An elopement or wedding of any kind is always such an exciting time. You’re starting a new chapter of life with your partner while creating a new way of life together. If you’re newly engaged and will have your kiddos present at your elopement, brainstorming ways to include them on such a monumental day can be nerve-wracking. Perhaps the wedding is for both their parents or one parent and their new partner; the change can be a lot for them. While you’re planning your exciting Colorado elopement, I’ve got a list of ways to include your kids in the fun, too! Let’s dive in, whether it’s a simple cake topper or something more unifying as a family unit.

Plan a Family First Look

First on my list is to plan a family first look. You could have your children get ready with you and their other parents, respectively, and then once everyone is ready, you meet in a secluded area to see one another for the first time. Often, these moments are the most emotional for you and the kiddos! They get so excited to see their parents dressed up, and including them in these special moments is so fun. While a first look is traditional between partners, a family first look is so tender and adds to the day as a newly formed family.

Let Them Help Decorate For Your Colorado Elopement

Perhaps you’re having a backyard ceremony or an evening dinner reception – invite your kids to help set up and decorate! If you’re planning an intimate elopement, there may not be a lot of decorating needed. However, thinking of unique ways to include your children in the day will make them feel included and make the day much more memorable, whether they’re helping set up tables and chairs or helping with florals for the wedding arch. They love you and can’t wait to help!

Allow Them to Pick A Few Food, Drink or Dessert Options

If you have dinner after the elopement or even a small reception, consider letting your kiddos pick a few food options! Throughout the event, there will be a few things they’ve had a lot of influence on (because it’s your wedding!), but allowing them a say makes for an even more memorable event. Although you may end up with macaroni and cheese and s’mores at your wedding – it’s the thought that counts!! It also alleviates some stress as you won’t have to worry about finding them something they’ll eat at the reception. Less stress for both you and your partner!

Perform a Unity Ceremony with Them at Your Colorado Elopement

Have you ever heard of a unity ceremony? Planning one to participate in as a family at your wedding is a unique way to involve your kiddos in the ceremony. Whether it’s a rope-tying ceremony, painting, or mixing sand, it symbolizes your family coming together as one new unit. Years after the wedding, you’ll have the items from the ceremony to reflect on as the beginning of your new family together. These wedding ceremonies are popular and would be a cute way to include your kids!

Walk Down the Aisle Together

Always a classic is to have your kiddos walk down the aisle with you or stand at the altar with your partner. I always get emotional seeing children participating in these ceremonies with their parents. The meaning and symbolism of a new family unit coming together is precious and so tender. Whether you have your child walk down the aisle with you or meet you at the alter – the emotions felt will be through the roof and undoubtedly a highlight of your day.

Pick a Theme or Location They’ll Love

Consider choosing a location or theme that is meaningful to your children. This simple choice is a great way to include your kids in your Colorado elopement without too much effort. Perhaps your family has a particular campsite, or you spend a lot of time in your backyard or hiking in the mountains – plan your elopement there! Not only will the kids be excited to go to a favorite place, but it’s unique to your relationship, making the whole event much more special.

Get Ready Together

While discussing a family first look, I briefly mentioned this one, but consider getting ready together! Bring them into the room with you if you can! This day will be filled with many emotions and changes that will overwhelm them. Allowing them to be by your side before the ceremony and party begin will calm their nerves and help them feel included in the significant changes.

Include Them In Your Vows

One of the most meaningful and emotional ways to include your kids in your Colorado elopement is by adding them to your vows. I always think the vows being exchanged are unique, but when parents include their kids in those promises, there isn’t a dry eye in the room. Whether you promise to love your children forever or make promises about their future, including them in your vows will surely leave them smiling.

Let Them Pick Games for Guests at Colorado Elopement

Next, let them pick games for guests to play during your reception. This works well if you’re having a backyard reception particularly. They can play lawn games and have fun while you and your partner celebrate. You won’t have to worry about ensuring they’re taken care of and staying out of trouble because they’ll entertain your guests! It’s a win-win!

Have Children Sign Decorative Marriage Certificate at Colorado Elopement

While they won’t be allowed to sign your legal marriage certificate, you could create a decorative family marriage certificate for them to sign! It’s just another simple way to include the kids in the fun while unifying your bunch as a family. How special would it be to have a decorative marriage license to look back on years from now as your kids grow and get older? Absolutely precious!

A Custom Cake Topper

Next on my list of ways to include your kiddos is a custom cake topper with them in it. Couples have gotten incredibly creative with wedding cake toppers, so why not include your kids? Etsy has some incredible options for custom cake toppers, including pets or your children, and they are super affordable! I’ve also seen cute Lego cake toppers that would be a unique way to add a child-like touch.

Plan Kid-Friendly Activities

Throughout the wedding day, there may not be many things readily available for the kids to participate in. Consider planning a few kid-friendly activities to involve them throughout the event and get them excited for what’s to come, whether you plan lawn games, coloring pages, interactive food to snack on, or even letting them cut the cake! Think of unique ways to include them in safe ways throughout the day.

Invite Guests with Kids to Your Colorado Elopement

Another easy way to include your children in your Colorado elopement is to invite other guests with kiddos! They’ll be able to bring their kids along, making the wedding feel more kid-friendly and welcoming right off the bat. You’ll both be able to celebrate without worrying about your children getting into trouble, as they’ll have friends to play with!

Encourage Them to Speak During Ceremony If They Want To

Perhaps you have some older kids who could speak during the ceremony; if they’re interested, let them do it. Sometimes, even younger kids can muster up the courage to say a few words that will leave guests smiling and you and your partner in tears. You never know what those sweet babes will say, good or silly.

BONUS TIP – Celebrate With Kids During the Day and Celebrate Alone at Night

Whether planning a big traditional wedding or an intimate elopement, consider some ways to include the kids in the fun. When significant changes like this happen in their lives, allowing them to experience them makes for happier families.

Ready to meet your dream Colorado elopement photographer? Let’s chat!