How to Shop for Elopement Dresses: What to Look For, Where to Buy, & How to Choose

I’m a big believer that your elopement doesn’t have to follow wedding traditions if that’s not what you want, and your elopement dress doesn’t have to follow them either.

Maybe you want a classic white gown, or maybe you’d rather wear something colorful, simple, dramatic, or even something totally unexpected. When it comes to elopement dresses, you really can make it your own. Trust me, there’s no rulebook here!

That said, there are a few things worth thinking about when choosing a dress. Things like movement, comfort, fabric, & just how adventurous your day is going to be are all things to keep in mind as you begin shopping for attire.

If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve got you! I’m Malachi, a Colorado elopement photographer who has helped a lot of couples figure out what to wear for their elopement day. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what to look for in an elopement dress, where to buy one, and how to find the right fit for your specific elopement experience. Let’s jump in!

What Should You Look for in an Elopement Dress?

Consider Your Adventure & the Level of Planned Activity

Elopement dresses & traditional wedding dresses have a lot in common, but your dress may need to do a little more depending on what you have planned for the day. If you’re hiking to a viewpoint, stepping over rocks, ducking under branches, or scrambling up a trail, you’ll want an outfit that moves with you instead of fighting against you the whole time.

I always tell couples to actually move around in a dress before committing to it. Sit down, squat, lift your arms over your head, take some high steps, and if you’re comfortable, try stepping up onto something. It might feel a little silly in the dressing room, but it’ll give you a much better idea of how the dress will feel once you’re actually out on the trail. And yes, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll end up climbing onto a rock at some point during your elopement!

I also recommend paying attention to how the dress feels through your hips and legs, too. If it’s too restrictive, something as simple as taking a big step or climbing over a rock can become frustrating. You want to be able to move naturally, especially if your day involves hiking or exploring.

Pay Attention to How the Dress Makes You Feel

All of that practical stuff is definitely something you want to consider, but so does how you feel when you put the dress on. You can find something that checks every box for movement, weather, and adventure, but if you don’t feel like yourself in it, keep looking.

Your elopement dress should make you feel like you – just maybe the version of you that’s about to spend the day hiking through the mountains, chasing views, getting a little dirty, and having an incredible time.

Think About How It Will Move in Photos

As a photographer, one of the biggest pieces of advice I can offer when choosing your dress is to think about how it moves, not just how it looks on the hanger. A dress can look pretty hanging on a rack or standing still in a fitting room, but the way it moves with you can completely change how it looks in your photographs.

Maybe that’s a lightweight skirt catching the wind, a train trailing behind you as you walk, or a flowy fabric that moves when you spin around on a mountaintop. Those little moments give me something to photograph beyond just you standing there in your dress, and they can make your photos feel much more alive.

As an elopement photographer, attire is honestly one of my favorite things to weigh in on. Every elopement location has its own light, landscape, & energy, & I’m happy to share specific advice on what tends to photograph beautifully for your particular setting, so don’t be afraid to ask if you want a second opinion!

What Are the Best Elopement Dresses for Hiking & Outdoor Adventures?

When it comes to choosing an elopement dress for hiking, look for something that gives you plenty of room to move. A-line, tea-length, and some ball gown styles usually work well because they give you more space through the hips and legs. Your dress fabric plays a big role, too. Lightweight options like chiffon tend to be much more comfortable on the trail, while heavily beaded dresses can get a bit heavy once you’ve been carrying them around for a few hours.

Color is another thing to think about. White is a classic option, but it’s probably not surprising that it’s also the color that shows dirt pretty quickly when you’re out exploring. If you’re worried about picking up a few marks along the way, choosing a dress in another color can be a little more forgiving.

Also think about when you’ll actually be wearing your dress. If you’re planning to hike in it from the beginning of the day, I would recommend prioritizing comfort and mobility. If you’re packing it in and changing once you reach your ceremony spot, this will give you more flexibility to choose something with a little more weight, volume, or detail.

Dress Packing Advice

Speaking of packing, if you’re planning to hike to your ceremony spot with your dress in your pack, you’ll want to think about how easily it packs down. The smaller & lighter the dress, the easier it’ll be to carry, especially if you’re going a few miles. A big, heavy dress that takes up half your pack can make a longer hike a lot less enjoyable.

