Written by our rad team member, Kiersten Roy
Looking for the perfect elopement attire to wear on your best day ever? While this is one of the most fun steps of planning your elopement, there are also a lot of details to consider! Eloping means you have the freedom to wear whatever feels right for you, but with so many options, how are you supposed to choose?
We’ve created this guide to help walk you through how to choose your attire for your adventure elopement or wedding. We’ll cover all the important things to consider such as where to shop based on your style and important factors to consider. No matter what you choose to wear, we believe there is something out there for everyone, and we hope this guide helps you feel more confident about choosing an elopement outfit that screams YOU!
A Complete Guide on What to Wear to Your Adventure Elopement or Wedding
- How to Choose Your Elopement Attire
- 6 Things to Consider When Choosing Your Elopement Attire
- FAQs about Elopement Attire
- More Elopement Attire Inspiration and Resources
How to Choose Your Elopement Attire
Step 1: Choose What Type of Elopement Attire You Want to Wear: 3 Kinds of Elopement Outfits
Elopement Dresses
Elopement dresses are one of the most popular choices for elopement attire! We even created an entire guide on the different styles of elopement dresses to choose from (plus lots of inspiration links and resources for you to browse through). Click below to read the full guide.
If you’re searching for your perfect elopement dress, here are a few designers that we love and cannot recommend enough.
Grace Loves Lace
Not only does Grace Loves Lace create some of the most gorgeous elopement dresses, but most of their dresses have no zippers and the material feels like Lululemon 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! Plus, they are super easy to hike in, and you can easily slip in and out of them should you decide to change into your dress at the top of the trail.
Anthropologie Wedding Dresses
Previously known as BHLDN, Anthropologie’s wedding line is one that we absolutely love! The brand offers a wide variety of styles and colors making this one of the most versatile options on our list.
*Insider Tip – shop their bridesmaid’s dresses in ivory. Oftentimes, you can get the same dress for a fraction of the price!
Brides for a Cause
Many of our West Coast couples have had success finding an elopement dress at Brides for a Cause. This boutique wedding dress shop sells secondhand dresses off the rack. Not only do you get to try on so many different styles and designers, but if you say “Yes, to the dress” you’ll get to go home with it that same day!
Rue De Seine
If you are looking for an elopement dress that is super dramatic and boho, then this is THE brand for you! Rue De Seine’s dresses are so beautiful and their dresses have such great movement to them (more on that later in the blog post). Every dress our couples have worn from this designer photographs so well and complements any landscape!
Flora & Lane
For our girlies who want a pop of color or wildflowers embroidered on their dresses, this is the elopement dress designer for you! Flora & Lane make some of the most beautiful, nontraditional wedding gowns and their wildflower dresses complement adventure elopements perfectly!
Elopement Suits
We always tell our couples that an elopement is the perfect excuse to get a custom suit! Suits can oftentimes feel like an afterthought, but we think all types of elopement attire should get just as much thought and attention as the others.
If you’re considering wearing a suit to your elopement, here are a few of our favorite places.
Indochino
Indochino offers options in-store and online so you can shop however you want which we love! We’ve had a lot of couples have luck with finding a suit here so this is always one of our top recommendations!
Nordstrom
Not a lot of people think about shopping at Nordstrom for their elopement suit, but we think it’s a great place to look! We recently had a bride find a men’s suit here and they custom-tailored it to her perfectly! Not only did she look amazing, but her feedback on the experience was only positive.
David’s Bridal
You might be surprised to see this option listed for elopement suits, but we have to say that in recent years, David’s Bridal has expanded its options and offers more suits for women.
Richard’s Bespoke
Based in Nashville, Richard’s Bespoke is a boutique clothier that creates custom-tailored clothing and suits. Their suits are by far the most beautiful, perfectly fitted suits we have ever seen! Every person who has used them could not stop raving about them, so this is one elopement suit designer you have to check out!
Alternative Elopement Attire
If a traditional elopement dress or suit isn’t your thing, don’t worry – there are plenty of other options! From trousers, jumpsuits, and bodysuits to short dresses, blazer dresses, and half-and-half outfits (half pants, half dress), there are SO many other elopement outfit options to choose from. You could even design your own custom elopement attire or wear anything else that screams YOU!
If you’re looking for alternative elopement attire inspiration, here are a few places we love!
Nadine Merabi
If you are looking for a unique alternative to an elopement dress, you will definitely want to check out Nadine Merabi’s collection of elopement outfits. They design beautiful jumpsuits, sequined two-piece sets, and tailored blazers, that make a statement while still being comfortable and functional.
Kirrin Finch
Kirrin Finch is one of the top gender-neutral and androgynous formalwear brands in the U.S. Their suits and blazers are designed without the bulkiness of traditional menswear, making them a great choice for those looking for a tailored yet comfortable look.
Suit Shop
If you want a custom suit without a high price tag, visit Suit Shop’s online shop. They create high-quality, modern suits for all body types and you can even mix and match pieces for a unique elopement look.
Step 2: Choose a Color Palette
Once you’ve decided on a style for your elopement attire, the next biggest decision is your color choice. Color is a really fun way to express your style, whether it’s through calm and muted tones or a fun, bold pattern. However, color choice is important as it sets the tone of how you look against the landscape.
If you’re eloping in the mountains, desert, or forest, consider how your color choice will complement the scenery. A black tuxedo will stand out sharply against a natural backdrop and is going to feel very different than a soft brown or deep green suit that blends in and creates a more organic, nature-inspired look.
