Including Family and Loved Ones in Your Elopement When Eloping Just the Two of You

Many couples dream of having a secluded, intimate elopement with just the two of them, the decision to forgo a traditional wedding is often driven by a desire for intimacy and a “just the two of us” experience. However, for some couples, there is still a desire to share their special day with family and loved ones and include them in their elopement day, despite their desire to throw tradition to the wind and embark on an adventure of a lifetime.

But here’s the thing: Your elopement is all about what you want. If you want to have a private ceremony just for yourselves and say your vows without anyone else around, that’s totally valid! However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a way to include your family in your elopement if that’s important to you.

At the end of the day, supporting someone getting married is about so much more than just being physically present on their wedding day. So if you have a creative idea for how to involve your family in your elopement while still keeping it intimate, go for it! And if you need inspiration for how to include family and loved ones, we’ve got plenty of ideas to help you out!

1. Video Call with Friends and Family

One of the easiest ways to include family and loved ones in your elopement day is to video call them while getting ready, or after your ceremony while you’re still on your epic adventure. This way, you’re still able to share in the joy of your special moment with your loved ones, while still having a “just us” intimate experience.

2. Have a Small Celebration

After your elopement, consider having a small celebration with your loved ones. This could be a dinner party, a picnic, or even a backyard reception. You can use this celebration as an opportunity to share photos and stories from your elopement day, and to celebrate your love with the people who mean the most to you.

3. Ask for Virtual Toasts

If you’re having a small celebration, consider asking your loved ones to give virtual toasts. This way, even if they can’t be there in person, they can still share their well wishes and congratulations. You could set up a video call or ask guests to record a video message in advance.

4. Incorporate Family Heirlooms

If you want to incorporate your family into your elopement day, consider incorporating family heirlooms into your ceremony or celebration. For example, you could wear your grandmother’s wedding jewelry, or use your parents’ wedding rings. You can bring along any memento, heirloom, or detail that holds significance for you and make it a special part of your ceremony or day. The beauty of elopements is that you have the opportunity to make your wedding day unique and personal to you. This can be a beautiful way to create a sense of connection.

5. Shop for wedding attire together

While you might not be having a traditional wedding, you can still involve your loved ones in the planning process. Consider inviting your friends and family to help you shop for your wedding attire. You could make a day of it and go out for lunch or dinner together. Not only will this give you an opportunity to spend time with your loved ones, but it can also be a fun and memorable experience.

6. Invite your Friends and Family to Write Letters to Read on Your Day

Another way to include your family and loved ones in your elopement day is to ask them to write letters to you. These letters can be words of wisdom, well wishes, or even memories of your time together. You can then read these letters to each other during your ceremony or at your celebration. This can be a beautiful way to involve your loved ones in your day and to create a sense of connection and community.

7. Invite Your Friends and Family to a Marriage License Signing Party

While getting your marriage license might not be the most glamorous part of your wedding planning, it can still be a fun and meaningful experience. Consider inviting your friends and family to a marriage license signing party. You can make it a small celebration with drinks and snacks, and then have everyone sign your marriage license as witnesses. This can be a great way to involve your loved ones in the legal side of your marriage and to make them feel like they’re a part of your journey.

8. Send Out Cards

Have you ever received an RSVP card from a couple planning a traditional wedding? Well, why not create your own cards with a unique twist? Instead of inviting people to an elaborate wedding, send cards to the special individuals in your life, expressing that you are planning a personal and emotional elopement. Although they won’t be present, their support and love are important to you. Ask them to fill out the card with uplifting words, advice, or anything else that makes them happy. Collect the cards and bring them along on your elopement day to read them together. Even if they can’t be there in person, their affection, support, and kind words will be with you throughout your special day. You can also send out cards to loved ones after you’ve eloped to let them know and possibly as invitations to a small celebration or reception if you plan on doing that after your elopement!

The thing to remember is that it’s ultimately your day. Trust what speaks to you and what feels like the best representation of you as a couple. There are no obligations or expectations to fulfill here, it’s all about you. If that means finding ways to include your family while still having a “just us” experience then go for it! There are so many unique, beautiful ways to make your family a part of your day—even when that means you’re choosing to elope just the two of you.

If you’re ready to co-create the elopement of your dreams get in touch now!