Wrinkles are another thing to consider. If you’re only hiking a short distance, you may be able to get away with carrying your dress in a garment bag or keeping it loosely folded so it doesn’t get too crushed. For longer hikes, rolling the dress instead of folding it can help minimize creases. But honestly, a few wrinkles aren’t the end of the world. Once you’re outside, moving around & taking in the scenery, they’re probably not going to be the thing you notice.

If you’re planning to hike in your wedding attire, I’ve got more tips in my guide to hiking in wedding attire!

How Do You Choose an Elopement Dress for the Weather?

Weather is something I always remind couples to think through when choosing their dress. Depending on the season & location, what you need to stay comfortable can change quite a bit. A dress that feels perfect for a warm summer afternoon at lower elevation might not be the best choice for a windy mountain morning in October.

What to Wear in the Summer Heat

Summer can bring some serious heat, especially at lower elevations, so choosing a dress with good breathability is important here. Look for light, flowy fabrics like chiffon or silk that let you move comfortably without feeling weighed down or overheated.

If you’re eloping at higher elevation, though, don’t assume summer automatically means warm. Mountain weather can change quickly, so I always recommend bringing a layer or two even if the forecast looks great.

What to Wear in Cold & Stormy Weather

If cold, rain, or snow is in the forecast, think about what you’ll need to stay comfortable throughout the day. Wool socks, hand warmers, and an outer layer like a jacket, shawl, or wrap can make a huge difference when temperatures drop.

It’s also worth thinking about what those layers will look like in your photos. I’ve had couples wear puffy jackets that matched their dress color, and they kept them warm while looking really cool in the photos, too. You don’t have to sacrifice your style just because you need another layer.

Finally, hand warmers can be super helpful when it’s cold out. Tucking them into your core, your socks, or underneath your dress can make a huge difference on a chilly day, even if you’re wearing something sleeveless.

What Should You Wear With an Elopement Dress?

Of course, your elopement dress is just one part of your attire! Here are a few things to keep in mind when pulling your full elopement day outfit.

Footwear

I always recommend boots or supportive shoes, at least for the hiking portion of your day. You’ll be moving over uneven terrain & the last thing you want is sore feet or a twisted ankle before you even get to your ceremony spot.

If heels are important to you, absolutely bring them along for photos & swap into them once you arrive!

Layers

Layers can make a huge difference on an elopement day, especially if you’re heading into the mountains or expecting changing weather. Think about pieces you can easily add or take off throughout the day, like a jacket, shawl, wrap, or even a cozy sweater. And since there’s a good chance you’ll be photographed in them, choose something that feels like it belongs with the rest of your outfit.

If you’re wearing leggings underneath your dress for extra warmth, stick with a skin-toned pair. They’ll blend in much more naturally and won’t be as noticeable in photos as a contrasting color.

Accessories

Veils, jewelry, small florals, & other personal touches can add a really beautiful element to your outfit and give you another way to make the day feel like you. Just keep your adventure in mind when deciding what to bring. If you’re hiking several miles, all those little extras can take up more space in your pack than you might expect.

And if rain is in the forecast, a clear umbrella is worth throwing in, too. It’ll keep you dry without hiding your faces or the landscape around you, and a little rain can make for some pretty incredible photos.

Can You Wear a Traditional Wedding Dress for an Elopement?

We’ve covered a lot about what to look for in an elopement dress, but I also want to touch on traditional dresses because this question comes up a lot. The short answer here is absolutely yes! If wearing a traditional wedding dress is important to you, go for it. That’s the whole beauty of an elopement. You get to choose what feels right & leave out everything that doesn’t.

If you’re planning a more adventurous day, some traditional dress styles may take a little more planning. A full ball gown, long train, or heavily structured dress can be harder to hike in than something lightweight & flowy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear one. You might just want to change into it once you reach your ceremony spot, plan a shorter hike, or have a way to carry it until you’re ready to put it on.

And you don’t need to wear a dress at all! A suit, a jumpsuit, or anything else that makes you feel like the best version of yourself is equally amazing. There are no rules here. All that matters is that you feel good in what you’re wearing & that it feels like you.

When Should You Buy Your Elopement Dress?

In terms of timing on when to buy your elopement dress, it really depends on how specific you are about fit & alterations.

My general recommendation is to get your dress sooner than later. Alterations can take anywhere from one to two months, so if you want the perfect fit, you’ll want to build that time into your planning timeline.

