Want To Elope But Don’t Know How To Involve Your Family?

Posted On | March 14, 2023

Elopements are a chance for you and your partner to have an intimate, private ceremony that focuses solely on your love for one another. It can be a welcome relief from the stress and expense of a big wedding. But for some couples, the decision to elope comes with a heavy burden – the worry of disappointing family members who may feel left out. If you’re feeling torn between the desire to elope and the desire to include your loved ones, fear not! Here are seven thoughtful ways to involve your family in your elopement day, even if they can’t be there in person.

Plan An Intimate Ceremony With Close Family, Then Head Off On Your Own Adventure Afterwards

Many of our couples who are close to their family and know it’s important for a few family members to witness their wedding, will have a short, casual wedding ceremony. Choose a location that’s easy for friends or family members to get to (Don’t know where to elope in Colorado? Here’s a few ideas!). That way the people who are near and dear to your heart have the opportunity to witness the most important moment of your elopement day. Then, after your ceremony and a few pictures with family, you can go off on an adventure with your new spouse!

Collect Letters To Read On Your Elopement Day

Another way to include your family is having them write a letter to the two of you for you to read on your elopement day. Have family members write a letter ahead of time, seal it in an envelope and give it to you. Then, the day of your elopement you can break that seal and read the words from your loved one. You can choose to read this letter at any point during the day. Maybe you read it when you first wake up so you can think of their words throughout the day. You can also read it during your ceremony or after. No matter when you decide to read those precious words, your family member who wrote them will know that they are close in spirit with you the day you say “I do”. It’s a perfect way for them to share their emotions and their feelings. And you still get the privacy you wanted on your elopement day.

Have Your Family Contribute Or Make Something

Another way you can include your family or friends on your elopement day is to have them make or contribute to something that you will carry with you throughout the day. For example, we had a couple who eloped here in Colorado with only a few close friends nearby. Since her family wasn’t there for the actual ceremony, her mom sent along a homemade broach for the bride’s hair. Her mom also gave her a piece of lace from her grandmother’s wedding dress that was wrapped around the bride’s bouquet.

Plan A First Look With Your Family

If your family is going to be in the same location you are eloping, consider planning a first look with them before you head off to your private ceremony. So much of a wedding day is getting the chance to see you all dressed up. A first look allows for a special moment with your parents (or whoever you wish) to see you on your elopement day.

Have A Post-Elopement Video Call With Family

If you’re eloping in a location that gets cell coverage, consider Face Timing with your parents after it’s all over and you two are officially married. This can be one of the sweetest and most emotional ways to involve your family. This way you can show them the location, your ecstatic smiles and share all the love that you feel in that moment.

Share Your Elopement Photo Sneak Peek With Close Family and Friends First

I know it can be tempting to make it #Facebookofficial (or Instagram official) as soon as your photographer sends you a sneak peek from your elopement day. But how about making your close family feel special by sending them some pictures from your elopement first before announcing it to the rest of the world?!

wedding couple running along road after elopement at Brainard Lake near Boulder, Colorado

Host A Small Reception Afterwards

Your elopement day is focused on the two of you and your love for each other. But, family and friends may still want to celebrate alongside you and shower you with love. Consider hosting a casual reception after you elope with your close family and friends. We’ve seen couples do a small reception the very next day. Or you can plan it for a month or two in the future so you have time to settle back into your life first!

How are you planning to involve your family in your elopement? Let us know in the comments below!

Ready to Start Planning Your colorado Elopement?

We’re here to make this process easier than “accidentally” binge-watching the newest season of your favorite show. Every single elopement package includes:

All-Inclusive Planning Support: From a custom location list packed with hidden gems, insider tips, LGBTQ+ affirming vendor/accommodation recs, and a collaborative timeline – we’ll walk you through planning so you feel confident every step of the way. Plus, you get unlimited access to us the whole way – no question too small, no idea too big.
Collaborative, No-Stress Timeline Planning: We’ll co-create a flexible timeline that matches your vision and values – not rushed, not rigid, and definitely not crammed with “be here at exactly 2:17 PM” vibes. You’ll have room to explore, soak it all in, and be fully present.

Colorado Experts, A Trusted Team: We’re your day-of coordinators and Colorado pros ready for anything. From last-minute backup plans to surprise wildlife wedding crashers, we come prepared with local knowledge, emergency snacks, backup gear, and a backup photographer you already trust.
Authentic Storytelling In Digital, Film, Panoramas & GIFS: Your day captured just like it felt – candid, emotional, and real—with a mix of digital, panoramas, GIFS, and dreamy film photos. All final, professionally edited photos are delivered to your inbox and backed-up to an online gallery ready to share with your nearest and dearest.

Everything’s Covered: No need to worry about my travel, lodging, or add-ons. It’s all included, so you can focus on what matters most. You also get a bonus $200 off any wedding album at booking!

If it’s on your elopement to-do list, I’m here to help check it off.

Colorado Elopement + Small Wedding Packages

Meet Larissa and Bailey! We are two born and raised Coloradoans who specialize in planning and capturing epic elopements for our couples that feel authentic to who they are. Loveland Pass is THE spot to elope if you want adventure and stunning scenery. We specialize only in Colorado and can help you plan the perfect just-us day or a celebration with up to 30 of your friends/family.

What’s Included

3+ Hours of Photography Coverage

We intentionally document your day with both digital and film. Includes high-resolution digital images, printing rights, a shareable online gallery, and free album design.

Full Elopement Planning Assistance

When we say we help with it all, we mean it. Location scouting and ideas. Vetted and LGBTQ+ allied vendors who know elopements. Recs for activities to do on your elopement day. Stress-free timeline planning. Planning resources and ideas. Unlimited communication because we never leave you high and dry.

Reach Out For Full Details & Pricing!