Elopement Dresses | Adventure Elopement Dress Guide

Picking an elopement dress isn’t about following tradition—it’s about wearing something that makes you feel incredible. The beauty of eloping is that there are no rules. You don’t have to wear a traditional wedding gown if it doesn’t feel like you. Maybe a flowy boho dress speaks to you, or perhaps a chic jumpsuit fits your vibe. You can even wear something colourful, second-hand, or a sentimental piece like your mom’s old wedding dress. There are so many ways to make your outfit truly yours without breaking the bank or sacrificing comfort. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about picking the perfect elopement dresses!

Table of Contents

1. Wear What You Love
2. Choosing the Best Mountain Elopement Dress
3. Choosing the Best Elopement Dresses for the Weather
   • Summer Elopement Dresses
   • Spring Elopement Dresses
   • Fall Elopement Dresses
   • Winter Elopement Dresses
4. Elopement Dress FAQs
   • Should I Wear a Veil For My Elopement?
   • How Do I Pack My Wedding Dress?
   • How Do I Hike in My Wedding Dress?
   • How Do I Change into My Dress on the Trail?
5. Best Places to Buy an Elopement Dress
6. Elopement Footwear

1. Wear What You Love

Your elopement is about celebrating your love in a way that feels right for you, and that includes what you wear! If you’ve never imagined yourself in a big poofy gown, don’t force it. Wear what makes you feel confident, comfortable, and completely yourself.

You don’t even have to wear a wedding dress! Plenty of eloping couples opt for jumpsuits, colourful dresses, or even two-piece sets. Some choose something totally unexpected, like a vintage outfit or a dress that’s not traditionally bridal. We’ve even had couples get married in their hiking attire! If it feels like you, then it’s perfect.

If budget is a concern, remember that wedding dresses don’t have to cost a fortune. Check out sample sales, second-hand sites like Stillwhite or Poshmark, or even look for non-bridal white dresses from your favorite stores. Some people even repurpose a family gown, whether that means wearing it as-is or having it tailored into something new and modern. Keep scrolling for some elopement dress inspo for every budget!

2. Choosing the Best Mountain Elopement Dress

Elopement dresses are different than wedding dresses because of all the activities that you will be doing in the dress for your elopement. You can be hiking along rocky terrain, climbing in and out of a canoe or helicopter, walking through the forests, running along the beach, etc. There are so many options and you will be moving and playing a ton, so you want a dress that is as adventure-ready as you are! You want something that’s easy to move in, won’t weigh you down, and will look stunning against those epic backdrops. We also highly recommend picking a dress that you don’t mind getting a little dirty. Trust us, the day will be much more enjoyable if you can just let loose and let your dress live it’s best life, dirt and all.

One way to really level up your photos is to get a dress with a train. We LOVE a long train especially if it can blow in the wind. It also looks incredible draped over a cliff, billowing out behind you when you run, or just dragging along amidst the rocks and dirt. Pick one that you can gather up and carry easily over an arm to still give you free range of motion to hike and move around the landscape. One thing to note about tulle trains is that it will snag on all the rocks and sticks, but it’s pretty durable and most of our brides don’t mind their dress getting a bit dirty or getting small tears.

Here are some thoughts about common dress styles for your mountain elopement:

A-Line Dresses

A-line dresses are one of the best choices for an elopement in the mountains. They have a fitted bodice that flares out gently at the waist, creating an elegant silhouette that moves beautifully in the wind without feeling too heavy. The flowy skirt allows for easy movement, whether you’re hiking to your ceremony spot or twirling for photos. Plus, they tend to work well with different body types and provide a timeless, romantic look.

Boho and Flowy Dresses

Lightweight, bohemian-style dresses with soft fabrics like chiffon or tulle are perfect for mountain elopements. These dresses not only look dreamy in outdoor settings, but they also move effortlessly in the wind, creating that perfect, ethereal look in photos. Plus, they’re usually comfortable and easy to pack for travel.

Mermaid Dresses

While mermaid dresses are stunning and ultra-fitted, they can be a bit tricky for mountain elopements. Since they hug the body down to the knees, they can restrict movement, making it harder to walk on uneven terrain. However, if you love the look of a mermaid gown, consider choosing one with a stretch fabric or a looser fit around the knees so you can move more freely.

Two-Piece Wedding Dresses

A two-piece dress or a skirt and top combo is another great option for mountain elopements. This style allows for more flexibility, especially if you need to layer for warmth. You can mix and match different tops and skirts to create a unique look while also making it easier to adjust for weather changes.

