Eloping is a unique and intimate way to celebrate your love and your elopement attire should reflect your personality, comfort, and the adventure you’re about to embark on. Choosing what to wear for your elopement is all about expressing your style and feeling confident on your special day.
If you’re wondering what to wear for your elopement, you’ve come to the right place! From lightweight dresses to sharp suits and comfortable footwear, I’ll cover all the bases to help you choose the perfect outfit for your elopement. And remember, there are no rules—your elopement attire should reflect who you are, no matter your gender identity.
Why Elopement Attire is Different from Traditional Wedding Attire
Elopement attire is usually more relaxed and versatile than traditional wedding outfits. Since many elopements take place in outdoor or non-traditional settings—like mountaintops, beaches, or city halls—your outfit needs to be both practical and reflective of your style. There’s no need for a traditional wedding gown or tuxedo, unless that’s what you want.
When thinking about what to wear for your elopement, it’s essential to prioritize comfort, mobility, and weather-appropriateness. This means there are no prescribed gender roles for wedding attire—wear what makes you feel amazing!
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Elopement Attire:
- Location: Will you be trekking up a mountain, standing on a beach, or eloping in an urban space? Your attire should complement your location.
- Weather: Are you planning an elopement during the summer, winter, or rainy season? Be ready for whatever Mother Nature has in store.
- Activity Level: Will you be hiking, rock climbing, or simply strolling through a park? Your attire should accommodate your level of activity.
- Personal Style: The key is to choose something that feels like you—whether that’s flowy, tailored, minimalist, or something totally unconventional.
Types of Dresses for an Elopement
Dresses are a classic choice for elopements, but there’s a huge variety of styles to explore, depending on your aesthetic and the kind of elopement you’re planning. Your dress should be something that makes you feel your absolute best!
Lightweight Dresses
If your elopement involves a bit of walking, hiking, or even a casual beachside ceremony, lightweight fabrics like chiffon, tulle, or crepe are fantastic options. These materials are breathable and flowy, perfect for staying cool and comfortable, especially on warmer days. The best part about lightweight dresses is their portability. If you’re hiking to your ceremony, these fabrics pack well and won’t weigh you down.
Bohemian & Casual Styles
For a relaxed, romantic vibe, a boho dress might be your dream look. With flowy silhouettes, lace details, and earthy tones, bohemian dresses exude a laidback, intimate vibe perfect for nature-based elopements. Plus, they tend to be easy to move in, which is ideal for adventure-filled ceremonies.
Shorter or Tea-Length Dresses
Shorter dresses are an ideal option if you want something low-maintenance or don’t want to deal with a long train on uneven or rugged terrain. These dresses work beautifully for beach elopements or more casual, urban ceremonies where you’ll be walking around.
Convertible or Two-Piece Dresses
A convertible dress or two-piece outfit allows you to have the best of both worlds: the elegance of a gown for the ceremony, with the comfort and flexibility of separates for the adventure afterward. A detachable skirt or top makes it easy to switch up your look throughout the day.
Suits and Tuxedos for an Elopement
Suits and tuxedos can be an amazing choice for anyone who wants to dress up for their elopement—but remember, there are no rules. For example, several brands, like Dancing with Her, specialize in wedding suits and tuxedos for LGBTQ+ women. You should wear whatever makes you feel confident and true to yourself!
Renting vs. Buying
One of the first things to consider when it comes to elopement suits is whether to rent or buy. Renting can be a great option for a one-time event, but buying a suit allows you to have it tailored to your exact measurements and keep it as a special memento from the day.
Lightweight, Breathable Fabrics
For outdoor or adventure elopements, breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, and wool blends are a great choice. These materials will keep you cool and comfortable, even in warmer weather or while engaging in active outdoor ceremonies.
Casual Options
You don’t need to go full formal, unless that’s your vibe. Suit separates, like a blazer and chinos, can create a stylish but relaxed look for a more casual elopement. You could also opt for a vest or lightweight jacket for a more casual ceremony without sacrificing elegance.
