Eloping used to mean running off in secret to get married without anyone knowing. But these days, elopements have evolved into something so much more exciting and personal! They’re intimate weddings where you and your partner get to break free from the traditional rules and create a day that’s entirely yours. However, there’s one thing that might still throw you for a loop when planning your elopement, deciding how many people to invite.
This is your day, so one of the joys of an elopement is how customizable it is. You can keep it just the two of you or include a few special people who matter the most. But figuring out who (and how many) to invite can feel like a hard decision, right? Luckily, I’m here to help you break it all down so you can feel good about creating the guest list for your unforgettable day.
Deciding Who To Invite
When you’re thinking about inviting guests to your elopement, the first step is simple, even though it might not feel that way. Ask yourselves one big question as a couple:
Who do we truly want to be there on this day?
This isn’t about feeling obligated to invite every relative or all your childhood friends. It’s about the people who make your hearts feel full, who celebrate your love wholeheartedly, and who will respect the vibe you’re envisioning. Maybe it’s just your parents and siblings, or your best friends since kindergarten. Or maybe, you decide it’s better to have this moment just between you two. (And that’s perfectly okay!)
Make a list, and yes, I mean write it down! Seeing the names on paper helps you visualize what your day could be like. Start with your must-haves, and then think about whether you might want anyone else, or if keeping it small feels better for you.
Still not sure if you want to invite people or not? Check out my blog on Elopement vs. Micro Wedding to help you explore the difference and find the style of celebration that fits you both.
Consider Permits and Location Restrictions
Okay, now that you might have a rough idea of your potential guest list, here’s where logistics come into play. The location of your elopement can have a big impact on how many people you can invite. Elopements often happen in some seriously stunning spots like national parks, beaches, mountains, or cliffside overlooks. But these beautiful places often come with restrictions, and it’s important to know the rules.
Some places will have limits on group sizes. For example, a national park might allow small gatherings of 10–15 people in certain areas, or require a special use permit if your group gets bigger. Other locations might not allow guests at all in certain spots, like fragile landscapes or off-trail areas. Make sure to research this while planning your guest count so there are no surprises. If you need more assistance with this your photographer should already be familiar with permit requirements for popular elopement spots and can guide you to locations that best fit your vision.
How To Incorporate Guests Into Your Elopement
If you’ve decided to include a few loved ones in your elopement, it’s time to think about how they’ll actually fit into the day. The beauty of inviting guests is that you get to share this joyful moment with them, but also keep things very different from traditional weddings.
Here are some fun ways to make your guests feel special (and avoid the stress of entertaining a full crowd):
- Keep it intimate: Have your ceremony in a place that’s easy for everyone to access, like a cozy meadow or a scenic overlook. Focus on creating a space where everyone feels comfortable and connected.
- First Dances: Just like a wedding, consider adding first dances into your elopement. You can play a song off of a speaker and include those you’d like to have a first dance with. Intimate celebrations can feel so meaningful when you add a small touch like this.
- Enjoy an experience together: Plan a group activity or adventure that’s special to you both. Consider a sunset hike, a casual picnic, or even stargazing around a fire after you say “I do.”
- Delegate roles: Give a few meaningful roles to the people you invite, like having someone hold your bouquet, read a letter, or play music during the ceremony. These little personal touches make your guests feel like they’re part of the love story.
- Lodging Accommodations: If you are open to it, consider renting out a big Airbnb for your family and friends to stay at. Or, if you are wanting a little more privacy, having your guests stay at the same hotel would keep everyone close and make them feel more involved!
Not sure how to pull it all together with family or close friends involved? Check out my blog on How to Elope with Family for tons of inspiration to make it seamless and stress-free.
How To Decide On The Final Number
Now that you’ve thought about who you want to invite and what your location allows, it’s time to settle on a number that feels just right for you two.
- Think about the atmosphere. If you’re craving a quiet, intimate vibe, stick with a smaller group, or even just yourselves. If you’d love a cozy gathering of loved ones to cheer you on, go for a slightly larger number, but keep it under 20 to avoid losing the intimate feel.
- Be transparent. Explain your guest count decisions to family and friends who aren’t invited, especially if there might be some hurt feelings. Share your excitement for an intimate elopement and explain why it’s the right choice for you both. Most people start to understand when they hear how much this means to you.
- Avoid the slippery slope. Deciding on a small guest list can sometimes leave you thinking, “Well, if I invite Aunt Sue, I should probably invite Uncle Joe, too.” Before you know it, your elopement could turn into a micro wedding, or even a full wedding! Stay true to the original vibe you wanted and don’t feel bad about keeping it small.
- Remember the day is yours. Above all, make sure that the number of guests you invite reflects your wishes, not just expectations from others. You’re crafting a day that’s all about your love, so don’t compromise on what feels right for you.
Other Things To Keep In Mind
Still not totally sure what’s best for your day? Here are a few other things you can think about when deciding how many people to invite:
- Budget: Inviting people usually means expenses like food, travel, or accommodations for guests. This is your day, but keep costs in mind if you’re trying to stick to a budget.
- Privacy: If you’re eloping because you want to keep things personal, ask yourselves whether having guests might take away from that. Having even just a photographer and an officiant might be enough if you really want to focus on each other.
- Travel & Accessibility: Are your potential guests able to actually make it to your desired elopement location? Think about travel logistics to make sure your closest people can realistically join without too much hassle.
- You Can Always Celebrate Later: If the thought of leaving someone out makes you sad, consider hosting a small reception or dinner party after your elopement. This gives you the best of both worlds. You’ll get your dreamy, intimate ceremony and can celebrate with more loved ones later.
The Perfect Plan For Your Perfect Day
Deciding how many people to invite (or whether to invite anyone at all) to your elopement is a big decision, but it’s also a fun one. It’s a chance to ask yourselves what’s really important as a couple, which is honestly the heart of what eloping is all about.
Whether it’s just you two on a mountaintop, or with your five closest loved ones watching you exchange vows, your elopement should represent the love you share and the experience you dream of creating together. Take your time deciding, and don’t stress. There’s truly no right or wrong when it comes to something as personal as this!
When you’re ready to start planning those magical moments, I would love to help capture every little detail of your day. If you’re dreaming up an elopement full of love, adventure, and memories to last a lifetime, book me as your photographer! Check out my website and fill out my contact form. I’ll be there to make sure every moment is exactly as you imagine it.
