36 Best Elopement Dresses for Any Style

  • Publication date: 10/26/2024
  • Updated: 10/28/2024
Content

Perfect Dresses for Elopements: Your Guide to the Most Beautiful Choices for a Special Day

Elopements have become a huge trend in recent years, offering couples an intimate way to focus on their love and avoid the complexities and expenses of a large wedding. What could be more beautiful than a romantic ceremony on a beach, a mountain peak, or in a favorite city park? However, despite the shift in format, one thing remains the same—every bride wants to look stunning. Here, we’ve compiled some of the most beautiful elopement dresses to suit any bride, regardless of style, preferences, or location.

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Photo @Rotate
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Photo @Rami Al Ali

Why Choosing the Perfect Elopement Dress is Essential

Elopements allow for a wide range of styles and attire choices. Unlike traditional weddings, where extravagant gowns are expected, elopements can embrace simpler, more comfortable dress options. Styles that highlight natural beauty, elegance, and simplicity are often the most fitting. For many brides, beautiful elopement dresses mean something unique, modern, and comfortable. While some may still opt for intricate, detailed gowns even for an elopement, others lean towards styles that are easy to move in and well-suited to unconventional locations like beaches or mountains.

Popular Elopement Dress Styles

Choosing the perfect elopement dress is a meaningful ritual, helping to accentuate personal style and align with the natural setting. Below, we delve into the most popular styles and help you find the best option among the many beautiful elopement dresses.

1. Bohemian Style

Bohemian style is all about effortless, natural, and romantic beauty. Ideal for outdoor settings such as beaches, forests, or mountains, boho dresses typically feature loose silhouettes, flowing skirts, and intricate lace or floral detailing. These gowns are perfect for brides who envision a free-spirited elopement, with a dress that complements rather than overshadows the natural beauty around them.

Popular Boho Dress Features:

  • Light, breathable fabrics like chiffon, silk, and lace
  • Unique details like embroidery, floral appliqués, or fringe
  • Flowy skirts with an airy, ethereal feel

Why Choose a Boho Dress? If you’re looking for beautiful elopement dresses that radiate a dreamy, relaxed vibe, a bohemian dress is perfect. These dresses offer a carefree yet elegant look, allowing you to move freely and enjoy the intimate nature of your ceremony.

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Photo @Enaura
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Photo @Enaura

2. Minimalist Elegance

For brides who prefer simplicity, a minimalist dress might be the ideal choice. Modern, sleek, and sophisticated, minimalist gowns highlight clean lines and luxurious fabrics without excessive embellishments. These dresses are perfect for urban elopements, rooftop ceremonies, or minimalist venues.

Popular Minimalist Dress Features:

  • Sleek, straight or A-line silhouettes
  • Subtle detailing, like buttons or simple sashes
  • High-quality fabrics such as satin, crepe, or silk

Why Choose Minimalist Elegance? Minimalist beautiful elopement dresses allow the bride’s natural beauty to shine. They create a timeless look that’s effortlessly chic and fits any backdrop, from cityscapes to garden venues.

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Photo @Noy Eliyahu
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Photo @De La Vali

3. Vintage Glamour

If you’re drawn to old Hollywood or vintage-inspired styles, a vintage glamour dress may be perfect for your elopement. Think of details like art deco beading, draped silk, or delicate lace that harken back to another era. These gowns bring a sense of timeless elegance, ideal for sophisticated venues or classic elopement spots.

Popular Vintage Dress Features:

  • Lace overlays, pearl details, or beaded accents
  • Silhouettes reminiscent of 1920s or 1950s fashion
  • Fabrics like satin, lace, or tulle

Why Choose Vintage Glamour? Vintage-inspired beautiful elopement dresses are for brides who appreciate a hint of nostalgia and wish to bring a touch of classic elegance to their elopement. These dresses often add a bit of drama while remaining perfectly suited to intimate settings.

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Photo @Sophie Et Voila
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Photo @Sophie Et Voila

4. Beach-Ready Dresses

For beach elopements, lightweight and flowy dresses are ideal, allowing the bride to move comfortably across sand and embrace the natural beauty of the seaside setting. Beach-ready elopement dresses are typically made from breathable fabrics and have shorter hemlines or looser silhouettes.

Popular Beach Dress Features:

  • Lightweight materials such as chiffon or organza
  • Shorter or tea-length hemlines to avoid dragging in the sand
  • Strappy or off-the-shoulder designs for a relaxed vibe

Why Choose a Beach-Ready Dress? Beach beautiful elopement dresses offer a blend of practicality and style, ensuring you’re comfortable and picture-perfect for every wave, breeze, and sunset.

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Photo @daniellefrankelstudio
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Photo @daniellefrankelstudio

5. Romantic Lace

Lace is an enduring favorite for weddings, and lace elopement dresses provide a romantic, elegant aesthetic that works beautifully for intimate ceremonies. Whether it’s all-over lace or just lace detailing on the sleeves or bodice, this material adds depth, texture, and timeless appeal.

Popular Lace Dress Features:

  • Intricate lace detailing across the bodice, sleeves, or skirt
  • Fit-and-flare or A-line silhouettes
  • Soft colors like ivory, blush, or even champagne

Why Choose Lace? If you’re looking for beautiful elopement dresses with a touch of classic romance, lace offers endless options. It’s versatile enough to suit various elopement settings, from rustic outdoor venues to intimate indoor ceremonies.

