Who to Invite to Your Elopement
Who to invite, how to include them, and how to elope just the two of you
Who Do You Invite to Your Elopement?
Who you invite to your elopement is totally up to you + your partner and only you two. Set down other people’s expectations and wants. Get back to the roots of getting married: your love. First and foremost, your elopement is your adventure!
What are you envisioning for your elopement? Do you see just yourself and your partner, just your friends, or a bigger group of your friends and family members? No decision is a wrong one – unless you aren’t being true to yourself. No one deserves to be at your wedding. You should surround yourself with the folks you love who support you!
If you are choosing to elope just the two of you, congrats! Read on to learn some ways to include your loved ones who won’t be with you, and how to tell them.
If you are choosing to elope with friends or family, congrats! Read on to see how to include friends and family in your day, how to have time for just the two of you, and for ideas on how to include those you may not be inviting.
Can You Have Guests at Your Elopement?
Yes, you can have guests at your elopement! Eloping is more about having an intimate and memorable day, not running off just the two of you in secret. If celebrating your love with friends or family is on your priority list, then invite those you love!
An Intimate Wedding vs. An Elopement
My elopement packages include up to 10 guests, while intimate weddings can include up to 30 guests. Intimate weddings differ from elopements in the planning that can go into them.
As you invite more people to your wedding day there are some added logistics. You gotta have a plan for the day that can accommodate everyone! This may include a more accessible ceremony location and time for portraits.
Ways to Include Guests While Keeping the Day About You
Include Your Guests in Your Adventure
When inviting guests along you definitely want to include them in your adventure! This can be a hike that everyone is up for, a Jeep ride to your ceremony spot, or a boat ride to see some wildlife.
You can also find ways to include your guests in your ceremony! This can be done by inviting guests to read during the ceremony or having a guest officiate the ceremony.
Take Time For Just You
Spend some time away from your guests to celebrate the fact that you are getting married! This looks different for everyone. Make it memorable. This can mean getting ready just the two of you, having sunset portraits together, going on an adventure just the two of you, or reading your vows privately before the ceremony.
Have a Multi-Day Elopement!
Multi day elopements are a great way to split up celebrating your wedding with guests and then soaking it in as a married couple. Have a wedding weekend where your ceremony is one day, and then celebrate just the two of you the next day (fyi does not have to be on the weekend)! You can go on an adventure or relax and take it all in on day two. This also allows you to further enjoy the location you chose to get married in.
Mutli day elopement also allows you to take more time to take everything in. You don’t have to rush to squeeze in time for just the two of you and time with your guests into one day. You can visit multiple locations and you can opt for even more adventures.
How to Include Friends + Family When Eloping Just the Two of You
Are you eloping just the two of you or just inviting a few people, but you want to have others feel included? Here are some ways you can include those you love without having them along for your elopement.
- Have them write letters for you to read during your elopement
- Video chat or call with loved ones during your elopement
- Have friends + family record video to celebrate your love
- Get your details or dress with the help of family
- Share your planning with supportive loved ones. Get them excited about your adventure!
How to Tell Family About Your Elopement
Send Out Announcements
If you want to announce your elopement you totally should send out some celebratory photos! This can be done as paper invites you send to loved ones, as an email, or just by telling them in person or over the phone.
If you choose to share your plans before your elopement, I recommend making the point that it is your day. This is about you and what you really want for your day. Some friends and family may be hurt by this, but ultimately that is on them and not you.
If you choose to share after your elopement, I recommend sending your gallery along for them to see. Share the story of your day and about the fun adventure you had!
Invite Friends and Family to a Reception Party Later
Some folks opt to have a party later so that they can celebrate with friends and family without the stress of the wedding. This is a great option if you enjoy parties and want a good reason to get out on the dance floor.
You can rent a restaurant space to have a reception, rent out an airbnb and turn it into a weekend celebration, or do something unique like going bar hopping or on a celebratory camping trip.
Ready to Plan Your Elopement or Intimate Wedding?
I can’t wait to help you plan your adventurous wedding day. Let’s take your love on a wild adventure!
