How to Plan a Family Friendly Elopement
Eloping has evolved far beyond the traditional notion of two people running off alone to say their vows in secret. Today, elopements are about creating intentional, intimate experiences that celebrate love—whether it's just the two of you or a select few who mean the most in your lives. And for couples who want to include family in their elopement adventure, the good news is that it’s completely possible—and magical.
Imagine exchanging your vows while your children laugh nearby, your parents watch with tears in their eyes, and everyone enjoys the beauty of the moment together. Planning a family-friendly elopement is all about balancing the intimacy of your love story with the joy of having your loved ones present.
Ready to plan your family-friendly elopement in Colorado? Here’s a detailed guide to help you create a day that’s unforgettable for everyone—without the stress.
Why Family-Friendly Elopements Are So Special
Your elopement is a reflection of your unique love story. For some couples, that story isn’t complete without including the people who’ve been part of your journey—parents, siblings, children, and even close friends. Family-friendly elopements allow you to share this milestone with the ones who matter most.
Here’s why they’re so meaningful:
Stronger Connections: Sharing your vows in front of loved ones can deepen your bond and create shared memories that everyone cherishes.
Involvement of Children: If you have kids, they can play a meaningful role in your ceremony, symbolizing the unity of your family.
Celebration of Togetherness: A family-friendly elopement turns your big day into an adventure for everyone, blending love, laughter, and fun.
1. Choosing the Right Location
The location of your elopement sets the tone for your day, so choosing a family-friendly spot is crucial. While that remote mountaintop might be your dream, it’s important to consider whether it’s realistic for your guests—especially kids and older family members.
Things to Consider:
Accessibility: Look for locations that are easy to access, such as scenic viewpoints or trails with minimal elevation gain.
Facilities: Parks with bathrooms, parking, and nearby amenities can make a big difference for families.
Safety: Choose locations with flat, stable terrain to accommodate all ages.
Family-Friendly Locations in Colorado:
Garden of the Gods: Known for its stunning red rock formations, this iconic park offers easy trails, breathtaking views, and no permit fees for small gatherings.
Rocky Mountain National Park: While some areas require a short hike, there are plenty of accessible spots, like Sprague Lake, that provide incredible views without strenuous effort.
Chautauqua Park in Boulder: A beautiful spot with beginner-friendly trails, picnic areas, and plenty of room for kids to explore.
2. Plan Activities for Everyone
A family-friendly elopement isn’t just about the ceremony—it’s about creating an experience that everyone can enjoy. Incorporating fun activities ensures that your loved ones feel included and entertained throughout the day.
Activity Ideas:
For Kids: Bring along bubbles, a scavenger hunt, or coloring books to keep younger family members engaged while you say your vows.
For Everyone: Plan a picnic with your favorite foods, go on a short group hike, or set up lawn games like cornhole or frisbee.
How Activities Enhance Your Day:
Including activities adds an extra layer of meaning to your elopement. For example, a family picnic after your vows becomes a shared memory everyone can cherish. Plus, it keeps the mood light, fun, and full of joy.
3. Involve Family in the Ceremony
One of the best ways to make your family feel included is by giving them meaningful roles in your ceremony. Whether it’s a parent, sibling, or child, letting them participate creates unforgettable moments.
Ideas for Involvement:
Readings: Have a parent or sibling share a favorite poem or passage.
Ring Bearers or Flower Scatterers: Kids love being part of the action, and these roles are perfect for them.
Unity Activities: Incorporate a unity candle, sand ceremony, or handfasting that involves your family members.
Example:
We recently captured a family-friendly elopement where the couple’s young daughter held the rings while their parents shared heartfelt readings. The ceremony felt deeply personal and meaningful for everyone involved.
4. Plan a Family-Friendly Timeline
Elopements are all about flexibility, but when you’re including family, having a well-thought-out timeline becomes essential.
Tips for a Smooth Timeline:
Plan Extra Time: Kids can be unpredictable, and older relatives may need breaks. Build in buffer time to avoid feeling rushed.
Consider the Weather: Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for cooler temperatures and golden-hour lighting.
Schedule Group Photos Early: Capture family portraits while everyone is fresh and energized.
Example Timeline:
9:00 AM: Meet at the trailhead or ceremony site.
10:00 AM: Exchange vows and take family photos.
11:00 AM: Enjoy a picnic or group activity.
1:00 PM: Wrap up with a short hike or scenic exploration.
5. Pack Smart
Packing for an elopement with family requires a bit more preparation than a simple two-person adventure. Ensuring everyone has what they need will keep the day stress-free.
Family-Friendly Packing List:
For Comfort: Snacks, water bottles, sunscreen, and layers for changing weather.
For Kids: Small toys, books, or games to keep them occupied.
Essentials: Comfortable walking shoes, extra blankets, and a first-aid kit.
Pro Tip:
Be prepared for the unexpected. Extra wipes, tissues, and a portable phone charger can save the day when you least expect it!
6. Capture the Day with Intention
When planning a family-friendly elopement, choosing the right Colorado elopement photographer and videographer is key. Capturing both the intimacy of your love story and the joy of your family requires an experienced professional.
What to Look For:
Experience with Families: Photographers and videographers who know how to work with kids and large groups will ensure everyone feels comfortable.
Candid Moments: Look for someone who can capture the in-between moments—like a grandparent’s smile or a child’s playful laugh.
