How to Include Loved Ones in your Elopement
How to Include Loved Ones in Your Elopement
How to Include Loved Ones in your Elopement
Planning to Elope with Family and Friends?
Are you planning your elopement and considering whether or not to invite your family and friends? There is a common myth that elopements are just for the two of you, but that’s not at all what an elopement is about! It's completely okay if you want your family or friends to be part of your elopement. In fact, many couples start planning an elopement with just the two of them but then down the line, things change and family becomes part of the plan. So how do you plan to elope with family and friends? Today I’m sharing a few creative ways to include loved ones in your elopement no matter what you envision for your day.
Difference Between Elopement & Intimate Weddings
Just because you choose to include family and friends at your elopement doesn’t mean that it automatically becomes a traditional wedding. Weddings and elopements can look so many different ways and what sets them apart from each other is not just about the guest count, but also about how you choose to approach your day.
Elopements are all about ditching the “rules” and planning a day your way! The guest count for elopements tends to be smaller, focusing more on the couple and what they envision.
Intimate weddings take the aspects from both traditional weddings and elopements, allowing you to create a day with the best of both worlds. Oftentimes, they include more guests than an elopement and there is an element of hosting that is required.
Check out Elyce and Paul’s intimate Santorini wedding here
Whether you’re planning an elopement or an intimate wedding, you can and should choose to include what is most important to you. Focus on the special moments you want to have, what you want your day to look like, and who you want to be there with you.
Want to dive deeper into the difference between elopements and intimate weddings? Check out the blog below!
Things to Consider When Inviting Guests to Your Elopement
Inviting guests to your elopement means that there will be a few more details to plan. The day becomes more involved when friends and family are there, but don’t let that stop you from inviting those you love! As your intimate wedding and elopement photographer, I’ll be there to help you plan every step of the way.
Travel
Will your guests be traveling from out of state? If so, you’ll want to make sure you give them enough time to plan travel arrangements and accommodations in advance. Three to four months is usually enough time, but you’ll want to consider the location and time of year so as not to leave anyone scrambling at the last minute.
Permits
Depending on the location you choose for your elopement, you may need to get a permit to get married. Oftentimes, locations that require permits will have limits on how many guests you can have, so be sure to double-check if there are any guest restrictions and that you aren’t going over the limit.
Accessibility to Location
When choosing a location, consider how easy it will be to access for your guests. Are you inviting elderly guests that may have mobility limitations? Is there any type of hiking required? If so, are all your guests prepared? Oftentimes, it’s easiest to find a flat location with just a short walk for your ceremony and then the three of us can go on an adventure at another location later on.
Convenience of a Place and Surrounding Amenities
I often advise couples eloping with family and friends to choose a location with amenities nearby. Maybe this means a location on the coast with a small town nearby. Or maybe it’s a place in the middle of the city with tons of food and activities nearby that you can try. Your guests will all have different needs so choosing a location where they have a few options nearby is always helpful. If you decide on a location somewhere remote, make sure to inform your guests so they can be prepared with food, drinks, and any other essentials they may need.
Where to Stay
Your lodging all depends on the type of elopement experience you want to have. Do you want to get a large house that can fit all your guests? Or maybe a few cabins next to each other so everyone has their own space to go to at the end of the day? No matter what you choose, eloping with family can be a fun way to make a little vacation out of your wedding experience - no matter the destination.
Timeline
Inviting guests to your elopement will have an effect on your wedding timeline, simply because there are more people to accommodate. Some of the areas we may need to allot more time would be getting ready, travel time from one location to another, family formals, and a cocktail hour/reception if you have one. Considering what is most important to you and adding time to those activities will help ensure we capture all the important moments throughout the day.
Want to learn more about elopement planning?
Visit my How to Elope guide to see the 7 steps to planning your perfect elopement!
How to Include Friends or Family When They Can’t Be a Part of Your Elopement Day
It’s not always possible for those you love to be with you on your wedding day. Sometimes it can be due to illness, location, or travel restrictions, but whatever the reason, just because they can’t be with you in person doesn’t mean they aren’t with you in spirit.
If you are planning to exchange vows alone but still want to find ways to include family and friends, consider planning a multi-day elopement, or a multi-part elopement. With this option, you can keep the important moments private focusing on the two of you, and celebrate with loved ones the day before or after.
Other ways to include loved ones on your elopement day:
Letters from family and friends that you can read on your wedding day
Video recordings from family and friends to watch on your wedding day
Host an after-party at a cabin, bar or restaurant where everyone to be together
FaceTime with loved ones after getting ready or at some point during the day.
Plan a day-after formal dinner or future reception for friends and family after you elope.
Incorporate family heirlooms and/or custom decorations from friends (jewelry, signs, flowers, gifts, etc).
Your elopement is your special day. If you want to be surrounded by loved ones at your intimate wedding or elopement, don’t let anyone stop you! If you prefer to keep your elopement private and celebrate with family and friends later on, there are plenty of creative ways to plan and include them in your elopement celebration.
Ready to start planning your dream elopement day?
I know just the photographer (wink wink) to help you capture all the important moments and details. Learn more about what planning an elopement with me can look like or, if you’re ready to get started, head over to my contact page! I can’t wait to meet you!