How to Have an Elopement With Family
When planning an elopement, the focus is often on the couple and their intimate celebration. It’s one of the (many) perks of eloping! However, many couples still want to find meaningful ways to include their families in this special occasion. In this blog post, I’ll dive into some creative ways to include your friends and family for your elopement. Whether you want them to be present or want to honor them in another way, hopefully there will be a few things that will be helpful!
Reasons to Have an Elopement With Family
Here are a few reasons to elope with family, if this resonates with you, then go ahead and invite those special people!
You love the idea of having an elopement but can’t imagine getting married without the most important people there. Remember, eloping does NOT mean it’s just you two! The beauty of eloping is that you get to design your wedding. Forget what you should or shouldn’t do or who you should or shouldn’t invite, it’s YOUR day afterall. Remember that.
You want to share your special day with those you love most and feel comfortable with them there.
You want them for part of the day and feel comfortable with venturing out with just the two of you later! Including family in your elopement does not mean you have to have them be present for all of the wedding. You can certainly pick when you want them present (e.g. ceremony, getting ready, reception).
Reasons to NOT Have an Elopement With Family
The idea of having family present stresses you out and makes you not look forward to getting married. I get it, we all have that one family member you’re happy to see every now and then but the idea of them being present and possibly introducing drama during your most precious day can be too much. It’s best if maybe they sit this one out and you can invite them for a post-wedding celebration… or not!
You’ll feel guilty or guilt tripped about inviting some family member but not another. If you feel like inviting one of your family members would open a can of worms of drama for not inviting someone else, it might be best to not include anyone. Feelings are less likely to be hurt!
You want to remember your wedding day without having any stress and want a “just us” wedding experience!
Elopement Ideas With Family
Invite them for your ceremony and/or reception:
One way to do this is by inviting select family members to witness the ceremony, providing an opportunity for cherished moments and heartfelt connections. They could be present for your getting ready, driving to the elopement ceremony spot, and could be back home for a nice intimate dinner or celebration. Again, they don’t have to be present the whole time, you can choose when you’d like them to be present. Alternatively, you could have a multi-day elopement, elope one day just the two of you and have the second day with your family. Be creative!
Incorporate family heirlooms or traditions into your elopement
Making sure that some elements of your family are there such as a special item could be a beautiful way to feel your family present. If your family has a tradition during a ceremony such as handfasting, pouring sand, singing a song, or anything at all, incorporating some traditional or cultural elements is another unique way to include family for your elopement.
Sharing the elopement experience through photos, videos, or a virtual live stream
Although some (or all) family members won’t be present, you can always FaceTime your family during your elopement ceremony or during your getting ready so they can virtually be present.
Have family members write you cards to read on your wedding day and read them with your partner.
One great way to incorporate your family is to ask your close friends and family to write you cards for you to read on your wedding day. I’ll be in the background making sure we capture those moments of laughter, joy, and tears.
Have a post-wedding reception/party
My wife and I did this. We eloped in April of 2022 and threw a big backyard party in July of that summer. It was the least stressful and the most fun thing to have! We showed our friends and family our photo album and recounted our adventure elopement and had so many family members say “wow, I wish we had done that!”. Trust me, you’re already doing the best thing which is to elope!
Elopement With Family - Final Thoughts
Whether you want to elope with your family being physically present or want them to support you from afar, I hope your found this post helpful. Remember that choosing to elope with just the two of you does not mean you don’t care about your loved ones (even if some of them may actually say this to you). In reality, it means that the kind of day that feels most true to who you and your partner are is different with the day they envision for you. At the end of the day, it is your wedding after-all and they will sooner or later accept this and maybe even be happy for you!
If you’re stuck on how to tell your family you’re planning an elopement with just the two of you or with a few close family members, I am here for you. Feel free to send me an email if you’re looking for help or comfort with all of this. As someone who eloped and takes elopement photos for a living, I’m here to tell you that YOU GOT THIS. I am rooting for you every step of the way.
Family Elopement Packages
Hey! My name is Doug, your Elopement Photographer! If you’re ready to elope with or without family anywhere in Washington, Oregon, or the Pacific Northwest, let’s make it happen! I believe that couples should get married in a way that is truly authentic to them in a place that speaks to their heart. Let me help you plan (and capture!) your elopement from start to finish so you have one less thing to worry about. Feel free to send me an email at info@seatosummitphotos.com or fill out the contact form below, I can’t wait to hear from you!
