How to Select a Wedding Dress for an Elopement - Elopement Advice

Adventure Elopement Photographer

I am SO excited you are here, because that means you are eloping!! I am so happy for you. Now you are wondering how do I select a wedding dress for an adventure elopement???

In this blog post I will share with you all the secrets I have gained from previously renting out designer gowns, from working many elopements in different locations and more! When I was shopping for gowns I found that I have a huge love for wedding dresses. All of their textures, colors and fabrics always catch my eye. I hope this elopement dress guide helps you in finding the perfect gown! If you have any questions at the end please drop them in the comments!! Or feel free to reach out to me about your elopement, I would love to capture your day and help with the planning along the way!

The top three questions my clients ask me about their wedding dress:

Will my dress get dirty?

Most likely, yes! This is not a huge deal because after a dry cleaning it will be back to normal in most elopement locations!! Now, if you are eloping in Sedona and wearing a silk dress it could take several cleanings before it is back to normal. There is a chance of your dress getting torn, getting sticks or cacti in it and more. This is a risk you take when choosing to have the most epic wedding day possible. If you are concerned with your wedding dress getting dirty it is best to change into the dress after the hike and carry the bottom of the dress as much as possible.

Where will I put on my wedding dress?

This all depends on you and your elopement! Some of my couples will get dress at the peak of the hike close to where we will be doing the ceremony portion. Some want to hike in their attire and they get dresses either at the trailhead, their Airbnb, their van or campsite. If you plan on changing on location it is best to carry we wedding dress bag or carefully pack your dress in your pack.

Can I do a first look in my dress?

Of course!!! First looks are not just for the big traditional weddings. You can do a first look on the top of any mountain peak. The great thing about elopements is that the day is truly all about what you two want to do and the experience you want to have. If you want your partner to help you get ready, great! If you want to get ready separately and have that surprise moment together, great! We can make it happen.

Where to get a wedding dress for an elopement? What to look for in a dress?

Just like a traditional wedding you want your dress to showcase YOU. The dress should scream your personality and you should feel stunning in it! Just because you are eloping which may involve hiking, rock climbing or what have you, does not mean you have to compromise on the look. Check out these options to purchase from along with great tips. These are by no means the only places or options for looking for your perfect elopement wedding dress! While going through the guide feel free to click on images from the suggested dresses from each store to go directly to the dresses site.

Shop BHLDN

This online store by Anthropologie’s brand has so much variety!! You can shop by style, price, neckline and fabric. They even have a “last minute bride” section which is great if you are planning your elopement in a shorter time frame. They have a dress for any budget which makes shopping easy. If you are going to shop by fabric and you are looking for a dress that will catch the wind perfectly on your wedding day then shop for silk, chiffon or a layered tulle dress. Check out some of suggestions from BHLDN below.

Elopement Wedding Dress Shopping Tip:

Consider where you are eloping. What will the background be like?? Will you be along with beach with cooler tones or will you be in the desert with red and orange tones?? Will the background be super busy or simple and clean. Imagine while shopping for you dress standing in the locations you will be at.

This dress would be super light weight, not to mention beautiful! This would be great for an elopement at a location in the Pacific North West will tall ever green trees or a place like the Redwoods. The detail would really stand out.

PANT SUITE!!!!! How classic and beautiful is this??? Not to mention super easy to hike in. I can see a couple now riding off on their motor-cycle under the starts after eloping in Joshua Tree. This option would catch way less cacti, sticks and more from the desert than a traditional dress.

Never be afraid of a little color and bling for an elopement dress. This dress would be so beautiful in Yosemite National park with its blush color against the tones in the park. Not to mention at the elevation the wind would catch this fabric and show off your legs with the slit.

Shop Rue De Seine

This brand has been all the rage lately and for good reason. Their designs are unique, bold and beautiful. If you are looking for the perfect boho dress this may be the way to go. They also recently (summer 2019) came out with a line tailored to brides getting married in the desert! Their dresses are texture galore! They have retailers all over the United States and in other countries so that you can go and try on the gown before purchasing. Check out some of my suggestions for Rue De Seine below.