Some of our favorite suit colors for outdoor elopements are:
- Navy/dark blue
- Forest green
- Burgundy
- Brown (consider a tweed suit to add a bit of texture)
Step 3: Shop for Your Elopement Attire
Did someone say “shopping”? Once you’ve decided on the style and color of your elopement outfit, it’s time to start shopping (you don’t have to ask us twice!).
We recommend trying on a few different styles in person when possible. Not only will this allow you to see what styles fit you best, but it will also give you an idea of how comfortable each option is (we’ll go into comfort in more detail later in the post).
Step 4: Choose Your Accessories
Accessories add so much personality to your elopement outfit and are one of the most fun ways to personalize your look.
Veils, Capes, and Hats
If you love the idea of a veil, Rue De Seine offers some gorgeous, unique options. We also love a cape or wing veil for a dramatic flair.
Don’t Forget Your Footwear
Eloping often means including a little bit (or a lot) of adventure, so your shoes need to be both practical and stylish! Some of our favorite elopement shoes (aka hiking boots) include:
- Blundstones – A tried and true classic hiking boot designed for durability and comfort.
- Chacos – Great for summer elopements and beach elopements. They offer a wide range of color options so you could get a pair in white or a color that matches your suit or dress.
- Teva – Just like Chacos, Teva also offers a wide range of sandals. They also have a white hiking boot which we LOVE for elopements!
- Columbia Hiking Boots – This is a popular choice for both brides and grooms. They offer tons of options (including boots and waterproof shoes) and have some super stylish details (we especially love the brown boots with red laces).
- Danner Boots – Another hiking boot style we love is Danner! They have a gorgeous leather boot that is beautiful, durable, and comfortable!
- Red Wing Shoes – If you’re looking for a classic leather boot without the frills, Red Wing Shoes is a great option! They offer styles for both men and women and are some of the coolest leather boots on our list.
6 Things to Consider When Choosing Your Elopement Attire
Over the years, we’ve learned a few tips for what types of elopement attire look (and feel) the best on an elopement day. When shopping for your attire, keep the following things in mind. (P.S. – These tips are simply to help guide you when shopping for elopement attire. The ONLY thing that matters is that you find and choose an elopement outfit that you love!).
Location
Consider your elopement location when shopping for your attire. If you’re eloping in the mountains, think about whether you want your outfit to stand out or complement the backdrop. As we mentioned earlier, a brown tweed suit will complement the mountain landscape more than a black tux or ballgown.
Weather
Since most adventure elopements require a lot of time outdoors, you’ll want to consider the weather when choosing your elopement attire. Long sleeves and heavier fabrics work best for cooler climates, while sleeveless, flowy dresses and lightweight suits are great for warm-weather elopements.
*Insider Tip – Consider layering and adding a shawl, blanket, or cape for colder weather elopements. Not only will these extra layers help keep you warm, but it can also change up your look.
Activities
Your activities are one of the most important things to consider when shopping for your elopement attire. If you are hiking to your ceremony spot, check to make sure your outfit allows for easy movement. Are you able to walk, bend down, and reach your arms up easily? Will you be wading through water or climbing up into a helicopter? Make sure the outfit you choose allows for easy movement and adventure.
Material (aka Movement)
For our dress wearing partners – this tip is for you! There is no wrong dress, but in our experience, a dress with movement makes elopement photos really fun. Examples of what we mean by “movement” could be a train that cascades behind you when you walk or run, or a flowy dress that moves easily in the wind. This type of movement can add a magical effect to your photos (plus, these options are often super comfortable as well).
*Insider Tip – If you’re having trouble narrowing down your style, we encourage you to go through photos of our past couples on our website or Instagram account. See which elopement attire photos and catch your eye and try to figure out why. Does the dress have a train? Does it have lace or no lace? A lot of our couples have found this exercise SO helpful when narrowing down the specific styles they are drawn to.
Budget
You don’t need to spend a fortune to find the perfect elopement outfit! Consider shopping secondhand, renting your elopement attire, or looking at nontraditional brands for budget-friendly options.
Comfort
Last but not least is choose an elopement outfit that is comfortable! At the end of the day, the best elopement attire is whatever makes you feel like you. Choose something that feels comfortable and easy to move in, and one that also matches your personal style.
FAQs about Elopement Attire
What do people wear when they elope?
Anything they want! Seriously, there is no outfit that is off-limits! Most of our couples opt for elopement dresses, suits, and jumpsuits, but you can wear anything that reflects your personal style.
Can you still wear a wedding dress if you elope?
Absolutely! In fact, this is something a majority of our couples choose. Elopement dresses come in all styles, from traditional gowns to short wedding dresses to colorful wedding dresses and everything in between. To learn more about the different elopement dress styles, check out our guide to elopement dresses here.
Is there a dress code for eloping?
Nope! The best part about elopements is that you get to set your own rules! Whether you go full black-tie or casual and comfy, or somewhere in between, the choice is yours.
Do we hike in our elopement attire?
The answer to this question is – it depends. Every elopement is so unique (which is part of the reason we love them so much). During the planning process, we’ll help walk you through the logistics of your day and help you decide whether or not this is something you want to do.
In general though, if we are going to a drive-up location or doing a shorter hike (under 1.5 miles), our couples typically stay in their wedding attire. For longer or more difficult hikes, we recommend changing at the top (or when we get near the top, if you want some hiking wedding photos). Ultimately, the choice of whether or not to hiking in your wedding attire is your’s and we’re always here to help answer any questions you might have along the way.
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