One of the questions I get asked most often is: “How much does eloping in Madeira actually cost?” And honestly, I love this question because the answer for Madeira is such a pleasant surprise. π
Compared to Italy, Iceland, Norway, or really any of the other popular elopement destinations, Madeira is generally way more affordable! The accommodation is cheaper, the car rental is more affordable, and since a big part of your day will involve hiking (which is nearly free once you pay the trail permit), the overall budget is much more accessible than you might expect.
That said, eloping is still an investment, and I want to be really transparent with you about what things actually cost, so you can plan with confidence and without any unpleasant surprises. So letβs break it all down! π
The Madeira Elopement Cost Breakdown
All local prices are shown in EUR and USD. Keep in mind that you probably won’t need everything on this list. Every elopement is different, and part of what I love about elopements is that you get to choose exactly what matters to you! β€οΈ
P.S. These are rough numbers, and the exchange rate varies depending on when and where you check.
Accommodation
β¬200β500 per night for two people (roughly $235β590)
Madeira has a really wide range of accommodation options. β¬200/night gets you something very comfortable and lovely. β¬500/night is more on the luxury end, like boutique hotels with ocean views and private pools. For most couples I work with, somewhere in the β¬300β500 range is the sweet spot.
Car Rental
β¬60β75 per day including full insurance (roughly $70β90)
I really recommend renting a car in Madeira. Plus, full insurance coverage is strongly recommended and is already included in this price range. It’s one of the best-value parts of your Madeira trip, and it gives you the freedom to go wherever the day takes you and discover amazing viewpoints along the way. π
Food
β¬12β20 per large portion (roughly $14β24)
The portion sizes here are quite huge. One portion could very realistically feed two people. So while the per-dish price looks similar to what you’d pay in Italy, your actual food spend per day can be significantly less. Budget around β¬40β60/day for two people eating out twice a day, and you’ll be well covered.
Bridal Bouquet
β¬150β250 (roughly $175β295)
A beautiful, fresh bouquet from a local florist. If you want to add a boutonniere for the groom or any additional floral styling, budget extra on top of this. Couples normally skip any additional floral arrangements, because Madeira’s natural backdrop is already so breathtaking that adding dΓ©cor would almost feel like too much π
Wedding Cake
β¬50β75 (roughly $60β90)
A small, beautiful cake for the two of you to cut and celebrate with. You can also choose different desserts and pick something up at a local bakery along the way, which would be cheaper.
Hair and Make-Up Artist
β¬400β600 (roughly $470β700)
A professional hair and make-up artist is a wonderful addition to your elopement day. That said, if your elopement involves a lot of hiking or location pivoting due to weather (which Madeira weather sometimes calls for!), doing your own hair and make-up can actually be a great option. One of my couples had a make-up artist in their home country teach them exactly how to do their own professional make-up before the trip, in case youβre considering this idea, too!
Whale and Dolphin Watching Experience
β¬65 per person (roughly $75)
One of the most magical activities you can add to your elopement day or honeymoon. Madeira sits in the middle of the Atlantic, and its waters are home to incredible marine life.
Hiking Trail Access
β¬4β10 per person per trail (roughly $5β12)
Madeira recently introduced a permit system to protect its trails and limit crowds, which, honestly, makes the elopement experience even better, since it keeps the most beautiful spots from getting overrun. At $5 per person, it’s a very small cost for what you get in return.
Travel Costs
Flights
Prices vary a lot depending on where you’re flying from and when you book. Madeira is well-connected from most major European cities. The flights cost more than to central Europe, because Madeira is located way off the mainland of Europe. The earlier you book, the better the prices. There are no direct intercontinental flights to Madeira, so if you’re flying from further afield, you’ll likely connect through Lisbon or any other European hub.
Travel Insurance
Highly recommended, and the price depends on the provider, coverage and length of your stay.
Wedding Essentials
- Rings: From $200 to several thousand, depending on style and materials.
