Tips for Eloping With Family

There's a big misconception that an elopement has to be just a couple. But the thing is, a lot of people just can't imagine their wedding day without the people they love most standing around them - and that's totally okay!

If you're thinking about eloping, but feeling like it won't be the same without your parents seeing you walk down the aisle, your sister helping you zip up the dress, or just having your loved ones by your side, this guide is for you! We'll talk about eloping with family, ideas for how to include them in your day, and advice for couples eloping with guests.

Deciding to Elope With Family

The first step for planning an elopement with family is to make the decision to include your family in your day! This decision should be intentional - before telling any family members about your plans, sit down with your partner and have an honest chat about what the two of you are envisioning for your elopement day. Once you’ve decided that you do want guests at your intimate ceremony, decide who those guests will be!

Keep in mind that it’s not selfish to want a private elopement experience, or to keep your guest list small. The truth is that weddings come with a lot of pressure, and it can feel really hard to limit your invites to just a few people. But, it’s not about excluding anyone or hurting feelings! It’s about the two of you (because isn’t that what your wedding day should be about?) and what feels right. So, be honest with yourself and with each other about how many people you want to be there when you elope, and who those people are. Make sure that everyone at your elopement loves you, supports you, and will make the experience even more amazing!

Choosing a Location When Eloping With Family

Having people at your elopement means there are extra considerations when it comes to planning your day - you have to think about you and your partner, and also about your guests!

You may need an elopement location that’s more easily accessible, or one that’s closer to home so that your family is able to travel there. Or, your family might be down for some adventure! Think about your guests and any accessibility needs, or other considerations for your location. Part of our job as your elopement planning team is helping you find the perfect spot - so we’ll learn more about you and your plan for your elopement day, and create a personalized list of recommendations that works for you, and for your guests!

Some couples also decide to split up their elopement day (or even split it into two days) to give them some time to spend with family, as well as some time to themselves. If you want to hike, or just hang out alone for a little bit, you can have your ceremony with family, then take off for some photos and adventures!

Elopement Ideas With Family

When you’re eloping with family, you can definitely just have them be there as guests. But, there are also lots of ways to include them in the elopement experience! Here are some elopement ideas with family.

Have Your Family Help You Get Ready

Before the ceremony, you’ll need to get ready - put on your dress or suit, maybe do hair and makeup. Having a family member help you with this can be so meaningful, and it gives you some time to just relax and prepare for the day! Many people have their parents help with buttoning up dresses or tying ties.

Do a First Look With Your Family

One fun way to include your family in your elopement day is to do a first look! A lot of couples do a first look with each other, but you can also do one with some family members.

The first look is the moment where they see you all dressed up in your wedding attire for the first time, and your photographer will help you coordinate! Your family member will face away from you, and you’ll walk up behind them and tap them on the shoulder. Then, they turn around to see you! It’s always a really meaningful moment.

Have a Family Member Officiate Your Elopement

Did you know that anyone (who’s over the age of 18) can become an ordained officiant? If you have a family member who can perform your ceremony, this can be such a meaningful touch to your day! They can create a personal, custom ceremony for you, and officially marry you.

To get ordained, all they have to do is go to ULC.org, and the process is quick and easy! Be sure to find out what the state you’re eloping in requires when it comes to signing the marriage license, because a few places require proof that your officiant is ordained.

Go for an Adventure With the Family

Your family can totally join you for any adventures you have planned! If they’re up for it, you can spend the entire day with your loved ones, go for a hike, rent some kayaks, have a picnic, and spend the day together.

Have an Elopement Reception

When you’re eloping with family, you can host a small reception after your ceremony! This can mean going back to the Airbnb for dinner and cake, going out to a local restaurant, making s’mores over a campfire, or any other way you want to celebrate after tying the knot. This is a fun way to give your family an opportunity to make toasts and just celebrate the two of you!

Eloping With Family?

If tradition doesn’t suit you, but you want your loved ones around when you tie the knot, you can totally elope with family and friends! Planning an elopement comes with a lot of logistics, especially when inviting guests - but we’re here to make the process easy. As your elopement planners, we’ll help you create a day that’s absolutely perfect for you, and perfect for your guests!