Updated: 10/17/24

Gone are the days when elopement wedding dresses were all about layers of fluff and strict traditions. Thankfully, times have changed, and so have the options for elopement wedding dresses. Now, it’s all about having fun and expressing your unique style. Whether that means a sleek, simple gown, a vibrant pop of color, or a chic jumpsuit, the rules are wide open. You don’t have to stick to white—your dress can be as bold, bright, or unconventional as you want. It’s your day, so why not wear something that feels totally like you?

Deciding on Your Elopement Wedding Dress

When it comes to choosing an elopement wedding dress, comfort is the most important thing to consider. Unlike traditional weddings, where the couple may spend most of their time indoors, elopements often involve taking a helicopter to remote locations, biking over mountain passes, or horseback riding through picturesque landscapes. Therefore, making sure you’re comfortable is so important so that you can move freely (standing and sitting) and enjoy every moment of your special day. If you need ideas for what activities to include in your elopement day head over to this blog for 15 Adventure Elopement Ideas.

When it comes to your elopement wedding dress, think lightweight and breathable—fabrics that won’t hold you back or leave you feeling uncomfortable while you’re out exploring. Flowy chiffon, soft tulle, and lightweight lace are all great picks that blend beauty with easy movement. Plus, keeping the embellishments simple means less worry about snags or damage if you’re hiking along granite rock or brushing up against wildflowers.

Versatility is key when picking out your elopement wedding dress. Go for something that can work great from ceremony to whatever outdoor adventures or photo ops you’ve got planned. A convertible dress with detachable sleeves or skirts gives you the freedom to adjust to changing weather or terrain without sacrificing style. And if you’re eloping somewhere chilly (like this Borealis Basecamp elopement), consider adding a cozy cape or shawl to keep warm against the wind or snow—it’ll look chic and keep you comfy all day long.

Elopement Dress Companies

There are a lot of incredible elopement wedding dress designers specialize in creating stunning dresses tailored for elopements, combining comfort, style, and practicality. Here are eight of our favorite elopement wedding dress companies to consider:

Jenny Yoo:

• Known for their timeless designs and luxurious fabrics, Jenny Yoo offers a range of elegant wedding dresses perfect for elopements. Their collection features romantic silhouettes, delicate lace details, and flowing skirts that embody effortless beauty.

Floral & Lane:

• Floral & Lane caters to free-spirited brides seeking bohemian-inspired wedding dresses with a modern twist. Their designs feature ethereal fabrics, intricate embroidery, and whimsical details that capture the essence of adventure and romance.

Daci Gowns:

• Daci Gowns specializes in creating custom-made wedding dresses that reflect each bride’s unique style and personality. From sleek and minimalist designs to glamorous ball gowns, their collection offers something for every elopement vision.

Daughters of Simone:

• For brides with a penchant for vintage-inspired glamour, Daughters of Simone delivers stunning wedding dresses with a bohemian flair. Their handcrafted designs exude effortless elegance, featuring delicate lace, flowing sleeves, and flattering silhouettes.

Needle & Thread:

• Renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and intricate embellishments, Needle & Thread crafts enchanting wedding dresses fit for a fairy tale elopement. Their collection showcases delicate beading, shimmering sequins, and dreamy layers of tulle.

Reformation:

• With a focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices, Reformation offers chic and contemporary wedding dresses designed for the modern bride. Their collection includes sleek silhouettes, minimalist designs, and effortless elegance for the conscious elopement bride.

Maggie Sottero:

• Maggie Sottero is synonymous with timeless romance and classic elegance, offering a range of exquisite wedding dresses designed to make every bride feel beautiful. Their collection features luxurious fabrics, intricate lace, and flattering silhouettes that evoke timeless charm.

Made with Love:

• True to its name, Made with Love creates wedding dresses infused with passion, romance, and individuality. From whimsical lace to ethereal tulle, their collection embodies the essence of love and adventure, perfect for the free-spirited elopement bride.

Tips for Traveling with Your Elopement Wedding Dress

Once you’ve found the dress, the next step is making sure it gets to your elopement destination in perfect shape. With airlines being a bit unpredictable these days, it’s worth taking some extra steps to keep your dress safe and looking flawless when you arrive. Here are a few tips to help make that happen:

• Invest in a quality garment bag. Look for a wedding dress bag made for travel—it’ll have padded protection and secure closures to keep your dress safe from wrinkles, stains, and any rough handling during the trip.
• Carry it on, don’t check it. If possible, bring your dress as a carry-on. That way, you can keep an eye on it the whole time and avoid the risk of it getting lost or mishandled in transit.
• Check with the airline ahead of time. If you’re flying, call the airline and ask about their policies for bringing a wedding dress onboard. Some might even have special storage options or accommodations for wedding attire.
• Pack accessories separately. Keep your veil, jewelry, shoes, and any other accessories in a separate bag. It helps prevent snags and keeps the dress fabric looking flawless.

Once you arrive, make sure to hang your dress somewhere safe, away from direct sunlight, moisture, or any curious pets that might want to investigate. If it’s looking a little wrinkled from the trip, a quick pass with a garment steamer should do the trick. We’ve got a favorite travel steamer that we got on Amazon that works great and keeps everything looking flawless!

Alternative Options for Your Elopement Day

If a traditional elopement wedding dress isn’t your vibe, no worries—there are so many ways to make your elopement look uniquely you. Here are a few ideas:

• Jumpsuits and Rompers: Go for a comfy jumpsuit or romper if you want a modern, stylish twist on the classic wedding look. They’re super versatile, comfortable, and perfect for adventurous elopements where you want to move around freely.
  • The Dress Tribe
  • Lulu’s
  • Azazie 

• Separates: Mix and match skirts, tops, pants, and jackets to create a personalized look that really reflects your style. Playing with different fabrics, textures, and silhouettes can help you craft a totally unique ensemble that feels authentic to you.
  • Anthropologie
  • Anna Campbell 

• Suit or Tuxedo: For a more gender-neutral or non-traditional approach, consider rocking a tailored suit or tux. Whether it’s a sleek black tuxedo for classic elegance or a colorful jacket that shows off your personality, suits can be just as stunning.
  • Kirrin Finch
  • Wild Fang

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Adventure

As you head out on your elopement adventure, don’t stress if your dress picks up a little dirt, sand, champagne, or even some rain along the way. Embrace it—those little imperfections will just become part of your story. Focus on comfort, staying in the moment, and the joy of celebrating your love in the great outdoors.

Choosing your elopement wedding dress is such a personal and exciting decision. Whether you go for a flowy boho gown, a sleek modern look, or something totally outside the box, trust your gut and pick what makes you feel your best. After all, this is about starting a new chapter together, and you should feel nothing short of amazing.

Your Elopement Wedding Photographers

In case you’ve made it all the way down here and don’t know who we are, we’re Becky & Brian of Scenic Vows! We’re all about combining your love story with the beauty of the great outdoors. As photographers, we capture those genuine, raw moments of connection in some of the most stunning landscapes around—whether it’s Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, California, or Alaska.

But we’re more than just photographers. Becky also doubles as an officiant, crafting personalized ceremonies that tell your unique story. We’re not just here to take pictures; we’re here to help you create an unforgettable elopement experience from start to finish. With us, planning your elopement is easy and stress-free—we guide you every step of the way, turning your adventure into a fun and exciting journey.

We’ve got a range of elopement packages to fit your vision for the day, and you can check them out on the Info page of our website. Not quite sure what you want yet? No problem! Just head over to our contact page, fill out the form, and we’ll set up a Zoom call to chat through all the possibilities. We’re excited to help make your dream elopement come to life!