Eloping is all about creating a wedding day that feels true to you, and if you have children, including them can make it even more special. While the idea of bringing little ones to an elopement might seem overwhelming, with the right approach, it can turn into a heartwarming, unforgettable experience. Whether you want to share intimate moments, capture genuine emotions, or simply keep the day stress-free, there are plenty of ways to make your celebration smooth and joyful. In this Polka Dot Wisdom guide from photographer, Liam Quinn, he is offering 5 Meaningful Ways to Include and Calm Children at Your Elopement. Here are some simple, yet thoughtful ways to ensure your children feel involved, happy, and at ease – so your big day is as magical for them as it is for you. Thank you in advance to Liam for the beautiful accompanying photographs! 

Eloping is an intimate and deeply personal way to celebrate your love, and if you have children, including them in your special day can make it even more meaningful. Small moments can create big emotions, and ensuring your children feel involved, calm, and excited will only add to the magic of your day. Here are five ways to make your elopement a heartfelt family experience.

  1. A Special First Look or Private Moment

Just like couples often have a “first look” before the ceremony, you can create a quiet, intimate moment with your children. This could be a heartfelt reveal of your wedding attire, a shared exchange of small gifts or handwritten notes, or simply a warm hug and reassurance about the exciting day ahead. These personal moments help set the tone for an emotional and meaningful experience.

  1. Get Ready with Your Kids

Including your children in the getting-ready process makes them feel like an essential part of the celebration. Let them help with small tasks like picking out accessories, buttoning up a jacket, or even styling their own outfit. If they love being pampered, consider making it fun by doing their hair together or letting them wear something special that matches you. These candid moments not only create beautiful memories but also meaningful, emotional, and authentic photographs.

  1. Have a Designated Support Person

Elopements are meant to be relaxed and free-spirited, but having a trusted friend, family member, or even a babysitter on hand can be a game-changer. A designated support person can entertain younger children, help with snacks and breaks, and ensure they feel comfortable throughout the ceremony. This allows you to stay fully present and soak in every moment, knowing your children are happy and cared for. You gotta have a witness for your ceremony, so why not make use of them as a support person too!

  1. Adventure Together After the Ceremony

One of the best things about eloping is the freedom to create a day that truly reflects your family’s vibe. Plan a post-ceremony adventure that your children will love! Whether it’s taking a short walk to a scenic viewpoint, splashing in the ocean, roasting marshmallows by a campfire, or having a cozy picnic, including them in the fun makes the day even more memorable. These adventures not only bring out genuine joy but also create incredible candid photo opportunities.

  1. Keep Snacks, Drinks, and Activities Handy

Children can become restless or overwhelmed, so keeping their favorite snacks and drinks available can help prevent any mid-ceremony meltdowns. Bring easy-to-carry, mess-free treats, and don’t forget water to keep them hydrated. Additionally, small activities like a colouring book, their favourite toys, or a comfort item can help them stay engaged and happy throughout the day. Items like bubbles or flower petals are great ways you can get the children involved in creating fun moments. Thoughtful planning makes for a stress-free experience, allowing everyone to be fully present and enjoy the moment.

Eloping with children can be a beautifully personal and bonding experience, but that doesn’t come without its challenges. By including them in meaningful ways and ensuring they feel comfortable, your elopement becomes not just about your love as a couple but also about celebrating the family you’ve built together. With a little planning, patience, and creativity, your elopement can be a joyful, unforgettable adventure—one that’s captured in a way that feels truly you… after all, your day should be your way.

About the author: Liam Quinn is a British-born Australian photographer, capturing weddings and elopements for couples looking for something different. With a love for retro Adidas, a passion for collecting records, and an obsession with all things Melbourne weddings, Liam brings a unique and rebellious energy to his work. With over six years in the wedding industry, he knows it like the back of his hand – weddings are his JAM. As a dad, husband, musician, and soccer fanatic, he understands the beauty of real, unscripted moments. His photography is all about the imperfect, the spontaneous, the powerful, and the emotional – because every celebration has a story worth telling. It’s photography, but not as you know it, because Liam isn’t your average photographer.