So, you’ve decided you want to elope…. Heck yeah, great choice!

Now it’s time to start planning your elopement outfits.

Choosing what to wear for your elopement should hopefully be a fun and exciting part of the planning process. However, we know it can also feel a little overwhelming! 

When there’s soooo many options out there, how do you go about choosing? What makes for a good elopement outfit? Is there such a thing as a bad elopement outfit? Where do you even start looking?!

Well, having planned and photographed well over 100 elopements, we know a thing or two about choosing your attire for the day…

In this guide, we’re going to share all our top tips for choosing your elopement outfits, both for the guys and the gals. We’re going to explain what you should consider when you’re trying on outfits, we’re going to share some advice for how to shop both in person and online, and – of course – we’re going to show you a ton of examples from past couples of ours who rocked their elopement outfits.

If you’ve got a particular kind of elopement outfit you wanna know more about, you can use the table of contents immediately below to hop to that section, or if you’re feeling pretty clueless and want all the info, just start at the start!

So, grab a drink, kick back and let’s start figuring out what your dream elopement outfit might look like….

Elopement outfit FAQs

Let’s start off with a little FAQ.

This is just the quick lowdown of the most commonly asked questions about elopement outfits.

You’ll find a TON more info – and lots of inspiration photos – as you read on.

7 Things To Consider When Choosing Your Elopement Outfit

1. Pick an elopement outfit that feels like ‘you’.

When you start wedding planning – looking at blogs, browsing Pinterest, searching on Instagram etc – you’re going to see a million ‘inspiration’ bride and groom outfits that all look like cookie cutter clones of each other. It’s very easy to be persuaded that you have to look a certain way on your wedding day.

And, you know what? That’s just not true.

If a more traditional look appeals to you, that’s beautiful. We’re not going to lie, we love a traditional white wedding dress as much as the next person.

But, if that doesn’t feel like you, if your gut is telling you that something a little different or alternative would feel better, follow that feeling!

The most important thing is that you feel confident and at ease in your own skin on your elopement day. Pick something that you feel really flipping good in.

So, if a colorful dress feels more in line with your personality, do it!! If you don’t want a long dress at all, that’s cool, too! You can totally rock a pant suit, jumpsuit or shorter dress.

2. Don’t be afraid that an outfit is ‘too much’.

There’s no such thing in our opinion!

We’re a part of a lot of elopement planning groups, and we often see couples – brides, in particular – who are worried that the outfit they really want to wear is too over the top for the environment they’re getting married in.

A full on wedding dress for the courthouse, for example.

Or a full-skirted ball gown out in the mountains.

But we say… Who cares?!

This is your WEDDING DAY and if ever there’s a time to wear the darned outfit, this is it!

We specialize in outdoor elopements and we truly love the juxtaposition of a really luxurious elopement outfit contrasted against the rugged beauty of the great outdoors. A sharp black tux in the red rocks of the Utah desert? Sharp. As. Heck. Or a flowing, ethereal wedding gown billowing in the wind amongst Colorado’s inspiring mountains? Can’t be beat.

So, that idea of ‘too much’? Ditch those thoughts right now!

3. Equally, don’t feel bad if you’d rather keep your elopement outfit more simple or casual.

Some couples are more casual by nature and the idea of getting all dressed up makes them feel uncomfortable, or really not like themselves. That’s the last thing you want on your wedding day!

So, if you’d prefer a more laidback, chill elopement outfit, go for it! 

You’re not wrong if you want to rock linen pants and a loose shirt, a short informal dress, or jeans and a blazer…

Do not be talked into wearing something other than what you truly want. (Bringing us back to point No.1!).

4. SET A BUDGET!!!! (Sorry about all the EXCLAMATION POINTS but this matters!).

There’s a few fortunate folks out there for whom money is no object and they can truly buy whatever elopement outfit(s) they want!

For the rest of us, budgeting is real and something you’re going to have to consider before you start shopping.

Set a price range that you feel comfortable working with and, for the love of all that is good in this world, do not – repeat do not – try on anything that is beyond that budget! It’s basically the law that you’re going to end up falling in love with it and feel heartbroken that you can’t afford it or you’ll end up blowing your entire elopement budget on your outfit and having nothing left for everything else.

