15+ PLACES TO BUY A CHEAP ELOPEMENT DRESS
If you don’t wanna spend thousands on your elopement dress and are looking for something a little more affordable, you’re in the right place!
By Vanessa & Chad; ‘The Outlovers’, your elopement planning and photography team
8 January 2026
Looking for a cheap elopement dress but don’t know where to get started finding one?
Don’t worry, we got ya!
Whether you’re looking for a classic white gown or something a little alternative, we’re going to share 15+ places where you can buy a gorgeous elopement dress at an affordable price, both online and in person…
Why buy a cheap elopement dress?
You’ve got a smaller budget to work with.
If you’re eloping, it may well be that you don’t want to spend tens of thousands of dollars on your wedding day.
(Did you know the AVERAGE wedding in the US costs upwards of $34k?!).
You’ve set yourself a smaller budget for your big day: it’s only logical you want to look for a cheap elopement dress so you don’t blow that budget.
Buying a cheap elopement dress allows you to prioritize other expenses.
No matter your budget, you’re going to need to decide how and where you want to allocate it. You may decide you’d rather spend more money on photography or a nice honeymoon, for example, and not so much on your outfit.
You don’t wanna stress about keeping your dress in pristine condition!
You’re most likely wearing your dress for one day only, and you may well be adventuring in the great outdoors with it, so there’s every chance it’s gonna get a little dirty. If you’ve opted for a cheap elopement dress, you’re going to worry less about it picking up dirt, maybe even getting a little torn, than if you bought a designer gown for thousands of dollars.
What constitutes a ‘cheap’ elopement dress?!
The word ‘cheap’ is tricky, because obviously it’s all relative: what’s cheap to one person can feel expensive to the next.
For the purposes of this blog, we’re going to consider a ‘cheap elopement dress’ to be under $500, and will share places that have plenty of options within that budget (and even some under $100!).
Given that, according to The Knot, the average wedding dress in 2025 cost $2000, under $500 seems like a pretty reasonable definition!
*** Every photo we share in this blog is of a dress costing under $500 ***
Things to be aware of when buying a cheap elopement dress
It can feel nerve wracking trying to choose a cheap elopement dress, especially buying online without the option of seeing it and trying it on like you would in a store.
Is it going to fit? Is it going to be good quality? Is it even going to be the same dress as the oh-so-perfect picture you’re seeing on their website?!
These are genuine concerns.
Whilst there are a lot of great affordable options out there, there are also some complete and utter scam sites that steal photos from professional designers and create super poor quality knock-offs that you wouldn’t be seen dead in on your wedding day.
So, how do you know the difference?!
Reviews, reviews, reviews!
You NEED to read reviews before buying online.
Read the reviews on the seller’s own site and look at any images customers have shared.
But don’t stop there! If it’s a scam site, the reviews can often be fake and misleading.
So, in addition, do a Google search for reviews for the company you’re looking at and look at non-biased write-ups. Places like Reddit, Trust Pilot and even the AI overview can give you some really good info.
You could also ask in a wedding Facebook group if anyone has first hand experience.
Too good to be true?
Are you getting a gut feeling that the beautiful gown you’re looking at a picture of and the price point it’s being sold at just do not go hand in hand?
Does it feel too good to be true? Then it probably is.
Scam sites steal images and try to pass them off as their own. So, the image you’re seeing of a ‘cheap’ elopement dress with a $200 price tag may well be of a luxury gown that actually costs $2000.
You can try verifying this by doing a Google reverse image search and seeing if you can find the original gown.
Check out each and every sizing chart (and see how reviews pair up)
Don’t assume that because you’re normally a size medium, you can just go ahead and order a size medium dress… That would be faaaaaaar too easy!
As photographers, we’ve had ‘medium’ brides who’ve had to order a size extra small and ‘medium’ brides who’ve had to order a size extra large!
Every dress designer is different.
So, take the time to read their sizing chart. And read their reviews and see what real customers are saying, take note if multiple advise sizing up or down.
Be realistic about the quality of a ‘cheap’ elopement dress
When you order a cheap elopement dress, it’s important you have a realistic expectation of what you’re going to get.
Honestly, we’ve seen some AMAZING dresses for under $500, dresses that fit super well and look spectacular. They don’t look ‘cheap’ at all. So, don’t settle for less!
You CAN find a gorgeous dress without blowing the bank.
On the flip side, you can’t be expecting a pure silk gown with handmade lace embellishments and a Swarovski crystal fastening for a few hundred bucks!
So, it’s all about going into it with realistic expectations.
Check the return policy
There’s every chance you’re going to want to try on a few different styles and sizes to find your perfect dress, so make sure you’re happy with the return policy before ordering.
CAN the item even be returned?! (Final sale items often can’t, for example).
Will you need to cover the return shipping?
Is there a restocking fee?
Some wedding dress websites now have a ‘try at home’ option which is super cool: you can order multiple dresses for a minimal set fee rather than full cost, and return the ones you don’t like.
Don’t forget to budget for alterations!
This is a biggie.
Don’t buy a super cheap elopement dress that kinda half fits only to find out that you’re going to need to spend hundreds of dollars on alterations to get it looking the way you really want.
Some of the cheaper sites actually offer free custom sizing which can be a great idea, especially if you’re typically not a standard dress size, as it minimizes the likelihood of needing alterations.
Where to buy a cheap elopement dress
Alright, it’s crunch time!!
WHERE exactly do you find amazing, cheap elopement dresses??
We’re going to share all OUR favorite places below.
But, like mentioned above, you must do your own due diligence: read reviews, read sizing charts, look at real customer photos etc. and make sure you feel confident before ordering.
