How to Include Family and Friends in your Elopement

The great thing about eloping is you get to make your own rules! There is no “traditional” way of doing things when you decide to elope. We’ve written this blog to help you brainstorm ways to include your family and friends in your elopement while still making it feel intimate.

If you’ve invited family and friends to your elopement day, give them a job!

If you don’t have a planner or a day of coordinator, have them help set up decor in your ceremony space.
Have them record/take photos throughout the day but remind them not to go overboard especially if you will have a professional photographer or videographer (you don’t want them in the way)
- Remind them that there will be time in the day for you to take a photo with them
Have one of your friends or family members officiate or be a witness in your elopement
Tell them to relax and enjoy themselves!

If you’ve invited friends and family to a home you’re staying in or getting ready in but NOT inviting them to the ceremony, here are some ideas you can have them do while you’re getting married.

Allow them to help you get ready before your ceremony
Have them write a letter to you and your new partner to read after your ceremony is over
Let them explore! Tell them to go on an adventure around the property or the city you’re getting married in
Have them set up dinner or decor for your reception following your ceremony
Tell them to relax and enjoy themselves!

Ultimately, the people who love you just want to celebrate you! Don’t feel pressured to include every single person and don’t stress yourself out by feeling like you’re going to hurt people’s feelings if you don’t include them in every single part of your day. This day is solely about marrying the love of your life the way you have always dreamed of!

Stephanie Keegan

I’m an adventure elopement and wedding photographer based in Seattle and the surrounding Pacific Northwest. I focus on capturing love in beautiful places while sharing a passion for the outdoors. Rock climbing, backpacking, hiking – I love it all!