Eloping with Family

One of the greatest things about elopements is that there are no rules.

If you want your family and friends there - they should be there.

If you are eloping with family I created a list of a few logistical things to think about.

Consider Your Guest List

Take time alone and really contemplate your guest list.

Elopements are incredibly intimate. Whoever you invite will have a significant impact on the wedding day.

Only invite people that are truly going to add to the specialness of your day.

If you are struggling with the curation of your guest list ready my post on who to invite to your wedding.

Outdoor Elopement Location with Family

In this section, I’m going to go over the factors you need to consider for outdoor hiking elopements with family.

At any point, if you feel overwhelmed just take a break. Breathe for second and know that we can work through all the little details together.

If you want to elope outdoors with your family we will make it happen.

5 Things to Consider When Eloping with Family

Logistics

What time do you want everyone to gather? Can their cars make it to the trailhead or do they need four-wheel drive? Do they need a park pass for your elopement location?

• meeting time

• meeting location

• road conditions

• park passes

Hiking

Can they physically make it to your ceremony spot? Consider the distance and elevation of the trail you choose.

• distance

• elevation

• ceremony location

Terrain

Is there a paved trail or is it a rocky trail? Are they comfortable on uneven ground or will the trail pose a safety hazard? Are there any cliffs, steep drop-offs, or ledges?

• trail conditions

• trail exposure

• safety concerns

Clothing

Do you want your family to be wearing formalwear or will they need to bring hiking clothes for your elopement? Do your guests have the proper footwear? Will they need to bring hiking boots?

• hiking boots

• hiking clothes

• rain gear

• formalwear

Basic Necessities

Is there a bathroom nearby? Will there be running water? Make sure the basic needs of your guests can be met. Should they bring a backpack with hiking essentials, food, and water - or will you provide that for them?

• bathrooms

• water access

• food

• backpack with gear

Some couples chose to get married at the trailhead or have their family ‘send them off’ as they begin their hike to the summit.

You can structure your elopement any way you want. Spend half the day with your family and the other half alone.

Or you can split the wedding festivities into two separate days. Get married to your family on day one then have an adventure session together on day two.

How you structure your elopement is completely up to you.