10 WAYS TO INCLUDE FAMILY IN YOUR ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT

Are you considering eloping and feel stuck on ways your family can be involved? Some people want their family to be present for all or even just part of their elopement, but there are plenty of ways to involve them even if they are not present that day. Whatever you decide be sure it feels right for YOU. Don’t let family pressure dictate your plans - those that love you the most will support your decisions, no matter what you decide.

1. Hire a Photographer + Videographer
   Regardless of the kind of wedding you’re having, it should be a big priority to document the day. Sharing your photos and videos with your family after your elopement will help them feel like they were there in person and it really helps them to understand why you chose to elope in the first place. You can take this a step further and make a special album for your parents or VIP family members so that they have a keepsake from your big day.

2. Invite them!
   Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you can’t have your family there with you.  Although many couples who elope have a day that’s just the two of them, it’s really not hard to plan an intimate and meaningful experience that centers around you and still includes your favorite people. Your wedding day is about you, so if you want to have an elopement but couldn’t imagine getting married without your parents, siblings, or best friends there by your side, then invite them! Elopements can easily accommodate 10 guests or less and you could have 20-25 guests if you’d rather have an intimate wedding. Keep in mind that inviting others may influence certain decisions that you make for your day (location, accessibility, what you do, what you eat), so just be sure that whatever you decide to do is still getting the day that YOU want!

3. Take them with you as you shop for wedding attire!
   Involve your mom, sisters and/or your best friends in the elopement experience by taking them along to help you shop for your dress or suit. Make it a special day by including them in every aspect of this exciting (and often emotional) part of wedding planning.  Even though they won't be at the ceremony itself this can really help your loved ones feel involved.

4. Have a post - elopement party or special dinner celebration!
   Even though you want an intimate experience for your actually wedding ceremony, you don’t have to forgo a party with all of your friends at a later date! We love hearing about couples who also throw a backyard BBQ or simple party with a Pizza and amazing playlist to party with their extended family and friends to celebrate with them later on.

5. Make your elopement a full weekend experience
   One of the perks of getting married in an adventurous location is that there is likely a lot to experience nearby! You can have a BBQ arrival dinner on Friday evening, have a private elopement ceremony on Saturday morning, hire a private chef to prepare a celebratory dinner with your family that evening, and you can plan a guided excursion (like a boat tour, canyoneering, etc) to do with your family on Sunday.

6. Have a family member officiate or act as a witness
   A family member or friend can totally be your officiant for your elopement! This allows them to be a part of your day, and your ceremony will be even more personal and meaningful when it’s officiated by someone who knows and loves you. The process to get ordained is super easy online through the Universal Life Church. If you need witnesses for your elopement those can be family members as well! Make sure you check with your specific location in regards to officiant and witness requirements as they may vary by county, state, or country.

7. Face time them on your elopement day
   A total no brainer - call or FaceTime all of your favorite people to share the news with them that day!

8. Get ready with them
   You can absolutely include your family in your elopement day and still keep your ceremony private - You can spend the morning together - they can help you into your dress or suit, and take part in any pre-ceremony activities you are planning. This allows you to still have an intimate ceremony with just your partner, while also including your loved ones in the day.

9. Have them write you letters to read on your elopement day
   One way to make your elopement feel like a family affair is to have your loved ones send special letters for you to read before or after your ceremony. These letters can include anything that your family wants to share with you on your wedding day—whether that’s just a note of congratulations, fun stories about their time knowing you, or tips or advice for marriage. Not only will these letters make incredible keepsake that you can look back on for years, but they’ll remind you that even though your wedding was small and intimate, it was still celebrated by those who love and care about you most.

10. Incorporate meaningful details
    Talk to your family about wearing a piece of jewelry passed down for generations, or incorporate a photo of someone you love on a pin on your bouquet. Or plan to honor your culture or heritage through special traditions and customs.