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

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?!

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!

Need a Colorado elopement photographer?

Meet Larissa + Bailey! As two born and raised Coloradoans who have photographed 200+ couples in 100+ locations across Colorado, we specialize in creating a different kind of wedding day that is just as adventurous as you are. We use our experience and knowledge to craft a different kind of wedding day that feels completely authentic to you. Want to hike to a high alpine lake? We can give you trail options for that! Want to canoe along the banks of a mountain lake? We can tell you the best lakes to do it on! Want to watch the sunset from the top of the world? We’ll lead you to our favorite spots for sunset! Book your Colorado elopement photographer today!

In the meantime, be sure to check out our list of Best Places to Elope in Colorado, and our guide for How to Plan a Colorado Elopement!