Boulder Wedding Photographer captures bride and groom sitting on rock

How to Include Family in Your Denver Elopement Without an Invite

I know it may sound harsh, but I promise it isn’t at all! As a Boulder wedding photographer who loves elopements – it’s hard to include everyone on your big day. But don’t feel guilty if you and your partner choose to keep your elopement intimate and small. More and more couples are opting for a private elopement, with a celebration with extended family and friends later! It is a great way to celebrate your love and simply be together, and you can do whatever you want on your wedding day. This day is about the two of you! Let’s talk about a few ways to include family in your Denver elopement without an invite.

While this may not be an easy situation and could be awkward to communicate, remember one thing: Who might make your wedding day more stressful? If certain people would make it harder, celebrate with them later! Don’t feel guilty protecting your memories.

Boulder Wedding Photographer captures bride and groom holding hands and reading vows

Communication is Key – Include Family in Denver Elopement

Consider this if you’re considering keeping your Denver elopement intimate with close family or just a few friends. Be open with those you aren’t inviting to your ceremony. Explain to them the reasoning behind your decision to elope intimately and privately. While they may not understand right away, they’ll come around after some time to think about it.

If you have some family who isn’t too excited about the idea of you ‘sneaking off to elope,’ show them examples of modern-day elopements. Times have changed, and no one has to sneak off to elope!

Make Sure Everyone Knows!

In a world where social media can announce things before we even get to, plan your announcement. If you’re choosing to elope privately, consider these options.

  • Invite guests to an ‘engagement party’ celebrating your recent elopement! It will be a fun surprise, and the family won’t have time to get upset. Consider sharing a video from your wedding day to invite guests to ‘attend’ your ceremony.
  • Send ‘We eloped!’ postcards from your destination! Like a save-the-date, this invites family into your world and makes them feel loved and unique that you thought of them on your wedding day.

Find Ways to Include Family

If you’re worried about not having family there for your wedding day but maybe don’t want them there for every moment, that’s okay! Some couples opt for a ring ceremony later or have family help them prepare before their Denver elopement. This allows family members to feel included without them being there when you cry reading your vows. The commitment you’re making to your partner is a big deal, and if you want that to be between the two of you – do it! You don’t have to have an entire audience. It’s a simple way to include family in your Denver elopement without them physically being there.

Another option could be having a celebratory dinner afterward, whether that is the day of or the next day. It invites family to celebrate in your excitement while still setting boundaries.

Boulder Wedding Photographer captures bride and groom sitting on rock

Ever Heard of Zoom? – Include Family in Denver Elopement

If that wretched virus taught us anything, it was the importance of technology! Don’t be afraid to use it. If you and your partner plan a destination elopement but want to keep it just the two of you – send a link. This allows your family or close friends to participate in the ceremony without physically being there. You’ll be able to get ready together and have your wedding however you want without outside pressure along the way. Also, Zoom allows you to record, so you’ll have a recorded viewing of your ceremony to watch later!

Invite Them to Give You Advice

I know this may sound contradicting, but here’s what I mean. If you opt for a ceremony with just the necessary parties and no other guests – ask your family or friends to write cards. Ask them to write down their marriage advice, well wishes, or memories of the two of you before the wedding. After your ceremony, sit down with your partner and read their cards, as allowed. It’s a special way to honor family and feel their presence without a huge crowd, all while creating goals for your marriage together.

Boulder Wedding Photographer captures bride celebrating with groom after intimate elopement

Everyone Loves an After-Party!

Last but not least, throw a reception! Most couples will have a ceremony on their wedding day and invite guests to join them for an after-ceremony party. You can do the same thing for your elopement. Perhaps it isn’t the same day as your elopement but a weekend after. This allows your family and friends to celebrate your love and cheer you on! After all, everyone loves to party!

Whether you keep things intimate or invite the world, I know your Boulder wedding will be memorable!

Already dreaming of an incredible Boulder wedding photography experience with me? Reach out today.

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