Eloping is a one-of-a-kind, intentional, and amazing experience. However, not everyone views elopements in this light.

Even though they’ve been trending throughout the pandemic, you may still get mixed feedback when letting loved ones know of your plans. If you haven’t already shared the news, read this blog with tips on how to tell your family and friends. Just know that you don’t have to choose between having the “just us” adventure elopement of your dreams and including loved ones in your elopement plans.

Here’s how your loved ones can join in the fun.

Indulge in pre-wedding events and preparation

Whether it’s dress or suit shopping together, or your friends insisting they must throw you an engagement/bachelorette/bachelor party, go with it and let everyone help you celebrate!

If you’re the DIY type, invite friends over to help craft (hello cute “just married” signs and vow books!).

2. Host a sendoff celebration

Sometimes a reception is more convenient to have before you get married, and that’s okay! The reason behind your get-together is the same, and everyone will love getting to psych you up for the big day.

3. Host a reception

This is a great way to include everyone. It’s an approach that the more traditional folks will appreciate – plus it’s fun. Make it a backyard BBQ, brunch reception, or go all the way with cake, dancing, and partying into the night!

4. Have them help you get ready

The morning of your elopement is such a special time (click here for more tips on that). It’s full of anticipation, and the love and support from family and friends might be the perfect addition to your day.

5. Include heirlooms and mementos

Consider borrowing a family heirloom or bringing along meaningful items (just like Laurel did for her wedding here). She wore earrings made by a friend, borrowed her grandmother’s ring, and included rock climbing references in their boutonnieres.

There are no rules of what you can or can’t do on your wedding day, so add whatever details you like!

6. Hire a photographer

Showing off your photo album is the best way to tell others about your day! If your loved ones didn’t understand your plans before, showing them how awesome your day was will give them all the feels!

7. Hire a videographer

One major (and usually forgotten) perk of videography is the ability to record sound. Years from now you’ll be able to hear yourselves saying your vows to one another. If that’s not enough to persuade you, many videographers offer the ability to live-stream your ceremony now too.

8. Read letters

Have loved ones write letters for you to read after your ceremony. It doesn’t get much more heartfelt and personal than this. I love that letters are tangible memories that can be saved and even displayed in your future home together. Plus, writing may seem less intimidating to some guests than the next suggestion.

9. Ask for toast videos

I love this idea! If you have a tech-savvy friend, you could ask that they compile the videos together for you, or simply watch them one by one.

Do download them all beforehand in case you don’t have great service at your ceremony location though!

10. Video chat

If you know that you will have service wherever your ceremony is being held, video chatting with your loved ones is a great option. I’d suggest giving family and friends a time frame of when you’ll call so they’ll be ready and gathered when the call comes.

If you won’t have service while you’re out and about, video chatting when you get back to wherever you’re staying is another option.

11. Send a few photos

Send a celebratory selfie! Julie and Carey (below) took a quick video after signing their marriage license to send to their families when they got back to their Airbnb that evening. It was quick, done in two takes, and I know their families loved being thought of.

12. Ask a loved one to officiate

Most states require you to have an officiant and witnesses. Although any vendor could play these roles, family and friends can, too. In fact, about half of the elopements I photograph have a friend officiate for them.

13. Open gifts

Chances are you’ll receive a few gifts. Wait to open them until after your ceremony and consider live streaming it for the senders to see.

14. Bring them back gifts

Friends and family will love hearing about your adventure, but they’ll also love being able to try the foods you’ve raved about, laugh about your ridiculous touristy finds, or will appreciate a gift that is unique to them. Everyone will love knowing that you thought of them.

15. Send out cards

Use your gorgeous photos to send out custom elopement announcements or thank you cards. Receiving snail mail is a timeless approach to announcing big news!