Elopements have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They offer couples an intimate and personalized way to celebrate their love without the stress and expense of a traditional wedding. However, just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you have to leave your family out of the celebration. Here are 10 ways to include family in your elopement!

Take them with you!

If you’re eloping in a destination location, consider inviting your family to join you. This gives your loved ones a chance to experience the destination with you. You can even plan activities or outings for everyone to enjoy together. This way, your family can feel like they’re a part of your special day, while also enjoying a fun getaway. While eloping is often just for the couple, you can still have a small and meaningful wedding with your loved ones in attendance. Elopements usually have 10 guests or less for an intimate feel. Just remember that inviting others may affect some decisions, like the location or activities. This day is all about YOU! So at the end of the day plan things that are enticing to you.

Take Your Family Shopping for Wedding Attire

Including your mom, sisters, best friends, and others in your dress or suit shopping is a great way to involve them in your elopement experience, even if they won’t be there on the big day. Dress and suit shopping can be a memorable and emotional part of wedding planning, so having loved ones along can make it even more special. To make it an even more memorable occasion, consider turning it into a full weekend getaway.

Have a Pre-Elopement Celebration

Before you depart for your elopement destination, consider having a small celebration with your family. This can be as simple as a dinner or brunch, or you can get creative and plan an activity or outing that everyone will enjoy. This is a great way to involve your family in the celebration and make them feel included in your special day. You can also use this opportunity to share more details about your elopement with them.

Include Family in the Planning Process

Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you can’t involve your family in the planning process. Consider asking for their input on the location, the ceremony, and any other details you’d like them to be a part of. You can also ask them to help with things like finding a photographer or arranging accommodations. By keeping them in the loop, you’ll make them feel valued and included in the process.

Have Your Family Write You Letters to Read on Your Elopement Day

One way to make your elopement day even more special is to have your family write you letters. These letters will allow you to feel as if your loved ones are with you. Even if they cannot physically attend. By setting aside a special time to read these letters, either before or after your ceremony. You will be able to connect with your family and feel their presence in a truly meaningful way.

The content of the letters can be anything your loved ones want to share with you on your wedding day. Not only will these letters be a heartfelt addition to your day. They will also be a sentimental keepsake that you can cherish for years to come. You can look back on these letters and feel the warmth of their love and support all over again.

Send Personalized Messages

If your family and friends are not able to join you in person, you can still make them feel included in your special day by sending them personalized messages. Consider expressing your gratitude and appreciation for them in a thoughtful letter or heartfelt video. Share with them how much they mean to you and how grateful you are to have them in your life. You could even send them pictures or videos from your elopement as a way of sharing the special moments with them.

In addition, you could send them a small gift or keepsake from your elopement as a token of your appreciation for their love and support. This could be something as simple as a framed photo or a personalized piece of jewelry. By taking the time to send them a thoughtful message and a small gift, you can show them how much you care. And make them feel included in your special day even if they can’t be there in person.

Have a Family Member be Your Officiant or Witness

If you’re eloping, you’ll need to think about who will officiate your ceremony. One option is to ask a family member to do the honors. By doing so, you can involve your loved ones in the celebration. This helps them feel like they’re an integral part of your special day. It can also be a meaningful way to honor a family member who is important to you. Alternatively, you could hire a professional officiant who specializes in elopements. This can be a good choice if you want someone who is experienced and can provide guidance throughout the process. Another option is to have a friend or relative become ordained online so that they can legally officiate your wedding. Whatever you decide, make sure to choose someone who is a good fit for you!

Get Ready With Them

If you’re having your elopement somewhere close to your family, consider having them be a part of your getting ready time. They can spend the morning with you, help you into your dress or suit. Then take part in any pre-ceremony activities you are planning. This allows you to still have an intimate ceremony with just your partner. While also including your loved ones in the day! You could also get ready separately and do some kind of first look with your parents or siblings before heading off to your ceremony.

Hire a Photographer and Videographer

It’s crucial to prioritize documenting your wedding day, regardless of its nature. This is particularly significant if you expect many of your dear ones to be absent. Sharing your photos and videos with family members upon your return would enable them to virtually “be there” and feel more included. For added impact, consider creating a special photo album of the day for your parents or other important family members. Then they can cherish the memories forever.

Throw a Party!

Your elopement doesn’t have to be the end of the celebration. Even if you are having an intimate ceremony, you can still have a bigger party later on. You can choose to have a traditional reception, complete with all the fanfare and formalities that come with it. Or maybe you would prefer a more casual dinner party with your closest friends and family. If you’re looking to keep things really low-key, why not have a backyard barbecue? Don’t be afraid to get creative and think outside the box when planning your post-elopement celebration. After all, this is a time to celebrate your love and the beginning of your new life together!

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Whatever you decide to do, just make sure that it feels right to you as a couple. If this means not having anyone physically attend your day, that’s okay! Those who love you will support you no matter what and will appreciate being included in any way!

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If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed with the planning process or unsure about how to bring your vision to life, don’t worry! I am here to help you every step of the way. From choosing the perfect location to selecting the right vendors, I have plenty of ideas to make your elopement truly unforgettable. Plus, I can provide guidance on everything from the best time of year to elope to the most romantic ceremony readings. With my expertise and support, you can rest assured that your dream elopement will be everything you’ve ever wanted and more!