Traditionally speaking, eloping is a marriage conducted without the knowledge of the couple's family and friends, however, couples can also choose to have planned elopements where family and friends are aware of the wedding but not in attendance. Couples who elope typically choose to forgo a formal wedding and opt for an intimate ceremony instead.

What is an elopement dress?

Typically an elopement outfit is more casual than a formal wedding gown and runs the gamut from white mini dresses to modern jumpsuits.

Can I wear a wedding dress to my elopement?

Of course! While some brides may opt to wear a simple slip dress or wedding suit to their elopement , it's also perfectly acceptable to wear a formal floor-length gown—you do you!

The 18 Best Elopement Dresses of 2023

Imagine a wedding void of the stress that accompanies months of planning. No guest lists, no elaborate dinner menus, no live band, no maid of honor — for some, the very idea of the absence of these bridal ingredients sounds incomplete. For others, it's utterly freeing. If you fall into the latter camp and are considering (or have already chosen) to elope, then one of the very few tasks you need to sort out is your outfit. The best part? Whether you have a $50 budget or an unlimited budget, there's certainly no shortage of designers or retailers to shop for your ideal elopement ensemble. Some of our favorites include the Lulus Love Swept White Lace Midi Skater Dress, the Show Me Your Mumu Jasmine Halter Ivory Mini Dress, and the Reformation Marcella Linen Dress.

Naturally, an elopement rarely calls for a statement-making ball gown. However, that doesn't mean you can't still put thought into a unique dress or jumpsuit. In fact, once you decide to opt for a more casual aesthetic, your options multiply. The first consideration is what vibe you're going for. Will it be a minimal dress? Perhaps something airier and boho-inspired? Or perhaps a piece that nods to artistic modernity (think architectural sleeves and elaborate detailing). Once you've nailed down the direction, all that's left is choosing the dress length and any other details that might matter depending on the season (e.g., sleeves for winter, linen for summer).

Read on for the best elopement dresses for every bridal style and budget.

Our Top Picks

Best Lace Dress:

Lulus Midi Skater Dress at Lulus

Jump to Review

Best Statement Sleeve:

Roksanda Tulle-Trimmed Cady Midi Dress at Net-a-Porter

Jump to Review

Best Halter Neckline:

Show Me Your Mumu Jasmine Halter Ivory Mini Dress at Showmeyourmumu.com

Jump to Review

For the Laid-Back Bride:

Show Me Your Mumu Colvin Mini Dress at Showmeyourmumu.com

Jump to Review

Best Tulle Dress:

Amsale Tulle Trapeze Dress at Amsale.com

Jump to Review

Most Effortless:

Lulus Skater Mini Dress at Lulus

Jump to Review

Most Intricate Detail:

Amsale LW202 Floral Sheath Dress at Amsale.com

Jump to Review

Most Sparkly:

Retrofête Asymmetric Lace-Up Sequined Stretch-Tulle Gown at Net-a-Porter

Jump to Review

For a City Elopement:

Revolve Triana Mini Dress at Revolve

Jump to Review

For a Beach Elopement:

STAUD Elio Dress White at Staud.clothing

Jump to Review

Lulus

View On Lulus

Size Range: XXS-XL | Color(s): White | Material(s): Cotton, nylon, polyester | Length: Knee-length |

A white lace dress is sure to make you feel like a bride whether you're eloping or having a huge celebration. Pair it with a veil to elevate the bridal ensemble even further. This style from Lulus is a lace lover’s dream and is beyond romantic for everything from a destination ceremony to a backyard celebration.

Price at time of publish: $96

Roksanda Aylin Tulle-Trimmed Cady Midi Dress

NET-A-PORTER

View On Net-a-Porter

Size Range: UK6-UK16 | Color(s): White | Material(s): Acetate, polyester; lining: acetate, silk | Length: Midi-length

If you're anything like us, you simply can't ever say no to an architectural statement sleeve. This silk-blend beauty is certainly no exception. We love it teamed with everything from strappy sandals and modern jewelry to classic pumps and timeless pearl earrings.

