How to Tell Your Family That You're Eloping
There are a wide variety of reasons why couples may choose to elope. Whether you want a “just us” type of experience, don’t want the stress of potential family drama, or any other reason, it can be difficult to break the news to people that a big traditional wedding isn’t in your future. While that can be an intimidating conversation to have, it’s incredibly liberating and often not as scary as you may think. There are several ways to make this announcement not only tolerable, but something that brings everyone closer together.
Distinguish what is true
If you are choosing to elope with just your partner, just your parents, or even a small but intentionally selected group, it’s normal for people to feel disappointed or confused when they hear they may not be a part of your day. It’s important to give them grace and understand that this may be a bummer for them to hear. Part of the initial upset often stems from simply not being fully informed or understanding, so an easy, and honest, remedy is to clearly distinguish what this means and what it doesn’t. Choosing to elope doesn’t mean you don’t love them, value their support, or want to celebrate with them. It also doesn’t mean you can’t include them. Check out this post to see ways you can still include family and friends in your elopement. Remember, you don’t have to justify your decision to elope, but you can provide some clarity to help them understand why you’re choosing to get married this way. Just because they might not be part of your elopement day, doesn’t mean they can’t be part of your experience. Let them know they can still be included and as you move forward, enjoy all the ways that people who love you can support you.
This simple formula can help provide relief, joy, and mitigate any initial disappointment when sharing your elopement news with loved ones. Choose courage and celebrate freely!
Hey, I’m Warren and this is my why behind everything I do!
I believe this is where it all starts and is at the heart of everything, so let me tell you. I have a soft spot for sentimentality and I think love is awesome. I’m so grateful that I discovered photography early in life because I’ve been able to document my own journey in a creative fashion. For that reason, I have a strong passion for giving that same experience to others and take great pride in getting the responsibility of documenting their stories. Each picture has a story or feeling behind it and I love to capture that novelty. Arresting those moments in time allows us to remember and feel more intensely. I know how much I value that and enjoy passing that along to others through photography. I would love to be a part of telling your story.