One type of wedding that is on the rise in popularity are elopements. But that doesn’t mean eloping has to happen without the little ones. If you are thinking about eloping with kids and family, then look at getting married in a location that has kid friendly things-to-do. You will not only get married in this beautiful place, but you’ll be definitely catering for your kids to enjoy the trip. Here are some of the best elopement locations packed with fun and kid friendly activities to keep everyone entertained while you get your fairy tale inspired wedding.
1. Walt Disney World, Florida
Why It Works for Elopements: Walt Disney World is the epitome of magic, which makes it a fabulous environment to say I Do in if you and your Honey are looking for an enchanted setting. Disney has a range of intimate wedding packages for small weddings, at beautiful locations like the gardens of Grand Floridian Resort or pavilions near Epcot.
Kid-Friendly Attractions: No mention of Disney World would be complete without mentioning that it is every child’s dream job to visit the park. Disney makes sure that the kids are kept busy for days on end with amazing rides, character meet-and-greets and interactive experiences. Little ones will enjoy their first ride on Dumbo or enter the immersive land of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Extra Tip: Organise a photoshoot in which the park will be equivalent to your model. Some of these backdrops are super iconic and will make your photos stand out!
2. San Diego, California
The Beach Babes Why It Works For Elopements: With all of its fairy tale beaches, you’ll find elopement perfection in San Diego (oh heeeey forever sun-kissed photo ops) Grand cliffs overlook La Jolla Cove, while peaceful sands line Coronado Beach. Not to mention, San Diego is home to some of the most high end private venues in which you can have your ceremony as an intimate or special and exclusive experience.
Family Fun: From family adventures at the San Diego Zoo, to kids’ play-and-learn areas, and water parks we have many attractions ready for all. And after your ceremony, they can visit the world-famous attractions including San Diego Zoo, Legoland and SeaWorld. The USS Midway Museum (which has aircraft displays and hands-on activities) is another option, ideal for older kids. And don’t forget the beaches! San Diego offers calm waters, warm sand and family fun in the sun.
Bonus Tip: Think about renting a beach house for the week. That way everyone gets to spend the holidays together hanging out in celebration.
3. Hawaii, Oahu
Why It’s Great for Elopements: Hawaii is a dream elopement location, making it one of the best destinations to get married. Especially Oahu based, with beautiful beaches along the coastline and greenery into mountains including waterfalls for an infinite possibility of where to get married! A place strewn with welcoming locals and endless vibes of “Aloha,” you simply cannot go wrong here for an elopement sans stress that feels both peaceful, yet so right.
For the Kids: If you are travelling with kids, Oahu is loaded with activities for them. Go snorkelling, even kids can join in the serious action at Hanauma Bay with its vivid underwater life. You can take the family to visit The Polynesian Cultural Center For a very interactive and educational experience, or head over to the famous Dole Plantation for an afternoon in which you will be able to walk through their beautiful gardens as well as ride on their Pineapple Express Train.
Bonus Tip: How awesome would it be to offer a traditional Hawaiian blessing at your ceremony?
4. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona: One of the most mysterious red rock locations, offers amazing backdrops for your necessarily private ceremony. With the choice of a quiet desert location, or one of the scenic overlooks with panoramic views that serve as stunning backdrops to your ceremony It also has a B&B look to its style and it is known for the spiritualist element in Sedona, which makes people appreciate when they want an elope wedding that feels tranquil.
Family: Sedona has certainly got its fair share of stuff to do outdoors, which makes it a great destination for families. The grandkids can even enjoy jeep tours around the red rocks or sliding adventures at Slide Rock State Park. Here in Sedona are the Out of Africa Wildlife Park and its Safari rides, a great experience for children to see animals out here.
Pro-Tip: Planning a sunset elopement makes the red rocks glow all golden and it’s perfect for photos!
5. Banff National Park, Canada
Why It’s Great for Elopements: As a great open-air couple, you two nature darlings can’t show improvement over Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies on your wedding. With Banff’s unspoilt beauty, you can create a romantic backdrop to your day by saying ‘I Do’ on the edge of a tranquil lake or amidst sheer mountains in an alpine chalet.
Family Fun: Banff is full of family friendly excursions. Traipse up Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola with a ride to the top in one of its enclosed gondolas, where kids will be captivated by views over huge white peaks. Another family favourite is the Banff Upper Hot Springs, a peaceful way to wrap up a day of adventure. During winter, make sure you also dedicate some time to ice-skating or maybe tobogganing with the kids.
BONUS TIP: if you can, bring a local photographer to guide as well show the best hidden places in Banff for your elopement photos.
6. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
The Great Outdoors Lovers If the great outdoors are a big passion in your life too, then Yellowstone National Park is an amazing place to sneak off and elope. Its geothermal features, beautiful scenery and a diversity in the landscape has provided us with an opportunity to experience a unique elopement location. Exchange vows with nature Reveal, under the sun or in between a geyser shadow by your feet all of yourself to one another.
Kid-Friendly Highlights: Yellowstone may just be the ultimate playground for budding adventurers. Seeing Old Faithful erupt or going into the bright Geysers Grand Prismatic Spring is sure to thrill kids. For an outing more adventurous, try out one of numerous family-friendly park hikes. There are also ranger-led programs and junior ranger activities that allow kids to take a deeper dive into the rich wildlife of Park Chae Son.
Bonus Tip: Book your ceremony early in the day for a less crowded beach; plus you will get beautiful light!
7. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Best for Elopements: Lake Tahoe is a breathtaking locale, ideal throughout the year and making it an exquisite location at any time of your elopement. Whether you are searching for a lakeside ceremony, or wooded retreat (or even a winter wonderland) Tahoe has it! Who can resist a ceremony with clear blue waters and snow capped mountains, the perfect setting for your romantic vows.
Kid Friendly Things to Do: Lake Tahoe is Kid Central; it has activities galore that will satisfy kids of all ages. The summer here means boat rides on the lake, dips in that frigid glacier water and some sandcastle building action along the beach for your family. This time of year, the area becomes a wintery paradise with activities for every age range including sleds, skiing and snowboarding.
Bonus Tip: You can also book a boat ride for an intimate family elopement on the lake—an unforgettable experience that will amaze you as well your kids.
Conclusion
You could elope and still get your family holiday, it just requires some thoughtful consideration of where to go. which is good both for love and children. What Disney dreamer are you: the one with fond memories of that first experience he had as a child discovering enchantment at Disneyland or Walt Disney World and wanting to relive those moments again with his kids? In addition, if you and your children participate in the elopement it will build memories for everyone.
