Eloping in Florida is what you’re envisioning and you finally decided to follow your gut and just go for it! Hell yes you little rebel you! You’re ready to ditch the cookie cutter wedding and plan a day that’s completely yours… a bad ass tropical adventure, intimacy, and zero stress about seating charts or plus-ones. But now comes the hard part: telling your family.

Breaking the news can feel like walking a tightrope, especially if your family has been dreaming about a big traditional wedding since you were like five. But don’t sweat it.. eloping in florida is what you have your heart set on so here’s how to share your plans with confidence, clarity, and maybe even get them excited about your choice.

1. Own Your Decision (and Your Excitement About Eloping in Florida!)

First things first, be confident. This is your day, and you’ve chosen to celebrate your love in a way that feels true to you. When you tell your family, frame it as something you’re excited about. Instead of apologizing or downplaying it, say something like:

“We’ve decided to elope because it’s the perfect way for us to focus on what feels right to our love and we want to start our journey in a way that feels true to us. We’re so excited about this day and can’t wait to share all the photos and experience with you.

When you lead with positivity, it sets the tone for how they’ll respond.

2. Tell Them Together

Breaking the news as a united front shows your family that this isn’t just your idea, it’s a mutual decision that reflects who you are as a couple. Sit down together, either in person or on a video call, and share your plans. Seeing both of you excited and aligned can help soften the blow for anyone who might feel surprised or disappointed.

3. Acknowledge Their Feelings

Let’s be real, some family members might feel hurt or left out. And that’s okay. Give them space to share how they’re feeling, and let them know you hear them. Try something like:

“We know this might not be what you expected, and it’s okay to feel that way. We’ve thought a lot about this decision, and it’s what feels right for us. I truly hope you can support our decisions and be happy for us.”

Acknowledging their feelings doesn’t mean you’re changing your plans. It just shows you respect their perspective while staying true to your vision.

4. Share the Why Your Eloping in Florida

Your family might feel more supportive if they understand why you’re choosing to elope. Share the deeper meaning behind your decision. Maybe you want an intimate day where you can fully connect without distractions, or you’re dreaming of exchanging vows in a stunning location that’s meaningful and symbolic to you both. Help them see this isn’t about excluding them but it’s about celebrating your love in a way that feels authentic to you.

5. Involve Them in the Journey

Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean your family can’t be part of the experience. Consider ways to include them before or after your elopement. Here are a few ideas:

• Host a casual celebration or dinner after you return to share photos and stories from your day.
• Invite close family to be part of the ceremony if that feels right for you. Eloping can involve your nearest + dearest if you want it to. Remember this is about doing what feels right and true to you!
• Ask for their help in planning a small detail, like picking out a meaningful accessory.
• Asking them to write a letter to you or to make a video for you to read / watch the day of your elopement.

Giving them a role, even a small one, can help them feel valued and connected.

6. Remind Them: It’s About Love, Not Logistics

At the end of the day, your wedding is about celebrating your commitment to each other and not about sticking to a traditional script. If someone gets caught up in the “shoulds” of weddings, gently remind them:

“This day is about our love and the life we’re building together. We’re choosing to elope because it reflects who we are and what matters most to us. Loving us means understanding and respecting our choices in how we want to start our marriage.”

Logistics of an elopement are handled by your elopement photographer and there are no shoulds over here just a bunch of high fives, epic adventures, and hype to do it your way. Ready for me to not only photograph your elopement but also help you plan it?! Let’s shake things up!

7. Lean on Your Support System

If you know certain family members are going to be extra opinionated, lean on the people who do get it. Your partner, your best friend, or even your elopement photographer (hello!) can be a sounding board when you need to vent or get a pep talk. You’re not alone in this! If you’re ready to shake things up I am here to help, reach out!

8. Stick to Your Vision

Remember, you’re not responsible for managing other people’s expectations. This is your day, and you have every right to celebrate it in a way that feels right to you. Stay firm in your decision and know that the people who truly love and support you will come around.

Stay firm. Stay cool, calm, and collected. Stand your ground.

Eloping In Florida… Lets Do It!

Eloping is your chance to ditch the cookie-cutter script and write your own love story. Breaking the news to family might feel daunting, but remember… you’re choosing a wedding day that speaks to your souls, not someone else’s expectations. The people who matter will respect your courage to do things differently.

Need someone who gets your vibe and can help you plan an elopement that’s as epic as your love story? That’s where I come in. Let’s craft a day that’s all about you, adventurous, intimate, and unapologetically your style. Ready to make it happen? Let’s talk.