Written by Cortlyn Adams

 

Find the Best Elopement Wedding Dress: List of our Top 8 Picks

Finding the perfect elopement wedding dress can be like searching for a needle in a giant haystack, which is exactly why I created this guide to help you narrow down your search! Here is a rundown of my all time favorite elopement wedding dresses, perfect for anyone on their best day ever! From elopement wedding dresses that are outside of the box to budget-friendly options, I’m covering it all. So, keep scrolling to learn everything you need to know to find your dream elopement wedding dress.

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Looking for the perfect elopement wedding dress? Mollie’s list of the best styles to choose from

1. Boho wedding dresses

2. Colorful wedding dresses

3. Long sleeve wedding dresses

4. Wedding dresses for the beach

5. Classic style wedding dresses

6. Short wedding dresses

7. Simple, informal wedding dresses

8. Cost-effective wedding dresses

 

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Mollie’s favorite elopement dress designers

Over the years I have photographed hundreds of gorgeous elopement wedding dresses! Simply put, there isn’t a wrong dress for your elopement day. Every elopement wedding dress is unique and beautiful in its own way! There are three designers that I see most often when photographing adventure weddings, whose dresses hold up well while hiking and photograph beautifully in all the different landscapes.

Grace Loves Lace

The reason I love Grace Loves Lace so much is because most of these dresses have no zippers and the material feels like leggings (what more could you ask for in an elopement wedding dress, am I right?!)! Past brides who have worn these dresses have raved about how comfortable and versatile they are! They are super easy to hike in, making them my top recommendation out of all the brands I am suggesting.

BHLDN

This is Anthropologie’s wedding line that I absolutely love because they have a wide variety of styles. Pro tip: if you are looking to be a little more cost conscious when purchasing your elopement wedding dress, look at their bridesmaid dresses in white. Some of the past  brides I have photographed have worn their bridesmaid dresses as their wedding dress and look so stunning!

Rue De Siene

Rue De Siene dresses are so beautiful! If you are looking for an elopement wedding dress that is super dramatic and boho, then this is THE brand for you! These dresses have such great movement to them and photograph so well in all the different landscapes (you’ll see why this is important later in the blog.)!

 

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A few key things to keep in mind when shopping for your elopement wedding dress

First and foremost, your elopement wedding dress should feel like you! Above all else, you should feel confident, happy, beautiful and comfortable in it! I want to remind you that this blog serves as a guide and does not tell you what dress you should wear on your wedding day, but rather just has suggestions to help you get inspired and excited for finding your very own elopement wedding dress! Below are three aspects of a dress that I have noticed photograph well and receive the most engagement (on Pinterest and social media) when I share a couple’s story!

Movement

When I say movement, I mean that the fabric of the dress moves in the wind or when a bride spins, you can see the dress move! Movement in an elopement wedding dress helps to tell the story. When you think of a landscape, you also think of movement. From mountain peaks, to forest, to rivers and more, all of these things possess movement. Having a dress that does the same, while out in nature creates those dream images that couples love.

Allow Light Through

Think of a sunset, with the gorgeous golden tones and watercolor painted skies. Having a dress that has layers, allows for light to shine through it creating a beautiful glow. 

Add Ons

If you decide on an elopement wedding dress that doesn’t have movement or allows light through the fabric, you can always add accessories like a veil to help achieve those gorgeous adventure wedding photos you are dreaming of. Adding a veil also adds texture and depth to a photo.

 

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Perfect wedding dresses for boho brides: the makings of a bohemian wedding dress style

In my opinion, a boho wedding dress is the most classic elopement style of wedding dress. That being said, boho wedding dresses come in a wide range of designs, so even though the style is really popular, there are so many options to choose from as a boho bride. Commonly, boho style elopement wedding dresses have movement to the material and shape of the dress. Whether that’s lace bell sleeves, fringe or a soft tulle skirt, movement in your boho wedding dress is key to nailing a wild, effortless, bohemian style wedding. The key to incredible boho wedding attire is in the details. Throw on a wide-brim hat, flower crown, vintage lace applique or cape veil to elevate your boho wedding look to a new (and unique) level.

Details to consider for your boho elopement wedding dress

• Large lace patterns

• Tulle and silk organza

• Off-white and vintage appearance

• Splashes of color in the dress

• Jean jacket or leather jacket over your boho wedding dress

Our top recommendations for where to find your boho wedding dress

• BHLDN offers beautiful boho elopement wedding dresses with amazing lace details, appliques, sleeves and more. 

• Rue De Seine creates dramatic boho wedding dress moments. With bold lace patterns, fringe, bell sleeves and even bridal denim jackets, this company is a boho bride’s dream destination.

• Emmy Mae Bridal has boho wedding dresses in timeless silhouettes with various necklines and lace detailing. This company’s dresses are very feminine and whimsical.

