How to Include Your Loved Ones in Your Elopement (Without Losing the Intimacy!)
Photo by Chelsea Abram Photography.
One of the biggest concerns couples have when considering an elopement is the fear of excluding their closest friends and family. Maybe there are people you’d love to involve, or maybe you're feeling some pressure (or pushback) from loved ones who expect a traditional wedding. You might be torn between the dream of a private, adventurous elopement and the desire to celebrate with your people.
But eloping doesn’t have to mean excluding your loved ones! Whether or not they're physically present, your family and friends can still be a part of your special day. So if you're wondering how to balance an intimate, just-the-two-of-you ceremony with keeping your favourite people in the loop, here are some creative ways to do just that!
1. Have a Split-Day Celebration
Who says you have to pick between an intimate elopement and having guests? For the best of both worlds, consider splitting the event into two parts: one for just the two of you and another for celebrating with loved ones. Maybe you want a super private ceremony in the morning, followed by an evening dinner with family and close friends. Or maybe you'd love to have your family witness your vows but want the rest of the day to be just for the two of you. Plan accordingly! You get to decide how your day flows!
Real Couple Inspiration: K + N had an intimate ceremony in Blaauw Eco Forest, then celebrated with dinner and camping at Derby Reach Regional Park with their family.
2. Throw an Engagement Party Before You Elope
A big pre-wedding bash lets you celebrate with all your loved ones without the pressure (or price tag) of a traditional wedding. It’s a perfect way to involve everyone before you sneak off for your private ceremony. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to share your elopement plans and get your family and friends excited for your adventure!
Photo by Chelsea Abram Photography.
3. Make Dress or Suit Shopping a Group Experience
Even if your loved ones won’t be there on your wedding day, they’d love to be part of the lead-up! Bring your besties or family members along for wedding shopping. Plan to make a full day of it, and don’t forget to take plenty of selfies! Whether you bring your grandma to your dress fitting or ask your dad for help picking out your suit, including those most important to you in these small moments will mean the world to them.
4. Read Letters from Loved Ones
Ask your family and friends to write letters you can read on your wedding day. Whether you read them during your ceremony, over a mountaintop picnic, or back at your cabin that evening, it’s a heartfelt way to bring their presence into your day. You could even ask them to include marriage advice or bucket list ideas.
Photo by Chelsea Abram Photography.
5. Pre-Recorded Video Toasts
You can have family and friends record little video messages for you. Have a designated person collect the clips and stitch them together into a video for you to watch on your elopement day. Imagine sitting together, champagne in hand, watching messages from all the people who love you. It’s guaranteed to be an emotional moment.
6. Livestream or Facetime
A video call is an easy way to let your family and friends be part of your day, even from afar. Whether you Facetime them while getting ready, stream the ceremony live, or call them afterward to share the excitement, it’s a thoughtful way to make them feel included. This is also great for grandparents or loved ones who might be unable to travel.
Photo by Chelsea Abram Photography.
7. Send Sneak Peek Photos Throughout the Day
Even if it’s just a quick iPhone snap, sending photos or short clips to your family and friends during the day will let them know you’re thinking of them and make them feel like they’re part of the celebration. Plus, it builds anticipation for when they get to see all your professional photos later!
8. Host a Post-Elopement Celebration
Just because you eloped doesn’t mean you can’t have a party later! Many couples choose to throw a reception after they return home. It can be as big or small as you want; an informal backyard BBQ, a fancy dinner, or a full-blown wedding-style reception. Perhaps you have a friend or family member itching to plan your party. This gives them the opportunity!
Real Couple Inspiration: M + D had an intimate elopement in Sendall Gardens and later hosted a larger reception in Langley for all their loved ones.
9. Incorporate Family Heirlooms or Traditions
Even if you choose to have your wedding day be just the two of you, you can bring your family with you in spirit by incorporating heirlooms or traditions. Maybe you wear your mom’s earrings, carry a piece of lace from your grandmother’s dress, or include a cultural tradition in your ceremony. Traditions or heirlooms may mean more to certain family members than to you. Incorporating them can be a thoughtful way to include and honour those family members even if they aren't present.
Real Couple Inspiration: You could also display framed photos of loved ones who can’t be there, just like M + D did by placing a photo and boutonnière on their signing table to honour their son who wasn’t in attendance.
Photo by Chelsea Abram Photography.
10. Bring Back a Keepsake
A sweet way to share your elopement experience with loved ones is to bring back a little piece of your wedding location. Collect stones or seashells from the beach where you said your vows (as long as it’s allowed!), pick up small souvenirs from a local shop, or press a flower from your bouquet to gift to a special family member or best friend.
11. Toast to Your Loved Ones
Take a moment on your wedding day to acknowledge the important people who aren’t there. You could even record a short video of you raising a glass to your family and friends. This gesture can ensure they remain part of your special day and recognize their continued importance in your life. It’s a small but meaningful way to include them in your celebration.
12. Send Out Special Announcements
After your elopement, send out personalized announcement cards or postcards from your wedding location. You can even include a QR code linking to your photo gallery so your loved ones can see the magic of your day!
Photo by Chelsea Abram Photography.
The Best of Both Worlds
Your elopement should be about what makes you and your partner happiest. Sometimes, involving too many people can add stress and take away from the intimacy of your day. However, if including your loved ones is important to you, finding alternative ways to involve them can be the perfect balance.
You don’t have to choose between eloping or celebrating with family, you can have the best of both worlds! Whether it’s a pre-wedding party, a post-elopement reception, or small thoughtful touches woven into your day, there are endless ways to make your loved ones feel included and important while still having the private, stress-free elopement you dream of.
So go ahead! Elope on a mountaintop, exchange vows by the ocean, or say "I do" in the middle of the forest. Your people will still be there to cheer you on, whether in person or in spirit. Sea to Sky Elopements is here to make your day effortless, intimate, and unforgettable. Contact us today!