- Wedding Dress: $250 to several thousand, depending on designer and style.
- Suit: $250 to several thousand, depending on designer and style.
Photography and Videography
This is the one area where I always encourage couples not to cut corners! Your photos are the one thing from your elopement day that you will have and look at for the rest of your lives.
Hiring an experienced elopement photographer (and this is important, not just any wedding photographer, but someone who specifically shoots elopements) typically costs $6,000β10,000 for a full day. Elopement photography requires a very different skill set, like navigating unpredictable weather, scouting locations, hiking to remote spots, and of course, capturing all the adventures along the way.
A good elopement photographer also helps you plan and customize the day to your wishes, scouts locations for the ceremony and portraits, builds a timeline with enough buffer so you never feel rushed, and supports you every step of the way with any questions you have. It is so much more than just showing up with a camera π
Some photographers, like me, take this even further with all-inclusive packages where I book, pay, and coordinate all your other vendors for you, too. So instead of juggling a photographer, a planner, and other vendors, you have one person handling everything. (by the way, you can read what I actually do behind the scenes as your photographer, so you don’t have to – here!)
For a destination like Madeira, where the weather can call for last-minute pivots, having someone who knows the island, knows the locations, and can make quick decisions on your behalf makes a huge difference for how relaxed and stress-free your day feels.
My packages start from 7,400β¬ (approx. $8,750 USD / $12,000 CAD) and include photography, full planning and coordination, location scouting, a relaxed timeline, helpful guides, vendor and lodging recommendations, and me booking and coordinating everything on your behalf. On the day itself, I am your photographer, guide, friend, and assistant, whether that means hiking out in the dark with headlamps, helping you with your dress, fixing a flyaway hair before vows, or coordinating vendors behind the scenes. I also keep a full buffer day open for every couple in case the weather calls for flexibility.
Most couples invest between 10,000β13,000β¬ (approx. $11,800β15,300 USD / $16,200β21,000 CAD) for a fully planned full-day or multi-day elopement experience. Half-day, full-day, and multi-day packages are all available and can be customized. All travel costs within Europe and VAT are included, so there are no surprise fees at the end π
Adding a videographer (optional, but highly recommended!) can capture your emotions, vows, and moments in motion. Videographers’ prices range from $ 3,000 to $ 6,000. Hiring a videographer when you elope in Madeira does increase your budget, but it is totally worth it, I promise!
π More about hiring a videographer: Should we hire a videographer for our elopement?
π More on why itβs crucial to hire the right photographer: How to Choose a Photographer for Your Elopement
A Real Madeira Elopement Cost Example
Hereβs what a typical one-week Madeira elopement might look like with one full elopement day, photography only, and one fun activity included. This is the most common version of an adventure elopement.
- Flights to Madeira and back for two = approximately $2000
- Travel insurance for two, one week = approximately $400
- 6 nights at a decent accommodation ($250/night) = 6 nights * $250 = $1500
- 7 days car rental with full insurance = $490
- 7 days of food (2 meals/day, 2 people) = $420
- Wedding attire for two = $1,500
- Rings for two = $750
- Bridal bouquet = $220
- Hair and make-up artist = $500
- Photographer who helps with the planning = $12,000
- Whale and dolphin watching experience = $145
Total: $19,925 (or 17,000 β¬)
Of course, these are approximate costs. It is always possible to get things done more affordably, and it is always possible to spend more. But generally speaking, you can have an epic, stress-free elopement in Madeira with amazing vendors on a budget of $17,000-30,000.
Final Thoughts on the Cost of Eloping in Madeira
I’ve planned and shot elopements in multiple countries, and Madeira stands out as one of the best-value destinations for the quality of the experience you get. π By understanding the costs upfront, you can focus less on stress and more on creating a day that feels truly, wildly, you. Whether you plan a luxury elopement or keep it on a budget, having an overview of the costs of eloping in Madeira and the expenses you need to consider is essential.
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