Congratulations on your decision to elope! As someone who’s done it herself, I’m confident you’re going to love it! For one thing, the entire focus of your special day is going to be on you and the one you love. And, of course, the gorgeous elopement dress (or kickass pantsuit) you decide to wear to commemorate marrying your best friend.

Wait. What’s that you say? You’re not quite sure how to pick the perfect wedding dress for your elopement? You’re worried that the outdoor location you choose will limit your wedding gown choices? You’re afraid the gorgeous backdrop you pick will overshadow your personal style on your big day?

Trust me when I say I’ve heard all of these concerns before. In fact, I had them myself. But with a little forethought – and a lot of browsing – finding your perfect elopement dress will be one of the easiest things you do during your wedding prep. At least a lot easier than telling some of your family members that they’re not invited (but that’s another post all together).

Questions to Consider When Picking an Elopement Dress

What makes you comfortable?

Do you like things more on the fitted side to show off your curves?

Or do you prefer clothing to fit a bit looser and more forgiving?

Do you envision a flowy dress with an epic train that can catch in the wind for dramatic photos?

Would you prefer sleeves to help keep you warm and more covered up?

Is your style more classic and clean or do you want to go wild and boho-to-the-max with lace and fringe?

Is it your dream to fully eschew tradition and go with a colorful dress versus the usual white?

These are all things to think about before you step into a bridal shop! I suggest doing some searching on Pinterest to see what strikes your fancy, while also keeping your personal preferences in mind. Although it might seem fun to try something totally different from what you’d normally pick, you might find that on your wedding day, you don’t quite feel like “yourself” as a result if you go too far out there.

Also, don’t feel obligated to wear a dress if that’s not your style! There are some absolutely incredible pantsuits or rompers that are just as gorgeous of an option!

If I’ve learned anything as an adventure elopement photographer, it’s that finding the right wedding dress for your day is key to how comfortable – and relaxed – you’ll look in the photos. Because regardless of how beautiful the setting, if you’re not loving what you’re wearing on your big day it’s going to show (as I fully learned myself).

If there’s a wedding dress, pantsuit or romper you absolutely must have for your nuptials, then go for it! We’ll work together to make sure your dream outfit takes center stage on the happiest day of your life!

My Elopement Dress Experience

I know from personal experience about how important comfort is on your wedding day.

The night before our elopement, Chad and I had an absolutely incredible and decadent 7-course meal that was not only full of flavor, but also salt. So the next day when I put on my dress, I discovered that while it had been comfy and loose before we arrived in Big Sur, it was now unbelievably tight…and I could barely zip it up.

This made me horribly self-conscious during our first look as I felt myself bursting at the seams – which actually happened. I physically burst out the seams!

Yeeeaaaaah, it was not fun. We sat for a photo right after the ceremony and the back just fully ripped open. Let this be a lesson to all future brides! Beware super salty meals the day before or make sure you’ve got a little give in your gown juuuuuuust in case – or have a cute coverup ready!

Positively set on being a blushing bride in the summer? Open to the idea of a brisk fall wedding? How about a simple ceremony amidst freshly fallen snow?

Picking your wedding date – or season – is definitely a good place to start when it comes to finding your dream wedding dress. After all, a light and flowy chiffon gown may be great for a beach elopement in July but wear the same outfit to a mountain wedding in December and chances are good you’ll be doing more shivering than smiling in the pictures.

Warmer Months

If your special day falls in the warmer months, stick with light, breathable fabrics to help curb sweaty-makeup-face and swampy under-boob (truth).

Colder Months

For colder seasons, heat things up with heavier, classic fabrics like silk, knit or wool paired with an elegant shawl or faux-fur coat.

Adding fleece lined leggings or silk gloves to your glamorous look will also help keep you warm while you tie the knot within a magical, winter wonderland.

Pro tip: Having a weather-appropriate outer layer at the ready, like a cute boho wrap that can double as a picnic blanket is always a good idea no matter the season.

Choosing your elopement destination first will help you narrow down your wedding gown options.

For example, if you decide on a beach elopement then you may prefer an ankle-length wedding dress that won’t get overly sandy or wet as you walk along the shore. Or you might feel that a large hoop skirt gown doesn’t exactly match that rustic, forest landscape you’ve fallen in love with. On the other hand, your location could inspire a style you never would have thought of, like a Bohemian-esque gown amongst a desert landscape.

Trust me, it’s a lot easier to find a wedding dress to fit the location as opposed to settling on a location that will work with your dress.

If getting to your elopement spot involves any form of hiking, rock scrambling, or all-terrain trekking then you need to take that into account when choosing your gown.

Dress Tips for Adventurous Elopements

Stay away from dresses that restrict movement like mermaid style numbers or poufy ball gowns. Instead, opt for dresses you don’t mind picking up a little as you climb those rocks for that magical sunset photo.

Gowns made from wrinkle-resistant fabrics are also something to consider, especially if you plan to pack your wedding attire for the hike in and change when you get to the ceremony spot.

And beware of fabrics like tulle and lace if you want to stay flawless from start to finish. Not only are they prone to snags and rips but they’ve been known to attract small sticks and dirt, which can show in the pictures.

If you’re unsure of what style to pick, you can always ask a dress consultant to help you at the boutique!

They’ll know what types of materials are best for different environments – especially if you visit a bridal gown shop like fleurishla.com in Los Angeles! Owner, Sherri Tan, outfits a lot of adventurous brides and is an expert on what shapes or materials are ideal for different environments or seasons!

The store owner or associate will also likely have tips on how you can adapt the dress to fit your needs ­– a built-in bra for more support on a hike, a bustle to keep it off the ground or how to hem it to the exact length to either show off (or cover) your rugged footwear.

Probably, right? After all, you are looking to get married amongst nature instead of in some stuffy hotel ballroom. Do yourself a favor and decide how dirty is too dirty before you buy your dream dress.

Tips to Help Keep Your Dress Clean

If you hate the idea of a dirty hem, stick with shorter wedding dresses.

Or maybe consider veering away from the traditional white wedding gown all together and go for something colorful instead!

Not only will it really pop against that gorgeous outdoor backdrop, but it’ll do wonders for detracting the eye from any little spots or stains you pick up along the way.

As a side note, clue your adventure photographer in on how adventurous you’re willing to get before the big day. It’s important for us to know what you aren’t comfortable with and will help us plan our picture-taking course accordingly.

Consider Elopement Dress Costs

Along with this, keep cost in mind. Are you cool splurging on a dress that’s likely to get a little dirty? Or do you think you’ll end up worrying over every potential stain every time you move? If so, why add stress to your day?

Instead, consider some lower-priced options! There’s no shame in saving money on the dress if it’s not something you want to think about on the day of your elopement.

Check out asos.com, lulus.com or balticborn.com for some cute, less expensive boho options!

Also, many bridal shops have sample or “off the rack” sales that allow you to get that designer dress for less cost (and don’t forget to check resale websites if you have your eye on a particular gown or designer)!

Planning your elopement and have more questions about how to pick your dress? Feel free to reach out!

I love helping my clients as they plan their dream day and would love to be of further assistance!

My friends know me as the one to come to if you want direct, honest and informed feedback… which I wish I’d gotten before busting out the back of my own dress.