Elopement Dresses (my favorites and where to buy!)
The best elopement dresses can be tough to find. There are many different factors to consider when beginning your search for a dress that is comfortable and versatile enough for an elopement. The nature of an elopement is typically more spontaneous and care-free than a traditional wedding and you want your style to reflect your more adventurous side.
What is an Elopement Dress?
Unlike many traditional wedding dresses, an ideal elopement dress is more casual, versatile, and actually allows you to move! If you’re planning on hiking to a gorgeous mountain peak, you need to make sure your dress can keep up with you. Elopement dresses allow you full mobility and they don’t have the typical long train. The last thing you want is a dress full of dirt and twigs when you reach the portrait location!
Even if you are planning an elopement that doesn’t involve summiting a mountain, having a dress that is practical is WAY better than wearing a dress that is very restrictive. When I’m shooting elopements we are often going to multiple locations and we take our time to enjoy the scenery. The most important thing to look for in an elopement dress is comfort!
What do you wear to a Wedding Elopement?
Choosing what to wear as an elopement guest can be a bit confusing at times, and it never hurts to ask the couple for their opinion! However, in general, most elopement guests dress up in slightly less formal wear than a traditional wedding. I would say that most elopement guests wear attire that would be appropriate for a nice restaurant.
If you’re attending a more adventurous wedding then of course you’ll want to account for proper footwear and weather-dependant clothing! Don’t wear heels on a mountain trail.
Where is the best place to elope?
In general, there are a few things to consider when deciding on your elopement location.
- What kind of scenery or setting do you two feel most at ease or inspired? Do you love running around the city? Or are you awe struck by endless mountain peaks?
- What time of year do you want to elope? Most couples choose to elope in the summer months for obvious reasons, but don’t write off a winter elopement immediately. Getting married in a winter wonderland setting with a cozy cabin can be just as romantic.
- Do you want to travel? Consider how far you want to roam for your elopement. Are you ambitious enough to plan an elopement halfway around the world? Or do you want to have an effortless elopement with friends and family close to home?
If you’re still wondering where in the world to elope you can find some inspiration on my guide to the best elopement locations in the world.
Where can I buy an elopement dress?
Many local boutiques will carry elopement-style dresses, but your options will open up drastically if you buy from an online retailer.
Most companies allow returns if you’re not sure about the fit of the elopement dress, and some online boutiques will even send you several sample dresses before you order a tailored dress.
Of course if you’re on a budget there are many stores online that offer beautiful elopement dresses for under $500. Etsy is a great source for unique and custom elopement dresses as well.
Here is a list of my favorite shops for elopement dresses:
Best Elopement Dresses
I’ve made a list of wedding dresses that I believe would work perfectly for an elopement. There are many different styles to choose from and it can be a bit overwhelming at first. Hopefully this list will give you some inspiration if nothing else!
