6 Tips on How To Tell Family & Friends You’re Eloping in 2023

CONGRATULATIONS ON MAKING THE BIG DECISION TO ELOPE!!! I know it can be terrifying to make that decision when it comes to your wedding, but eloping is TRULY the best way to get married! I mean, having an intimate and small day all about you and your partner, doing the things you love instead of throwing a party for everyone else? YES PLEASE!!

It takes an astronomical amount of courage to decide what’s best for you and your partner, and to decide to have a wedding day that’s “non-traditional” and let me just send you all my hugs (and some tequila shots) for making that decision.

I have a serious question for you though… how many of your family members and friends are already HOUNDING you both about details for your big day?

Are they already loading all their expectations onto you both? Are they expecting you to do things for your wedding day that just isn’t you?

You might be asking yourselves, “how on earth do we even tell them we’re eloping instead, if they’re already giving us their expectations for our day?” and don’t worry… I have some answers for you!!

Trust me, it can be hella scary to tell the people you love that you’re eloping instead. But it’s all about communication baby!! I’m here to walk you through the BEST tips to telling your people that you’re eloping while also staying true to your decision as a couple. So keep on reading for tips on how to tell your family you’re eloping!

ALWAYS REMEMBER, AT THE END OF THE DAY, YOUR WEDDING DAY IS ALL ABOUT YOU AND YOUR PARTNER. THIS IS YOUR LOVE STORY. IT’S FREAKING OKAY TO ELOPE AND HAVE YOUR WEDDING DAY BE EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT IT TO BE, NO MATTER WHAT.

Tip #1: Tell Them In Person Instead of Digitally!

It can go a LONG ways to tell them you’re eloping in person instead of over the phone or through a text message. Invite them out for coffee, visit them at their homes, whatever makes you and your partner the most comfortable! Speak from the bottom of your hearts and show them how excited you two are to have made such a big decision! That excitement is CONTAGIOUS !!!

Tip #2: Explain Your Reasons for Eloping to Them!

This is completely up to you, and while you DO NOT need reasons to elope, it can help them to understand your decision. Explain to them how you want to put money towards an experience and traveling somewhere new, or to avoid being in the spotlight, or literally any reason that made you decide to elope!

Tip #3: Tell Them AFTER You Get Married!

If they tips above freak you out or you don’t think that your friends/family will take it well, just tell them AFTER your elopement and honeymoon!! You need to do what’s best for you both. If it makes you less stressed to just do whatever the hell you want without judgement from your family, don’t tell them until after!

BONUS TIP: Create a photo album of your elopement experience for them to keep!! So they can live through that day with you.

Tip #4: Include Them In Your Elopement in OTHER Ways!

If it fits your vision for your dream elopement day, think about including them into the planning process!! This is a great way to still have them feel included into your elopement, without having them physically there. Here are some of my favorite ways you can include them:

• Go wedding attire shopping with them!
• Allow them to help you pick out your florals/colors/etc!
• Have those closest to you write letters that you read on your elopement day.
• Facetime them on your elopement day!
• Hire a professional elopement videographer/photographer and host a party back home after your big day to show off those stunning photos and videos!

Tip #5: Have an Announcement Party After You Elope!

Instead of just telling everyone you eloped after the fact, consider throwing a party when you get back!! This is the perfect chance to show off your elopement photos, have everyone watch your elopement video (you could rent out a private movie theater even to do this!), and allow them to celebrate that with you!!

Tip #6: Remember That This is YOUR STORY and YOUR DAY.

No matter what you and your partner choose when it comes to telling your family and friends, remember (always remember) that your elopement is about you and your partner. That’s it. End of.

THIS IS YOUR STORY.

YOUR DAY.

YOUR LEGACY.

I can only hope that those tips above help give you that guidance to make the right decision with how to tell (or not tell) your family and friends that you’re eloping!

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Samantha Burke is a traveling adventurous elopement photographer and experience creator for the adventurous badass soulmates that’s based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota! She’s also an educator for fellow photographers that are wanting to grow their business! Samantha is a travel addict that’s always looking for somewhere to run away too! Sam is also obsessed with Star Wars, Marvel, and Chai Tea! Please contact Sam if you would like to have her be your elopement photographer or if you have any questions!