Written by our rad team member, Kiersten Roy

Finding the perfect elopement dress can be like searching for a needle in a giant haystack! With so many styles, fabric choices, and things to consider, where do you even start? (Right here is a pretty good place, if you ask us). We created this blog post to help you choose an elopement dress that is both practical and stylish. We’ll cover the top elopement dress styles our couples choose, a few of our favorite adventure wedding dress designers, plus tips to help you find the perfect dress for your adventure wedding.

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A Complete Guide to Choosing Your Elopement Dress

• How to Choose the Perfect Elopement Dress for Your Setting
• Alternative Elopement Dress Options
• 3 Things to Consider When Shopping for Your Elopement Dress
• Our 3 Favorite Elopement Dress Designers

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How to Choose the Perfect Elopement Dress for Your Setting

Your elopement location will play a huge role in your dress choice. Different dress styles can not only look different depending on the location you are in, but there are also some important things to consider depending on the type of adventure you choose. Here are a few elopement dress tips for our three most common adventure wedding landscapes.

Mountain Elopement Dress

It’s no secret that mountain elopements have our hearts here at Between the Pine. If you’re eloping in the mountains, you’ll need a dress that can handle the elements while still looking stunning. Mountain trails can be a bit more unpredictable than other terrains (think rocky trails, steep inclines, and winding switchbacks), so you’ll want to choose a mountain elopement dress that allows for movement and that you also feel comfortable wearing. We recommend looking for a dress that is made from breathable, lightweight fabrics, and avoiding anything too heavy as it may weigh you down on the trail.

*Insider Tip – when shopping for your mountain wedding dress, try stepping up, bending down, and reaching your hands above your head. These are common movements that you will experience during your mountain elopement.

Details to Consider for Your Mountain Wedding Dress

• Look for a mountain elopement dress that allows for easy movement and that you feel comfortable in (chances are you’ll be wearing it for a few hours).
• Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like tulle or chiffon as these materials are less likely to wrinkle and won’t weigh you down on the trail.
• Pay attention to train length. Longer trains can catch on rocks or branches. If you love the drama of a train, but don’t want the stress, opt for a dress with a bustle, a short elopement dress, or a flowy a-line skirt.
• Look for a pair of hiking boots to go with your elopement dress. Hiking boots are a more comfortable (not to mention safer) alternative to heels when eloping in the mountains.

Mountain Wedding Dress Inspiration

Beach Elopement Dress

Beach elopements often give off a relaxed, care-free vibe and choosing a dress that reflects that can help make your photos even more incredible. For a relaxed beach elopement, we recommend going with lightweight fabrics like chiffon or silk. These fabrics are ideal for coastal settings as they not only allow for movement in the breeze (gusts of wind are common along the coast), but they also won’t feel heavy or weigh you down as you walk along the sand. Consider a beach elopement dress with details like open backs, airy layers, or high slits for a bit of elegance and easy movement. If you want to go with a more casual beach elopement dress, styles like slip dresses look beautiful by the water.

*Insider Tip – If opting for a heavier fabric, look for a dress with a hemline that won’t drag too much. This will make your walk down the aisle (or beach) easier.

Details to Consider for Your Beach Elopement Dress

• Look for a dress with lightweight fabric like chiffon or silk as it can add beautiful movement to your photos
• Play with details like open backs or high slits for a more relaxed, beachy feel.
• Opt for sandals instead of heels (or skip shoes altogether and go barefoot!).

Beach Wedding Dress Inspiration

Forest Elopement Dress

Want a dreamy forest elopement dress to match your dreamy forest elopement vibes? Good news – there are lots of unique options to choose from! If you’re eloping in a forest, look for a dress with light fabrics to match the magical forest vibes. Think lace, tulle, or chiffon as these fabrics catch the light and blend beautifully in forest surroundings.

Since forest terrain can be uneven (think roots, rocks, and soft moss underfoot), look for a dress that allows easy movement rather than one that feels heavy or restrictive. Avoid overly structured gowns with stiff bodices or long, heavy trains that might be difficult to manage on the trail. A dress with soft layers and a relaxed fit will enhance the atmosphere while also keeping you comfortable during your forest wedding.

Details to Consider for Your Forest Elopement Dress

• Choose a dress with lightweight fabrics like lace or tulle and that is easy to move in.
• Pay attention to train length and look for a hemline that just dusts the ground. Longer trains can catch on rocks or branches so if you choose a dress with a longer train, see if it has a bustle to gather the extra fabric while you wander the trails.
• Look for a forest wedding dress with floral embroidery (like this BtP bride) to add a more nature-inspired vibe to your look
• Ditch the heels and opt for sturdy hiking boots or comfortable sneakers instead. You can always change your shoes at the end of the trail if you feel like it, but we personally love a hiking boot look.

