Eloping is often viewed as a romantic, intimate way to celebrate love—just the couple, the vows, and the commitment. But what if you want to elope and still include your family? Perhaps you want to avoid the stress of a traditional wedding but still share the moment with your loved ones. Don’t worry! Eloping with family is not only possible but can be an incredibly special experience for everyone involved.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to elope with family while maintaining the romance and simplicity of an intimate wedding. We’ll cover everything from planning and communication to the benefits of including your family in your elopement.
Why Eloping with Family Might Be Right for You
There are several reasons couples choose to elope with family, and each reason is unique to the couple’s situation. Here are a few:
- Intimacy with Meaning: You can still enjoy the intimate nature of eloping while creating a meaningful moment with close family members.
- Cost-Effective: Eloping with family is often more budget-friendly than a large wedding but allows you to share the moment with the people you care about most.
- Stress-Free: Elopements are typically less stressful than traditional weddings, so you get to enjoy the day without the pressure of a huge guest list.
- Destination Elope: Eloping with family opens up the option of a destination elopement where you can share an unforgettable experience in a breathtaking location.
Step 1: Decide on the Size of Your Elopement
When it comes to eloping with family, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is how many family members you want to include. It’s important to remember that an elopement, by definition, is still intended to be an intimate affair, so consider how many people you truly want to share this moment with.
Some couples choose to invite only immediate family (parents, siblings), while others may choose to invite a few close extended family members. Keep in mind that a lot of outdoor locations, especially in national and state parks, have a limit to the number of guests you can have (which also usually includes your vendors.) Before booking a rental property, be sure that the host is aware of the number of guests and type of event you will be hosting, as a lot of hosts may not approve large gatherings/ events on the property.
Step 2: Choose a Location That Suits Everyone
If you’re planning a destination elopement, choosing the right location is key to making sure everyone feels comfortable. While many couples prefer a quiet beach or secluded mountaintop, consider whether the location will be accessible for your family members. Make sure the location is family-friendly and allows for a relaxed, intimate ceremony.
Here are some location ideas that work well for elopements with family:
- A Scenic National Park: Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by towering trees and majestic mountains with your family by your side. National parks offer natural beauty that sets the perfect backdrop for an intimate ceremony.
- Beach Elopement: A sandy beach at sunset can provide the perfect setting for an intimate, romantic elopement with your loved ones.
- Backyard or Private Property: For a truly intimate and personal experience, consider eloping in your backyard or at a family member’s house. This offers privacy, sentimentality, and can be cost-effective. You can also consider rental properties, just be sure to check with the host to see if they approve of events being hosted on the property.
- City Hall with Family: For those who want to keep it simple, eloping at a local city hall with just a few family members can be equally memorable and meaningful.
Step 3: Discuss Expectations with Family
One of the most important things when planning to elope with family is clear communication. Be open and honest about your decision to elope and the type of ceremony you envision. It’s important to explain that this isn’t a traditional wedding but a more intimate celebration of your love. Here’s how to approach the conversation:
- Be Honest About Your Reasoning: Let family know that you want to avoid the stress, costs, and pressure of a big wedding but still want to share the moment with those closest to you.
- Set Boundaries: Establish what your family members’ roles will be, whether they’ll be witnesses, giving speeches, or just attending as guests.
- Be Upfront about the Location: If you’re planning to have an outdoor ceremony in a more secluded location that may require off-roading or hiking, prepare them for the physical requirements. If you have family/ friends who you want to be present but may have limitations, consider a more accessible location for the ceremony and plan the adventures before/ after the ceremony.
Step 5: Make It Personal and Meaningful
An elopement with family should still feel personal and meaningful, even though it’s smaller in scale than a traditional wedding. Here are some ways to personalize your ceremony:
- Write Your Own Vows: Make the ceremony more meaningful by writing your own vows. Sharing this moment with your family makes the ceremony even more special.
- Incorporate Family Traditions: Whether it’s a song that has sentimental meaning or a family heirloom to carry down the aisle, small gestures can add to the feeling of connection.
- Include Family Members in the Ceremony: If you want to make your elopement more inclusive, consider asking a family member to officiate the ceremony or involve them in a reading or blessing.
Step 6: Celebrate Afterward with a Reception or Dinner
Even if you eloped, you can still have a celebration with your loved ones after the ceremony. It could be as simple as a family dinner at a favorite restaurant or a cozy backyard reception. Celebrate the occasion by sharing a meal, toasting to your marriage, and enjoying each other’s company in a relaxed and meaningful way.
Eloping with Family is the Perfect Blend of Intimacy and Togetherness
Eloping with family offers the perfect balance between intimacy and togetherness. By involving your closest loved ones while keeping things simple, you can enjoy a wedding day that’s stress-free and memorable. Remember to communicate openly with your family, choose a meaningful location, and make the ceremony truly personal. No matter how you choose to elope, the most important thing is that it’s a reflection of your unique love story.
Want a More Adventurous Elopement, but still want Friends and Family Present for your Ceremony?
Our favorite way of blending intimate weddings with adventure is planning an all-day or multi-day adventure, where family is present for the ceremony and a follow-up celebration, but you still have plenty of time to explore and do epic things for your wedding day!
If you’re wanting your closest friends and family present but also wanting a true elopement experience, consider having your ceremony at sunrise or sunset! This gives you the rest of the day (and night!) to explore and spend time with just each other, while also joining up with your loved ones for the ceremony! Another option is to plan a multi-day experience, where you celebrate with your family and friends for one day, and then spend the days leading up to or after to go on an epic adventure!
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