Elopement dresses
ultimate buying guide for 2025
Eloping is all about embracing the freedom to create a wedding day that feels authentic to you, and your elopement dress should reflect that too. From lacy, boho elopement dresses to simple white dresses, there are endless styles to choose from. However, you’re not planning just any wedding.. you’re ELOPING! And with that, there are some other things to take into account when finding that perfect dress (which we’ll dive into soon).
So, who am I to be writing this guide? My name is Savannah, one half of the team at Authentic Collective – elopement photographers based out of Denver, Colorado. Not only am I a seasoned photographer who has documented over 150+ weddings and elopements (so I have seen hundreds of dresses first hand and even zipped/buttoned them up!) but I also eloped and went through the process of finding the perfect elopement dress.
With this extensive experience under my belt, I’ve created this elopement wedding dress buying guide to make the process seamless for you. I’ll be sharing my favorite places to find and buy elopement dresses, letting you in on key considerations while deciding on your dress, as well as providing photos and inspiration to help you narrow in on your favorite styles!
Where To Buy Elopement Dresses
01
Online Boutiques
Shop online for your dress
There’s an endless amount of online boutiques selling elopement wedding dresses of all styles. You can really find anything online, from the comfort of your home!
02
Local Bridal Shops
go in person and try them on
Many bridal shops carry a variety of collections of wedding dresses that are perfect for eloping couples. Visiting a dress shop in person is the best option as it lets you try it on, feel fabrics and test mobility.
03
Second Hand & Rentals
save $ and be eco-conscious
For budget-conscious brides or sustainable shoppers, platforms like Stillwhite or Rent the Runway offer stunning options at a fraction of the price.
Best Online Stores For Elopement DressEs
purchase elopement dresses online
- Lulus has VERY affordable elopement wedding dresses from casual looks to very elegant. ($35 – $500 range)
- David’s Bridal has a huge selection of dresses to choose from, of all styles. The great thing about David’s bridal is that in addition to the online store they have physical stores in most locations, so you can go in person and try the attire on before purchasing. I have personally purchased from David’s Bridal and had a great experience with them! ($50 – $3500 range)
- Azazai has a great line of simple, white elopement dresses and bridal jumpsuits. ($100 – $1000 range)
- Anthropologie’s BHLDN line offers more untraditional wedding dresses for those who want to make a statement. ($300 – $4400 range)
- Dreamers And Lovers offers boho elopement dresses with lace designs. ($2400 average)
- Catherine Deane has classy elopement dresses, from simple white dresses to lace designs and intricate beading. I also love their separates (cute bridal tops and skirts). I’m especially obsessed with this elopement skirt and top combo! ($300 – $2300 range)
- Daci Gowns are boutique, etherial boho elopement gowns. ($4000 average)
- Etsy has tons of different elopement dresses to choose from, sourced from small businesses and artists.
As a warning- I do NOT recommend buying an elopement dress on Amazon. When I was looking for a secondary elopement dress, I ordered a lot off amazon that looked great. In reality, they were all extremely low quality, itchy, and did not look like the photos. Save yourself the time and trips to the post office to return them! This was in 2022, so maybe they are better nowadays.. but don’t say you weren’t warned (:
Elopement Dresses At Local Boutiques
luxury elopement dresses
The benefit of these shops is that you can find dresses you love online, then find where they are carried locally so you can try them on and compare!
- Rue De Seine: Famous for bold lace patterns and modern, free-spirited designs. I wore the
- Grace Loves Lace: Known for their bohemian elegance, their dresses are handcrafted with comfortable, stretchy lace.
- Watters Designs has tons of stunning elopement dress designs like the Ryder dress and Galatea.
- Justin Alexander
- If you’re local to Colorado, a few Denver bridal shops to look at are The Bridal Collection, Luv Bridal, D’Anelli Bridal and Emma & Grace Bridal.
Second Hand & Rentals
previously owned elopement dresses
Whether you’re looking to save a few bucks or be more eco-friendly, getting your elopement dress second hand or renting one is a great option. Of course the risk you take with buying used is the possibility of it not working out and not being able to return it, so be sure to look into everything carefully. Here are the best places to find used or rented dresses:
- Still White is a marketplace for second hand dresses, so you can get top brand name elopement dresses for a fraction of the price! Even if you don’t use it to purchase your dress, you can sell it here after your elopement if you don’t want to hold onto it. I actually have my dress listed on StillWhite.
- Pre-Owned Wedding Dresses is another website similar to Still White where people sell their used dresses.
- Brides For A Cause is a non-profit that sells donated wedding dresses to raise money for charity! They currently have stores in Portland, Tacoma, Seattle, Sacramento and San Diego.
- Rent The Runway offers casual and unique dresses that retail at $500+ and you can rent for $50!
