Including Family in our Michigan Elopement

Written by: Brandi Lynns

October 8, 2024

October 8, 2024

HOW TO INCLUDE FRIENDS + FAMILY IN YOUR MICHIGAN ELOPEMENT

When you think of eloping, the first thought is probably, just the two of you. While that is great, many couples want to include their closest friends and family in their Michigan Elopement without losing the intimacy of an elopement. So, how can you make the perfect balance between the two? Here are some creative ways to include your loved ones in your elopement, whether you’re saying “I do” in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan or another stunning Michigan location.

Are you thinking of eloping? Lets do it!

1. Invite a Small Group to your Michigan Elopement

You don’t have to keep it just the two of you! Many elopements include a small, intimate group of friends and family, usually around 10-20 guests. This lets you share the moment with your most important people while still keeping things low-key. A great option for a 2-day elopement!

2. Livestream the Ceremony

If inviting friends and family in person isn’t possible, you can still share the moment through technology! Live Streaming your elopement is a great way to include loved ones from afar. Set up a camera and invite your family to tune in via Zoom or another platform. This way, they can witness your vows in real-time, no matter where they are in the world. This option is particularly helpful for destination elopements. 

3. Host a Post-Elopement Celebration

Another popular option is to elope with just the two of you and then plan a party or celebration after at home, or the next day. This can be an informal backyard BBQ or a formal reception. It’s a great way to celebrate with those who couldn’t attend your elopement and allows you to create memories with a larger group of family and friends without the stress of having a big wedding day.

4. Include Special Family Traditions in your Michigan Elopement

You can still incorporate important family traditions, even if you’re eloping. Whether it’s wearing a family heirloom, having a “something blue”, or incorporating a unique cultural tradition, these details make your elopement feel deeply connected to your loved ones. It could be as simple as using your grandmother’s lace veil or asking your parents to share a reading during your ceremony.

5. Ask Loved Ones to Write Letters or Record Messages

For couples who want to elope privately but still feel the love from their family, one of my personal favorite options is to ask them to write letters or record video messages to be shared on your wedding day. You can read or listen to these messages before your ceremony, making your loved ones feel present, even from afar. It’s a heartfelt way to include family while maintaining the privacy of an elopement.

Eloping doesn’t mean excluding your loved ones—it’s about creating a day that’s meaningful to you as a couple. By incorporating some of these ideas, you can have the intimate ceremony you’ve always wanted while still making your friends and family part of the celebration. Whether it’s through a livestream or a post-elopement party, there are countless ways to share the joy of your elopement with those you care about most. Hope this helps! 

Meet your Elopement photographer!

Hey, I’m Brandi! Your bubbly and ever-smiling photographer, dedicated to crafting a positive atmosphere for my families and couples. An outdoor enthusiast, dog mom, and above all, I cherish freedom and independence in my life. I’m a full-time photographer and also manage Blue Diamond Travel Agency – both based in the picturesque Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

You can learn more about me, by clicking on this link! Hi, I’m Brandi! – brandilynnsphoto.com

My wanderlust knows no bounds – I’m ready to travel wherever necessary to capture the magic of your elopement or intimate wedding. 

HOW TO INCLUDE FRIENDS + FAMILY IN YOUR MICHIGAN ELOPEMENT

When you think of eloping, the first thought is probably, just the two of you. While that is great, many couples want to include their closest friends and family in their Michigan Elopement without losing the intimacy of an elopement. So, how can you make the perfect balance between the two? Here are some creative ways to include your loved ones in your elopement, whether you’re saying “I do” in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan or another stunning Michigan location.

Are you thinking of eloping? Lets do it!

1. Invite a Small Group to your Michigan Elopement

You don’t have to keep it just the two of you! Many elopements include a small, intimate group of friends and family, usually around 10-20 guests. This lets you share the moment with your most important people while still keeping things low-key. A great option for a 2-day elopement!

2. Livestream the Ceremony

If inviting friends and family in person isn’t possible, you can still share the moment through technology! Live Streaming your elopement is a great way to include loved ones from afar. Set up a camera and invite your family to tune in via Zoom or another platform. This way, they can witness your vows in real-time, no matter where they are in the world. This option is particularly helpful for destination elopements. 

3. Host a Post-Elopement Celebration

Another popular option is to elope with just the two of you and then plan a party or celebration after at home, or the next day. This can be an informal backyard BBQ or a formal reception. It’s a great way to celebrate with those who couldn’t attend your elopement and allows you to create memories with a larger group of family and friends without the stress of having a big wedding day.

4. Include Special Family Traditions in your Michigan Elopement

You can still incorporate important family traditions, even if you’re eloping. Whether it’s wearing a family heirloom, having a “something blue”, or incorporating a unique cultural tradition, these details make your elopement feel deeply connected to your loved ones. It could be as simple as using your grandmother’s lace veil or asking your parents to share a reading during your ceremony.

5. Ask Loved Ones to Write Letters or Record Messages

For couples who want to elope privately but still feel the love from their family, one of my personal favorite options is to ask them to write letters or record video messages to be shared on your wedding day. You can read or listen to these messages before your ceremony, making your loved ones feel present, even from afar. It’s a heartfelt way to include family while maintaining the privacy of an elopement.

Eloping doesn’t mean excluding your loved ones—it’s about creating a day that’s meaningful to you as a couple. By incorporating some of these ideas, you can have the intimate ceremony you’ve always wanted while still making your friends and family part of the celebration. Whether it’s through a livestream or a post-elopement party, there are countless ways to share the joy of your elopement with those you care about most. Hope this helps! 

Meet your Elopement photographer!

Hey, I’m Brandi! Your bubbly and ever-smiling photographer, dedicated to crafting a positive atmosphere for my families and couples. An outdoor enthusiast, dog mom, and above all, I cherish freedom and independence in my life. I’m a full-time photographer and also manage Blue Diamond Travel Agency – both based in the picturesque Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

You can learn more about me, by clicking on this link! Hi, I’m Brandi! – brandilynnsphoto.com

My wanderlust knows no bounds – I’m ready to travel wherever necessary to capture the magic of your elopement or intimate wedding.