Whatever style you chose to go with, make sure you test out your dress beforehand—walk, twirl, sit down, take giant steps, and lift your arms up in it to make sure it’s comfortable. Also, consider skipping heavy beading, which can add weight and make hiking more challenging. A dress that can flow with the wind or that you can hold onto and cast back and forth will be so gorgeous. Choosing the right dress for a mountain elopement is all about balancing style, comfort, and practicality.

3. Choosing the Best Elopement Dress for the Weather

You definitely want to consider the time of the year that you will be getting married during when you’re picking out your dress. Think about what the trails might be like then and what the temperatures will be. Think about what kind of fabric will work best for your day. Here’s some tips below for the best kind of dresses for each season here in the Canadian Rockies.

Spring Elopement Dresses

Spring elopements can mean unpredictable weather, so it’s a great time to layer. Dresses with long sleeves or more coverage throughout the bodice can help keep you a bit warmer. Floral overlays or peachy tones dresses can be really fun in the spring! Here in the Rockies, it can get pretty wet at this time of year, so consider that when selecting the type of fabric your dress is made from. You want something that won’t start getting really heavy as you pick up any dew or moisture on the bottom when you’re exploring.

Summer Elopement Dresses

We suggest choosing a dress made from lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or silk to keep cool. Open-back styles, spaghetti straps, or short sleeves can help you stay comfortable, and lighter colours like white or blush will reflect the sun rather than absorbing heat. A dress with a slit can also help keep you cool!

One thing to note here: if you chose to go with spaghetti straps or a strapless dress, keep that in mind for the 6 or so months leading up to your elopement in terms of tan lines. And keep an eye on that watch tan 😉

Fall Elopement Dresses

Fall is all about rich colours and cozy textures. Deep reds, oranges, and earthy greens blend beautifully with the autumn landscape. Consider long sleeves or a high neckline to keep warm, and if you’re up for something different, velvet or heavier lace fabrics can look absolutely stunning in crisp autumn light. The bride below chose to wear a red dress from East Meets West to honour her partners Chinese heritage and it was stunning amongst the golden larch trees.

Winter Elopement Dresses

If you’re eloping in the snow, warmth is key! Look for dresses made from thicker fabrics like satin or velvet, and don’t be afraid to layer. Nude fleece-lined leggings can be a lifesaver, and adding a fur shawl, dramatic cape, or stylish coat can make your look even more magical. Winter elopements are the perfect excuse to go for a bold, regal look while staying cozy. And finding a dress with pockets to stash those hand warmers in – genius!

For winter elopements, we will usually suggest you bring some heavier warm jackets to put on between photos to keep warm so keep that in mind if you have a dress with drop sleeves or big sleeves that will make it hard to put on a coat.

4. Elopement Dress FAQs

Should I Wear a Veil For My Elopement?

If you chose a simpler dress that doesn’t have a lot of flow, you can add a veil to get that movement in. Brides often will bring a veil to get some photos with and then take it out so that it doesn’t get snagged or anything or blow out if it’s windy. You definitely do not have to commit to wearing a veil in every photo so if you think you might want some photos with one, bring it along! We just recommend that you ensure the veil is the same shade of your dress if you chose to wear a white dress. It will look kind of off in photos if one is a lot warmer than the other.

How Do I Pack My Wedding Dress?

This is where it will really pay off if you pay close attention to what fabric your dress is when you purchase it. Some fabrics will be much more wrinkle resistant than others and buying a dress without boning or structure will also be beneficial here. The advice that we give to our brides is to roll their dress instead of folding them. Roll them and then bring it in your suitcase (or you can carry it on on its garment bag).

For hiking elopements, we suggest that you roll your dress and then store it in a dry bag at the top of your hiking pack. This will protect it in case it rains or in case things inside your bag leak. Wondering what else you need in your pack for your hiking elopement? Check out our hiking elopement gear guide blog!

How to Hike with Your Wedding Dress

We have a lot of brides that will choose to change into their dress at the top and then hike down in their wedding attire so we just suggest picking a dress that you can gather up and hold onto in one hand so that you still have full range of motion with your legs to hike down.

How to Change into Your Dress on the Trail

In the past, we’ve had some couples bring a pop-up changing tent for privacy but honestly, they’re kind of more a hassle to bring than they are worth. The easiest way is just to pop behind a rock or a group of trees and you can have your partner or friend or one of us hold up a blanket or jacket while you change. Choosing a dress with a slip-on design or a zipper can also make getting dressed outdoors a whole lot easier. We suggest trying to stay away from a dress with a button or lace up back that could take a lot of time to get into it. Especially if it’s a bit chilly, you don’t want to stand there for 15 minutes while we do your dress up.

