Image by Cedar & Pines. See more of this real wedding here.

From mountaintop elopements to DIY backyard elopements—we love them all. We can’t think of a more romantic and adventurous way to tie the knot. With smaller guest-lists and endless ways to skip the stress of big weddings, more couples are opting for private elopements and micro weddings. These ceremonies are anything but traditional, but that doesn’t mean you have to skip family involvement. You can have both—it’s your wedding day after all. 

For couples who are dreaming of eloping but don’t want to give up the presence of loved ones we’ve got you covered. Here are eight heartwarming ways to incorporate your loved ones, from early planning stages to post-ceremony celebrations. 

1. Include Loved Ones In The Preparation Process

From wedding attire shopping  to curating the perfect wedding day itinerary, there are many details that go into planning an elopement. Incorporating family and friends in that process checks things off your to-do list and allows them to play a meaningful role without being physically present on your big day.

2. Recruit Family And Friends To Help With DIY Projects

Every couple dreams of a wedding day that perfectly reflects their personal tastes. That’s where DIY projects come in. Getting family and friends together for crafty DIY projects can save money while creating unique touches that set your wedding apart from the crowd. 

Image by Abigail Renee Photography. See more of this real wedding here.

3. Incorporate Family Heirlooms

Wearing a family heirloom—like Grandma’s timeless diamond necklace or Dad’s vintage cufflinks—is the perfect way to carry loved ones with you for your big day. Family heirlooms don’t have to be cherished pieces passed down from generation to generation. There are many items like dazzling hair pieces, belt buckles, or even socks you can incorporate as a nod to your loved ones.

4. Have A Friend Or Family Member Officiate Your Wedding

A wedding planning detail that often gets overlooked is selecting the officiant. With weddings getting smaller, many couples are looking closer to home for their  officiant. Nerves can get overwhelming as you’re reciting your vows—even in intimate settings. Help calm them by having someone important to you both standing near you. 

Having a loved one officiate will also give your vows more meaning and personality. This a trend that has become increasingly popular and we don’t see it going away anytime soon. 

Image by Victoria Carlson Photography. See more of this real wedding here.

5. Hire A Top Notch Photographer And Videographer

Those not physically in attendance will be attending vicariously through your wedding day photos and videos—so be sure to hire a top notch photographer and videographer. 

A simple and meaningful gesture would be allowing family members to get a sneak-peak first look at the photographs before they are posted anywhere online. It’s a great way to show their importance and for you to share the cherished memories behind your dreamy photos.

6. Stream Your Ceremony Live

For couples opting to elope, but struggling with missing that family element—this one’s for you. No matter where you exchange “I do’s” a virtual ceremony, through apps FaceTime or Zoom are the perfect solution. 

Whether you FaceTime your crew while getting ready or wait to pop open your laptop during the ceremony, your loved ones would love to celebrate the newlyweds in real time. 

Image by Victoria Selman Photographer.

7. Read Letters From Loved Ones During The Ceremony

Letters from loved ones add a sentimental and emotional touch to your elopement. Whether you chose to read them prior, during, or even after the ceremony, it’s a great way for family members to express their love and support on your big day. 

Image by  Maggie Grace Photography & Summer Leigha Photo. See more of this real wedding here.

8. Host A Post Elopement Celebration

An intimate ceremony followed by a larger celebratory party—we can’t think of a better way to kick off a marriage. This is the best of both worlds for couples dreaming of an elopement and still wanting to involve loved ones. Not to mention, it’s a perfect chance to share the wedding video, photographs, and stories from your special day. 

For all weddings,  big and small, Junebug is here to make wedding planning a painless and joyful experience. No wedding is one-size fits all and no matter where or how you tie the knot, there are many heartfelt ways to include everyone in your life. 

Image by Sergio Alcala Photography. See more of this real wedding here.

If you’ve been inspired to trade the stress and potentially high costs of a large wedding, we are here to help. Check out more special elopement ideas and these inspo-worthy elopements that prove less is more for your big day.