How Do We Include The Children in Our Elopement Day?

Eloping With Kids Isn’t a Compromise—It’s an Expansion

Eloping doesn’t mean leaving your kids out—it often means bringing them closer into the experience.

More and more couples in Colorado are choosing elopements that reflect their real lives, not a staged version of love. And for many families, that means including children in the day in a way that feels intentional, meaningful, and—most importantly—low stress.

Whether you’re eloping with toddlers, teenagers, or a blended family, Colorado elopements offer flexibility, space, and freedom that traditional weddings just don’t. Planning a Colorado elopement is a way for everyone to genuinely have fun with the experience. This guide walks through how to include kids in your elopement day, with practical tips, creative ideas, and honest reassurance from someone who’s seen it all unfold beautifully in real life.

If you’re wondering whether kids can be included in a Colorado elopement without it feeling chaotic or stressful—the answer is yes, with realistic timelines and kid-friendly locations.

Quick Answer:
Yes, you can absolutely include children in a Colorado elopement without it becoming stressful. The key is choosing accessible locations, building flexible timelines, and letting kids participate in ways that feel natural rather than forced.

Why Include Your Children in Your Elopement?

Including kids in your elopement isn’t about obligation—it’s about honoring the family you already are.

Emotional Reasons

• Your children are part of your love story
• You’re modeling commitment, adventure, and intentional living
• It creates core memories they’ll carry forward (even if they don’t remember every detail)

Practical Reasons

• Elopements are naturally more flexible than weddings
• No pressure to sit still, be quiet, or perform
• You can build the day around your family’s real rhythms

In Colorado especially, elopements are less about spectacle and more about experience—which makes them incredibly family-friendly.

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How to Decide What Role Your Children Will Play

There’s no “right” level of involvement. The key is designing a day that works for your kids, not forcing them into a traditional wedding mold.

Questions to Ask Yourselves

• How old are your kids?
• What do they genuinely enjoy?
• How long can they comfortably be part of the day?
• Do you want them present for the ceremony, photos, or the full experience?

💡 Important reminder: Kids can be involved for part of the day and still be meaningfully included.

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Ways to Include Kids in Your Elopement Ceremony

Colorado elopement ceremonies tend to be intimate and relaxed, which opens the door for kids to participate naturally.

Some ideas:

• Walking with you or holding hands during the ceremony
• Helping hold or “warm” the rings
• Reading a short vow, promise, or family intention
• Standing nearby rather than being positioned perfectly
• Including a family vow or unity moment
• Ring warming or ring delivery

For blended families, this can be a powerful opportunity to acknowledge the family you’re creating together—without making it heavy or scripted.

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Making Your Colorado Elopement Kid-Friendly (Without Losing the Romance)

You don’t have to choose between romance and realism. With the right planning, you can have both.

Timeline Tips

• Build in buffer time for snacks, movement, and breaks
• Keep ceremonies short and intentional
• Plan high-energy activities earlier in the day
• Leave space for quiet moments (especially at altitude)

Location Considerations in Colorado

• Scenic overlooks with minimal walking
• Open spaces where kids can move freely
• Easy-access trails, lakes, or alpine meadows
• Areas with nearby restrooms or shelter options

Colorado offers everything from mountain passes to forest clearings to desert landscapes—there’s almost always a family-friendly option that still feels epic. Teaching kids how to care for the places you’re celebrating in—like staying on trails and respecting wildlife—can be a meaningful part of the day, and the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics offers simple principles that work well for families.

Comfort Is Everything

• Dress kids for the weather, not the photos
• Layers, snacks, water, and comfort items are essential
• Let kids wear shoes they can actually move in

For more info on permits, locations, and seasonal considerations check out my Colorado Elopement Planning Guide.

Safety Considerations with Children

When planning an outdoor elopement with children, it’s helpful to follow basic outdoor safety guidance—especially in unfamiliar environments—which the National Park Service outlines well for families exploring natural spaces.

