Eloping in Tennessee offers an opportunity for a deeply personal, intimate wedding experience, but that doesn’t mean you have to exclude your family and loved ones. While an elopement may be a small gathering by design, there are plenty of ways to add your family into the celebration—whether they’re physically present or having them there in spirit. As an adventure elopement photographer, I have seen it all and I am here to share my knowledge with you!

Hi friend! My name is Jenna and I’m an elopement photographer in Tennessee! I’m here to capture every laugh, adventure and moment on your special day. I’ll be sure to capture the day in a way you can look back to relieve every feeling and emotion you had on your elopement day! I’ll be sure to photograph everything. From the small details, to the grand landscapes and all the emotions along the way! If you are looking for someone to go above and beyond to help you have the most true-to-yourself elopement, you’re in the right place!

If you’ve been struggling to find a way to perfect your guest list, narrow it down, or to include family in spirit, this blog is for you!

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1. Including Family In Person

Even though elopements are typically more intimate, many couples still want to share their special day with their loved ones, whether it’s 2-4 close relatives or 10-15 family members and friends. In Tennessee, the wide variety of stunning locations—from the Smoky Mountains to drive up overlooks on the Foothills parkways or sunset rock in Chattanooga—offers countless opportunities to blend nature, adventure, and family involvement.

Invite a Small Group of Family and Friends

One of the best ways to incorporate family into your elopement is to invite a small group to join you for the ceremony. Depending on your preferences, this could be just immediate family or a select group of loved ones who are meaningful to you.

• Tennessee Locations for Small Gatherings: Consider a quiet ceremony at a remote cabin in the Smokies, a waterfront celebration at one of Tennessee’s stunning lakes or waterfalls, or a mountain overlook location whether it’s a drive up spot or hike to one.
• Officiant: You can invite a close family member to officiate, giving them a significant role in your ceremony. Many couples choose a parent, sibling, or friend to perform the ceremony, making it even more personal. There are a number of ways to get them ordained and ready for the big day.
• Shared Moment: After the ceremony, enjoy a small gathering with your family and friends at a local restaurant, vineyard, or Airbnb where you can celebrate with toasts, cake, love, laughter, and shared memories.

Family Involvement in the Ceremony

You can involve your family directly in the ceremony to make them feel like part of your special moment. Here are some ideas:

• Walk Down the Aisle: Instead of walking down the aisle solo or with your partner, consider having a parent or close relative walk you down the aisle. This traditional and symbolic gesture can add an emotional layer to your elopement.
• Readings and Vows: If you have family members who love to read, you can invite them to do a reading during the ceremony. Whether it’s a meaningful poem, scripture, or a quote that resonates with your relationship, this helps include them in the spiritual or emotional aspects of your wedding.
• Music: If your family or friends are musically inclined, invite them to play an instrument or sing a song before, after or during your ceremony to add a special sentimental value to your ceremony.

Have a Family-Only Reception

If you want a larger celebration with your family after the ceremony, consider hosting a private family reception. Depending on your style, you could plan a cozy dinner in a cabin, a BBQ by a Tennessee river, or a catered event at a local venue. This gives you the chance to mingle, eat, and share your joy with loved ones without compromising the intimacy of the elopement itself.

• Tennessee Venues for Small Receptions: Look into venues like intimate wineries, secluded lodges in the Smoky Mountains, or historic homes in Chattanooga or Nashville. Many venues offer private spaces for small receptions, perfect for a post-elopement celebration.

Live Stream or Videotape the Event

For family members who can’t make it to Tennessee, consider live-streaming your ceremony. Thanks to technology, you can connect with loved ones around the world, allowing them to witness your vows and first kiss as a married couple.

• Live-Stream Platforms: There are many easy-to-use platforms, such as Zoom, Facebook Live, Instagram Live or YouTube, that allow you to stream your elopement in real time. Make sure you test everything beforehand for the best quality experience. Also reach out to your photographer to see if the location has cell service to allow you to live stream it.
• Personal Touch: Ask a family member to “attend” virtually and give a special reading or even make a toast during the live stream. You could also send them a keepsake like a wedding photo or a copy of your vows after the ceremony.
• Video tape: If you aren’t able to livestream the ceremony, you could set up a phone or gopro on a tripod and video tape the ceremony to share later on with loved ones.

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2. Including Family in Spirit

While not all family members can be present physically, there are countless ways to honor them in spirit during your elopement. These symbolic gestures can help make them feel connected to your day.

Family Mementos

Incorporating family heirlooms or items with sentimental value into your elopement attire is a beautiful way to include loved ones who can’t be there in person.

• Something Old, Something Borrowed: This classic wedding tradition is a wonderful way to carry family history into your celebration. You can wear a piece of jewelry from your grandmother, carry a handkerchief from your mother, or include a family heirloom in your bouquet.
• Keepsake Jewelry: You could wear or carry a locket with photos of your parents, grandparents, or any beloved family members who are no longer with you. It’s a subtle yet powerful way to keep their memory alive on your special day.

Tribute During the Ceremony

There are many thoughtful ways to honor family members who have passed or who are unable to be with you physically.

• Moment of Silence: A simple but meaningful gesture is to take a moment of silence during the ceremony to remember family members in spirit. This could be a quiet moment before the vows, where you acknowledge your loved ones.
• Candle Lighting Ceremony: Light a candle in honor of family members who are no longer with you. You can have a designated candle for each person, or simply light one special candle to symbolize their presence in your lives. This can be a very touching moment to incorporate into your ceremony. Be sure to check location restrictions beforehand as some don’t allow open flames.
• Photos or Portraits: You might want to place a photo of family members who can’t attend on a table or on some rocks nearby. It’s a beautiful way to feel like they’re with you in spirit.

Virtual Vows or Messages

For family members who couldn’t attend, consider inviting them to record messages of love or blessings for you and your partner. These can be played at key moments during your elopement.

• Pre-recorded Video Messages: Ask family members to record a heartfelt message of congratulations, advice, or blessings. You can play these messages after the ceremony or even as part of your ceremony itself.
• Handwritten Messages: Ask family and friends to write handwritten letters filled with love, support, and words of wisdom and encouragement for you to open and read throughout the day to feel connected with them.

Custom Wedding Keepsakes

Create personalized keepsakes for your family members who can’t attend in person, letting them know they were still part of your day.

• Custom Wedding Gifts: After the elopement, you can send gifts such as framed photos, custom-written vows, or small wedding tokens (like a piece of your bouquet or postcards from your elopement location) to your family members. This will help them feel like they were part of the experience and that they’re remembered on your big day.

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3. Include Your Families in Your Elopement After Party

An elopement doesn’t have to mean skipping out on a full celebration. Even if you’re planning a quiet elopement in a cabin or on a mountaintop, you can always plan a reception or party later on that allows your family to fully participate in the joy of your marriage.

• Host a Post-Elopement Celebration: After your private ceremony, whether the same day or at a later time of your choosing, consider hosting a larger celebration—whether it’s a family dinner at a local restaurant or a laid-back BBQ at a cabin in the woods. This is the perfect time to have family speeches, cake cutting, and dancing.

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Including your family in your Tennessee elopement, whether in person or in spirit, is an important way to honor the people who have helped shape your life and your relationship. Whether you choose to share a few special moments with them or honor their memory through meaningful traditions, there are many ways to feel connected to the ones you love. Eloping doesn’t mean you can’t include your family—rather, it allows you the freedom to create a more meaningful and personal celebration that reflects your values and the love that surrounds you.

For more information on eloping in Tennessee and to see my portfolio check out my Tennessee elopement photographers page!