When you plan on eloping one thing that you need to consider and plan for is that your guest list is going to be very small or nonexistent at all. Just because you might not have your loved ones there when you say I do, doesn’t mean you can’t include them and have them to be a part of your experience!  There are so many cool and unique ways to include your family and loved ones in your elopement, here are some of my favorites.

Involve Them in the Planning Process

Incorporating your loved ones in the planning process of your elopement is such an intimate way to include them.  There are so many different pieces that go into an elopement that can be perfect for family members to tag along for.  Bring your family to pick out your wedding dress, or ask them to join you in getting your haircut before your big day.  If you’re traveling far for your elopement ask them to come over the week before to pack all the necessities for your trip!  All the little things that lead up to your elopement day are amazing opportunities to include your loved ones that won’t be there for your special day.

Ask Your Family to Write You Letters or Leave You Voicemails!

This one is a personal favorite of mine.  Ask family and friends to write you a letter or leave you a voicemail!  You and your partner can then spend the morning before your elopement either listening to all the sweet messages you have from friends and family, or cuddle up together and read your notes from them. These heartfelt messages really help to make it feel like your loved ones are there for your elopement day and is a great way to include everyone!

Pro Tip:  If you ask your friends and family to leave you voicemails, clean out your inbox ahead of time, or use a service like After the Tone to set up a webpage for your messages.  

Invite Them to Part of Your Day

Believe it or not, you CAN have a couple of people at your elopement!  Depending on where you plan to have your elopement you can include some of your closest loved ones in the event itself. Decide which handful of people you would like to join you at your elopement and give them the details on how you would like them to be a part of it. The list will be small so be sure to include your loved ones that won’t be there using some of the other options listed.

Celebrate With Them on a Later Date

Your festivities do NOT have to be on the same day as your elopement believe it or not. There’s no reason why you can’t get married on a mountain top and then head back home for a party with all your favorite people a few weeks later! This is such a fun way to include your loved ones as you still get to celebrate your special moment with everyone while also having your elopement day to yourself. 

When planning your elopement be sure to think about your loved ones who won’t be present for your special day and try to include them using some of the methods above. Even though they can’t be there for the ceremony itself if you want them to be a part of the day you can and should make it happen! This is your wedding day and you should be able to have it exactly the way you and your partner envision it. Speaking of which, if you’re looking for some tips on how to make sure your wedding day feels like you, head over to my blog post that covers that here!