So you’ve decided that you want to include your family and friends in your elopement. Awesome!
Eloping doesn’t mean leaving your loved ones behind! If anything, it’s a chance to create an experience that’s intimate, intentional, and deeply personal – and yes, your family can absolutely be a part of it. Whether you’re dreaming of a mountaintop ceremony, a desert adventure, or a cozy Airbnb celebration, here’s how to make your family feel included without losing the magic of an elopement.
Ways to Include Family in Your Elopement
Invite Them to the Ceremony
Why not share the breathtaking views and heartfelt moments with those who mean the most to you? An intimate gathering of family can make your elopement feel even more special. Picture your parents, siblings, or closest friends watching you exchange vows at your dream location – it’s the best of both worlds. This is perfect if you are wanting to keep things simple and are happy with a gentle access location that can accommodate your group size.
Split Up the Day
If you want to involve your family and friends in your ceremony but don’t want to compromise on a more adventurous location, consider splitting up the day. Start with a private vow reading at your dream spot, then hold a separate ceremony with your family later. Or start with an early ceremony, then venture off for portraits out in a more wild landscape. You can read the same vows or keep your private vows just between the two of you. This way, you get the best of both worlds: privacy and connection.
Spread It Over Two Days
Here’s the secret sauce: you don’t have to do it all at once. Imagine having a private adventure just for the two of you – where you can let those emotions flow freely – and then celebrating with your family the next day. This way, you get those quiet, personal moments and a chance to party with your loved ones. It also takes the stress of of getting back to your guests so you can soak in all the golden hour goodness for those epic portraits that you love.
Include Them in Other Intimate Moments
Your family and friends don’t have to be part of the ceremony to feel included. Invite them to help you get ready, witness your first look, or join you for formal portraits. Afterward, you can all celebrate at dinner together. This approach lets them share in the experience without changing your ceremony vision. This route works well when you have guests with physical limitations or small children who may have difficulty enjoying being out in the wilderness without amenities.
Make a Trip Out of It
Think beyond the wedding day and plan fun excursions that your family and friends will enjoy for the following days. This way, you are still putting thought and effort into their experience while keeping your wedding day more focused on the two of you. It’s also a way to bond with them in a more relaxed atmosphere, and family members can get to know one another without stress or expectations.
How to Involve Friends and Family if They’re Not Physically Present
Sometimes, not everyone can join in person, but that doesn’t mean they have to miss out. Here are creative ways to involve loved ones from afar:
- Throw an engagement party to celebrate together before your elopement.
- Ask them to help pick out your wedding attire.
- Invite them to be your witnesses for the signing of your marriage license back home.
- Include family heirlooms as sentimental details in your day.
- Facetime, Skype, or Zoom with them during the ceremony or afterward.
- Have them write letters you can read together during your elopement.
- Send them updates with photos, videos, and selfies.
- Open gifts or cards from them as part of your celebration.
- Bring back meaningful mementos from your trip as souvenirs.
- Share your photo gallery with them, or plan a photo reveal party.
- Gift them prints or a custom photo album as a keepsake.
- Host a party or reception after your elopement to share stories and photos.
Creative Ideas to Involve Family
Combine Adventure and Family Moments
Why not make it a multi-day event? Spend one day hiking to your dream elopement spot for a private ceremony and enjoy a family picnic or a backyard dinner under the stars the next day. This way, you get the adventure and the family time.
Personalized Touches
The little things can make a big difference. Invite your mom or best friend to help you shop for your dress or suit. Plan an engagement party to celebrate with your crew before the elopement. These moments keep your family close while still honoring the intimacy of your big day.
Capture and Share the Day
A picture is worth a thousand words. Hire a photographer to document your elopement (hi- that’s me!). Then, share your gallery with your family so they can share in the excitement. Even better- schedule a photo reveal party where everyone can see the magic together.
Final Thoughts
Eloping with family and friends is all about finding that perfectly imperfect balance that makes your day feel how you want it to feel. It’s your day, your story, and your rules. Whether you’re exchanging vows at sunrise with your parents by your side or sharing a post-elopement dinner with family and friends, the most important thing is that it feels right for you. So go ahead, dream big, and plan an elopement as unforgettable as your love.
And to keep it all running smoothly, check out my tips on How to Prep Your Guests For Your Elopement.
FAQ’s – Answers to common questions
Hello! I’m Shannon Durazo
and I would love to be your Wedding Photographer!
I specialize in outdoor-centric weddings of all sizes—from two-person elopements to 150+ guest garden celebrations. If you are a nature lover and want to embrace that through your wedding story, I would love to help capture your day!
What to read next:
Resources and Inspiration
Pauline & Ryan’s Off-road Adventure Elopement up Schnebly Hill Road
Michaela & Michael’s Avant-garde Sunrise Sedona Elopement
Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch Wedding Venue
Prep Your Guests for Your Elopement: Everything They Need to Know
The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Phoenix, Arizona