Blow the budget and you might look great, but if you have no money for a photographer, travel, rings, activities, accommodation etc… Well, it just ain’t gonna work!

So, repeat after us: Stick. To. The. Budget. (repeat ten times if needed).

TOP TIP: if there’s a particular dress you reeeeeally love that’s outside of your budget, try looking on Still White. It’s a legit website selling pre-owned wedding dresses at massive discounts. Remember, most of those dresses have only ever been worn for a few hours and you can save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars!

(This gown is a Vera Wang worth thousands, bought used for less than $500 on Still White)

5. When choosing your elopement outfit, consider location and season.

When and where you’re eloping is inevitably going to have an impact on your choice of outfit.

Are you eloping in the heat of Summer, the cool of Winter, or something in between?

Are you eloping indoors or outdoors?

Are you eloping in an adventurous setting or in an easier environment?

Are you eloping in the mountains, in the desert, on the beach or in the city?

With these things in mind, you’ll want to consider things like sleeves or no sleeves, flowing or fitted, strapless or with more support, longer train or shorter train, veil or no veil etc.

6. How well can you move in your outfit? Is it COMFORTABLE?

Please, no matter how much you might love how it looks on you, do not choose an elopement outfit that doesn’t feel 100% comfortable. You’re going to be in it for hours and don’t want to be distracted by sequins that itch, a bodice that is too tight to breathe easily in, or a top that you’re constantly having to pull up.

This is especially important if you’re going to be eloping outdoors and might be hiking around, off-roading or otherwise dealing with more challenging conditions than a barn or ballroom. It’s not just comfort at this point, it’s safety. 

(This gown is made from a super stretchy lace, so looks stunning but is sooooo easy to move in)

7. Agree in advance on a rough style with your partner.

We don’t mean that your elopement outfits need to be all matchy-matchy, but it does help if they kind of coordinate or balance with each other.

For example, you probably won’t feel great if one of you is all dressed up and the other has kept it super casual. Or if one has gone full traditional, and the other has gone wildly alternative.

So, before shopping, chat openly about what kind of vibe you’re going for and keep that in mind as you try things on.

It might mean a bit of compromise and meeting in the middle if you have wildly different tastes.

Or, perhaps as a couple you decide that you don’t mind that you’re very different and would rather embrace that. That’s awesome! But have a conversation about it.

Buying Your Elopement Outfit

Tips for buying your outfit in store

Book appointments well in advance

If you’re ordering a custom outfit, rather than buying something ‘off the rack’, you’ll find that there may be a turnaround time of 4 months or more. And that’s just for the initial creation: then there will be a series of fittings to get it just so, which will add on even more time. 

Don’t be surprised if the whole process takes almost a year!

So, if this is the route you’re taking, start making appointments to try things on early in the planning process.

TOP TIP: if you’re on a time crunch but would rather buy in person than online, most bridal stores do have an off the rack section, or even a sample sale section with lightly worn dresses. Sizes will be limited but you might get lucky!

Decide who to take with you (or not!!)

Going in person to try on outfits can be exciting, nerve wracking, or both! There will be a lot of attention on you, and you may feel some pressure to come to a decision. 

It can be very helpful to have some input from your loved ones, but you need to be selective about who you invite. Only take a select group of people who will be honest (and kind!) with you, and whose opinion you actually trust.

You know yourself best: whose support do you need/want, and whose input is going to be more overwhelming than helpful?

Don’t be afraid to even go alone if you’d rather not have all the noise from friends and family!

And don’t be scared to break with tradition and take your partner along if that feels like the most comfortable option for you! After all, they’re likely the person whose opinion you trust most in the world.

Try on alllllll sorts of outfits

So often, the style you think you want is not the style you end up getting! Be open to trying on a variety of different styles and try to assess them with an open mind. What actually looks good on you? You might be surprised! 

What have you got to lose by trying?

Take the right shoes and undergarments with you

It might shock the salesperson (hee hee!), but if you’re planning a hiking elopement, wear your hiking boots to your appointment, and especially to your fittings. You want to make sure your dress is hemmed to work with the exact shoes you’re wearing on the day.

Same goes for undergarments. You want to be sure well in advance that your dress fits nicely and looks right with any shapewear you might have, and that nothing is bunching up in the wrong places or is visible where it shouldn’t be.

