Elopement Wedding Dresses in 2025: How to Pick the One!
Choosing your elopement wedding dress is all about embracing comfort, personality, and practicality—because your dream day deserves a dress that feels just right.
When I first started documenting elopements through photo and video, I never expected to fall in love with talking about wedding dresses. But here we are—elopement wedding dresses have become one of my favorite things to chat about with couples.
Not because they’re wildly different from traditional wedding dresses (spoiler: they’re often from the same exact stores), but because the mindset behind choosing one is where the magic really happens.
With elopements, the focus shifts. You're no longer choosing a dress to impress a crowd or match a ballroom—you're choosing something that feels true to you, that moves with you on a mountaintop, through a forest, or wherever your love story leads.
Curious about what makes elopement dresses so special? Let’s get into it.
Key Takeaways:
Prioritize Comfort and Movement : Elopement dresses should let you hike, twirl, cuddle, and celebrate without restrictions—your dress should support the experience, not limit it.
Match the Dress to the Setting : Let your elopement location inspire your look! Think breezy and romantic for a mountaintop, or cozy layers for a forest in fall.
You Set the Rules : There’s no “right” way to dress for an elopement. Whether it's eco-conscious, secondhand, or wildly unique—your dress should reflect your values and style.
Here’s What We’ll Cover:
The Heart Behind Picking Your Wedding Elopement Dress
4 Tips for Picking Out Elopement Wedding Dresses
Questions to Ask of Your Adventure Elopement Dress
Dress Fabric & Movement Tips
Shoes & Undergarments Guide
How to Transport The Dress
Involve Your Partner, Too
Accessorize to Make It Your Own
My Favorite Shops to Buy Your Elopement Wedding Dress
Final Encouragements
The Heart Behind Picking Your Wedding Elopement Dress
When you're planning an elopement, you're already stepping away from tradition to create something that's more you—and choosing your dress is no different.
Your elopement day should reflect who you are, both as individuals and as a couple. That same intention can guide your outfit choice. Whether it’s colorful or classic, flowing or fitted, simple or full of texture—there are no rules here.
Long dress? Go for it. Short and sweet? Absolutely. Lace, silk, tulle, or something totally unexpected? All fair game.
The best dress for your elopement is the one that feels like you—something that lets you move, breathe, and feel completely at ease while you celebrate your love.
4 Tips for Picking Out Elopement Wedding Dresses
Tip #1: Match the Vibe of the Elopement Location
One of the best ways to choose an elopement dress? Think about where you’re saying your vows. Matching the vibe of your location helps everything flow—your dress, the scenery, the photos, the feel of the whole day.
Planning to wander through an enchanted forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains with me? A soft, whimsical gown with dreamy details might feel right at home. Headed for a breezy mountaintop instead? Something flowy and dramatic that catches the wind could be stunning. Let your surroundings help guide the aesthetic—it’s all part of telling your story.
Tip #2: Prepare for Weather & Season
Whether it’s wildflower season or the first snow on the peaks, your dress should work with the elements—not against them. If you're eloping along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall, for example, think long sleeves, layers, and maybe even a cozy (and cute) coat.
Pick a dress that still feels like you, but also plays well with a shawl, jacket, or gloves if needed. Staying warm doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the look—you’ll just be beautifully prepared for whatever the day brings.
Tip #3: Set a Budget That Feels Good (And Stick to It)
If you’re going to be stressed about mud, rain, or trail dust the whole day, consider choosing a dress that you won’t be afraid to get a little messy. It’s totally okay to go with something more affordable—especially if you’d rather invest in other parts of the experience.
Think about what matters most to you both. If the dress isn’t the main character, that budget might be better spent on an overnight stay, a meaningful activity, or an extra hour of photo and video coverage to capture it all.
Tip #4: Choose Comfort First, Always
If I had to pick just one tip to shout from the mountaintops, it’d be this: Be comfortable. You’re going to be moving, exploring, sitting in the grass, maybe even scrambling up a trail—and you’ll want to feel good the entire time.
Pick a dress that lets you breathe, take big steps, sit on a rock, and hug your person without fuss. When your dress fits you and your day, you’ll be free to actually enjoy it all.
Questions to Ask of Your Adventure Elopement Dress
Before you fall head over heels for a dress, here are a few down-to-earth questions to keep in mind—especially if your celebration includes a bit of hiking, wandering, or weather:
Can I move freely in it? (Think: big steps, dancing in the woods, climbing over a rock or two.)
How much of the train will drag on the ground?
Does it catch the wind in a dreamy way—or just feel bulky?
Am I okay with it getting a little dirty? (Because it probably will!)
Can it be packed up easily—into a dress bag or even a backpack?
How tricky is it to get into, realistically?
Answering these will help you pick a dress that not only looks beautiful, but actually works with your day—not against it.
“Kathryn was just who I needed for my special day. She brought such light and confidence to me. She was able to help me with everything I needed and provide my husband and I with the most amazing way to relive our wedding day.”
— Justine & Jake
Dress Fabric and Movement Tips
When you’re planning to adventure—even just a little—on your elopement day, the feel and flow of your dress can make a big difference. Some fabrics are more forgiving, breathable, or just look magical in the wind (hello, dreamy photos!). Others might wrinkle easily, snag on branches, or feel stiff when you're trying to climb a rock or sit on a blanket.
Here are a few fabric tips to keep in mind:
Chiffon, tulle, and organza are lightweight and flowy—perfect for that windswept mountain vibe.
Lace is romantic and textured, but check for snaggy bits if you'll be in the woods.
Satin and silk look sleek but can be heavier, show sweat more easily, and may wrinkle if packed.
Crepe and jersey have stretch and are easy to move in—great for long wear or hiking.
