Guest List or No Guest List? A Guide to Elopements with Loved Ones

So You Want Guests at Your Elopement? Here’s What to Know.

Elopements have evolved so much from the old-school idea of running off to the courthouse or jetting to a Vegas chapel without telling a soul. These days, eloping often just means choosing a smaller, more intentional way to get married—one without all the frills and pressure of a big wedding.

A lot of couples I work with still want to involve a few close friends and family members in their day. And honestly? I don’t blame them one bit. Andrew and I were the same way when we planned our own intimate wedding back in 2023.

We kept our guest list to 50 people—partly for budget reasons, but mostly because we value quality over quantity. We wanted people there who knew us. I remember telling Andrew early on, “In my experience as a wedding photographer: more people, more problems.”

Okay, that’s not always true—but it stuck. And you get the gist.

By the time our wedding rolled around, the list had grown to 75 guests. That meant a bigger venue, more money toward food, drinks, cake, and… one of the biggest arguments we had during the whole planning process.

Now here we are, 2.5 years into marriage and when we look back? We both say the same thing:
We should’ve just f*cking eloped. 😂

Let me be clear—there’s absolutely something beautiful about saying your vows surrounded by loved ones. I even wrote a blog post about how some of the most meaningful photos I take are of couples with their families and friends (check that one out too!).

But I also want to offer an honest look at the potential challenges of bringing guests into your elopement experience.

So from our personal story and nearly a decade of working in the wedding industry (three of those focused solely on elopements and intimate weddings), here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Location Matters

Let’s be real: a tiny overlook or roadside pull-off isn’t ideal for 25 guests. And places like Cades Cove? Absolutely stunning—but there’s zero cell service. Coordinating 30 people to meet at one specific spot on time? It’s a gamble.

Some areas in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park also have strict regulations about guest counts and events, so it’s crucial to choose a location that actually works logistically and legally. 👇🏻Download my indoor location guide to get a feel for some of my favorite guest and weather friendly locations ✨

Indoor Location Guide Download

2. Organization is the Cake. Communication is the Icing.

You need both to have a sweet day. My role as your planner is to coordinate vendors, prep elopement items, deliver details, and manage the timeline—so you can just enjoy. But even with all that, one of the biggest keys to a smooth day is making sure your guests understand the vibe.

Not every guest knows what an elopement actually entails. So take time to explain the type of experience you’ve chosen, what your day will look like, and what kind of expectations they should have (i.e. no assigned seats or five-course dinners here). Educating your guests can be the difference between stress and celebration.

3. Priorities, Priorities, Priorities

One of the first questions I ask every couple: What are your top two priorities for your day? If intimacy and emotional connection are at the top of that list, it might be worth rethinking having 30 people there. More people doesn’t automatically mean more love—and often, fewer guests means a deeper experience.

So, Should You Have Guests at Your Elopement?

There’s no right or wrong answer—it’s all about what feels true to you. Whether you want a ceremony with just the two of you in a misty forest or a joyful celebration with your closest friends and family gathered in a field at sunset, the day should reflect your values and your relationship.

The best advice I can give? Be honest about your priorities. Be realistic about your logistics. And don’t be afraid to redefine what a “wedding” is supposed to look like.

Thinking about including guests in your elopement? Drop a comment below and let me know—what matters most to you on your wedding day? Would you go intimate, invite your crew, or somewhere in between? I’d love to hear your thoughts.