Eloping doesn’t have to mean running away without telling anyone! These days, more and more couples are choosing to elope while also including their closest family members. It’s the perfect middle ground if you love the intimacy of eloping but can’t imagine starting this new chapter without your family by your side. Best part? You can still carve out personal moments for just the two of you. Sounds like a dream, right?
Here’s how to elope with family and make your elopement day perfect!
Splitting the Day Like a Pro
The key to making a family-inclusive elopement feel balanced is planning your time strategically. Think of the day in two halves. One part is devoted to family and fun, the other is reserved for those sentimental, just-the-two-of-you moments. Here’s a tentative timeline idea:
Morning:
Start with a cozy breakfast or brunch altogether. If you’re staying in a big Airbnb, gather in the kitchen or on the patio for a nice meal with your favorite foods. This is the perfect time to soak in those warm family vibes and kick things off on a relaxing note.
Mid-Day Ceremony:
For the ceremony, include your loved ones in an intimate setting. Whether this is a Grand Teton Fall Elopement in the mountains, or a Luxury Crook Point Elopement on the beach, make it picturesque but personal. Bonus points if you keep it short and sweet!
Afternoon Family Activities:
After the ceremony, hang out with the fam for a while. Share a casual meal, play games, or even go on a laid-back group hike. Remember, this is all about spending intentional time with them before slipping away.
Evening:
Now it’s time to unwind! Pick a private spot to spend the rest of the evening together. It might be a sunset picnic, a fancy dinner for two, or even just stargazing on a blanket. This ensures you still get those magical couple-only moments that make eloping special.
Renting an Airbnb Everyone Will Love
Skip the standard hotel rooms. Renting a dreamy Airbnb is the move when you’re involving family. First of all, it gives you way more flexibility. You can pick a space that feels personal, offers beautiful scenery, and can accommodate everyone under one roof. Think cottages, cabins, or even cool, modern lofts.
Plus, it’s super convenient to have all that extra space for lounging, cooking, and snapping cute group pics. Make sure to choose a spot with multiple bedrooms or little nooks where everyone can sneak away for downtime when needed. Look for Airbnbs with outdoor spaces like decks or gardens if you need an alternative ceremony location.
Activities To Do Together
You’ll want to plan a few activities so that your family has an amazing time while also leaving room for casual, unscheduled moments. Here are some fun and low-stress ideas to make everyone feel included:
- Group Dinner Party: Cook together or hire a chef to make a family-style dinner at your Airbnb. Split the cooking and decorating so it feels like a team effort.
- Bonfire Hangout: If your Airbnb has a fire pit, set up a bonfire night with s’mores.
- Explore the Area: Go for a morning hike, check out local shops, or visit nearby landmarks that would be fun for everyone.
- Mini Photoshoots: Capture moments by snapping group photos. You can also plan sunset photos for the two of you later when you’re alone.
- Hiking: If your family is made up of nature lovers, I highly recommend a hike in your elopement area. It’s cheap and gets everyone involved.
Keeping Things Private
While it’s amazing to share your special day with loved ones, never forget the reason you’re eloping. It’s more than okay to prioritize time for just you two. Set out space for these quieter, deeply personal moments throughout your elopement day:
- Private Vows: Even if you exchange vows during the ceremony with family, save a second set of personal vows to read to each other later, just you two.
- Mini Date Night: Whether it’s renting a private room at a nearby restaurant or sharing takeout under the stars, this is your time to enjoy together.
- Early Morning Letters: Write letters to each other and exchange them privately before the day starts. It’s such an intimate way to connect and set the tone.
The Next Step
Eloping with your family doesn’t mean sacrificing intimacy. Actually, it makes your day even more special when you can surround yourself with love, and still have those quiet, couple-only moments. Just remember, this is your day, every moment is about celebrating you two.
Overall, here’s the thing: you’ll want to capture all those special moments, big and small, so you can look back on them forever. That’s where I come in! If you’re looking for someone who gets your vision and knows just how to capture all the perfect moments into photos, I’d love to be your elopement photographer. Fill out my contact form, and we’ll create something unforgettable together.