Cheap elopement dresses online
Lulus is a GREAT option for a cheap elopement dress, with the MAX price being $500 and even options under $100. They also have a really generous return policy, meaning you can confidently order multiple dresses to try on.
We loooooove Azazie because they offer FREE custom sizing. They also have a try at home program, with free returns and the try-on fee counting towards your final purchase (though they don’t always have all dresses and all sizes available to try).
Yup, we know that sounds crazy but we’ve seen some gorgeousssss cheap elopement dresses from Amazon. The two pictured below, for example, were both around $200.
You can find some gorgeousssss, high quality wedding dresses on Etsy, often at a lower price point as they’re made in areas where production costs are cheaper, such as eastern Europe. Just be sure to read the customer reviews! We love Vicky Mermaid Bridal for their boho, whimsical gowns under $500. And with over 3000 reviews and a 5 star rating, you can feel confident ordering from them. The dress below was custom made on Etsy and came in around $500 (sadly the seller is no longer active, but it shows you the quality you can hope for).
Baltic Born has some really lovely cheap elopement dresses (for as little as $57!). They’re simple, elegant and would be perfect for a summer, boho elopement. Do be aware that they only offer returns for store credit. But with so many lovely clothes (not just bridal) you’ll no doubt find something else you’d like!
Whether you want a classic long white dress, something short and flirty or something different entirely like a jumpsuit, you’ll find it here. You will be charged a nominal fee for returns.
Asos has some great dresses in the $200-300 range, from cute little short numbers, to long flowing ethereal gowns. So, whether you’re planning a Vegas elopement, a beach elopement, or a mountain-top celebration it’s worth taking a look! You will be charged a nominal fee for returns.
This site has some really fun outfits, typically in the <$300 range: long gowns, short dresses, rompers, even sequined jumpsuits… Oooh, and if you’re not set on a white-white dress, their bridesmaids dresses are a great option, coming in a range of colors both neutral and brighter. And even if their wedding dresses aren’t your vibe, this is a great place to look for fun bachelorette outfits!
If you’re looking for a boho-goddess kinda gown, this is IT! Please be aware that some gowns are returnable, some are not, so be sure to check before ordering and make sure you are happy with the policy.
Coco Melody has some cute shorter dresses in the $100-$150 region – perfect for a courthouse or Vegas style elopement – and full length starts at about $250.
Avery Austin has lots of great dresses at around the $500 mark. They have a try at home program which is really affordable, allowing you to give different styles a go before committing. Oooh, and if you’re looking for something a little alternative they have some spectacular black gowns!
The dress below is from Avery Austin… we think you’ll agree she looked stunning!
On David Bridal’s website you can filter for dresses under $500 or even under $300 and will find lots of options in your budget. You do want to be pretty confident in your purchase as there is a return shipping fee and a $50 restocking fee if you return an item.
Luxe redux has an amazing sale section of previous sample gowns where you can find designer dresses for under $500. Sizes and styles are limited but if you happen upon one you like it’s a massive win, saving you hundreds if not thousands of dollars! Please note, these are final sale items and cannot be returned.
Still White is an incredible site to buy used wedding gowns: friendly for your wallet AND the environment! You can find designer gowns at a fraction of their original cost and, remember, they’ve likely only ever been worn for a few hours. You can filter by size, budget etc to find viable options for yourself. Just bear in mind you cannot return these gowns, unless they were faulty or misrepresented.
(This gown is a Vera Wang, worth thousands but bought on Still White for less than $500!)
Buying a cheap elopement dress in person
If you’re looking for a cheap elopement dress but would rather shop in person, you do have a few good options.
Bridal Salons
Bridal salons TEND to carry more expensive custom order gowns, but they do sometimes have a few more affordable ‘off the rack’ dresses in stock: this means you will be buying a set size, rather than custom made. Or the salon might be selling off old sample gowns or resale items at a bargain price. Just be aware that you will be buying ‘as is’, so do a careful inspection before purchasing.
(Sometimes bridal stores have ‘flash sales’ to get rid of excess stock: this bride got her dream dress for A HUNDRED DOLLARS!!!!)
If you happen to live near Portland, Tacoma, Seattle, Sacramento, San Diego or Phoenix, Brides For A Cause is an amazing option for you to go and check out in person. Brides For A Cause is a non-profit that sells donated, used wedding dresses, and supports women-focussed charities. Prices start at $150, and are often 30-80% off retail prices. So, you get a cheap elopement dress AND get to donate to a good cause! Be aware that all sales are final.
Bridal Consignment Stores
Try Googling ‘YOUR STATE bridal consignment’ and see what comes up. You’ll find used dresses at affordable prices and have the benefit of being able to try on in person.
Thrift Stores
If you’re an avid thrifter, don’t rule out checking out your local Goodwill, for example. Especially if you’re in a bigger city, you just never know what gem you might find.
Ok, that’s it, over 15 places to look for a cheap elopement dress, both online and in person!
We’re hoping this has reassured you that you can absolutely find a beautiful, affordable elopement dress for $500 or less. In fact, there’s TONS of great options…
Happy shopping!
TOP TIP: If you’d like our advice on how to actually choose your elopement outfits head on over to this blog. We share our top tips on finding an elopement outfit that feels like ‘you’, where to buy dresses at ANY price point, and how to be sure your outfit is going to be suitable for the location you choose.
Meet ‘the outlovers’
Hey, We’re chad + Vanessa!
As your elopement photographers, these are our promises to you:
All couples will find themselves welcome and celebrated here. We come with ZERO expectations of how anyone should look, behave or love on each other.
Your day will be an EXPERIENCE, not a photoshoot. Our whole ‘photography philosophy’ is grounded in the belief that the best photos come from you having the best darned time!
You can read more about our packages, or just fill out our contact form below and we’ll send over all the info!
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