Comfortable kids = calmer energy = better experience for everyone.

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What If Kids Aren’t Part of the Entire Elopement Day?

This is incredibly common—and completely okay.

Some families choose to:

• Include kids for the ceremony and family photos, then have them head off with a trusted adult
• Plan a half-day elopement where kids join at the beginning or end
• Spread the experience across multiple days, with one day focused on the couple and another on the family

This doesn’t make your elopement less meaningful—it often makes it more sustainable.

How to Kindly Include Adults Who Will Help With the Kids Without Inviting Them to the Ceremony?

In order to not include children in part of your day, you have to include (an)other adult(s) in the plan. This doesn’t always have to mean that adult is part of the experience at all. A trusted friend or family member could be there just for the children if you don’t want anyone but your little family to be part of your ceremony. Just be sure it’s someone you won’t feel bad not including – or that won’t make you feel bad for not being included in the ceremony.

• Have them be part of the getting ready part of the day before your ceremony
• Let them be part of the celebration part of the day after your ceremony
• Have a ceremony with all of them (children and adult helpers) included and then have a private ceremony for just you two once you’re off for your romantic adventure

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Preparing Kids Ahead of Time

A little preparation goes a long way. Including them in the pre-planning process and asking them what they’d like is huge in getting them excited, as well as giving them ownership in their parts of the day.

Set Expectations

• Explain what the day will look like in simple terms
• Let them ask questions
• Show photos of similar locations

Give Them Ownership

• Let them help choose an activity or spot
• Pick an outfit or accessory they’re excited about
• Give them a “job” so they feel involved

When kids feel included in the planning, they’re often more relaxed and excited on the day itself.

💡 Important reminder: Because many Colorado elopement locations sit at higher elevations, it’s smart to be aware of how altitude can affect children, and Children’s Hospital Colorado shares helpful guidance on hydration, rest, and acclimation.

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Tips for Stress-Free Elopement Photos With Kids

The best photos with kids aren’t posed—they’re connected.

• Focus on interaction, not perfection
• Movement > standing still
• Let kids explore, wander, and be themselves
• Build breaks into the timeline instead of pushing through

Some of the most meaningful images come from in-between moments: hand holding, shared laughs, quiet cuddles, and curiosity-driven exploring.

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Common Concerns (And Why They’re Normal) When You’re Wanting to Include Children In Your Elopement Day

“What if my child has a meltdown?”
That’s okay. It happens. Flexibility is built into elopements for this exact reason.

“What if they don’t want to participate?”
Participation looks different for every kid. Presence alone can be enough.

“What if the weather changes?”
Colorado weather always has opinions. Backup plans and adaptable timelines matter more than perfect forecasts. Mountain weather in Colorado can change quickly, so keeping an eye on forecasts and planning layers or backup locations is key—the National Weather Service is a reliable resource for up-to-date conditions.

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Why Elopements Are Actually Ideal for Families

Traditional weddings often require kids to adapt to adult expectations. Elopements flip that.

Colorado elopements allow:

• Space to move and breathe
• Timelines built around your family’s needs
• Experiences over performances
• A day that reflects real life—not a production
• Self solemnization – your child(ren) can act as your officiant AND sign your marriage license as witnesses. Check specific rules for the county in Colorado where you get your marriage license.

This is what makes elopements such a powerful choice for families.

Real Family Elopement in Colorado

click the photos below to view gallery examples

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Your Elopement, Your Family, Your Rules

There’s no template for what a family elopement should look like—and that’s the beauty of it.

Whether your kids are front and center or part of just a portion of the day, what matters most is creating an experience that feels aligned, intentional, and true to your family.

If you’re dreaming of a Colorado elopement that honors both your relationship and your role as parents, thoughtful planning makes all the difference.

If you’re planning a Colorado elopement with kids and want help creating a day that actually works for your family, you can explore my Colorado elopement packages here.