I’m so excited that you have made the decision to elope or have a small wedding! Whether you were planning to elope or you have downsized your celebration due to COVID, there are many ways to include your family at your elopement and honor your friends.  Here are a five of my favorite ways!

1. Read letters from your family during your ceremony

A special way to honor your family and friends is to ask a few special people to write letters to you. That may include sharing stories, marriage advice and love on your special day. There is truly a beautiful bond and love felt when these personal words are included.

2. Invite family to your intimate ceremony

Many couples are excited about crafting their elopement day, but want to include close family and friends at their ceremony. This is a beautiful way to honor your family! You can choose to hold the traditions that are meaningful to you or choose to create your own traditions! Kim + Chris had a beautiful backyard ceremony with their family, where Kim’s brother officiated. After the ceremony we adventured along the Oregon Coast . They enjoyed the rest of the day together! Their evening included sitting on the beach, watching the sunset and enjoying a private dinner for two.

3. Wear a family heirloom on your wedding day 

Wearing a family heirloom can be a beautiful way to honor that person and memory on your elopement day. An heirloom might be a special handkerchief wrapped around your bouquet or jewelry that has been passed down for generations.

One of my favorite weddings at Karma Vineyards did this beautifully, read more here.

4. Watch a video from your family or have a virtual happy hour! 

At the end of your beautiful elopement day, watch a video from your family and friends! This can be such a special way to feel surrounded by love from those who can’t be there in person! 

5. Have a BBQ or party with your friends and family after your elopement!

I love this how this idea allowed them to craft their elopement exactly to their needs! Your family and loved ones are so excited to celebrate you this BBQ was a great way to include them. It was a fun way for Kim + Chris to make it a celebration weekend. Kim wore a beautiful white jumpsuit at her BBQ reception and it was perfect! They got to enjoy a relaxed day with their friends, play lawn games, eat and drink. They finished the night by enjoying a fire pit overlooking the water! 

BONUS TIP: 

I surprised Kim & Chris with a slideshow of their elopement from the day before! This was such a special way for family and friends to share in their excitement. They really enjoyed having a peak at their beautiful adventure!  Ask your photographer if they offer a slideshow option for you to share at your reception!

There are many more ways to include and honor your family on your elopement day. Hopefully these tips were helpful to get your ideas flowing! Do you have more ideas on ways to include your family in your small wedding or elopement? Be sure to comment below and share more of your ideas!