Eloping With Family
Figuring out how to elope with family, while keeping true to your dream elopement vision can be challenging and stressful. That’s why I am here! I want you to have the perfect day in nature whether it’s enjoying it with just the two of you, or eloping with your family there to support you!
Hi, I’m Jenna! I got into elopement photography after seeing so many people regret their wedding day. Between the stress and the rushing around- it flew by in the blink of an eye and wasn’t truly enjoyable. I am not the life of the party. I am the quiet, kind, and caring empath who listens and makes everyone feel seen and heard. That is what I want for you on your wedding day. I want you to feel heard, seen and to have the most true-to-yourselves day filled with things that make you the happiest.
Forget the family drama, opinions, and judgement. Forget your second removed cousin who’s creepy af but you’re being forced to invite to keep the peace. If you’re wanting an elopement, LET’S DO IT!
Planning an elopement with family
Chances are, you are eloping because you want an intimate and private way to celebrate your love. Adding in family to this day doesn’t mean you have to lose the intimacy you are looking for.
There are plenty of ways for eloping with family either in person or in spirit. Remember when wanting to bring guests to your elopement- that not every elopement location will be accessible to everyone. Also remember that the more people you include, the more limited your elopement locations become.
Eloping with Family – Inviting Guests
Chances are, you plan on inviting A TON of people, even though you know they won’t all come. While you may want everyone to feel “included” by inviting them- this can cause a lot of stress. It is also to have your guest list snowball out of control and lead to a bigger turnout then expected.
Who to Invite
Only invite the people you TRULY want by your side. Inviting others, even they won’t come can lead to stress waiting on their response and increase your guest count. The higher your guest count, the less options you have for elopement locations. I immediately start planning locations with my couples so having an initially high guest count with significantly restrict their options.
Eloping with Family – Physical Restrictions
Think about who ACTUALLY can and will make the trip. If you are wanting to elope in nature, can your grandma truly make it to the location you have in mind? If not, this can significantly restrict your day. Maybe think about options like facetiming loved ones during the ceremony so they can still “take part” without the restrictions.
Out of Control Family Members
I recommend avoiding inviting anyone who may make you feel guilty for choosing to elope or who may try to control your day. Even if they mean well, have a serious conversation beforehand letting them know your vision and that you will not change it. Don’t ever feel guilty for not inviting someone or following tradition.
Eloping with family without them physically present
If you want to elope in private without your family present, here are some ideas on how you can still include them!
Have a Post-Elopement Celebration
This is a great option to have the best of both worlds! You can elope privately in an epic and secluded location and then plan a celebration or reception later to include your friends and family. This allows you to keep the ceremony itself private while still sharing the joyous occasion with loved ones.
Picture this– You wake up in the morning, enjoy time with your partner getting ready. Then the three of us can head out to your ceremony location. Enjoy getting married in an intimate and private ceremony and having an epic adventure to kickstart your marriage.
Finish up the day by heading back to the airbnb where your family and private chef awaits you to have an intimate reception with your loved ones with great food, dancing and cake!
Pre-Elopement Gathering With Family
This is a great way to help build excitement and anticipation for your elopement day! Spend the day before your elopement celebrating your love and hearing well-wishes from your closest people. Or spend the morning of your elopement having breakfast and getting ready with your loved ones by your side!
This option is great for allowing your family to be a part it and share in the excitement leading up to your wedding day without sacrificing the elopement day of your dreams.
Include Personalized Touches
If you are not wanting to have family with you in person, there are still ways to include them! You can wearing something from your mom or grandma’s wedding day like a piece of jewelry, hair piece, etc. This will make you feel like they are with you on your elopement day, even though they may not be able to make it.
You can also have friends and family write letters or messages of love and support that you can open and read before or after your ceremony. These words of encouragement and love can make you feel as if they are right there beside you.
Photos and Videos
For those wanting privacy but still want to share it afterwards, having a photographer on your elopement day is a must!
Having someone specializes in photography and elopements ensures they will be able to tell the story of your elopement day. You want to be sure they can capture all the love and emotions. When you look back on your pictures, make sure it shows all the love and freeness you felt in that moment.
Eloping With Family in Person
Small Group – Eloping With Family
If privacy isn’t necessary, consider inviting a small number of family to witness your elopement! The amount of people you invite can limit your location options as not all places are accessible or big enough for even a small group.
If you plan on inviting anyone with mobility issues, we can narrow our search to easy locations. Having a bathroom may also be a priority with having guests which can further narrow down our options. If including family is important to you, we will make it happen! However, it is recommended to narrow down your guest list if you have a specific location in mind!
Personalized Invitations or Announcements
For those wanting to elope in private, you can send out announcements to let your family know about your decisions to elope privately! Send out an announcement before the big day sharing your decision to elope in private. If you are planning a celebration afterwards, this is a great way to let them know your ceremony will be private but to save the date for your celebration! Or, you can send announcements afterwards announcing you eloped! You can include pictures to let others see how beautiful your day was and the emotions you felt on your special day.
Private Vows
This is another great option for having private and intimate moments with your partner while also having your family and friends involved in your big day! You can enjoy a private and epic adventure doing something you love with your partner. Hike to a secluded mountain overlook, take a hot air balloon ride to watch the sunrise, enjoy coffee in a canoe on the lake while steam rises all around you. You and your partner can share your vows during your epic adventure or travel to another location to share your vows in private. If you choose to read your vows in private, you can meet up with your guests afterwards for a small, intimate elopement with family. Either way, enjoy time with just the two of you and then have a small ceremony, celebration or dinner with family and friends afterwards!
How you elope with family should reflect you and the level of privacy you are wanting on your day. If you chose to elope in secrecy, that’s your choice! The most important thing is creating a meaningful experience that honors your relationship and your wishes!
Click here to view my Adventure Elopement Photographer page!
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