5. Best Places to Buy an Elopement Dress

No matter your budget, there’s an elopement dress out there for you. Whether you’re looking for an affordable, budget-friendly option or a high-end designer gown, here are some great places to start your search.

Budget-Friendly Elopement Dresses

If you’re looking for a beautiful dress without breaking the bank, check out these budget-friendly options:

1. Lulus – Affordable, stylish, and perfect for a casual or boho elopement.
2. ASOS – Trendy and budget-conscious dresses with plenty of non-traditional options like jumpsuits!
3. Azazie – Gorgeous flowy and textured options here.
4. Amazon – Surprisingly great for simple, flowy dresses at super low prices.
5. Etsy – Lots of great options for both dresses, two piece outfits, and jumpsuits.
6. Stillwhite – A second-hand wedding dress marketplace with amazing deals.
7. And of course, FB Marketplace and local consignment shops.

Affordable Mid-Range Elopement Dresses

For those looking for a balance between quality and price, these stores offer stunning options that won’t break the bank:

1. BHLDN – Anthropologie’s bridal line, known for its whimsical and romantic designs.
2. Reclamation – Handcrafted, sustainable boho wedding dresses made from repurposed materials.
3. Watters – Stylish, modern dresses perfect for adventurous brides.

Luxury Elopement Dresses

If you’re looking to splurge on a high-end designer gown, these brands offer breathtaking designs:

1. Rue de Seine – Bohemian, free-spirited gowns perfect for outdoor elopements.
2. Truvelle – A Canadian company with the most beautiful gowns (see below!).
3. Sarah Seven – Sleek, modern designs that are effortlessly chic.
4. Galia Lahav – Stunning couture gowns with dramatic silhouettes.
5. Lihi Hod – Luxurious, handcrafted wedding dresses with elegant designs.

No matter what you choose, the best dress is the one that makes you feel amazing. Whether it’s budget-friendly, mid-range, or a designer splurge, your elopement dress should let you move, explore, and celebrate your love in the most authentic way possible!

Also, the dress below was bought used on FB Marketplace for $400 (originally from Azazie) and it was stunning and perfect, the way the light came through the layers and lit up that top overlay of detail was insane! If you want to see more of this elopement, check out their Backcountry Hut Elopement with their Dogs blog here!

At the end of the day, your elopement dress should make you feel amazing. Whether it’s flowy and romantic, sleek and modern, or totally unconventional, what matters most is that you love it. Your elopement is about adventure, love, and being true to yourselves—so pick something that lets you move, explore, and celebrate in the best way possible!

6. Elopement Footwear

Your footwear is almost just as important as your dress when it comes to eloping in the mountains. The right hiking boots will keep you comfortable, stable, and safe on uneven terrain. Here’s what to consider when choosing your elopement footwear:

• Comfort & Support – Make sure your boots provide proper arch and ankle support. You’ll likely be walking or hiking, so opt for boots that have been broken in before your big day.
• Traction & Grip – Mountain trails can be rocky, steep, or muddy. A good pair of hiking boots with strong tread will keep you from slipping and allow you to move confidently.
• Weatherproofing – If you’re eloping in wet or snowy conditions, waterproof boots are a must. Look for Gore-Tex or similar materials that keep your feet dry.
• Aesthetic & Style – Yes, hiking boots can be stylish! There are plenty of neutral-colored or even white hiking boots that complement your dress.
• Wear Good Socks – We always suggest merino wool socks, they will keep you warm and comfortable throughout the day. We love our Smartwool socks!

Recommended Hiking Boots for Elopements:

1. Danner Mountain – Classic, stylish, and great for all-terrain hiking.
2. Salomon Quest 4 GTX – Excellent support for rugged trails.
3. Lowa Renegade GTX – High-quality boots for longer hikes.
4. Blundstone Boots – Great for casual elopements with an adventurous twist. Some brides even get some custom embroidery on the side like florals, their wedding date, or even their dogs!

Choosing the right boots means you can focus on enjoying your adventure without worrying about sore feet or slippery trails. Plus, they’ll add a fun, outdoorsy touch to your elopement photos! And don’t forget to bring your elopement footwear with you to your alteration appointments!

Reach out to us to start planning the mountain elopement of your dreams!