How to Include Your Family in Your Elopement

Eloping doesn’t mean you have to leave your loved ones behind. More and more couples are choosing to elope because of the intimacy, adventure, and freedom it offers. But that doesn’t mean your family can’t play a role in your big day.

With a little creativity, you can weave your family into your elopement in meaningful ways that honour your bond while still keeping the focus on you and your partner. Here are some thoughtful ways to include your family in your elopement.

Invite a few special guests

Elopements don’t have to be completely private. You might not want a full guest list, but inviting a select few family members can be a great way to compromise. Since you’ll need witnesses, consider asking your parents or siblings to take on this role. That way, they can be part of the ceremony without taking away from the intimacy of the day. You could then set aside the rest of the celebration to spend alone with your partner.

Read out letters from family

If your family can’t be there in person, ask them to write letters for you to read during your ceremony or later in the day. It’s an incredibly intimate way to bring their voices and love into the moment. People often express things in writing they might not say aloud, so you may be touched by heartfelt words that will become keepsakes for years to come.

Connect with technology

Thanks to video calls, your family is never too far away. A quick FaceTime during the day lets you share the excitement in real time, whether it’s just after saying your vows or while raising a glass at sunset. You can even record a portion of your ceremony to send afterwards, or set up a live stream so family back home can witness your vows as they happen.

Host a virtual party

If you’d like your loved ones to feel like they’re celebrating with you, consider a virtual party. Share a recording of your ceremony your family can play while they host a gathering at home (complete with cake and champagne!) while you celebrate in your chosen destination. It’s a fun way to make your elopement feel like a shared experience.

Carry a piece of them with you

Including meaningful personal items in your elopement is another great gesture. This could be wearing your father’s bowtie, your mother’s necklace, your sister’s hairpiece, or your brother’s cufflinks. If personal items aren’t an option, you could carry a locket with family photos tied around your bouquet, or commission a piece of custom jewellery to represent them. Even sharing a family story or singing a childhood song during your vows is a wonderful way to carry their spirit with you.

Combine a private ceremony with a family celebration

You might choose to say your vows at sunrise with just the two of you, then enjoy a celebration brunch with close family later in the day. Or you could keep the ceremony completely private and plan a larger celebration once your home. Hosting a reception-style event gives everyone the chance to raise a toast, dance, and celebrate your love together. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to wear your wedding outfits again!

Create your own traditions

Finally, remember that including family doesn’t always mean sticking to tradition. Perhaps you’d like to record a video message for each family member, exchange gifts, or plant a tree together when you return. The beauty of elopements is that you make the rules.