When it comes to eloping, it seems like there’s always been a stigma surrounding it. Many people assume that couples elope because they don’t want to deal with family, wedding planning stress, or spending oodles of money. While all of those may be the case for some couples, it’s not the case for every couple. (Not sure if you should elope? I have a BLOG to help you decide!) But if you happen to already know you’re eloping with the love of your life, you’re probably wondering how to announce your elopement to your loved ones. I know that you are a unique couple. So I know your wedding day will be just as unique. Why not announce your big day in a special way, too?! As a full-time elopement and intimate wedding photographer (and a bride who is ELOPING), I’ve got you covered. 

I’ve heard it time and time again from my elopement couples. “We know that we want to elope, but we don’t know how to tell our families.” Look, I get it! It’s hard to not get wrapped up in the opinions of others, especially when it comes to planning your wedding. But in case nobody has told you yet – you do not need to let the opinions of others dictate how you are going to get married (or how you feel after-the-fact). 

Another question I get asked by my couples is, “when should we tell people we are eloping?” There’s no easy answer to this question; it is whatever feels right in your heart. If you plan to tell people before you elope, know that you may get some (unsolicited) advice, planning help, and support. But if you prefer to announce your elopement afterwards, you can experience all the excitement and celebration from your friends + family. 

How to Announce Your Elopement

1. Have an “engagement” party + celebrate your decision with your friends and family.
2. Drop hints that you’ve decided to have an intimate day prior to your elopement, and include people in the planning process.
3. Tell everyone after you elope! Surprises can be super fun, and it’s a great way to avoid those unsolicited opinions.
4. Video chat the night after you say “I do” to surprise your people!
5. Send “We Eloped!” cards to your loved ones.
6. Gift mini wedding albums to your people for holiday gifts to help them feel like they were there.
7. Throw an after-party where you announce that you’re married!

How to Explain to Why You’re Eloping

First and foremost, you need to know that you literally owe nobody an explanation. However, it might make you feel better to be prepared to answer those tough questions. Consider these responses when people ask why you are eloping:

1. We want to spend our wedding day doing our favorite things together.
2. It’s important that our day is very intentional and intimate. A big party isn’t something that we feel is “us”. 
3. We don’t want to spend money on a big party. 
4. The money we would’ve spent on a big wedding would be better spent going towards _____.
5. Adventure is really important to us, so we want to say “I do” in an epic location/our favorite place.
6. We want to avoid the stress of planning a large wedding.
7. We would rather celebrate with family + friends at a later date. 

Saying “yes” to your person is truly one of the sweetest things! Planning your big day together is special and intimate, no matter how you look at it. You deserve to find peace and joy however you decide to announce your elopement. I urge you to soak up every second of planning your elopement. 

Still looking for more planning tips? CLICK HERE for additional elopement resources! And as always, you can find me on Instagram (@sydneybreannphoto). Are you ready to wander?