Adventure-Friendly Suits
For those eloping in more rugged locations, consider a suit made from water-resistant fabrics or flexible materials that will allow for ease of movement. An elopement in the great outdoors may require layered clothing for changing temperatures, so it’s a good idea to choose fabrics that work for both comfort and style.
More Casual Options for Elopements
On your elopement day, you call the shots—that includes what to wear for your elopement! If you’re envisioning a laidback, low-key celebration, there are plenty of casual options that still feel special.
Casual Dresses & Suits
Sundresses, jumpsuits, or even stylish rompers are fantastic for those looking to keep it light and breezy. Pair a dress with sneakers or boots for a comfortable and practical look. For those who want a more tailored option, consider a casual suit with dress pants and a blazer or even a nice shirt and vest for a cool, modern look.
Outdoor-Ready Attire
If your elopement is taking place in the wilderness, consider pairing your outfit with sturdy footwear. Hiking boots or outdoor shoes can easily complement a dress or suit. Don’t forget outerwear! A cute jacket, shawl, or poncho is a good idea for cooler days or windier locations.
Where to Buy Elopement Attire
Now that you have some ideas of what to wear for your elopement, let’s talk about where to find your perfect outfit. Whether you’re shopping online or heading to a boutique, here are some great places to find wedding attire:
- Online Retailers: Websites like Lulus, ASOS, and Reformation offer a wide variety of stylish, affordable options for dresses and suits, including gender-neutral options. If you’re looking for a more traditional white dress moment, keep an eye on StillWhite or even Poshmark for pre-loved gowns in nearly new condition!
- Custom Suits: For a tailored fit, check out custom suit services like Indochino or Bonobos, which offer a wide range of options for people of all sizes, shapes, and gender identities.
- Adventure-Specific Brands: If you’re planning to incorporate a hike, trip to the lake, or an outdoor adventure, you might need an outfit that’s better suited to a more rugged environment. Athleisure and outdoor brands like Athleta, L.L. Bean, or REI offer stylish and comfortable options.
Footwear Considerations
If you’re planning an adventure elopement, footwear is a crucial consideration. Hiking boots can be stylish and practical when paired with a dress or suit for an outdoor ceremony. Look for shoes that are comfortable and sturdy enough to handle different terrains, but still fit the vibe of your wedding day look. And remember: don’t be afraid to change shoes mid-day—swap from boots to dress shoes or sandals for a more formal look after the ceremony!
Accessorizing for an Elopement
When it comes to accessories, think practical and stylish. For outdoor elopements, consider layering with a jacket or shawl for warmth, especially in cooler weather. If you’re planning to wear a veil, make sure it’s lightweight and won’t get tangled in the wind. Add a small backpack or bag to carry essentials like water, rings, and snacks—especially if you’re hiking to your ceremony spot.
For folks looking to accessorize with a tie or pocket square, make sure you know how to properly put them on! Especially if you’re heading to a remote location where you won’t have access to a quick Google search, practice tying your tie ahead of time.
Considerations for Adventure Elopements
For those eloping in more rugged or outdoor settings, the key is mobility. Your outfit should allow you to move freely while also offering layers for temperature changes. Think about fabrics that are breathable, lightweight, and able to withstand changing weather conditions. Also, consider how easy your outfit is to transport if you’re hiking to your ceremony.
Wondering What to Wear for Your Elopement? I’ve Got You Covered.
Choosing what to wear for your elopement is a personal journey. The most important thing is to select an outfit that feels true to you. Whether you’re wearing a stunning dress, a sleek suit, or something totally unique, your elopement is about celebrating your love and your story—so wear what makes you feel amazing and enjoy every moment of your adventure!
And with the right team of vendors by your side, your elopement will be a day to remember forever—wink, wink, nudge, nudge. If we haven’t met yet, my name is Cameron (she/her) and I’m a Virginia elopement photographer and partial planner. I’d be absolutely honored to help you plan and document your elopement day!
Reach out to me today to schedule your free consultation call! Let’s turn your dream elopement into a reality. Curious about my packages and pricing options? Head over to my pricing page for more information. I can’t wait to hear from you and help you bring your vision to life!
Are y’all in need of more planning help? I’ve got ya covered! Check out some of my elopement planning resource blogs below:
