Eloping has become a popular choice for adventurous couples who want a more intimate, personal, and less stressful wedding experience. Whether you're dreaming of a wedding ceremony on a mountaintop in the Dolomites, with a lake-side view of Lake Garda, or on an elegant Santorini rooftop, we’re here to help you find the perfect elopement dress to not only suit the location but also your personal style.

Choosing your wedding attire for your elopement day is all about the destination and the expression of your personality. Our top advice for all couples is to wear something that feels good and truly represents who you are. Don't feel pressured to follow trends or choose something just to look good in photos. When you feel great, you’ll naturally look great. Trust us on this!

In this guide, we'll explore various styles and options, ensuring you find the wedding dress for an elopement that fits your vision.

If you’re also curious about elopement suits, check out our article on men’s wedding attire.

Things to Consider When Picking Out Your Elopement Dress

Shopping for an elopement dress differs from shopping for a traditional wedding dress. While traditional weddings mostly involve walking down the aisle and dancing (with many brides deciding on changing for the wedding reception and party), elopements require wedding dress versatility as you’ll be walking to various spots, or even hiking, going on a boat ride, or driving off in a convertible. Not to mention dealing with unpredictable weather. So, we’ll need a dress that can do it all!

Keep these key factors in mind when selecting your outfit:

Comfort: Make sure the elopement dress is not only cute but also comfortable for all-day wear.
Location: Are you exchanging vows on the beach or in front of your luxury hotel?
Movability: Choose a design that allows for easy movement. Are you eloping in the Swiss mountains or on a cliff in Ireland?
Activities: What extra activities are you adding to your elopement experience?
Temperature: Match the dress to the season - choose light fabrics for summer and warmer materials for a mountain destination.
European-style dresses: As you’ll be eloping to Europe let’s also keep in mind the style of European wedding dresses, which tend to feature a romantic neckline with delicate lace, accentuated waistline, and have a grand and glam finish with big and long skirts.

Now that we’ve considered all these technical points, let’s explore the various dresses for elopement weddings. This should help you narrow down your options before going elopement dress shopping.

Elopement Slip Dress

A slip dress is an excellent choice for an elopement due to its simplicity, elegance, and versatility. Made from lightweight fabrics like silk or satin, this dress skims the body, offering an understated and sleek silhouette. Its minimalist design is both sophisticated and effortless, making it perfect for brides who want to feel beautiful without the fuss of a traditional big wedding gown.

The lightweight, breezy nature of a slip dress complements the relaxed and natural vibe of a beach setting, making it an ideal option for a destination like Mallorca, Santorini, or Costa Brava! This style is also excellent for city elopements in the summer as it allows you to move freely and comfortably while maintaining a chic, timeless look. Think Barcelona, Lisbon, or Rome.

Tay & Danny’s wedding gallery Stephanie & Adam’s wedding gallery

Long Sleeve Elopement Dress

If you’re looking for an elegant dress with a bit more coverage, a long sleeve elopement dress is a great choice. Whether you prefer delicate lace sleeves, long sleeves for cooler weather, or something in between, sleeves can add a touch of elegance and refinement to your look as well as one extra layer of comfort! The added coverage not only enhances the overall aesthetic but also ensures you stay warm and cozy in chillier climates. Long-sleeved elopement dresses are particularly popular for fall and winter mountain elopements.

This could be the perfect option for those getting married in the stunning Dolomites, the Slovenian Alps, or even in Lake Garda if eloping outside of the high season.

Bea & Gioele Wedding Gallery Tina & Klemen’s Wedding Gallery

Elopement Mermaid Dress

A mermaid wedding dress is a stunning choice for brides who want to make a bold and glamorous statement on their special day. For an elopement at a luxury hotel on Lake Como or on a rooftop with stunning city views, a mermaid dress is a fitting choice. The glamorous style of the dress pairs well with the upscale, sophisticated atmosphere, ensuring the bride is the center of attention.

Also if you elope at a castle or a historic estate, a mermaid dress adds to the fairytale atmosphere. The fitted design give a regal and dramatic appearance, perfect for such grand, romantic settings.

Keilah & Nick’s wedding gallery Callie & Trevor’s wedding gallery

Empire Waist Elopement Dress

An empire waist wedding dress is characterized by a high waistline (just below the bust) and a flowing, relaxed silhouette. It’s an excellent choice for elopement locations with a laid-back, romantic, or bohemian atmosphere. This style of dress is perfect for brides who seek comfort, movability, and elegance while embracing a carefree, ethereal vibe. The empire waist dress is flattering on a variety of body types, gently draping over the hips and creating a soft, elongated line that adds an air of gracefulness to your bridal look. It’s also a great style for our curvy brides looking for a plus-size elopement dress.

