Blog Post Title Four

So, you're eloping. Hell yes.

You’re ditching the stress, the seating charts, and the "but what about the napkin colour?" convos and choosing something that feels more you. Intimate, intentional, and 100% no fluff. But—plot twist—you still kinda want your fave humans to be part of it. Just… not all of them.

We get it. Eloping doesn’t mean you don’t love your people. It just means you're doing your wedding your way. The good news? There are plenty of ways to include the VIPs in your life without turning your elopement into a full-blown guest-list-palooza.

At Cherry Bomb Chapel, we can host you and your VIPs in a super stylish way (that's way better than any Registry Office).

Here’s how to have your cake, elope, and let them eat it too.

1. Have a conversation with your loved ones

So many well intentioned elopements are unravelled by the ones we love most “you can invite arnty Jan without inviting all 47 second cousins?”

They’re not our to derail your plans, they just see things different to you. Have a conversation early, explain why its importaint to you and how you value the most important people being there. The others wont miss out, just their experience will be different.

2. Use the bundles of cash you saved, and spend on a photographer / videographer

Its not just warm and fuzzy memories you’ll create with a banging photo/ video team, but an epic story to share with friends and family.

Talented photo and video peps are experts in telling a story that people will feel. For those not there, the experience can be just as exciting with a ‘not so cringy’ gallery of cool moments that truly represent your intimate elopement.

3. Say It With a Video Message

Record a cheeky post-ceremony message or film yourselves reading your vows again. Send it out the next day with a “SURPRISE—we did the thing!” caption and let them feel like they were right there with you. Kind of.

Even better? Hire a videographer and serve them a highlight reel that’ll melt their hearts and shut down any lingering FOMO.

4. Throw a Post-Elopement Bash (Big or Tiny)

You don’t have to skip the celebration—just shift it. Plan a party later. Backyard BBQ, boujee dinner, karaoke in your lounge room, hell—even a destination weekend with your crew. You’ve got options.

Bonus: you’ll already be married, so zero pressure. Just vibes.

5. Let Them Be Part of the Pre-Party

Let’s be real—some people live for the lead-up. So let them help! Bring your bestie dress shopping. Ask your sister to help pick flowers. Let Mum proofread your vows if she’s the sentimental type. Getting people involved before the big/little day lets them feel included, without you needing to give up your elopement dreams.

6. Mail Something That Hits 'Em Right in the Feels

Snail mail is alive and thriving when it comes with wedding joy. Send out “we did it!” postcards, mini photo prints, or even a retro announcement card with your wedding selfie on the front. Add a handwritten note and boom—they’ll be sobbing into their morning coffee.

oment. It’s low effort and high vibes—and a great excuse for a pre-wedding prosecco.

Bottom Line?

Eloping doesn’t mean cutting people out. It just means you’re flipping the script and writing your own damn story. You can still bring your ride-or-dies along for the ride—just with a little creativity and a lot less stress.

And trust us, when your people see how happy you are (and how freakin’ cool your photos look), they’ll get it. Promise.