How to tell your Family you're Eloping

TIPS FOR HOW TO TELL THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE THAT YOU'RE ELOPING

RAE ANN PHOTO | ELOPEMENT & INTIMATE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | NEW ENGLAND & BEYOND

Yay, you're engaged!!! Congrats! Now you're probably in the planning stages and you're realizing that you just want to elope together, alone in nature. While this might be a natural and easy decision to make, telling your loved ones might not be. You might have already gotten many opinions about your wedding from close family members. It can be daunting to tell your family about your decisions to elope but just know that this is your wedding day! The most important thing is to stay true to yourself and how you are as a couple.

Below I'm going to share some of my ideas on how to tell your family you're eloping!

Tip 1. Remember that the day is yours

• Your family can have endless opinions about how to have your wedding but just remember that the day is yours and you can have the most epic adventure while staying true to yourselves. Your family might not understand why you're making the decision to elope. You are not getting married to cater to 100 people, throw big, elaborate parties for guests or conform to tradition. Someone who cares and respects you will understand your wants and needs for your wedding day. Eventually your family will come around and understand.

Tip 2. Prepare for negative reactions

• Not everyone will be as stoked for your to elope as you are. Try not to take it personally though! It can be super disappointing for your family to hear that you're taking a different path for your wedding. Make sure to participate in active listening and help them understand your decisions to elope.

Tip 3. Help your family understand why you want to elope

• Share your emotions and explain why eloping is the right decision for you. Whether it's about intimacy, wanting to avoid stress, finances, personal preferences, or practical considerations, make sure your family understands your perspective.

Tip 4. Tell your family in person

• It's always best to communicate in person no matter what. Telling your family that you're eloping would be best to do when you're together. Find a good time and place to have a chat with them in a relaxed setting.

Tip 5. Keep them involved

Even if you're eloping there are still ways to keep your family involved. Here are a few ways that might help:

• Go dress shopping together

• Have a big celebration afterwards with your family

• Get ready together

• Have a first look with your family

• Have your family write letters to you and read them during your ceremony

Tip 6. Document the hell out of your day

The photos from your day will last a lifetime and will be what you get to show your family and friends after you elope together! Hire an elopement photograph you feel comfortable with and vibe with to make your experience amazing. Share your beautiful images with family and friends to show them the emotion of the day and how this reflects your relationship.

At the end, eloping together should be your choice so make sure to stay true to your decision. Not everyone will agree with your choice but just remember that you're a badasses for making this decision together. Everyone deserves a meaningful, intentional day full of adventure and epic experiences. If you have any other questions or thoughts, feel free to leave them in the comments below!