The dress complements rustic elements such as barns and open fields and is ideal for settings like the vineyards of Tuscany, or Provence where its easy elegance enhances the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Trent & Katie’s wedding gallery Kayla & Ryan engagement photoshoot

Elopement Sheath Dress

A sheath wedding dress features a straight and narrow silhouette that closely follows the contours of the body. This design is characterized by its sleek, streamlined shape, which is often created from fabrics like satin, crepe, or chiffon. The sheath dress is versatile and can be flattering on various body types. It works particularly well for brides who want to showcase their figure without the volume of a ball gown or mermaid dress.

Ideal locations for a sheath wedding dress include intimate venues where its minimalistic style is perfect for smaller or more personal settings, such as boutique hotels or private gardens, creating a more elegant look, exemplified by enchanting destinations like Lake Como or Lake Garda, where the serene and sophisticated backdrop enhances the dress's refined simplicity.

Michaela and Luke’s wedding gallery Judy and Justin’s wedding gallery

Bohemian Elopement Dress

A bohemian-style wedding dress is perfect for brides seeking a relaxed, free-spirited look who are all about comfort and movability. Typically characterized by flowing fabrics like delicate crochet lace, and earthy tones, these dresses are ideal for elopements in natural settings such as Lake Bled in Slovenia or the desert landscapes of Grand Canaria.

Unlike more structured wedding dresses, bohemian styles favor relaxed, unrestrictive silhouettes. Whether it’s an A-line, empire waist, or a simple dress, the emphasis is on comfort and ease of movement. These dresses often include elements like bell sleeves, off-the-shoulder necklines, or open backs, which add to the laid-back vibe.

To complete your bohemian wedding look, consider accessories that align with the free-spirited aesthetic. A flower crown, for instance, can add a touch of natural beauty to your ensemble, while simple, delicate jewelry enhances the dress’s details without overwhelming it. Footwear can be as minimal as you like, from sandals to barefoot sandals, or even no shoes at all, embracing the connection to the earth that the boho style celebrates.

See the beautiful gallery of Manca & Jure See the beautiful gallery of Charlie & Matt

A-Line Wedding Dress

The A-line wedding dress is a timeless and universally flattering choice, named for its characteristic "A" shape, which features a fitted bodice that gradually flares out towards the hem. This silhouette suits almost every body type, creating a balanced and elegant look that’s both classic and versatile.

The A-line silhouette hugs the waist and flares out softly, creating a gentle, flowing shape that is neither too tight nor too voluminous. This design helps to define the waist while allowing for freedom of movement. A-line dresses are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit a wide range of wedding styles, from traditional highly-elegant ceremonies to casual beach elopements. They’re also a fantastic style for plus-size wedding dresses.

The simplicity of the A-line dress makes it an ideal canvas for various fabrics, necklines, and embellishments. The flared skirt of an A-line dress provides ease of movement and comfort, making it a practical choice for brides who want to feel unrestricted while still looking sophisticated. For destination weddings, particularly in picturesque locations like Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast, an A-line dress offers a balance between elegance and practicality, ensuring you look stunning while navigating different terrains.

Isabel & Drew’s wedding gallery Jenny and Brandon’s wedding gallery

Off-the-shoulder Elopement Dress

An off-the-shoulder wedding dress exudes romance and femininity, offering a graceful way to highlight the shoulders and collarbones. This style blends traditional elegance with a touch of modern allure, making it a popular choice for brides who want to feel both classic and contemporary.

Off-the-shoulder dresses often feature a variety of sleeve styles, including delicate cap sleeves, long lace sleeves, or even dramatic bell sleeves. These sleeve options add to the romantic and ethereal feel of the dress. This style works well for both formal and informal weddings, offering a timeless elegance that can be dressed up or down depending on the fabric, embellishments, and accessories chosen. For an intimate destination wedding in a romantic location like Santorini or the French Riviera, an off-the-shoulder dress provides the perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and movability allowing the bride to look chic while embracing the local charm.

Gallery of Jess & Renan Gallery of Arley & Josue

Mini or Short Elopement Dress

Short elopement dresses are ideal for brides who want a more modern and edgy look. These dresses are perfect for a city elopement on the streets of Barcelona, intimate beach weddings on the beautiful cliffs of Sicily, or any setting where you want to feel free, stylish, and comfortable. A mini elopement dress can range from playful and flirty to sophisticated and elegant, depending on your taste and personality! Short wedding dresses come in a variety of styles, from sleek and minimalist designs to more detailed and embellished options. You can choose a simple sheath dress for a chic, modern look, or opt for a fuller, A-line silhouette with playful ruffles or lace for added romance.