Bust out some moves in the fitting room!

You need to be sure that your dress is going to be maneuverable and comfortable all day long so, seriously, try moving around in it in a similar way you will on your elopement day. So, for example, try taking some big marching steps if you’re going to be hiking or try sitting down if you’re going to be enjoying a picnic!

Tips for buying your elopement outfit online

Read reviews 

This is suuuuuuuper important, because honestly? There’s a lot of scam sites out there. These sites steal images from original designers (whose gowns cost $1000s) and pass them off as their own. Often, the product you get is vastly inferior to what is shown.

Now, you may know it’s a knock-off site and decide that you’re ok with that, you don’t need an artisan gown, that’s totally your call. But you still want to know that the product coming your way is good enough, that it’s the kind of quality you personally are hoping for.

Reading reviews can help to give you an idea of what you can expect.

Reviews will often have real life photos of the product, and realistic feedback on sizing, all of which can help you decide if you feel confident ordering.

Just be aware that on the scammiest of scam sites, sometimes even the reviews are fake!

Check the return policy

It can be challenging ordering clothes online, you never really know if they’re going to fit, or if they’re even going to suit you.

So, we’d suggest ordering your elopement outfit from a place that has a good return policy. That way, you can order a ton of different styles and sizes and easily return the ones that don’t work for you.

Look for try at home options

Some online stores have great ‘try at home’ programs: Azazie, for example, lets you try on 3 dresses for $30, you return any you don’t want for free, and if you do keep one then $15 will be discounted from the full price. So, you don’t have to invest very much money at all to try on multiple dresses! Imagine if you had to pay full price just to try all those?!

Look at their sizing chart and/or understand measurement requests

When you’re buying your elopement outfit online, you need to pay close attention to how the garment fits. Don’t assume because you’re usually one size, you’re going to be the exact same on this particular site: look at their personal sizing chart.

Some companies do custom sizing and you will need to send in measurements: look closely at what they’re asking you to measure and double check every measurement you take!

Go and try things on in person regardless of whether you plan to buy your elopement outfit online. 

Going to a store and actually trying things on and really save you a lot of time and hassle: you can figure out what actually suits you and what feels good, and avoid ordering a ton of things that just don’t work.

For some, it’s also just a really fun experience that you don’t want to miss out on: so invite your besties, make a day of it and have fun!

Inspiration For Different Types Of Elopement Outfit

Elopement Dresses

If you’ve decided you like the classic idea of a wedding dress as your elopement outfit, then this section is for you! Afterall, when else do you get to dress up so pretty and swish around in a gown?! 

Here are a few considerations for choosing your elopement dress:

Try on different silhouettes

Do you like a more classic fitted shape, or do you like something more flowing and billowing?

Does what you like actually suit you?! It can be a bitter pill to swallow, but sometimes you have to accept that the look you were imagining is not what actually looks best on your body type. Be willing to adapt!

Does what you like suit the environment you’re eloping in? Something more fitted – like a mermaid silhouette – looks super sophisticated in an urban environment, for example, whereas a dress with more movement – like an A line silhouette – photographs beautifully out in nature.

Remember, these are just ideas and suggestions, there are no hard rules.

Ultimately, we’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: choose an elopement outfit you feel good in!

Look at different fabrics

If you are traveling with your dress you might want to think about how it will pack and whether or not it creases badly. 

We have seen the world’s biggest ball gown vacuum packed into a small carry-on suitcase before! But that’s definitely not the easy path to take. A lighter fabric, like a chiffon or crepe, will pack more easily. 

Tulle, crepe, lace and polyester satin are all great options if you want to avoid excessive creasing.

We’d suggest doing a little test when you’re trying on dresses: take a small portion of fabric and squish it in your hand to see what happens. How badly does it crease? How easily do the creases fall out?

If you’re worried about your choice of fabric, factor in giving it a little steam with a handheld steamer when you arrive at your destination. 

Don’t shy away from a long train

Sometimes people are scared of managing a long train on their elopement day but we say don’t be!

A long train can look soooooo beautiful and dramatic, adding a real WOW factor to photos.

