Your Ultimate Guide on How to Elope With Kids
Eloping with kids can be such a special and meaningful way to tie the knot
I had the chance to help Beth and Cory plan and photograph their elopement at Rocky Mountain National Park with their kids. It was a special elopement, joining their two families. Both the bride and groom had kids from prior marriages, and they did a great job of incorporating them into their day.
If you want your kids to be a part of your elopement, the planning process will require some extra thought and preparation beforehand. There are many different ways you can make sure your kids are involved in your celebration to create an elopement that aligns with your vision.
Let’s dive into how you can elope with kids and get a behind-the-lens look at Beth and Cory’s elopement.
How to Elope with Kids
Start with a conversation
Find a time when each respective parent and kids, or everyone as a group, can sit down and have a conversation about your elopement.
This is a great time to bring up any ideas you have for how you want them involved in your elopement. Asking them what they would like to do or participate in, is also a great way to incorporate kids. They may think of some really unique ways to be involved that never even crossed your mind.
For example, maybe they want to have a first dance with you, read a speech, walk you down the aisle, etc. There are many fun and meaningful ways that they can be a part of your elopement, and my advice is to be thoughtful about your kids and how you can include them.
During this conversation, give them space to ask any of their questions. Your kids might have a lot of emotions about your elopement - this is a good time to listen to how they’re feeling so you can talk about it and make sure they feel they are being heard. Going with the flow will be so important for everyone involved.
Choose a meaningful location
Almost every elopement guide tells you to choose a meaningful location and that is important, but when it comes to eloping with your kids, you also want to ensure the location is safe, enjoyable, and a special place for them, too.
For instance, you can consider eloping in your favorite park or natural setting (think beach, forest, mountains, etc.), at a small cabin or intimate venue, or at a destination that is meaningful to your new blended family, such as a vacation spot or a place you’ve all shared memories before or where new ones will be created.
Eloping with kids will require an extra layer of safety. If you are eloping in the mountains, is the hike up to the spot safe for them, or can they walk that far?
Consider choosing a private, but meaningful location that comes without crowds or distractions.
Also, if you have any downtime during your elopement, it’s a good idea to see if there are additional activities you and your kids can enjoy at the location you choose.
Plan your ceremony
How do you want your kids involved in your ceremony? There is no right or wrong answer and some of your kids may even want to be involved in different ways than others. Again, make sure you are having open dialogue with them As part of your ceremony planning process, you’ll need to choose an officiant. When you are going through this process, make sure that they know that your kids are going to be a part of your ceremony.
Also, if you want your kids to be a part of your ceremony, you could have them be the flower children or ring bearers, participate in a unity ceremony (e.g., a sand or candle ceremony where all family members contribute), say a few words, etc.
For example, Beth and Cory had a potted plant, which all their kids poured dirt and water onto before the ceremony. The ceremony is your chance to get creative! You can also have personalized vows that mention your kids and make a promise to your spouse and your children to affirm your commitment to them as a family.
Consider the practicalities
You’ll want to think about a few things to make your elopement with your kids easier and less stressful.
Childcare is definitely something you want to keep in mind. If you need time alone to get ready or do anything else on your wedding day, have a trusted friend, family member, or sitter who can take care of your kids.
Also, don’t forget meals and comfort. If you’re planning an outdoor or day-long event, you’ll want to pack plenty of snacks, water, and entertainment for the kids.
If you are traveling with your kids, give yourself plenty of time to plan the trip and find kid-friendly accommodations. In addition, plan to give everyone enough downtime to rest, nap, and snack, especially the children.
A wedding is a very overwhelming day not only for you but also for your kids. Remember, you are starting a new life with your partner, but they are also starting a new life with them as well.
Hire a Photographer/ Videographer
My advice when it comes to hiring a photographer and/or videographer is to hire someone who has experience working with kids.
When kids are involved, staying flexible is important, as they will move at a different rhythm. You will want to work with a photographer and a videographer who are both patient and great with kids of all ages.
With your photographer, talk about specific moments you want to capture before your elopement, such as photos of your kids during the ceremony, family portraits, and candid moments. Being flexible is key!
Another way to simplify your day is to keep the day more intimate. Elopements usually mean a small guest list already, but this doesn’t mean you can’t have close family or a few friends there to celebrate. You can invite grandparents or other family members to make the moment extra special.
Post-Ceremony
Once you’ve officially tied the knot, the fun doesn’t have to stop. There are so many things you can do with your family and any guests you invite to make the day even more special.
Consider planning a special meal (e.g., picnic or restaurant), taking a family-friendly activity like a hike, or doing something fun that your children will enjoy.
For instance, Beth and Cory decided to go on a small hike where all the kids could enjoy themselves.
Think about what you can gift each kid involved in your elopement, too. You can get each kid a keepsake from the day, such as personalized jewelry, a memory box, or a family handprint art project.
Notify close friends and family later
If you’re planning an elopement without a formal wedding, you may want to have a surprise announcement to friends and family after the event. You can send a personal announcement or host a small post-elopement celebration (like a barbecue or party) to share the good news.
This is becoming very popular and something I always encourage with my couples!
Document the story for your kids
Of course, as a photographer myself, I recommend having a photographer and videographer capture your celebration.
In addition to a photographer and videographer, you can also write down the story of your day or create a scrapbook for your children to understand why your elopement was such a special event. You and your family will cherish a story or scrapbook for many years to come!
Legal considerations
You want to ensure that your elopement is legally recognized if you’re marrying in a destination that requires specific paperwork or rules for couples with children. This may include completing marriage licenses before or after the ceremony.
Fun fact, I am ordained and can sign your marriage license if you decide to exchange personal vows!
Colorado is also a self-solemnizing state, so you can technically get married without an officiant! Since Colorado also doesn’t require witnesses to sign your marriage license, you can have your kids sign it to remember the day and the start of your new family together.
Be sure to check your specific county, though, as some counties will have slightly different rules than others!
Example Elopement Itinerary
Here’s an example elopement itinerary that can be customized with kids:
Morning: Family breakfast and get ready. Travel to the location and prepare for the ceremony with family or friends who plan to attend!
Late Morning: Ceremony with officiant, vows, and children’s involvement.
Lunch: Family photos, family hike/walk, or another activity.
Afternoon: Break for everyone, including naps!
Evening: Celebration dinner with your kids, close family members, or a larger party!
Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement with Kids
Beth and Cory got married at Rocky Mountain National Park, which was the perfect spot for them to say “I do” while surrounded by their kids. During their elopement, they were able to involve their kids in many different ways, and they shared meaningful and fun moments together.
Rocky Mountain National Park was a great spot to plan their elopement. The surrounding area offered plenty for the kids to enjoy, from running next to the water to hopping across rocks and playing next to the picnic shelter. I helped them plan each part of their day, from the location to a short, family hike!
If you’re looking for the perfect outdoor place to elope, Rocky Mountain is a great choice. There are a ton of different trails and spots that are easier to access, and even if you have smaller kids, they can still be involved in the day!
Now You’re Ready to Elope With Your Kids
I hope you found this guide on how to elope with your kids helpful! By blending a small, intimate ceremony with the inclusion of your children, you can create a beautiful and memorable experience that honors both your love and your new family dynamic.
Also, if you want an elopement and intimate wedding planning timeline and checklist to help you with your elopement planning, check out the resource I’ve created here.
Ready to have a wedding experience where you embrace genuine, true moments and have those captured? Then, let’s start dreaming and planning your true elopement or wedding day in Texas or beyond! You can get in touch with me here or learn more about my services here.
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