Elopement Wedding Dresses to Love Now

  • By Jen Hart
  • Elopement
  • comments 0

Elopement Wedding Dresses: The Perfect Gown for Your Intimate Celebration

If you’re planning an elopement, you’re likely drawn to the idea of an intimate, simple, and meaningful wedding experience. Whether you’re saying “I do” in a stunning national park, a cozy backyard, or a dreamy vacation rental, your wedding dress should be just as special as the moment itself.

Why Your Elopement Wedding Dress Matters

One of the biggest misconceptions about elopements is that they require a less-than-extraordinary wedding dress. But here’s the truth: just because you’re skipping the grand ballroom and lengthy guest list doesn’t mean you should skimp on your wedding look. Your elopement wedding dress should make you feel empowered, radiant, and completely like yourself—whether you’re exchanging vows on a mountaintop or at a city courthouse.

Eloping gives you the freedom to craft a wedding that feels truly personal, unbound by traditional expectations. That freedom extends to your dress. With no rigid dress codes or overwhelming opinions from relatives, you have the chance to choose a gown that speaks to your personal style, reflects your love story, and makes you feel incredible.

Elopement Wedding Dress Ideas for Every Setting

Your venue and elopement style will help shape your dress choice. Whether you’re drawn to bohemian elegance, modern minimalism, or romantic lace, here are some ideas to help you find the one.

Eloping-In-Canada-backless-romantic-elopement-wedding-dress

Simone Wedding Dress |Jasper K Photos

dreamy-mountain-elopement-in-Canada-bride-backless-wedding-dress

Simone Elopement Wedding Dress |Jasper K Photos


DRESS

Simone Long Sleeve Backless Wedding Dress

PHOTOGRAPHER

Jasper K Photography


1. Adventure Elopements

If you’re planning to elope in a breathtaking outdoor setting—think Yosemite, Sedona, or a quiet beach at sunset—comfort and movement should be key considerations. Look for a flowy wedding dress made from lightweight, breathable fabrics like chiffon, crepe, or soft lace. A dress with movement will not only make hiking or exploring easier but will also create those magical, ethereal photos that make elopements so memorable.

Pro tip: A gown with a train can add drama to your photos, but make sure it’s easy to bustle or carry while walking.

If you are a bride who crave freedom, artistry and ease of movement, check out our handcrafted, made-in-California Boho Wedding Dresses.

2. Courthouse Chic

For brides opting for a civil ceremony or city hall elopement, a sleek, sophisticated dress might be the perfect choice. Consider a chic midi dress, a modern slip dress, or even a stylish jumpsuit. Simple doesn’t mean boring—look for details like a square neckline, delicate embroidery, or an open back to add elegance and personality to your look.

3. Cozy Backyard or Airbnb Elopement

Backyard and vacation rental elopements offer an intimate, relaxed setting, allowing you to embrace a more effortless bridal style. A bohemian lace gown, a soft A-line dress, or a romantic off-the-shoulder silhouette are all perfect choices for a laid-back yet beautiful celebration.

Pro tip: Choose a gown that complements the vibe of your setting—whether it’s rustic, modern, or vintage-inspired.

Should Your Dress Have a Train?

Many brides are usually concerned about wearing a dress that has a train. We always suggest choosing a dress that has a train. Trains make great photos, in fact, the dreamiest photos. The important thing is, be sure your dress has a bustle and a wristlet option. If you love any of the dresses on this page, or from our collection, all of these dresses come with both options, a bustle, and a wristlet. After the ceremony and photos, you can pin up the train. Don’t feel like doing the bustling, then use the wristlet to comfortably hold the train up while you hike or walk to your elopement destination. Might I add, the wristlet is cool for photos. It has a laidback elegant feel when brides have the dress held on their wrist and is an excellent, seemingly nonchalant photo.

