Eloping in Colorado provides a unique opportunity for a deeply personal, intimate wedding experience, away from the traditional wedding frenzy. Many couples choose this route to create a more relaxed, meaningful celebration of their love—just the two of them.However, one common concern for some couples who want to involve their loved ones is how to include family and/or friends in the process. The great news is that there are plenty of ways to include your family into your Colorado elopement, whether they’re able to attend in person or participate virtually. Elopements are all about doing things your way, so if involving family is part of that vision, you can absolutely make it happen!

If you’re wondering how to include your family into your Colorado elopement, you’re not alone. While elopements are typically associated with small, private ceremonies, there are many creative ways to make your loved ones feel part of the day. Whether it’s through heartfelt letters, virtual participation, or even inviting them to share in a post-ceremony celebration, there are countless ways to make your family feel involved. Here are six thoughtful and meaningful ways to include your family into your Colorado elopement.

1. Ask Your Family to Write Letters for the Ceremony

One of the most heartfelt ways to include your family into your Colorado elopement is by having them write personal letters that can be read during or after your ceremony. This small but deeply meaningful gesture gives your loved ones the opportunity to share their well-wishes, marriage advice, and heartfelt thoughts on your wedding day. Whether these letters are from parents, siblings, or close friends, they can bring a personal touch to your elopement that’s difficult to replicate.

How to Include Your Family Into Your Colorado Elopement with Letters:

• Request letters in advance: Reach out to your family members and ask them to write letters in advance. You could ask them to share marriage advice, words of wisdom, or even their favorite memories of you as a couple.
  
• Plan to read the letters aloud: At some point during the day, take a moment to read the letters aloud to each other. It’s a beautiful way to bring your family’s love and support into the day, even if they’re not physically present.
  
• Incorporate them into the ceremony: You can either read the letters yourself, have your officiant read them, or ask close family members to do it on your behalf. You might even decide to frame the letters afterward as keepsakes.

The Benefits:

• Adds a personal, sentimental touch to your ceremony.
  
• Allows loved ones to contribute meaningfully to your elopement, even if they can’t attend.
  
• Helps you feel more connected to your family, whether they’re near or far.

2. Use Technology to Include Your Family via Video Call

If some of your family members can’t make the trip to Colorado, don’t worry—you can still share your special moment with them by incorporating technology into your ceremony. Virtual participation allows your loved ones to witness the event in real time, no matter where they are in the world.

How to Include Your Family Into Your Colorado Elopement with Virtual Technology:

• Choose a location with good service: Make sure your ceremony site has phone service or Wi-Fi. If you’re getting married in a remote location, consider booking an Airbnb or venue with internet access for an easy live stream or video call.
  
• Test the technology ahead of time: Before the big day, do a thorough test of your connection to ensure there are no surprises. Check for a strong Wifi signal or phone service to make sure your family can hear and see everything clearly.
  
• Set up a screen: Place a laptop, tablet, or phone in a location where it’s visible to both you and your officiant, so that you and your family can interact. You can even display a message on the screen to let them feel more involved in the moment.

The Benefits:

• Allows family members who can’t travel to still witness your ceremony live.
  
• Creates an inclusive experience for your family, regardless of distance.
  
• Easy to set up and doesn’t require much extra effort to make it work.

3. Invite a Small Group of Close Family and Friends to Attend in Person

If you’re looking to keep the intimate, private nature of your elopement but still want to include a few loved ones in person, this is one of the best ways to include your family into your Colorado elopement. Many couples opt for a small group of close family or best friends to join them on their special day, and it can create a beautiful and memorable experience. Looking for small wedding venues in Colorado for your elopement? This blog dives into our favorites!

How to Include Your Family Into Your Colorado Elopement with In-Person Attendees:

• Keep the guest list small: Limit the guest list to just a handful of your closest family members or friends. Consider inviting your parents, siblings, or a couple of lifelong friends. This keeps the ceremony personal while still allowing you to include those who matter most.
  
• Give your loved ones roles: Involve your family in the ceremony by giving them small tasks. For example:
  • Have someone read a special poem or a meaningful quote.
  • Ask a family member to hold the rings during the exchange.
  • Invite someone to lead a unity ceremony, such as a candle lighting or sand ceremony.
    
• Celebrate afterward: After the ceremony, spend time with your family by going on an adventure together or sharing a meal. This allows you to continue the celebration without the pressure of a traditional reception.

The Benefits:

• Offers a perfect balance between intimacy and family connection.
  
• Lets your loved ones play an active role in your special day.
  
• Keeps the vibe relaxed, allowing for meaningful moments without the stress of a large wedding.

4. Host a Post-Ceremony Family Celebration

If you want a private ceremony but still want to celebrate with family afterward, consider hosting a gathering once your elopement ceremony has concluded. This is a wonderful way to include your family without compromising the intimacy of your elopement.

