The idea of eloping and celebrating your love, on your own terms, is so exciting! It can be intimidating too (we get it!), especially on the hairy question of who to invite. You’re likely wondering just how many guests to have at your elopement, and how to decide who makes the cut.

During the uncertainty of the pandemic, more and more couples turned to the freedom of elopements and the concept of adventure elopements is definitely here to stay! Elopements are all about chucking tradition out the window if it doesn’t work for you, and having a meaningful wedding your own way. 

To help you start planning, here’s our guide to how to decide who to invite to an elopement!

The big question: Just how many people should you invite to your elopement?

Is it okay to have guests at an elopement? Of course! In our experience, we believe the ideal guest count for elopements is 15 guests or less, including you two. Limiting your numbers is key as it allows you lots of quality time to connect with your guests. Keeping it tight also means the guests in attendance will feel so honoured and you can say your vows surrounded by those who matter most to you. 

Small numbers also mean your wedding isn’t going to become a show or performance which many couples hate the idea of, especially if you’re naturally more introverted. 

Many couples also love the idea of a traditional elopement, meaning just the two of them. It’s heartfelt, romantic, and you’re out in epic nature, declaring your vows with honesty and love. Honestly, nothing else matters.

Your elopement guest list may also be dependent on your location. 

As adventure elopement experts, we’re all about meaningful celebrations out in the wilderness! If you’re planning to elope in Western Australia with us, we’ll take you to national parks and remote areas across the gorgeous South West. This naturally limits your numbers and also ensures everyone will be comfortable! 

If you love the idea of a remote elopement in the South West but feel like not having any guests would be an issue, The Wild Original package is an excellent option! We can arrange your intimate ceremony, in a gorgeous but accessible location for up to 13 guests. 

Then, we’ll whisk you away, ‘safari style’ on an unforgettable adventure in our little blanky Landy (just the two of you!) so you can soak up all that newlywed magic! 

Then, regroup later with the others for a fun dinner or celebration, giving you the best of both worlds … that important family time combined with the solitude you crave. We can even hook you up with a chef in Pemberton who will open up his winery for a private mini-reception! 

But what about Uncle Joe and the cousins? No stress! Here’s how to manage the family situation.

Ok, the BIG question: family! Can you have family at your elopement? Absolutely, but we know couples are worried about pushback from parents or relatives who may not be invited.

Here’s how to handle it.

First, you can totally invite your parents or a close friend to be your witnesses. Or, we are always honoured to step into that role too! However, what couples often do is elope on their own, or with just a few guests, then plan a celebration later in the day, or a few days later, where you invite your nearest and dearest. 

Or, some couples find that their families understand after seeing the rugged beauty of the elopement photos with the remote scenery, helping them appreciate your choices. 

You could even tell your guests that they’re attending an engagement party, then surprise them with the news of your wedding! However, we know family dynamics can be tricky, especially if one of you has a small fam and the other is large. Feel free to reach out to us for advice as we’ve seen this many times and we’re here to help and support you, every step of the way.

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At the end of the day, the decision of how many guests for an elopement comes down to you! If you only want your vows to be heard by one another or if the thought of inviting certain people causes you stress, that’s completely ok. Let us help you find a way to make it work for you. Reach out!