• This collection from Scout Bridal is perfect for an elopement. With amazing movement in the skirts, stunning lace details and even a cape veil, you can’t go wrong with any of these boho wedding dresses for your elopement.

Best locations for your boho elopement

Boho elopement inspo

 

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Thinking outside of the box for your elopement? A colorful wedding dress might just be the icing on the cake

A colorful wedding dress is an amazing way to make a statement during your elopement. You will be able to stand out among the amazing scenery around you (click here if you’re searching for the best elopement backdrop). Whether you choose a white wedding dress with a colorful pattern or you choose to be bold with a completely unique dress color, the key is to choose a colorful dress that won’t compete with nature’s scenery. For example, if you’re eloping in the desert, an orange or yellow wedding dress would blend into the surroundings. But, if you took that same yellow elopement dress and you placed it in the deep forest: boom. Colorful wedding dress magic!

Details to consider for your colorful elopement wedding dress

• Choose a color that look good at your location

• You want your dress to compliment the overall location

• Consider a dress made with tulle, chiffon, silk organza or velvet

Our top recommendations for where to find your colorful wedding dress

• Leanne Marshall is the queen of colorful wedding dresses. Her dresses have the appearance of a watercolor effect, creating soft and colorful details in the wedding dress.

• This velvet, colorful wedding dress from BHLDN is an amazing option for a winter elopement. 

• You could also choose a more subtle colorful wedding dress like this one from BHLDN. Imagine this beautiful dress with colorful details during your spring or summer elopement amongst the wildflower fields at Mount Rainier National Park. Yes, please! 

• If you’re hoping for just the slightest hint of color in your wedding dress, you might like these colorful wedding dresses from Willowby.

• Or, if you’re planning to make a bold statement, this black wedding dress from BHLDN is stunning!

Best locations for you to showcase your colorful elopement wedding dress

 

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Choosing a long sleeve wedding dress for your elopement

So many of my Between the Pine brides wear long sleeve wedding dresses for their elopement. A long sleeve wedding dress is a great option for the shoulder seasons (fall and winter) and for elopement destinations that are higher in elevation like the mountains where the temperature can be a bit more chilly. Some long sleeve elopement wedding dresses have removable sleeves, which is a really fun way to add some drama to your wedding dress and create a different look between your elopement ceremony and portrait photos. When choosing your long sleeve wedding dress, keep in mind the material the dress is made of. If the sleeves are made of a thicker material, the dress will be warmer.

Details to consider for your long sleeve elopement wedding dress

• Raglan sleeves are really elegant and have clean lines

• Lace appliques over tule create unique detailing

• Crepe material provides great structure to the dress

Our top recommendations for where to find your long sleeve wedding dress

• Willoby has some stunning lace long sleeve wedding dresses that would be perfect for a bohemian style elopement. 

• Sarah Seven creates stunning, crisp long sleeve wedding dresses. Like this one, the silhouette and style are a classic long sleeve wedding dress option.

• If you want long sleeves that will add some volume and drama to your elopement wedding dress, check out these options from Alexandra Grecco.

Best elopement locations for a long sleeve wedding dress

Long sleeve wedding dress inspo

 

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Planning a destination elopement at the beach? These are the perfect beach wedding dresses for you

There is nothing more dreamy than an elopement on the beach at sunset! When you’re deciding on what wedding dress to choose for your beach elopement, I recommend something that is made of a lightweight fabric and will move easily. Along the coast, occasional sea gusts are common, so wearing a beach wedding dress that will be caught by the wind is an epic decision. Typically, beach elopement wedding dresses are simplistic and comfortable, made of material that can dry quickly and won’t collect a bunch of sand. Bonus tip: obviously, if you’re planning a destination elopement at the beach, you’ll need a fun new swimsuit; I love Kortni Jean and Albion Fit’s honeymoon collection!

Details to consider for your beach elopement wedding dress

• Thin fabric like cotton or silk

• Wedding dress that moves with the sea breeze

Our top recommendations for where to find your beach wedding dress

• If you’re wanting a casual beach wedding dress, a white cotton dress from Free People is a great option!

• A LA ROBE are simple, elegant options for a beach wedding dress.

• If you’re wanting a beach wedding dress with some sweet lace detailing, BHLDN has some beautiful options in their beach destination wedding dress collection.

• An option for an affordable, more casual beach wedding dress could be something like these white maxi dresses from Lulus.

Best locations for your beach elopement

 

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You can’t go wrong with a classic style wedding dress for your elopement

Truly, you cannot go wrong with choosing a timeless, classic elopement wedding dress. A classic style wedding dress that is slightly fitted, not too busy, and not too simple, and will never go out of style. With a variety of necklines and strap widths to choose from, there have been so many real Between the Pine brides who have chosen a classic style wedding dress for their elopement.