And it’s actually super easy to manage: any time you’re moving around, you just scoop the whole thing up and fling it over your arm!

And, if you’re hiking, you can use what we’ve named ‘the backpack bustle’: you simply scoop up the train, and loop it through one of the straps of your backpack, so it stays well out of your way while you’re hiking around and leaves you hands free.

Not gonna lie, it breaks our hearts when someone chops off half their train, thinking it’s ‘too much’!

Where to buy your elopement dress

Alright, here’s the bit you’ve all been waiting for!! Where to actually buy your elopement dresses.

These options are all available online, so should be accessible to anyone reading this. If you visit a bridal store, you’ll find even more options!

Elopement outfits: dresses under $500

Azazie: an amazing online option that even offers FREE custom sizing, and a great try at home option. We’ve seen lots of these dresses in real life and are always so impressed with the quality for the price point.

Lulus: sooo many options at a reeeeally affordable price point, there’s lots under $200. Again, we’ve seen multiple in real life and can vouch for them!

Baltic Born: a great option if you’d like something that doesn’t scream ‘bridal’ but is a little more summery and casual. And many for under $100! Do be aware that returns are for store credit only.

Vicky Mermaid Bridal on Etsy: soooo many stunning options, especially if you’d like a bit of color or floral detail, and comes with excellent reviews.

Amazon: we know that might sound crazy, but we’ve seen some STUNNING dresses from here!

(All of these dresses were under $500, some as little as $100. And that floral one? AMAZON!!)

Elopement outfits: dresses from $500-$1500

Luxe Redux: has in person stores, but also an online option with a lot of well-known designer gowns available at reduced prices. You can filter by price, style, size etc. A great option if you want a more traditional gown but don’t have access to a bridal store in person.

Vow’d: this is another company that has in person stores, but also an online option with a fully stocked, ready to ship inventory of designer gowns. And there is a whole section ‘Under $1500’!

Coco Melody: has a whole range of prices, with a lot in the $500-$1000 range. Also has a huge variety of colors and styles. In the reviews you can see lots of real brides wearing their elopement outfit so you can get a good sense of quality.

Wardrobe By Dulcinea on Etsy: custom creates beautiful, voluminous flowing wedding dresses, including some with an amazing pop of soft color.

Reformation: has sleek, minimalist designs, all made from sustainable materials. These are some really fun short dress options there!

(All of these outfits were in the $500-$1500 range)

Elopement outfits: dresses from $1500+

Mywony Atelier: truly spectacular couture gowns, including some incredible color options. If ethereal goddess is your vibe, this is it!

Rue de Seine: the epitome of boho wedding gowns.

Grace Loves Lace: specializes in stunning yet comfy stretch lace wedding gowns with a modern boho flair, also with some beautiful silk and satin options.

Dacy Gowns: these custom gowns don’t come cheap but, ohhhhhh my, are they spectacular.

Flora and Lane: super unique, alternative wedding gowns with a floral flair. Oh and they also have some celestial options!

Wear Your Love XO: lightweight, comfortable but gorgeous wedding gowns for the free spirited bride.

Anthropologie: their bridal section carries so many beautiful designer gowns at various price points. Use the filter to lock in a budget you’re happy with!

(These dresses all cost $1500+)

Elopement Suits

If you’re planning to wear a suit for your elopement outfit, then this section is for you.

We loooooooove a well-fitted, stylish elopement suit!

Here are a few considerations for choosing your elopement suit:

Pick a color you feel confident in

There’s truly no right or wrong here.

We love a classic black suit or tux, it looks so darned sharp.

But color is also really fun, too, and is a great way to inject a bit of personality into your elopement outfit. 

If you’re eloping in the outdoors and going with a colored suit, make sure it complements your surroundings and doesn’t weirdly clash or blend in! We, for example, wouldn’t suggest a dark green suit to someone eloping in a forested environment or you’re literally going to disappear in photos!

Consider the fabric

If you’re eloping outdoors, we highly recommend picking a suit that has a bit of stretch to it. That way you can move around with ease and not worry that something’s going to rip!

You’ll also want to consider temperature. Go with something more lightweight like cotton or linen if you’re eloping somewhere hot, whereas a heavier fabric like wool or tweed will be great in cooler temps.