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Photo @daniellefrankelstudio
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Photo @safiyaa_official

6. Short and Sweet

For brides looking to break from tradition, short elopement dresses offer a playful and unique alternative. Whether it’s knee-length or tea-length, shorter dresses are comfortable and perfect for casual elopements or even courthouse ceremonies.

Popular Short Dress Features:

  • Flirty, A-line or sheath silhouettes
  • Fun detailing, like bows or lace hems
  • Fabrics like satin, crepe, or lace for added elegance

Why Choose a Short Dress? Short beautiful elopement dresses are an ideal choice for brides seeking a non-traditional look. These dresses add a lighthearted vibe and are perfect for dancing, moving freely, or even trekking to scenic spots.

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Photo @hoskelsa
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Photo @daniellefrankelstudio

7. Bold Colors

Who says elopement dresses have to be white? Many brides are opting for bold colors like blush, champagne, or even deeper shades such as emerald or burgundy. This trend is perfect for brides who want to make a statement and choose a dress that reflects their personality.

Popular Colorful Dress Features:

  • Soft pastels or jewel tones
  • Simple silhouettes to let the color take center stage
  • Often made with fabrics like chiffon or tulle

Why Choose a Bold Color? For brides who want beautiful elopement dresses with a twist, bold colors are an excellent choice. A colored dress can highlight your uniqueness and make your elopement photos truly one-of-a-kind.

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Photo @Chosen By KYHA
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Photo @maison_kimhekim

Practical Tips for Choosing the Perfect Elopement Dress

Finding the ideal beautiful elopement dresses can be a breeze with the right guidance. Here are some practical tips to help you choose the best dress for an intimate ceremony.

Consider the Location

Your elopement location influences your dress choice even more than in a traditional wedding. For example:

  • If you’re planning a beach ceremony, opt for lightweight fabrics like chiffon or organza that won’t cling to the body or create excess volume.
  • For mountain settings, beautiful elopement dresses with long sleeves or warmer materials will keep you comfortable in cooler temperatures.
  • Urban locations allow for more structured and refined dresses with clear silhouettes, such as satin or silk, giving a modern, chic edge.

Prioritize Comfort and Movement

One of the main advantages of elopement is its simplicity and freedom, which is reflected in the dress as well. Look for dresses that allow ease of movement, especially if your day includes walking or hiking. Styles with flowy skirts, breathable fabrics, and flexible designs will let you fully enjoy every moment. Many beautiful elopement dresses today are designed with comfort in mind without sacrificing elegance.

Embrace Unique Details that Reflect Your Personality

Elopements are often more personal and unique, so don’t hesitate to choose a dress with details that feel true to you. Elements like lace overlays, subtle beading, floral appliqués, or even unique colors can add a touch of individuality. When it comes to beautiful elopement dresses, look for designs that showcase your personality while blending harmoniously with the overall style of your elopement.

Weather-Appropriate Fabrics

Choosing the right fabric is key, especially if you’re getting married outdoors. Lightweight fabrics like chiffon, tulle, or organza are perfect for warm weather, while satin or velvet can be stunning for colder seasons. Remember that beautiful elopement dresses not only look amazing but should also keep you comfortable and confident in any weather.

Choose Accessories Wisely

Accessories can enhance your elopement dress and tie together your overall look. From floral crowns to delicate veils or minimalist jewelry, choose accessories that align with the dress style and don’t overpower it. A simple bouquet or a pair of statement earrings can be just the right touch to elevate beautiful elopement dresses without overwhelming the dress’s elegance.

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Photo @Andrea Hawkes Bridal
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Photo @Andrea Hawkes Bridal
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Photo @Fasion House
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Photo @look7ee
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Photo @Isabel Sanchis
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Photo @Fasion House
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Photo @Safiyaa Bridal
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Photo @Prea James
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Photo @Andrea Hawkes Bridal
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Photo @Andrea Hawkes Bridal

Finding Your Perfect Elopement Dress

With so many options, finding your perfect elopement dress can feel overwhelming, but remember—elopements are all about embracing your unique love story. Focus on a dress that resonates with you, suits your chosen setting, and allows you to feel your best. Elopement weddings are often marked by their authenticity and personal touch, so don’t be afraid to choose a dress that reflects who you are, whether it’s traditional, modern, or something entirely different.

From beautiful elopement dresses that flow in the ocean breeze to gowns with intricate lace perfect for a mountain escape, the right dress can make your elopement truly magical. So, take your time, consider your options, and choose a dress that will make your special day unforgettable.

Whether you’re drawn to boho vibes, vintage glamor, or minimalist elegance, there’s a beautiful elopement dress out there waiting just for you. Happy dress shopping, and may your elopement be as beautiful as the love you share!

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Photo @Vivienne Westwood
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Photo @Vivienne Westwood
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Photo @Own Studio
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Photo @Mariam Seddiq
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Photo @Danielle Frankel
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Photo @Ave
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Photo @De La Vali
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Photo @De La Vali
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Photo @daniellefrankelstudio
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Photo @Leveza

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Natali Grace Levine Editor-in-Chief

Manages The Wezoree's content strategy
Writes and edits articles for the Inspiration Blog