Details to consider for your classic elopement wedding dress

• Simple lace patterns, not too large in print

• There is nothing more classic than a white wedding dress

Our top recommendations for where to find your classic style elopement wedding dress

• Truvelle creates classic wedding dresses that are finished with simple, elegant details.

• For the gals who want to show off some curves and love the idea of an open back on their wedding dress, Made With Love Bridal has stunning classic wedding dress styles for your elopement.

• The silhouettes that Alexandra Grecco creates in her wedding dresses are so classic and timeless.

• Speaking of timeless silhouettes, A LA ROBE’s simple and sleek gowns are a timeless elopement wedding dress option.

• For a variety of necklines and materials, Park & FIfth Co. has a wide variety of classic style wedding dresses.

Best location for your classic style wedding dress

Classic elopement wedding dress inspo

 

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 Pull off the unexpected and elope in a short wedding dress

You could hike to new heights in your short elopement wedding dress! But, truly! There are so many options when it comes to being creative with how to make your short wedding dress a show-stopper. Short wedding dresses are fun, flirty and unique. They can be really chic, semi-longer like a tea-length wedding dress, and are a great option for showing off your favorite pair of shoes (or hiking boots!). Short wedding dresses can be more cost effective than long wedding dresses, so they are a great option if you’re searching for a more affordable option.

Details to consider for your short elopement wedding dress

• Could be a short dress with a longer lace overlay (like a high-low skirt)

• Have fun with it! Accessories are key so find some shoes you’re proud to show off

• Crepe material gives you more structure for your short wedding dress

Our top recommendations for where to find your short elopement wedding dress

• The short wedding dresses at Rime Arodaky are so chic and fun! From fun lace overlays to cutouts in the silhouette, their short wedding dresses are great elopement options.

• Before by Sara Seven is a stunning collection of chic and beautiful short wedding dresses.

• Park & Fifth Co.’s white collection has some amazing options from knee-length to short wedding dresses that hit just above the ankle. They also offer a wide variety of materials and silhouettes. 

• Lulus is a great option for an inexpensive, short elopement wedding dress.

• BHLDN’s short wedding dresses are perfect if you’re, “Headed to the courthouse, getting hitched at city hall, or planning to elope” (BHLDN).

  Short elopement wedding dress inspo

 

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How to nail an informal wedding dress look for your elopement

Your elopement day should fully reflect you and your love’s personalities! So, if the idea of dressing to the 9’s isn’t your thing, don’t feel like you have to. There are so many great options for informal wedding dresses for elopements. Whether you’re thinking of a flowy, cotton dress on the beach or a fun jumpsuit in the mountains, informal wedding dresses are super versatile for whatever type of adventure you’re dreaming of for your elopement.

Details to consider for your informal elopement wedding dress

• Cotton is a great material to consider

• Lace or cutout details can give it a more formal appearance without becoming too fancy

Our top recommendations for where to get your informal wedding dress

• Like I mentioned earlier, Free People’s white dresses are great options for informal wedding dresses.

• Rime and Arodaky offers some really great jumpsuit options with incredible lace overlays and details.

• BHLDN has some amazing jumpsuit options for an informal wedding dress with different materials.

• There are some great wedding jumpsuit options at David’s Bridal.

Best locations for your informal wedding dress

 

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How to turn heads but not break the bank: our top recommendations for finding a “cheap” wedding dress

These dresses are far from cheap-looking, they are just cost effective! Sometimes, former Between the Pine couples have chosen to elope as a more cost-effective option to planning a wedding, and you can have the same cost-effective opportunities when finding your wedding dress. The myth has been busted: wedding dresses do not have to cost thousands of dollars!

Details to consider for your cost-effective, cheap elopement wedding dress

• Be willing to search online and in-store

• When you’re looking, be aware of what material it is made of. It may look amazing online, but it might be made from a lower-quality material and not look, fit or move as well as you thought it might

Best places to search for your cheap wedding dress that is stunning

• There have been multiple Between the Pine brides who have found their wedding dress on Etsy.

• Brides for a Cause is a bridal store in Seattle that collects and resells wedding dresses for charity. So, even if you choose to purchase your affordable wedding dress elsewhere, you could donate your wedding dress to Brides for a Cause.

• BHLDN’s neutral and ivory bridesmaids dresses are a great option for a cheap wedding dress for your elopement.

• The bridesmaids dresses by Park & Fifth Co. are also a great option for an affordable wedding dress.

• You could also purchase your wedding dress second hand from companies like Still White. I know brides who have chosen to go this route and had a great experience finding designer wedding dresses for cheaper.

Best locations for a “cheap” wedding dress

 

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Need more elopement dress inspo? Keep scrolling!

 

    

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Ready to explore more elopements, weddings and adventures? Wander away below!

Between the Pine is an adventure elopement and wedding photography brand created by Mollie Adams. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Mollie travels with her camera in hand to document “I dos” in epic landscapes including Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii.