How to Elope With Kids?


Eloping with kids is such an awesome way to include your closest little ones in your elopement day. Many couples reach out to me and wonder if that is even possible and the answer is YES! People throw big wedding with kids, why can't you have a small and intimate elopement with them. Of course there are a few logistic that have to be considered to make the day easy and smooth but the best thing about eloping is that you set the rules, the tempo and expectations. Your kids are such an important part of your family and they should be part of your wedding day if that's what you want.


So how do you really elope with kids?

A romantic outdoor wedding ceremony takes place against a backdrop of majestic mountain peaks at sunset.
A cowboy and child sit together on a rustic wooden fence with mountain peaks and desert landscape in the background.
A couple shares an intimate moment during their desert wedding with towering red rock formations in Monument Valley.
A wedding ceremony takes place on a red rock cliff with majestic desert mesas rising in the background.
A wedding party poses against the stunning backdrop of Monument Valley's red rock formations and desert landscape.
A small wedding ceremony takes place on a red rock overlook in the desert with dramatic cliffs in the background.
A wedding ceremony takes place in front of majestic red rock formations at Castle Valley, Utah.

Tips When Eloping With Kids


Here are some tips from my previous eloping couples and from myself, a mom of a young girl.

  • If you're having destination elopement make sure you allow yourself for a few days extra days before your wedding to relax, get used to the altitude, new space and surroundings. Kids are very adaptable but they also love routine, so make sure there is time for that.
  • pick elopement locations that are kid friendly...and yes, you can still have adventure elopement with a kid. When I say kid friendly I mean trails that aren't too long or rocky, weather that isn't too extreme, towns that have playgrounds or attractions and so on. That also means pick the time of a day that is not too hot and sunny or too cold.
  • probably the most important one is..have family member or a friend come with you to help you take care of your child. My most successful elopements with young children were those where the kids stayed for the ceremony and portraits and then the couple had time to enjoy the rest of their wedding day and photo coverage.
  • take it easy on your elopement day and plan activities around your kid/s. Perhaps plan a picnic, easier hikes or timeline that allows for changes and many breaks.
  • depending on age include something kids would love, that could be a cake or other fun activity that would still allow you for some time for each other.
A couple celebrates their outdoor wedding ceremony with champagne toasts at a rustic venue surrounded by trees.
A group of wedding guests enjoying a sunny outdoor celebration in a natural setting.
A couple in wedding attire stands together in a wooded setting holding a small child wearing a floral crown.
A group wearing white and light colored clothing poses outdoors in a natural setting near trees and water.
A series of tender moments between a parent and child sitting together on a sandy beach in white clothing.
A young child in a white lace dress playfully touches someone's face in a sunny outdoor setting.

Best Elopement Locations When Eloping With Kids


If you want to know best elopement locations in Utah, read my previous blog.

  • Utah I have to put Utah on the list. Why? Utah is very kid friendly and with 5 National Parks and many states it makes for an easy choice. The weather in Utah is great...almost year round and if you have older kids who love to ski...Utahs has some of the best skiing resorts in the country. Moab is probably my favorite elopement location with kids because of the Arches and dinosaur tracks older kids love.
  • Wyoming- I shoot elopements in the Tetons more than any other place and Jackson is a great place to bring your kids. There are many attractions for kids from being on paved paths, hiking, paddle boarding, wildlife safaris, horseback riding to just relaxing in town.
  • Colorado - CO makes for perfect elopement destination with kids for so many reasons. For older kids it has so many outdoor activities, for your younger kids it offers many very accessible locations and comfortable towns with all the supplies you'll need.