One of the biggest advantages of a short elopement dress is the comfort it provides. Without the weight and volume of a long gown, you can move more freely, making it ideal for adventurous elopements or settings where you might be on your feet a lot. You’ll feel comfortable even in 100-degree weather which you could expect if you’re getting married amidst the Mediterranean summer.

Monique & Alex Wedding Gallery Elena & Dave’s Wedding Gallery

Colorful Wedding Elopement Dress

Traditional wedding dresses in the West tend to be white, signifying purity and innocence. In Chinese culture, the bride usually wears red signifying happiness, joy, and good luck for the couple. In the Indian culture, a red dress is often combined with golden details, but a bride can also wear ivory, green, and pastels.

But, we’re here to break the rules and make the wedding whatever you want it to be. So, why not change it up and go with a colorful wedding dress that is sure to leave an impression? A colorful wedding dress can be any color or detail and can really show off your personality.

If you’re ready to break the mold, you could consider not only changing up the colors (a black wedding dress can be a fun one), but also adding colorful details to your dress such as floral details or other color accents.

Wylda & Jim Wedding Gallery Yeruwelle & Ronan’s Wedding Gallery

Our Wedding Elopement Dress Tips

Now that you’ve had a look through the various wedding elopement dress styles and have a better idea of the styles that you like, make sure to take into account some final considerations. Take a look at our list of tips to keep in mind when choosing a wedding dress that complements your elopement plans.

Location & Weather

Think about where you're eloping. A beach, mountain, city hall, or a forest will influence your dress choice. A heavy ball gown may not be ideal for a beach or a hiking trail.

Consider also the season and weather. A light, breathable fabric is better for warm climates, while you might need a dress with sleeves, or if you're eloping during the winter or in a colder climate, plan to stay warm without sacrificing style. Small hand or body warmers can be hidden beneath your dress to keep you cozy without adding bulk. For extra warmth, consider a stylish bridal shawl, wrap, or cape that complements your dress.

Dress Style & Comfort

As you’ll be doing a lot of walking, or in some cases even climbing, ensure your dress is easy to move in. A shorter hemline, lighter fabrics, or even a two-piece set can offer more freedom!

Traveling also entails packing your dress, so you can choose a fabric that doesn’t wrinkle easily. Some fabrics, like silk or chiffon, are more prone to creasing, which is why we recommend to our brides to have a steamer on hand - check with your hotel or accommodation if a steamer can be arranged. A quick steaming can refresh the fabric and remove any creases, ensuring your dress looks fab.

Budget Considerations

Elopements often have a smaller budget than traditional weddings, so you might choose to spend less on the dress. If you’re looking for an elopement wedding dress on a budget, try off-the-rack options and sales, or you could even consider renting out a dress. This article by The Knot also lays out some great brands with affordable wedding dresses.

Personal Style & Theme

Since elopements are highly personal, your dress should reflect your style. Whether it’s bohemian, modern, vintage, or minimalist, choose something that feels authentically you. Choose a dress that makes you feel beautiful, special, and a true reflection of you.

Make sure to also match your wedding hair & make-up styles to your wedding dress.

Footwear

Choose shoes that are practical for your location. Heels might not be ideal for a beach or a mountain, but you can find stylish flats, sandals, white sneakers, or boots that complement your dress. While it’s great to have heels for a wedding photoshoot, make sure to bring a comfortable pair of shoes that will ensure that you can move around easily to various elopement photoshoot locations.

Conclusion

When it comes to picking the perfect wedding elopement dress, remember to have fun with it! Elopements are all about doing things your way: whether that’s a barefoot beach ceremony, a mountaintop "I do," or a wedding in the romantic vineyards. Your dress should match that vibe, so think about comfort, ease, and a style that lets you twirl, climb, or kick up your heels without a second thought.

You’re not bound by tradition here, so feel free to go for something that really speaks to you. Whether it’s a sleek slip dress, a romantic empire waist, or even a short, sassy one, pick something that makes you feel fabulous and fits the mood of your chosen spot. After all, your wedding day should be as unique and relaxed as you are!

For more dress inspiration and to see how our brides have creatively approached their elopement looks, check out our Pinterest board dedicated to wedding dresses.

A Guide to Elopement Dresses: Choosing the Perfect Dress for Your Destination Wedding