How to Include Loved Ones When Eloping with Family

Eloping is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional wedding ceremonies. It can be an intimate and romantic way to start your married life with just the people you love in attendance. From selecting the perfect spot, planning your vows, and gathering your family together.

Learn how eloping with family can be a special and unique experience for everyone involved!

Choose Who to Include in your Elopement

The best part about eloping is that it can be as private or inclusive as you want it to be. Invite friends, family, or keep the circle small and intimate with just a few special people. Remember that your loved ones don’t have to be physically present for your elopement—include them through video calls and virtual messages of love!

Eloping With Family

So you want to elope but can’t imagine getting married without your closest family and friends there? I’ve got good news for you. You don’t have to compromise and choose one over the other. You can have both your loved ones there & a kick ass elopement! Just because you are inviting your family to your elopement doesn’t mean that they will be with you the whole day. Spend the first part of your day with your soon to be spouse enjoying each other’s company and getting stoked about finally saying “I do” later. Have your loved ones meet you at your ceremony site and finish your day with dinner to spend time celebrating with your people.

Start your elopement with your ceremony and have your family and friends meet you at the ceremony location! After that you can head out to go hiking, kayaking, brewery hopping, or whatever other activities you have planned for your day! 

With either option, I always recommend taking some time to say personal vows with just you and your partner either before or after your ceremony. It’s so important to hold space for just the two of you on your wedding day and to make memories that only the you and your partner get to hold onto and cherish forever. 

So What Could an Elopement Day with Family Look Like?

Here’s an example of what a 6 hour elopement with family could look like:

• 2:00 pm – Meet at trailhead, gear up
• 2:15 pm – Start hike to first look location (1.1 miles)
• 3:00 pm – Arrive at first look location and change into wedding attire
• 3:15 pm – First look followed by exploring and portraits
• 4:30 pm – Begin hike back to trailhead, portraits along the way (1.1 miles)
• 5:15 pm – Arrive at trailhead and, head back to ceremony site in the National Park (30 minutes)
• 6:45 pm – Arrive at the ceremony location, groom greets guests
• 7:00 pm – Ceremony begins
• 7:20 pm – Ceremony ends, guests congratulate the groom and bride
• 7:30 pm – Family and guest photos
• 8:00 pm – Photos end, couple heads home to celebrate with family

Here’s an example of what an all day elopement with family could look like:

• 3:00 am – Meet at the trailhead, gear up
• 3:15 am – Begin hike in the dark (2.1 miles)
• 4:45 am – Arrive at first look location, alpenglow begins, change into wedding attire
• 5:30 am – Sunrise first look followed by portraits & exploring
• 8:00 am – Begin hike back to trailhead, portraits along the way (2.1 miles)
• 9:30 am – Arrive back at trailhead, head to Airbnb (30 min drive)
• 10:00 am – Arrive at Airbnb for ceremony
• 10:30 am – Ceremony
• 11:00 am – Family photos
• 11:30 pm – Brunch party with champagne popping & Bloody Marys
• 1:00 pm – Photo coverage ends

Your dream elopement should have everything and everyone you need there to ensure your day is truly you!

ELOPING WITH FAMILY AND NEED SOMEONE TO FIGURE OUT THE LOGISTICS?

Fill out my contact form below to inquire about my elopement photography packages! I’m here to help you plan out your dream elopement surrounded by your loved ones from start to finish.