Scenic Shots: Your location is a big part of your story, so make sure your photographer/videographer knows how to highlight the stunning Colorado backdrop.
7. Add Personal Touches
An elopement is one of the most personal ways to say "I do," and when you’re including your family, there are so many opportunities to make the day uniquely yours. Adding thoughtful touches not only makes the day feel special but also creates moments that everyone will remember forever.
Ideas to Personalize Your Family-Friendly Elopement:
Letters or Gifts for Family Members: Write heartfelt letters to your parents, siblings, or children, and share them during the day. Or surprise them with small, meaningful gifts as a thank-you for their love and support.
Family Heirlooms: Incorporate heirlooms like a grandmother’s jewelry, a family Bible, or a cherished quilt into your ceremony. These details connect your day to your family’s history and make the moment even more meaningful.
Shared Traditions: If your family has a special tradition—like a song you always sing together, a specific meal, or a toast—incorporate it into your elopement.
Favorite Activities: Love playing board games with your family? Hiking together? Stargazing? Include those activities to make the day feel authentically yours.
Example:
One couple we worked with brought their family’s beloved dog, who carried their wedding rings down the trail to the ceremony spot. Another couple had their parents join them for a sunrise hike, then shared coffee and pastries together afterward. These personal touches added so much warmth to their elopements.
8. Manage Expectations
When planning a family-friendly elopement, communication is key. While eloping with just the two of you can be a spur-of-the-moment adventure, involving family requires a bit more planning and some honest conversations.
How to Set Clear Expectations:
Be Transparent About Your Vision: Share your dream for the day with your family ahead of time. Explain what an elopement means to you and how you’d like the day to unfold.
Clarify Logistics: Let everyone know the details, like how far they’ll need to walk, what they should wear, and what the timeline will look like. The more information they have, the less likely they are to feel surprised or unprepared.
Encourage Flexibility: Things might not go perfectly, and that’s okay! Kids might get tired, the weather might change, or someone might be late. Emphasize to your family that the day is about celebrating love, not perfection.
Pro Tip:
Set boundaries where needed. If there’s a part of the day that you and your partner want to keep just for yourselves—like reading private vows or taking a sunset hike—let your family know so they can support your wishes.
9. Leave No Trace and Ethical Elopements
When choosing to elope in Colorado’s breathtaking landscapes, it’s important to prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. Colorado is full of pristine locations that deserve to be preserved for generations to come, and practicing Leave No Trace principles ensures that your elopement leaves a positive impact.
Key Leave No Trace Principles:
Stay on Trails: Avoid trampling fragile vegetation by sticking to designated paths.
Pack Out Everything You Bring In: This includes food wrappers, tissues, and decorations. Leave the space as clean—or cleaner—than you found it.
Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from animals and never feed them, as it disrupts their natural behavior.
Choose Reusable Decor: Opt for reusable bouquets or biodegradable options to reduce waste.
Why It Matters:
By planning an ethical elopement, you’re showing respect for the environment that makes Colorado such an incredible place to elope. Plus, you’ll ensure that future couples can enjoy the same stunning locations.
10. Capture the Day with a Colorado Elopement Videographer and Photographer
When it comes to your family-friendly elopement, investing in a professional Colorado elopement photographer and videographer is one of the best decisions you can make. Your elopement is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and having it captured by experts ensures you’ll be able to relive those moments forever.
Why Professional Photography and Videography Matter:
Memories That Last: The day might feel like a whirlwind, but your photos and videos will allow you to relive every smile, tear, and laugh.
Candid and Scenic Shots: Experienced elopement photographers know how to blend stunning scenic shots with intimate family moments, creating a gallery or film that tells your full story.
Experience with Families: Capturing the energy of kids, the emotion of parents, and the beauty of your vows requires a special skill set. Professionals experienced in family elopements know how to keep everyone comfortable and natural.
Tips for Choosing Your Photographer and Videographer:
Look for Experience: Search for someone who specializes in Colorado elopements and understands the unique lighting and landscape challenges.
Check Their Portfolio: Ensure their style matches your vision, whether it’s light and airy, bold and dramatic, or candid and documentary.
Ask About Family-Friendly Expertise: If you’re including children or older relatives, make sure your photographer/videographer has experience working with families.
Recap and Call to Action
Planning a family-friendly elopement is all about balancing the intimacy of your love story with the joy of sharing it with the people who mean the most to you. By choosing the right location, incorporating thoughtful activities, and planning with intention, you can create an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
And remember, your elopement is about celebrating your love in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to you. Whether that means a sunrise hike with your parents, a picnic with your kids, or an intimate ceremony with just your closest loved ones, the possibilities are endless.
If you’re ready to start planning your family-friendly elopement in Colorado, we’d love to help! As experienced Colorado elopement photographers and videographers, we specialize in capturing the beauty of your love story and the joy of your family’s involvement. Reach out to us today, and let’s make your dream elopement a reality!
Need a Colorado elopement planner, photographer and videographer? Hit us up!
We’re here to support you in your journey. Whether it’s just the two of you eloping at the top of the mountain or with your family at an accessible alpine lake, we’re here to help make it happen. To provide truly authentic experiences and the highest quality elopement films, we only accept a very limited number of intimate weddings and elopements each year.
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For that reason, we read every inquiry and respond within 24-48 hours to get started as soon as possible on making your dream skiing elopement a reality. The more information you give us here provides us with an opportunity to craft a more meaningful film, personalized experience, and overall awesome relationship with you and your partner :)