Elopements have become more common in the past few years. They’re a great way to keep the focus on your relationship as a couple, and they can be significantly less stressful. We love a good elopement because you can really do whatever you want. But just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you can’t include your family in your elopement. Many couples still want their family to be a part of their big day. Luckily, there are many ways you can include your family in your elopement!

Invite them to your ceremony

Anything less than ten guests is still considered an elopement. So, the most obvious way to include your family in your elopement is to invite them to it! You can invite just a few family members to your ceremony if you’d like. Even with a few family members there, you can still create an intimate experience based around the two of you and your wishes. If you can’t imagine saying your vows without some special people there, inviting them is absolutely an option.

Have a post-elopement reception

If you want a private ceremony with just the two of you, then you can always have a small reception or dinner for family and friends. Small receptions are also great because they allow you to really invest and create an amazing experience for your guests. If you want, you can also have a bigger reception and party with your loved ones!

Have a bachelor/bachelorette party

Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you can’t party before! This is a great way to include your close friends in your elopement. You can plan an event or weekend that gives your friends a chance to celebrate you and your upcoming nuptials. You can even have a joint bachelor/bachelorette party!

Go wedding attire shopping

Getting dressed up for your elopement was one of our tips for planning a courthouse wedding. It’s one of the best ways to make the most of your elopement. So, you can always include your family in wedding attire shopping. It makes them feel special because it shows you value their opinion, and it gives them a way to be involved in your big day.

Have it streamed virtually

This is an amazing option if your family is far away or if you’re deciding to social distance. This allows you to still have them with you, even if they can’t be there in person. There are even services nowadays that will help you set everything up, so you don’t need to deal with the tech!

Have them there to help you get ready

If you’re getting married locally, inviting your family for the getting ready portion of the day is a great way to include your family in your elopement. There’s the actual getting ready, during which you get your hair and makeup done and get into your wedding attire. But there are all the events leading up to it too! Have a spa day or get your nails done with some important people.

Include traditions or heirlooms

One of the best ways to include your family in your elopement is to carry on family traditions or use important heirlooms for your day. This can be a piece of jewelry that has been passed down for generations or a special tradition from your parents’ wedding ceremony or your culture. Carrying on these important details can make your wedding ceremony more special and make you feel closer to your family.

Read letters from them or have people record well wishes

This can be a great way to include your loved ones in your elopement while still being able to have a private ceremony. You can have them write letters or record videos ahead of time, and then you can include these in your wedding ceremony. The best part is that these well wishes can double as wonderful keepsakes from your wedding day.

Send an announcement

We highly recommend hiring a photographer for your elopement. Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have amazing photos from the day! Plus, having photos of your elopement means you can send all of your loved ones a wedding announcement!

Have a family member be the officiant

This is an option that takes a little research. You want to make sure that wherever you’re getting married allows this. However, it can be easy to get ordained depending on the location. Your ceremony can be even more meaningful and special if you decide to include a family member directly. Even if they don’t officiate, you can also have family members or friends do readings for your wedding ceremony.

See? There are so many ways to include your family in your elopement, even if you want a private ceremony. We would encourage you to use the ones that work best for your and your loved ones.