THE BEST ELOPEMENT DRESSES OF 2023
What should I wear to my elopement?
After being in the wedding industry for almost a decade now, and looking at wedding dresses since I had a Pinterest board for my own wedding long before I even met my now husband (don’t @ me, we all did back in the early days of Pinterest) I’ve seen a lot of different styles of wedding dresses from basic to over the top. My taste certainly has changed since my early Pinterest days, but my love of unique wedding dresses has remained steady. Elopement dresses are for sure still wedding dresses in the sense of how you shop for them, but this guide is my curation of the best dresses for an adventurous elopement - meaning dresses that can for the most part be easily packed down, flow beautifully in the wind, and can take a bit of a beating in the great outdoors. Several different styles and price points, depending on what you’re comfortable wearing and spending. I’ve seen gals spend upwards of $8,000 on their dress and look insanely fabulous in a couture gown that totally matched their fashion-forward personality to a T. I’ve also seen babes prioritize their accommodations and experiences way higher than their attire budget and absolutely rock a $200 dress. My point is that there is no set amount that you “should” spend. I honestly hate the word should and the implications behind it - more on that HERE. So check it out below, my absolute favorite elopement dresses for 2023.
*A quick note - this is a helpful guide for feminine-leaning folks who want to wear a gown for their elopement - if you’re more into suits, check out my post about the best elopement suits for 2023 HERE.
BEST DRESSES FOR ADVENTURE ELOPEMENTS
CAROL HANNAH - Kensington Skirt - $1500-$2000
This skirt is a dream as you walk in nature. The movement of this skirt is INSANE and it is super flattering on all bodies.
This absolute STATEMENT gown is just plain cool. The sleeves are gorgeous and provide a little extra warmth for chilly morning ceremonies and I love the chic high neck.
I can’t not include a colorful gown in this list - nothing stands out quite as much as a colorful gown against a natural backdrop. I love photographing them and you’ll love wearing one. Its the perfect nod to your non-traditional elopement.
*This is the only size left as Leanne Marshall is sadly moving on from her bridal line - I wore Leanne Marshall for our wedding and her dresses are PERFECT for adventure elopements - if you can snag one in your size I HIGHLY recommend it!
Love the sexy slit to show some leg as you hike - plus the one-shoulder look with double-shoulder straps is way practical for staying put while you move around. And satin is very in.
The floral lace on this dress is beyond, plus there are no clasps, zippers or buttons - you just slip it on and go!
My favorite thing about this dress is that it comes in the beautifully simple size range of XXS to XXXL.
Simple and chic and hugs curves perfectly. The cinched waist is flattering and the perfect amount of detail.
Another amazing price point, this chic simple and subtly sexy dress looks way more expensive than it is. The open, extra low back on this simple gown really steals the show.
Love the way this drapes, love the off-the-shoulder design and how it has the perfect amount of fabric/train to really flow in the wind. And that price is a definite perk.
An incredible dress for the edgy bride - this black lacy gown would be ideal for an elopement at the sand dunes or salt flats.