Elopement Dresses VS Wedding Dresses
You might be planning an elopement and wondering if you need a dress that is different from a traditional wedding dress. Most traditional wedding dresses are suitable as elopement dresses, too. However, there are a few things you should consider, depending on the elopement you’re planning. The main consideration here is the environment you’ll be in, since most elopements take place outdoors in nature instead of inside a traditional wedding venue. You’ll want to ensure your elopement dress fits the setting by allowing for whatever movement is necessary (eg. hiking) and that it’s suitable for the elements, since you’ll likely be outside most of the day.
01
Consider The Setting
Get a dress that fits the TYPE of elopement you’re planning
The type of elopement dress you will want to get may depend on the type of elopement you’re planning. For example, a hiking elopement dress may be different than a courthouse elopement dress.
02
Think About The Season
Choose an elopement dress that’s suitable for the season
You should wait to get your dress until you know when and where you’re eloping, so that you understand what climate to expect. This will impact what the best elopement dress is for you.
03
Match Shoes & Accessories
Consider what shoes and accessories will go with your dress
Think about the shoes and accessories (like hats, veils, etc.) you’d like to pair with your elopement dress and ensure the styles match.
consider the Setting
If you’re planning an adventurous elopement outdoors, you’ll want to avoid any wedding dresses that are too big or difficult to move around in. Especially if you plan to be hiking at all on your day, you’ll specifically want to look for dresses that are easy to sling over your arm and carry with you as you hike, or sinch up around your waist. Large, puffy dresses should be avoided if you feel like they will hinder your ability to safely move around outdoors. Very tight dresses, corsets and certain sleeves may restrict your movement, too. Your elopement dress should allow for movement, whether you’re hiking, dancing, or climbing over a rock for that perfect photo.
However, if you’re planning a courthouse elopement or at an easily accessible location, you can likely get away with wearing pretty much any wedding dress. Just remember to prioritize your experience, comfort and how you feel in the dress above all else!
Think about the season
Spring Elopement Dresses
Spring elopements call for dresses that capture the fresh, romantic essence of the season. Think of loral or pastel tones can beautifully echo the blooming surroundings. Simple elopement dresses with flowing skirts provide a timeless elegance, while dresses with detachable layers offer versatility for unpredictable spring weather.
Summer Elopement Dresses
If you’re eloping in the summer, you’ll want to look for wedding dresses that have lightweight fabrics so you don’t get too hot. Fabrics like chiffon or tulle are good options, but you’ll know once you try them on if they feel lightweight and cool for you. You may also want to consider sleeveless or short-sleeve styles to keep cool. Flowy, boho inspired designs are great for summer elopements.
Fall Elopement Dresses
If you’re eloping in the fall, consider wedding dresses that embrace the season’s warm and rich tones like elopement dresses with accents of warm colors. Long sleeve dresses are a practical and stylish choice for cooler weather, especially when paired with cozy wraps. Lace dresses with intricate detailing also add a touch of elegance and romance, perfectly matching the magical vibe of fall.
Winter Elopement Dresses
For winter weddings, find an elopement dress that will keep you warm! Look for dresses that are long, thick and opaque (not see through). The reason for this is so you can keep warm by wearing thermal leggings/tights underneath the dress, without them being seen. You may also want to consider a dress with long sleeves for extra warmth. If you expect your location to be a winter wonderland of snow, you can even consider colorful elopement dresses in bold, dramatic colors like deep red, emerald or even black!
Winter elopement wedding dresses can also be layered with shawls and other accessories to keep you warm. Ear muffs, gloves and scarfs can be a good idea depending on how cold your location may be. If it’s a very cold location like Colorado in the winter, you’ll want to get hand warmers and body warmers that you can stick on under your dress. Don’t forget proper footwear, too!
Match Shoes & Accessories
consider shoes before buying a dress
While considering dress options, it’s important to think about what shoes you are planning to wear. If you’re planning an outdoor adventure elopement, it’s best to stick to hiking boots or some type of flat shoe with traction. Keep in mind the terrain you’ll be in- most locations have uneven ground, rocks, perhaps even mud or soggy ground. If you’re eloping in the winter, waterproof snow boots are best. Avoid heels at all costs, unless you’re planning an elopement somewhere you know for sure is easily accessible and flat (like a courthouse elopement). And remember- with most full length dresses you usually can’t see your shoes at all, so it’s better to prioritize comfort than style. You’ll want to have your shoes picked out before you get alterations to your elopement dress, so that they can hem it to the right length.
other accessories
Consider any other accessories you’d like to add to your elopement outfit. Popular options include shawls, hats, veils, flower crowns, earrings, necklaces and other jewelry.
WHITE ELOPEMENT DRESSES
Boho ELOPEMENT DRESSES
ELOPEMENT DRESSES With Sleeves