If you’re more flexible & happy to grab something off the rack, you’ve got a lot more wiggle room. I’ve had couples pick up their dress the day before their elopement & it worked out just fine! Basically, know what type of preparation feels best for you & plan accordingly.

How Much Do Elopement Dresses Cost?

The cost of elopement dresses can span a pretty wide range. As a general starting point, I’d say the average sits somewhere around $500 to $2,000, which is a good benchmark to keep in mind when you’re setting your budget.

Still, you can absolutely find something beautiful for $50 to $100 if you’re not looking for anything fancy. On the other end, if your dress is a big part of your vision for the day & you really want to invest in it, there are stunning options in the $5,000 range, too. It really comes down to what matters most to you & what role the dress plays in your overall day.

There’s no right amount to spend on an elopement dress. Maybe you want to keep your budget low so you can put more toward the adventure itself, or maybe finding the perfect dress is one of the things you’re most excited about. Either way, choose something that feels worth it to you and fits into the bigger picture of the day you’re planning.

Once you’ve figured out what you want to wear & what you want to spend, you’re ready to start shopping. And if you’re looking at the rest of your elopement plans, I’ve also put together a full elopement checklist to help you keep track of everything.

Where Can You Buy Elopement Dresses?

Now that you know what you look for in an elopement dress, let’s talk about where you can buy one. The good news is that the options for finding elopement dresses are pretty endless. If you already have a local boutique or store in mind, amazing! If you’re shopping online, here are a few of my favorite places to start:

Elopement Dress Shops

• Lulus: A great option if you’re looking for something on the more affordable side. They’ve got a solid selection of wedding & formal dresses, a lot of them under $300.
• Free People: Another really affordable option, especially if you don’t need something wedding-specific. You can find beautiful dresses for as little as $50!
• Rue de Seine: If you’re after a boho feel, Rue de Seine is a great place to look. Just know their prices run a bit higher, typically $2,000 to $4,000 per dress.
• BHLDN: BHLDN has a wide variety of styles & price points, from a couple hundred dollars all the way up to $1,000+. It’s worth browsing if you want lots of options in one place.
• Amazon: I know it might sound surprising, but Amazon is actually a great place to find an elopement dress. If you have a style in mind & know what to search for, you’ll find tons of options at really affordable prices.

In addition to these online options, one of my favorite in-person options is Brides for a Cause! They currently have a handful of locations in western U.S. (fingers crossed for a Colorado location soon!), but their mission is really special. They sell secondhand dresses & donate the proceeds to women-focused nonprofits, so you can find a beautiful dress at a fraction of the original price & know it’s going toward a great cause. If you’re in California, Oregon, Washington, or Arizona, it’s definitely worth checking them out!

Elopement Dresses: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear a wedding dress hiking?

Absolutely! Hiking in your dress is something I totally encourage if that’s what you want. Just make sure you choose something that isn’t too restrictive in the waist & isn’t made from a super heavy fabric. The more freely you can move, the more fun you’ll have out there.

How do I keep my dress clean during an outdoor elopement?

Fair warning: your dress will probably pick up at least a little dirt on an outdoor elopement, but, for a lot of couples, that’s part of the experience! Luckily, there are a few things that can help. Spraying the hem with a fabric protector beforehand can go a long way. You can also get a bustle installed to lift the hem & make movement a lot easier. Plus, as your photographer, I’m always happy to chat through the options you have and help you decide which one makes the most sense for your specific day!

Should I bring backup elopement dresses? 

You can, depending on your location & how adventurous your day is. If you’re visiting somewhere like a Pacific Northwest beach where sand & stains are basically guaranteed, a backup can be a really smart move. In those cases, I usually recommend a more affordable white sundress for the messier parts of the day & saving the nicer dress for a cleaner location later on.

Hopefully, you’re feeling a little more confident about finding the right dress for your elopement. There are a lot of things you can think through, like how it moves, how it feels, what the weather will be like, and how adventurous your day is. But at the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong choice. Wear what makes you feel like yourself and fits the kind of experience you’re planning.

And if you work with me, this is exactly the kind of stuff we can talk through while we’re planning your day. I love helping couples figure out all those little details so they can spend less time worrying about whether they’re doing things “right” and more time looking forward to the adventure ahead.