Elope?

Eloping is a beautiful way to get married. I understand your parents wanting to be there, but ultimately this is your wedding day and it should reflect what you want. If it wouldn’t be too much of a hassle to include the parents, maybe do it for peace of mind, but if you’re wanting to do an adventure elopement or travel somewhere for it then certainly you don’t need to. Especially since you will be celebrating with them afterward.

That's a tough one! I understand how your parents would want to be there, but it will definitely still be intimate because it's going to be just them and no one else. So, it really is completely up to you guys because it really is your day. Personally for me, if I had eloped I would have at least wanted my parents to be there. My husband on the other hand, would've been fine if it was just the two of us.

We “eloped” with our parents after all the COVID craziness last year. My parents are divorced and I had both my dad (who brought his aunt as he was going through a divorce) and mom and stepdad along with my husband’s parents. I say that if you have your parents there, you need to include step parents as well as biological.


However, if you want it to be just the two of you, that is absolutely acceptable. The parents would just need to accept your decision if that’s the case.

I don’t think you should disclude (don’t think that’s a word) the stepparents. You if you invite parents you invite all 6.
I just want to add this Information. My parents ran away and got married without telling my moms parents (yes different than telling and not Including). My grandmother is still bitter about it 36 years later. She brought it up during my wedding planning. Just keep that in mind. I personally suggest including parents. They look forward to your wedding day just as much as you do. I know I’ve never seen my dad smile as much as he did during my wedding.

I love the idea of eloping. I would include the stepparents though just because it’s kind of their plus one. But it’s always entirely up to u and ur fiancé. Best wishes.

If you are going to invite people I would definitely include step-parents unless your fiance has real issues with one of them.

As far as your FIL and mother not being supportive, they kind of just need to get over it. Your wedding/elopement is 100% about you and your fiance. My husband and I did a courthouse marriage without telling anyone ahead of time. Luckily everyone was really supportive and excited when they heard. We are still planning the big wedding for 2023, but arent jumping at the chance to tell everyone we know we're already legal.

Ultimately, do whatever is going to make the two of you the most happy. Its your marriage, not your parent's. They may be disappointed, but they will ultimately get over it. Maybe down the line you can have a party or dinner or something and invite other friends and family if you think that will help the family thoughts around the elopement.

I eloped, I think it’s worth it. We had our parents there, but I would have been fine with or without having them. My wife wanted them to be there, and I am glad that we did have them because it was nice to see them. Still holding out for when we can have a reception and celebrate with the rest of the family but this COVID thing just keeps trucking on!