Elopement Wedding Dress Shopping Tip:

Is your dress functional?? Location also matters in the sense of can you hike or do other activities in your dress on your elopement day. Most of Rue De Seine Dresses are light weight and flowy making it a perfect design for almost any adventure elopement. Do not doubt yourself, but know your limits. You can totally elope in a ball gown too!! If you do buy a gown with a lot of under layers you can always cut out the first layer that is the more stiffer fabric to be more comfortable.

Seriously?! This wedding dress in a desert setting like the Grand Canyon, Moab or the slot canyons would be an eye catcher!! Those colors are a perfect match and this dress gives you all the freedom in the world to move around and have fun!

wedding-dresses-perfect-for-an-elopement

This dress screams the Pacific North West to me. The lace overlay reminds me of the ferns that are plentiful in Washington. This light weight fabric would even be stunning and workable on a rainy day elopement, that is bound to happen when eloping that region.

This brand even has denim jackets! This is great if you want the sexy strapless dress, but you’re eloping somewhere a little chilly. Or it is a great accessory to have if you’re joining your newly wed spouse around a campfire after your elopement.

Shop Reclamation

This designer is really something special, she fully believes in you and you showing off that magic inside of you. Based out of Canada she hand makes each dress from vintage and antique lace. You can shop on her Etsy site or you can help her design the dress of your dreams. Her dresses are one of a kind and Eco-friendly. Speaking of environmentally friendly, you can also rent some her dresses from her Etsy shop or from other vendors. See below some of my favorite designs from the designer.

Elopement Wedding Dress Shopping Tip:

Do not forget about the weather!!!! Are you eloping in the winter or summer. What will the weather conditions be and how should you prep. Yes, you can wear tights under your dress to keep you warm or use a blanket in between events and photos to help too. Just keep in mind what the weather may be when shopping, you want to be comfortable on this day!!

This dress is amazing for a coastal elopement in places like Hawaii or Oregon. It’s daring, fun and sexy!

While these dresses are made with heavier material they still move around a lot for some pretty action shots, but they also offer stunning textures.

While you won’t find this dress on her Etsy shop it is a real stunner. If you’re looking for a dress designed just for you I highly recommend going this route!

Shop Reformation

If you’re looking to buy from a local United States based company look no further. This company is based in California, including their warehouse. They are also super on top of their sustainability foot print. They use wind power, recycle 75% of their waste and focus on green building. Their dresses are simple stylish and sexy. See below for some of my favorites from this brand.

Elopement Wedding Dress Shopping Tip:

Typically elopements are booked way less in advance than a traditional wedding. This can make it somewhat difficult to purchase a designer wedding dress from your local bridal salon. Shop trusted online stores or you can even rent a wedding dress! Buying a used dress isn’t a bad idea either from for sale apps or online resale stores. Anytime you buy a dress online be prepared to do some alterations.

Dare to be sexy?? This light weight low cut flowy dress is your elopement dream. Imagine a perfect location for this dress would be a summer day in Iceland, Maroon Bells in Colorado or even Big Sur, California.

I think this dress is so beautiful and a little different! You would for sure want to kick off the hiking boots and wear a heel or a cute sandal with this one! So where do you elope then wearing this?? The Painted Hills in Oregon or a beach anywhere would be perfect.

Some other stores and brands to check out would be: Lulus, Free People, Still White and if you want something vintage you MUST check out Shop Gossamer (I would not suggest renting from them for an adventure elopement, but buying)! There are so many options and I definitely suggest going to your local bridal salon to try on dresses to get a feel for what you like if you have the time to do so.

As I always say, ask your photographer!!! Your elopement photographer is here to guide you and help you through this planning process. If you have any questions about what dress is best for the location, elopement plans and or weather never hesitate to ask. No matter what dress you choose you’re going to have the must magically day, congratulations!!!!

work with me for your elopement!