In addition to bustling concern, we hear brides voicing the fears of the dress getting dirty. Our advice is, let it get dirty. Don’t even think about the dirt. Think only of the life-changing experience of your elopement, and being present in the seismic love of you and your partner. Think how lucky you are, to have found the love of your life, and what fun to have. You can always search up a good dry-cleaner later. The beauty of cotton laces is grass, and dirt stains will come out.

The Olivia Dress boasts a dreamy skirt, floor-length without a train.

Pro tip: If you want to make a statement, pair your minimalist dress with bold accessories like pearl earrings, vintage gloves, or a structured veil.

Sedona-Elopement-Bride-Wearing-lLong-Sleeve-Elopement-Wedding-Dress

Violetta Wedding Dress | Elizabeth Wells Photo

Arizona-Elopement-dreamy-bride-and-groom

Violetta Wedding Dress | Elizabeth Wells Photo


DRESSES

Violetta Long Sleeves Backless Wedding Dress

PHOTOGRAPHER

Elizabeth Wells Photo


The Correct Length of Your Dress

Another vital thing to consider is the length of your dress. While it should kiss the floor, you don’t want it being too long in the front or dragging. Too long, could easily be a hazard, so avoid this. Again, our wedding dresses are to your measurements, so this is something you would avoid by providing us the correct length measurement. While the train is bustled, there is no fix on the day for the front length being too long. It isn’t fun holding up your dress all day, so avoid this at all costs.

All the dresses featured are tagged below and are available for your elopement wedding.

Hawaii-Elopement-dreamy-and-magical-inspiration

Simone Dress| Chuy Photos

a-romantic-and-free-elopement-in-Hawaii

Simone Dress – Available Now| Chuy Photos


DRESS

Simone Long Sleeves Wedding Dress

PHOTOGRAPHER

Chuy Photos


Boho Elopement Dress for a National Park?

Eloping in a national park is a dream come true for so many brides. You get the most picturesque views and without an excess of rules. Win-win!! The same way a boho elopement dress allows you to show off your personality, a national park helps to tell your unique story as a couple. Many Dreamers & Lovers brides have eloped in national parks, and they echo the same sentiment; besides the beauty of the park, it was so easy and cost-effective. We love no-hassle elopements. Sign us up! You pay a small fee, usually less than $200, reserve the site, and Voila, dream elopement venue booked. If you’re planning to elope at Joshua Tree, here is the link to reserve your elopement site. The process would be the same for eloping in most national parks.

elopement dress ideas Joshua tree

boho elopement dress Joshua Tree


DRESS

Samantha Bell Sleeves Backless Wedding Dress

PHOTOGRAPHER

Alyssa Marie Photos


TLDR: Don’t Skimp On Your Elopement Wedding Dress

The key takeaway is, an elopement doesn’t mean you skimp on choosing a fantastic dress, or a photographer for that matter. Where you are eloping will set the stage for what type of gown to wear. Ultimately the dress you choose must reflect your style, and you must look like the best version of yourself wearing it. Think of what a fantastic day your elopement will be, and all the compliments you’ll receive from your fiance, friends, and loved ones! Congrats bride-to-be.

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Hayley Wedding Dress | I-Coronado Photography

Joshua-Tree-Elopement-Best-Places-to-Elope

Hayley Wedding Dress | Amanda Vaelynn Photos


DRESS

Hayley Backless Flowy Wedding Dress

PHOTOGRAPHER

Amanda Vaelynn Photos 


Short Wedding Dresses We Love for a Courthouse Elopement

Diana-midi-wedding-dress-2

Diana Midi Length Dress | For Love and Light

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Halley Lace Mini Dress | For Love and Light

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Halley Lace Mini Dress | Photo: For Love and Light

Daniela-lace-long-sleeve-short-wedding-dress-shown-in-white

Daniela Lace Mini Dress | Photos: For Love and Light

 

Shop the full collection of Dreamy Bohemian Wedding Dresses.


DRESSES

Diana Midi-Length Elopement Wedding Dress

Halley Bell Sleeve Mini Dress

Daniela Lace Mini Dress

PHOTOGRAPHER

For Love and Light