Don’t forget to accessorize your elopement outfit

It can be really fun to jazz up your elopement outfit with some unique accessories. We’re talking quirky ties, pocket squares, items of jewelry, bowties, bolo ties or even florals!

Where to buy your elopement suit

The Suit Shop: we looooooove these folks and have seen their suits – for both men and women – multiple times in real life. Lots of great colors are available and you can mix and match top and bottom sizing.

Indochino: another great option for both men and women, with lots of colors, patterns and styles to choose from.

Asos: highly affordable suits for both men and women.

Men’s Wearhouse: another option for men at a really great price point.

State And Liberty: sharp suits for men, with the option for an athletic fit with stretch, a great choice if you’re eloping outdoors.

David’s Bridal: has some really striking white, bridal suits and separates available.

TOP TIP: if you have chosen to wear a wedding dress but maaaaaybe don’t feel like that 100% expresses who you are, you might want to consider an outfit change at some point! That’s what Maci did in this Ouray, Colorado, elopement: she wore a classic dress on Day 1 and then a super sharp suit on Day 2.

Alternative Elopement Outfits

If you’re not feeling like a traditional dress or suit is the right choice for you, don’t worry, you have options!

It’s totally OK to break free from tradition and pick an elopement outfit that feels more like you.

You truly can wear anything but just for a bit of inspiration, here’s some of the alternative outfits we’ve seen eloping couples wear: 

Short dresses

Colorful dresses

Jumpsuits

Jeans and a jacket

Linen pants and a shirt with suspenders

Pants and vest, no jacket 

Etc. Etc.

Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine! That way, when you look back on your wedding photos, you’ll see the true you, not some unrecognizable version of yourself.

Additional Items For Your Elopement Outfit

Shoes

If you’re eloping indoors or in a more urban environment you can really wear whatever shoes you want: heels, flats, dress shoes… Whatever.

But if you’re eloping outdoors, you’ll need to be a bit more careful: it’s super important that you wear something that you can safely move around in on rough terrain. That means shoes that are flat and with good grip.

Here’s the thing: if you’re wearing a long dress, no one will even see your shoes unless you want them to! You might choose to pull your dress up and let your shoes peep out for a cute photo but, otherwise, no one will even know what you have under there! We’ve literally had a bride wear gold crocs before and not a single soul had a clue.

So, prioritize comfort.

You can wear a pair of running shoes, hiking shoes or sandals you already own or you might choose to buy something new for the big day.

You could have fun with it and add a little level of customization if you wanted! We’ve seen personalized Vans, Converse and Nikes before with embroidered details like little flowers or your names and wedding date.

Here’s some photo inspo to help you choose:

Veils

We loooooooove a dramatic veil!

We don’t recommend you wear it all day long or for every single one of your photos, but for a part of the and for some really epic photos it can be fun, especially at sunrise or sunset with the golden light glowing through.

Pick a long veil if you want alllllll the drama, or a fingertip one for absolute elegance. You could even go for a bird cage if you want old school glamor!

And consider some embellishment if you want to spice up your elopement outfit: beading, lace edging, floral embroidery, sparkle etc.

Layers

If you’re eloping outdoors, and there’s any chance of cooler temps, wind, rain or any other ‘weather’ you’ll want to consider some cute layers to finish off your elopement outfit.

We’re talking about things like jean jackets, leather jackets, fitted puffer jackets, wooly jumpers or cardigans, shawls, fake furs etc.

Anything that will keep you warm and that you’d be happy to have photos taken in if needed.

And don’t forget to add a custom touch if that’s your vibe!

Jewelery

Whether it’s elegant, glamorous, bohemian, or quirky-alternative… Jewelry is a lovely way to add a personal touch to your outfit. 

Flowers

Whilst flowers may not technically be part of your elopement outfit per se, they sure do contribute to it and, in our opinion, enhance it.

We loooooove florals and they really elevate an elopement, helping to give it that little touch of ‘special’.

So there you have it, all our top tips for choosing your elopement outfit, whether it’s traditional white dress and suit, or something more alternative. Hopefully this has inspired you and you’re feeling excited to get out there and start piecing your ‘look’ together!

Remember, as long as you feel beautiful, confident and like ‘you’ in your outfit, you truly can’t go wrong!