Eloping doesn’t have to mean leaving your loved ones out of the picture. It’s your day, your way—but if sharing your special day with family matters to you, there are so many fun ways to include them without losing the intimacy and magic of your elopement. Let’s dive into this guide full of How to Include Family in Your Wisconsin Elopement.

Host a Small Celebration Dinner Afterward

Imagine this: You’ve just exchanged vows at a gorgeous Wisconsin State Park. Afterward, you head to a cozy dinner spot with your closest family and friends. Whether it’s a private room at a local restaurant, a backyard barbecue, or renting a pavilion this post-ceremony party is the perfect way to celebrate with your closest friends/family. Keep it low-key or make it a whole thing—it’s your call!

Share Your Vows Live Over Zoom or Face-Time

Technology is your bestie when it comes to including family that can’t be there. Set up a livestream of your ceremony so your people can witness your ceremony in real time. Bonus points if you send them a little “elopement viewing kit” with snacks, tissues, and a program to make them feel like they’re there with you. This is such a fun way to let them join your day without physically being there.

Have Family Write Letters to Read During Your Ceremony

If your family can’t be there in person, their words can still be part of your big day. Ask them to write letters for you to read during the ceremony. You can take turns reading them aloud or keep them private for a quiet moment together. It’s a heartfelt way to have them be a part of your day, even if they’re far away. Trust me, you’ll be grabbing for tissues!

Wear a Family Heirloom, Include It in Your Bouquet, or Sew it in your Jacket

This is such a sweet way to carry your family’s love with you. Maybe it’s your grandma’s locket, your dad’s tie as a wrap for your bouquet, a collage of photos to remember your loved one sewed into your jack, or a piece of fabric from your mom’s wedding dress sewn into your outfit. These little details pack so much meaning and keep your loved ones close to you on your wedding day.

Plan a Post-Elopement Photoshoot with Everyone

Who says the celebration has to stop after your elopement day? Plan a family photoshoot a few days or weeks later. It’s a perfect excuse for everyone to get dressed up and celebrate your love. This is especially great for extended family who might not have been part of your elopement, but still want to feel connected to your day.

Your elopement is all about you and your partner—but there’s always room for meaningful connections with the people who mean the most to you. Whether you include them in person, virtually, or in spirit.

Ready to start planning your dream Wisconsin elopement? Let’s chat and make it everything you’ve ever imagined! Get in touch HERE.