You don’t need to know every fabric type by name, but give yourself time to feel how they move when you try them on. Walk around. Sit down. Do a little spin. If it makes you feel beautiful and like you could twirl, scramble, or lay in a field of flowers—you're probably on the right track.
Shoes and Undergarments Guide
Your dress might steal the show, but what’s underfoot and beneath matters just as much—especially when your elopement includes a little adventure or uneven terrain. Here are some things to think about when you’re picking your accessories…
Shoes:
Think about where you’ll be walking, standing, or dancing. Heels may look stunning, but if you’re hiking a trail or walking on soft earth, they might not be the best fit. Consider:
Stylish boots or booties that give you traction and keep your feet cozy.
Dressy flats or sandals that are easy to walk in but still feel special.
Sneakers, if you want to blend comfort and a bit of your personality. (Yes, sneakers can be bridal!)
Undergarments:
Pick pieces that feel good all day long. Seamless, breathable, and supportive options help avoid discomfort or awkward lines. Also think about the dress style:
Strapless bras, adhesive cups, or built-in corsets if your dress is backless or strapless.
Shapewear that feels natural, not restrictive, if you want some smooth support.
Don’t forget layering for warmth if you’re eloping in a cooler season or higher elevation.
Trying your full look—dress, shoes, and undergarments—together before the big day helps you feel confident and ready to move freely.
How to Transport The Dress
Taking your dress with you on an adventure can feel a little intimidating, but with a bit of planning, it can be smooth sailing. Whether you’re hiking up a mountain or driving to a secluded spot, keeping your dress wrinkle-free and intact is totally doable.
Packing tips:
Use a sturdy, breathable dress bag or garment bag to protect your dress from dirt, moisture, and wrinkles.
If you’re flying, consider a carry-on-sized bag designed specifically for wedding dresses, so it’s close by and safe.
For road trips or hikes, a high-quality dress bag that fits snugly in your car or pack is your best friend.
On-site care:
Bring a small, portable steamer or wrinkle-release spray for quick touch-ups before you say “I do.”
Have some safety pins or double-sided fashion tape handy for last-minute fixes.
If you’re hiking or moving through nature, pack a lightweight, neutral-colored shawl or jacket to protect your dress while you walk.
Remember, your dress is part of your story—not a fragile trophy. A few wrinkles or a little dirt just add character and memories to your adventure.
Involve Your Partner Too
Make It a Shared Adventure
Choosing your elopement dress isn’t just your moment—it’s a special part of your story as a couple. Bringing your partner along can make the experience even more meaningful and fun.
Whether they come with you to try on dresses or you share photos and stories about your favorites, including them helps turn this into a shared adventure. Their perspective might surprise you, and their excitement can make the whole process feel more connected.
Plus, it’s a sweet way to slow down and celebrate this step on your journey together—especially when your elopement day is all about your unique love story.
So, don’t be shy: invite your partner to be part of the dress hunt and enjoy those “this is the one!” moments together.
Accessorize to Make It Your Own
When it comes to your elopement dress, the magic often lies in the little details that reflect your personality and style. Accessories are a perfect way to add that personal touch and make your look uniquely yours.
Sometimes the most beautiful details are the ones sewn right into your dress or carefully layered on top. Adding floral appliqués, delicate embroidery, or lace overlays can give your elopement dress a one-of-a-kind feel that tells your story.
Think about incorporating layers like a detachable cape, a sheer overlay, or a cozy shawl that not only add style but can keep you comfortable if the weather changes. Floral pieces—whether a hand-stitched bouquet detail or a soft flower crown woven into your hair—bring in a natural, personal touch that connects your outfit to the environment and your vibe.
These subtle layers and details let you tailor your look in a way that feels authentic and uniquely you, blending beauty with comfort and meaning.
My Favorite Shops to Buy Your Elopement Wedding Dress
There are so many places that you can buy your elopement wedding dresses from, and I am not here to tell you which places are the best vs. the worst. However, after spending lots of time with brides during elopements, there are quite a few that have become my favorite!
Used Wedding Dresses
These are both great places to search for and purchase previously new, sample, and previously used wedding dresses (which are super eco-friendly!)
Eco-Conscious Wedding Dresses
“We make effortless silhouettes that celebrate the feminine figure and pioneer sustainable practices, focusing on people and progress each step of the way.”
“Our mission is to infuse the bridal shopping experience with the new-paradigm ideals of ease, convenience, uniqueness, quality, and ecological consciousness. And because we offer our products only online, direct to you, we are able to skip the bridal shop markup and provide our dresses at affordable prices.”
“Are you feeling out of place in the sea of white, fluffy, taffeta wedding dresses and stiff tuxedos? Well, you just found the place for truly Unique Wedding Dresses and Bespoke Suits, custom-made for you!”
These are both great places to search for and purchase previously new, sample, and previously used wedding dresses (which are super eco-friendly!)
Other Wedding Dresses
A great online store to look for very low cost gowns, perfect for people who want a simple outfit that they won’t be worried about getting dirty on their adventure.
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on your wedding dress for your elopement, YOU DON’T HAVE TO! In fact, a lot of my couples DO spend LESS on their attire so they are able to splurge elsewhere! However, if the dress is important to you then you can spend as much as you’d like! The shops that I have listed have options for all different budgets, body types, and style preferences.
Final Encouragements
Just like every other part of your elopement, your dress is completely up to you. Don’t let anyone else define what it should look like, feel like, or mean to you.
If you’ve been dreaming of that princess dress since you were a kid—go for it. If that flowy black gown you saw on Instagram made your heart skip a beat—you’d look incredible in it.
Think of it this way: you’ve got endless options and total freedom. Let yourself explore, try things on, and choose what makes you feel most like you.
