How to plan an elopement with Family & Friends

Well congratulations friend, you have just made one of life’s biggest and best decisions. Getting married to the one your heart beats for is wonderful. It is a time to celebrate your commitment to each other and embrace a future life together as husband and wife.

Now you have joyously agreed to marry there are many other fun decisions to be made. I say fun because this is your special day, and you can make it as simple or as lavish as you desire. There is no right or wrong way, only your unique way because it’s your day.

Start with asking yourself this question. Wedding or elopement? Then if you choose elopement, begin to work through these key decisions:
- Guests or no guests?
- A destination near or far?
- Venue/Airbnb availability?
- Theme/vibe/style?
- Elopement Vendors?

All the other exciting decisions to be made will come very naturally to you. Like what you will wear, what vows you will say, and which wedding photographer you book – (hopefully, me!) Just putting it out there!

Below are 5 important tips on how to involve your family in your elopement

1. Invite your immediate family

An elopement wedding can take the stress out of a traditional wedding. Elopements keep the best of wedding day vibes in a simpler way. You can still invite your immediate family and friends to celebrate. You can have the best of both worlds. Celebrating with a small, intimate group of loved ones and having time to really enjoy the day and their company. Still encompassing the traditions of a bridal party, guests, ceremony, and reception if you choose.

Your elopement can be adventurous and intimate for all your favorite people. Memorable moments together are captured in beautiful photos to grace the walls of your home forever. Family support at any time is important. You will both appreciate their love and tears of joy at your elopement.

2. Have a family member officiant at your wedding

Do you have a favorite uncle or is your father a good public speaker? Does your sister-in-law happen to have great orating skills? Why not have one of your relatives or favorite quests be the officiant of your special day?

Perhaps your chosen person can weave special memories of you and of your partner into the official ceremony. Such a personal touch and so meaningful! An entertaining, yet interesting oration of your love story seen through the eyes of someone who knows you both so well.

3. Handwritten family letters to read on your elopement day

May I suggest a special touch of having your loved ones write letters to be read on your elopement day? Both sets of parents may like to write about funny or special events that happened when you were younger. Siblings may like to write about embarrassing yet funny situations they found themselves in. Best friends may reveal things about you that no one else knows.

You may even wish to write a letter to your partner expressing your love for them and your hopes for the future. If this is a blending of families, you can involve your children in a welcome to the family letter.

4. Personalized elopement videos recorded by family

Depending on the guest list, you could ask your wider circle of family and friends not in attendance to contribute a video. People understand that elopements are intimate and that they are still valued by you even if they didn’t get invited. Videoing a message on the day to be played during your reception or whenever really is epic. They can feel a special part of your elopement. You will have a forever message of their best wishes and hear how their relationship with you is meaningful.

5. Celebrate together with an elopement reception

Your elopement ceremony could culminate in a fabulous family-style dinner reception. An intimate setting, beautiful surroundings, delicious food, and a golden hour sunset. Whether eloping on a mountaintop, beach, woodlands, or homestead, that family dinner will be the icing on the cake! The cake that maybe your mom made.

In just about every destination there are plenty of excellent options for restaurants, venues, and caterers. Feasting and family go hand in hand and with those gorgeous rings exchanged now it’s time to party!

Happy elopement planning! I hope these 5 important tips on how to involve your family will help you to create your dream day.

Elopement Photography Packages

If you would like to chat about your own dreamy elopement plan, then please click this link. I love meeting people, listening, and helping them to have a fabulous celebration with quality portraits that capture the love story of their wedding day.