Spoiler: yes, you absolutely can bring Guests to your elopement.
Eloping doesn’t have to mean just the two of you. It just means you’re doing things your way.
So if your people matter to you? Bring them. Here’s how to think about it without making your elopement feel like a traditional wedding.
Ps: Make sure you read through my full how to elope guide incase you missed it! Linked it here for you
Guests at Your Elopement: Decide Who Feels Right
Not who “should” be there. Not who your family expects. Think: Who would make this experience feel more meaningful?
That might be:
- Just your parents or siblings
- A few close friends
- Your dog and your officiant
- Or nobody but each other
I always like to tell my couples if you don’t feel 100% yourself around them it’s okay to not invite them. You’re choosing to elope because it’s you. You’re choosing to escape the large traditional wedding because you don’t want to perform in front of a crowd.
Consider the Logistics of having Guests at Your Elopement Locations
Once you have a guest list, you’ll want to think about:
- How far can they hike or walk?
- Will you need a permit for group size?
- Is there parking or restroom access nearby?
- Will they be part of the full day or just the ceremony?
Another thing is if you want guests will you want them all to stay with you. Sometimes it can feel really nice to have a big airbnb of everyone getting ready together, other times you might want privacy.
A good mix is you can get a property like, Salted Roots Cabins in Alaska, everyone gets their own cabin, but you’re all at the same place to feel connected.
If having certain guests mean you have to sacrifice a certain ceremony location and that bums you out, we can always plan having guests at other spots so they can be included but you can still do what you want.
Ways to Include Guests Without Giving Up Intimacy
- Have a private vow exchange before they arrive
- Invite them to a post-ceremony picnic or dinner
- Bring them to one location, then do adventure portraits solo
- Let them help get you ready, then give you time alone for the ceremony
This is where we can pick and choose where the guests will be. That way you and your partner always have the say in what is happening.
If you want them to come to your ceremony but hang back while you do your vows private I will direct that ship 10000%. That way you can truly have the best of both worlds.
For dinner you can do a giant kings table, or rent a private room, or even hire a private chef so everyone is taken care of.
👉🏻 Make sure to contact me, I can’t wait to be your photographer & planner combined!
You Can Also Include Them From Afar
- Live-stream your ceremony
- Send video messages after
- Host a separate party later with your full photo gallery
One of my favorites is if you don’t want to include guests you can have them write you letters that you can take time to read together so they still feel there with you.
There’s no wrong way to elope, only what feels honest and exciting to you two. Want help navigating the guest convo or location logistics? That’s what I’m here for.
Ready to Elope? I’m here for you!
Okay, so you’re researching, legit next you need to reach out and see if I still have your dream date open!
I help all my clients with locations, logistics, all the “how” when it comes to your elopement. You can contact me here, or below! Talk soon!
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Jamie Tobin Photography Instagram // Guests to our Elopement // Elopement Legend Award Winner
