city life.



The Jersey Shore

The Jersey Shore is a popular destination for many couples. If you are looking for an intimate, casual elopement and want to get married on the beach, consider one of these locations:

  • Stone Harbor – One of the most popular towns in New Jersey is Stone Harbor. It’s known for its quaint charm and beautiful beaches that make it a great place for an intimate wedding. Wedding ceremonies can be performed at the Sunset Beach Club or any number of other venues with private areas on the beach.
  • Cape May Point – This little town has been named one of America's best small towns by Smithsonian Magazine because of its beautiful beaches and charming architecture. There's no shortage of beautiful places to say "I do" at this location!
  • Ocean Grove - Ocean Grove is another great option if you're interested in getting married on the beach! The town offers a variety of options when it comes to getting hitched on their gorgeous shoreline!


The cost of an elopement should never be a deterrent from having your dream wedding. You can have an amazing elopement for less than $500 and save that money for the honeymoon or house down payment. Whether you are looking for a beautiful beach location or a unique urban setting, New Jersey has plenty of choices to choose from.

If you're interested in learning more about budget-friendly options for your wedding photography, please contact us today! We'd be happy to chat with you about our packages and discounts.


Thank you for reading!


Affordable Wedding photography by Fungirlwithacamera Photography.


Hope from Fungirlwithacamera Photography specializes in affordable wedding photography as well as backyard wedding photography and small intimate weddings. Currently accepting weddings in East Brunswick, Highland Park and surrounding areas in New Jersey.

@glitteringmoonlightphotos