How to Include Your Family Into Your Colorado Elopement with a Post-Ceremony Celebration:

• Have a private ceremony, then celebrate together: After exchanging vows in your secluded Colorado location, invite your family to join you for a celebratory dinner or gathering. You can meet them at a local venue, or rent a cozy cabin to host a casual get-together.
  
• Consider an Airbnb or private venue: If you’re getting married in a more remote area, renting an Airbnb or lodge can be the perfect place for a post-ceremony celebration. You can hire a private chef to cook a memorable meal, or even plan an outdoor BBQ with your loved ones.
  
• Incorporate fun activities: Consider adding an adventure element to your post-wedding plans. You could go hiking, wine tasting, or do something that everyone can enjoy together.

The Benefits:

• Keeps the elopement intimate while still allowing for a family celebration afterward.
  
• Lets you relax and enjoy your time with family in a non-traditional setting.
  
• Gives you the flexibility to design the experience on your terms.

5. Turn Your Elopement into a Two-Day Adventure

If you’re torn between having an epic adventure and including your family, consider extending your elopement into a two-day event. This allows you to enjoy the intimacy of a private ceremony on the first day and celebrate with family on the second day. It’s the perfect balance of personal time and shared memories! This is exactly how Kaylyn and Holden decided to celebrate and you can read all about their two day adventure elopement in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado here.

How to Include Your Family Into Your Colorado Elopement with a Two-Day Celebration:

• Day 1: Adventure Elopement: Spend your first day embracing the adventure you’ve dreamed of. Whether it’s hiking to a scenic mountain top, backpacking through a forest, or kayaking on a serene lake, enjoy your special day doing what you love—just the two of you.
  
• Day 2: Family Celebration: On the second day, gather your loved ones for a celebration. This could be another ceremony or simply a gathering where you exchange the same or different vows in front of your family and friends. You could also host a celebration meal afterward.

The Benefits:

• Gives you the opportunity to enjoy both a private elopement and a family celebration.
  
• Provides more time to bond with your family without feeling rushed.
  
• Allows you to create a memorable, adventure-packed experience for both you and your loved ones.

6. Have a Private Adventure for Your Vows, Then Meet Up with Family Later for a More Formal Ceremony is a Great Way to Include Your Family Into Your Colorado Elopement

For couples who want the best of both worlds—a deeply personal vow exchange and a joyful family celebration—all on the same day, a hybrid elopement can be the perfect solution. This way, you can have an intimate and meaningful experience exchanging vows in a beautiful Colorado location, just the two of you, and then afterwards, meet up with family for a more formal ceremony and celebration. It’s the perfect blend of adventure and connection, all wrapped up in one unforgettable day!

Step 1: Private Adventure Elopement in the Morning

• Choose a stunning Colorado location that’s meaningful to you as a couple, whether it’s a remote mountain peak, a quiet lakeside, or a scenic valley. This is your time to get away from the hustle and bustle of the world, focus on each other, and enjoy the serenity of your surroundings.
  
• Start early in the day with a relaxed pace, whether you’re hiking to the location, driving along scenic roads, or even arriving by horseback. There’s no rush—this is about the two of you sharing your most intimate promises in a peaceful, natural setting.
  
• During the ceremony, you can exchange personal vows, laugh, cry, and reflect on the journey that brought you together. Take as much time as you need to fully immerse yourselves in the moment, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
  
• Afterward, spend some time alone, whether you’re taking photos, hiking further, or simply soaking in the beauty around you. This part of the day is all about you and your partner.

Step 2: Meet Up with Family for a Celebration Ceremony in the Afternoon

• Transition into the family celebration by meeting up with your loved ones right after your private ceremony or later in the day at a designated location. This could be a local venue, a beautiful outdoor space, or even a cozy lodge or cabin. The key here is that you’ve already had your private vow exchange, so this ceremony is more of a celebration of your commitment in front of those you love.
  
• Re-exchange vows or have a symbolic ceremony. While your initial vows were personal and private, the family ceremony is a chance to express your commitment in a different way. You might say a few words about how meaningful your elopement experience was or reaffirm your vows with a special twist that includes your loved ones.
  
• This ceremony could include special rituals like a unity candle, handfasting, or a ring blessing, where family members play a role in your celebration.
  
• After the ceremony, celebrate with a relaxed reception. Now that the vows are exchanged and you’ve enjoyed the most intimate moment of your day, the celebration begins! This is the time for speeches, toasts, cake-cutting, and dancing with family and friends. Whether it’s a small gathering with a casual BBQ or a more formal dinner, this celebration is all about having fun and connecting with those who matter most to you.

Step 3: Adventure + Celebration in One Epic Day

• The beauty of this format is that it allows you to have both a private and shared experience without the stress of multiple days or a drawn-out event. Your adventure elopement and your family celebration are seamlessly intertwined, creating a day that feels both intimate and festive.
  
