Are You Eloping to Avoid Family Drama?

Are You Eloping to Avoid Family Drama?

There is just something about a wedding that seems to bring out the worst in families! It’s no surprise that a growing number of couples are eloping to avoid family drama! In all the time we have been collecting reasons to elope, avoiding family politics has always featured near the top of the list! But, what happens when eloping to avoid family drama ends up triggering a whole new drama in the family? Let’s talk about dealing with upset family members when you choose to elope.

When Eloping to Avoid Family Drama Backfires!

We recently came across the story of April & Liam, a young couple who eloped in Las Vegas in June 2023. April shared a video of their elopement on social media only to receive a scathing email from her new Mother-in-Law calling her abusive and ugly, seemingly horrified to have her marry into their family! Giving further context, April shared that the family does not approve of her because she does not share religious beliefs, so perhaps it wasn’t the choice to elope that caused the attack. It’s likely she would have been unhappy with plans for a traditional wedding too. However, this type of reaction from families is more common than you might think!

Skipping Out of Family Drama

Another bride-to-be recently took to an online forum for advice claiming that her future mother-in-law had launched an all-out war after she was not invited to the bachelorette party! The groom had already caused upset by refusing to use his mother’s ring to propose and now she was determined to put her stamp on the wedding by any means possible, pushing her opinions on everything from the dress to the venue. With the bride also pregnant with her first child, the pressure was becoming far too much. The advice she was given overwhelmingly pointed to ditching the wedding and eloping instead. Especially since the mother-in-law was already threatening to not attend!

How to Avoid Upsetting The Family

If you are eloping to avoid family drama, you may have concerns that your family will react badly. However, it is important to remember that this is your wedding and you should choose whatever makes you happy. Your family may be upset at not being included but in most cases the family will come around once they understand your reasons for choosing to elope. Often the upset comes from not finding out about the wedding until aftwerwards. That’s why we recommend talking to your closest family beforeheand. This way you have the opportunity to expalin the reasons behind your choice. If they truly have your best intetests at heart they will want what makes you happy. Some couples throw a party after eloping to serve as a wedding reception, allowing the family an opportunity to celebrate.