Forest Wedding Dress Inspiration

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Alternative Elopement Dress Options

If a traditional elopement dress doesn’t feel like you, don’t worry! There are plenty of alternative options to choose from that are just as stunning and comfortable.

Non-Traditional Elopement Dress Styles

From short elopement dresses to colorful wedding dresses, there are so many ways to express your style that don’t have to fit the traditional white wedding dress category.

Elopement Suits

Custom suits are a fantastic choice for anyone looking for something a little different. A suit can be a stylish and functional alternative to an elopement dress.

Jumpsuits and Bodysuits

Jumpsuits and bodysuits are perfect for anyone who wants a chic and modern elopement look. These outfits offer more freedom of movement perfect for adventure wedding!

Want More Elopement Attire Tips and Inspiration? Check out our guide below!

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3 Things to Consider When Shopping for Your Elopement Dress

Shopping for your elopement wedding dress is one of the most fun parts of planning your big day! When beginning the search for the perfect dress, our couples have had a lot of luck with first looking for inspiration online.

*Insider Tip – Scroll through our elopement galleries and blog posts to get an idea of which elopement dress styles you are drawn to. Then ask yourself if there is a common thread between them. Is it the flow of the fabric? The way it moves in the wind? The way it fits the landscape? This can help you understand what styles you are drawn to before ever stepping foot in a wedding dress shop.

Then, when it comes time to start shopping for your elopement dress, remember that it’s ok to try on different styles (you never know what you will love until you try it on).

That being said, after years of photographing adventure elopements, we’ve learned a thing or two about which dresses hold up best in outdoor elements (and which ones photograph beautifully)! Here are three of our top tips and things to look for when choosing your dream elopement dress.

Movement

When we say movement, we mean that the fabric of the dress moves in the wind or cascades behind you when you run or turn. Movement in an elopement wedding dress is not only a fun way to express your personality, but it can also help tell the story of what you were experiencing in that moment.

Layers & Light

Having a dress with layers (think multiple layers of tulle or chiffon) allows natural light to filter through. It also creates a soft glow that looks absolutely magical in photos. Imagine standing in the middle of a forest, the sun filtering through the trees, casting rays of light across the forest floor. Now picture that light catching the layers of your dress and streaming through (magical, right?). Whether you’re hiking up a mountain trail or exchanging vows in a meadow, this kind of light can add dimension to your elopement photos and makes for some seriously dreamy vibes.

*Insider Tip – If you choose an elopement wedding dress that doesn’t have movement or doesn’t allow light through the fabric, you can always add accessories like a veil to help achieve a similar look. Adding a veil also adds texture and depth to a photo (not to mention, it’s a fun way to personalize your elopement look).

Comfort & Practicality

Comfort in an elopement dress is key (especially when your day includes some hiking). You’ll want a dress that not only looks amazing but is also comfortable to wear and move around in. Look for dresses made from stretchy fabrics or with a forgiving silhouette like A-line cuts that won’t restrict movement.

For adventure elopements, we recommend avoiding heavy, rigid materials as these can make hiking difficult or limit your mobility. Look for elopement dresses with lightweight fabrics that allow you to easily move, whether you’re climbing rocky trails or running through a field at sunset.

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Our 3 Favorite Elopement Dress Designers

Over the years we have photographed hundreds of gorgeous elopement wedding dresses and there are three dress designers that we have come to love! Not just because they create some seriously stunning dress designs, but also because their dresses hold up well while hiking and photograph beautifully in all the different landscapes.

Grace Loves Lace

The reason we 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 dress, 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 our top recommendation.

BHLDN

BHLDN is Anthropologie’s wedding line that we absolutely love because they have a wide variety of styles and most of their styles are budget-friendly.

*Insider tip: if you are looking to be a little more cost conscious when purchasing your elopement dress, look at their bridesmaid dresses in white. Some of the past  brides we have photographed have worn their bridesmaid dresses as their wedding dress and looked so stunning!

Rue De Siene

Rue De Siene dresses are so beautiful! If you are looking for an elopement dress that is super dramatic and boho, then this is THE brand for you! These dresses have such great movement to them and they photograph so well in all the different landscapes!

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At the end of the day, your elopement dress should feel like you. Whether you go for something flowing and romantic or sleek and modern, the most important thing is that you feel confident, comfortable, and completely yourself. We hope this guide helps inspire you and gives you a starting point to explore your options; not to tell you what you should wear. Your elopement is about celebrating your love in a way that feels right for you, and your dress is just one part of that adventure!

For More Elopement Attire Tips and Inspiration, check out our guide below!