• Flexibility is key. For example, you might begin the day with a sunrise ceremony at a mountain top, then transition into a family gathering in the late afternoon or evening. Or, you could start with a private ceremony at a secluded spot in the morning, followed by an afternoon celebration at a nearby venue.

The Benefits of a Private Adventure Elopement + Family Celebration on the Same Day:

• Intimacy and Connection: Your private vow exchange in the morning gives you the space to be fully present with each other. There’s no rush, no distractions, just the two of you and the stunning Colorado landscape.
  
• A Balanced Celebration: After your private ceremony, you can transition to a family celebration where your loved ones can join in your joy, making the day feel special for everyone.
  
• All in One Day: For couples who want the best of both worlds but don’t want to stretch the celebration over multiple days, this approach ensures that everything is packed into one unforgettable experience.
  
• No Stress of Traditional Wedding Planning: With a private ceremony and a relaxed family celebration afterward, you don’t need to deal with the pressure of organizing a traditional wedding. It’s a celebration that is true to you, your love, and your unique vision for the day.
  
• Flexibility in Timing and Style: You can decide how much time you want between your private vows and the family celebration. Whether you opt for an early morning ceremony and a late afternoon reception or a slightly later start with a mid-day vow exchange, the schedule is entirely up to you.
  
• Keeps the Focus on What Matters: By breaking the day into two parts, you can fully embrace your private elopement in the morning without worrying about guests or schedules. Then, in the afternoon, you can switch gears and celebrate with your family in a way that feels equally meaningful.

Example Sunrise Timeline for Your Private Adventure + Family Celebration:

4:50 AM: Meet at parking lot to caravan to trailhead

4:55 AM: Arrive at trailhead

5:00 AM: Start hike to ceremony location

6:00 AM: Arrive at ceremony location. Change into wedding attire

6:10 – 7:30 AM: Sunrise portraits with private vow reading

7:30 AM: Start our hike back to cars

8:00ish AM: Arrive at cars. Head to parking lot to meet family at 8:45 AM.

9:15AM: Ceremony starts

9:30 AM: Ceremony ends

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Family portraits

10:30 – 11:15 AM: Additional portraits/picnic/champagne pop

11:15 AM: Photography and videography services end

Example Sunset Timeline for Your Private Adventure + Family Celebration:

10:15 AM: Meet at Airbnb in Breckenridge for getting ready coverage

10:30 AM: Getting ready coverage

11:15 AM: First look at Airbnb

11:30 AM: Drive to trailhead

11:45 AM: Arrive at trailhead. Start hike stopping for portraits in the Aspen trees along the way.

1:30 AM: Start our hike back to the cars

2:15 PM: Arrive at cars, head to ceremony location

3:00 PM: Arrive at ceremony location in Breckenridge

3:10 – 3:30 PM: Private ceremony and vow exchange at ceremony location in Breckenridge

3:30 PM: Family meets us at ceremony spot

3:30 – 4:00 PM: Family portraits 

4:15 PM: Head back to Airbnb for cocktail hour

5:00 PM: Arrive at Airbnb for cocktail hour

6:00 – 6:30  PM: Dinner coverage

6:30 PM: Photography services end

7. Hire a Videographer to Capture Your Elopement

We may be a little biased, but we think hiring a Colorado elopement videographer is a great way to include your family in your Colorado elopement! If some loved ones can’t attend in person, a video allows them to still be part of your special day. A videographer will capture everything—from your vows to the adventure—creating a beautiful video you can share with family afterward.

How to Include Your Family Into Your Colorado Elopement with Video:

• Document your adventure and vows: Hire a videographer to capture your entire elopement day from start to finish. From your personal moments, getting ready, the ceremony, and the adventure that follows. This gives your family a way to experience the day through video.
• Create a highlight reel: After your elopement, you can share a short highlight video with your loved ones. It’s a beautiful way for them to relive the moments you shared, even if they couldn’t be there.

The Benefits:

• Allows family members to feel included, even if they can’t attend.
• Gives you a way to relive the memories and share them with others.
• Perfect for capturing both your intimate ceremony and the adventure that follows.

What Ways Would You Include Your Family Into Your Colorado Elopement?

Eloping in Colorado doesn’t mean you have to exclude your family. There are countless creative and meaningful ways to include them in your Colorado elopement. Whether you choose heartfelt letters, virtual participation, or an intimate celebration with loved ones, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The key is to consider what feels best for you and your partner, and find ways to include your family that feel authentic.

Remember, how you include your family in your Colorado elopement is entirely up to you! Your elopement day is about celebrating your love in a way that feels true to you, which means you get to decide how, when, or even if to involve your family. From virtual participation to small in-person gatherings, you have the freedom to create the perfect wedding experience that your loved ones can be a part of.

Ready to elope in Colorado? Reach out to us here to start planning your dream elopement!