Price at time of publish: $2,225

Show Me Your Mumu

View On Showmeyourmumu.com

Size Range: XS-XXL | Color(s): Ivory | Material(s): Polyester | Length: Mini-length

This halter-neck mini is the perfect balance between chic, elegant, and sexy. We adore the silky sheen to the fabric and open back. It’s crafted from lightweight polyester and also features a dramatic plunging back making it equal parts sweet and sexy.

Price at time of publish: $148

Show Me Your Mumu

View On Showmeyourmumu.com

Size Range: XS-XXL | Color(s): White | Material(s): Linen, rayon | Length: Mini-length

It doesn't get more effortless than this simple linen mini. Featuring puff sleeves, a smocked bodice, and an A-line silhouette, it's ideal for the ultra-laid-back bride who craves a casual look. It pairs well with summery accessories and minimal makeup.

Price at time of publish: $88

Bloomingdale's

View On Amsale.com View On Bloomingdales

Size Range: 00-28 | Color(s): Ivory | Material(s): Tulle | Length: Midi-length

If this tiered tulle dress isn't bridal, we aren't sure what is! Playful and romantic, you'll have the time of your life twirling around in this beauty. Thanks to layers of tulle and its trapeze-like silhouette, this dress has tons of movement and is easy to walk and dance in. Although the skirt is voluminous, the top fits small so make sure to order one size up.

Price at time of publish: From $673

Lulus

View On Lulus

Size Range: XS-XL | Color(s): Ivory | Material(s): Polyester | Length: Mini-length

Keep it simple in this V-neck white skater dress. Easy to wear and universally flattering, you certainly can't go wrong with a dress like this. What’s more, it’s a style that can easily be worn again for your honeymoon or any summer soirée. The satin fabric gives the dress a subtle sheen making it feel elevated for a special occasion.

Price at time of publish: $68

Amsale

View On Amsale.com

Size Range: 00-28 | Color(s): Ivory | Material(s): Beaded fabric | Length: Mini-length

Intricate 3D floral-embroidered detail cascades throughout this sheer bridal mini. We love how the spaghetti strap slip underneath allows the illusion neckline to shine through. At once feminine and flirty, this mini dress is sure to appeal to those with romantic tastes.

Price at time of publish: $2,475

Retrofete Asymmetric Lace-Up Sequined Stretch-Tulle Gown

Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Size Range: XS-XL | Color(s): White | Material(s): Polyester | Length: Ankle-length

Shimmer the night away in this gorgeous sequin gown perfect for the bride who isn’t afraid to own a bold look. We're obsessed with the effortless cut and sleek silhouette of this stunner and can’t help but picture it at a glamorous destination venue or at a chic city restaurant.

Price at time of publish: $690

Revolve

View On Revolve View On Saks Fifth Avenue View On Saks Fifth Avenue

Size Range: XS-XL | Color(s): White | Material(s): Polyester, spandex | Length: Mini-length

Hello, feathers! Make a statement in this ultra-feminine, fashion-forward mini. You'll have a blast partying all night and posing for the camera in this little number. Follow the styling lead and wear yours with sparkly chandelier earrings, barely-there strappy sandals, and a nude lip.

Price at time of publish: From $636

STAUD

View On Staud.clothing

Size Range: 00-16 | Color(s): White| Material(s): Cotton, spandex | Length: Midi-length

An off-the-shoulder midi dress is the epitome of an easy, romantic elopement dress. Plus, this style from Staud is incredibly versatile and can easily be worn for a multitude of occasions from your beach elopement to your honeymoon, and beyond. Drape a denim jacket over your shoulders if the weather turns cool.

Price at time of publish: $285

Reformation

View On Reformation

Size Range: XS-XL | Color(s): Ivory | Material(s): | Length: Mini-length

This chic little mini is utterly perfect for a city elopement. It’s crafted from a textured polyester fabric for an eye-catching look and features a gorgeous open back finished with an adjustable tie-neck. Pair it with a strappy heel and sleek updo to complete the simple look.

Price at time of publish: $298

Ciao Lucia

View On Ciaolucia.com

Size Range: XS-XL | Color(s): White | Material(s): Cotton | Length: Midi-length

This is the kind of little white dress you can effortlessly throw on and instantly feel amazing in. Crafted from cotton, it’s so light and breezy and easy to wear and also pulls double duty as a bathing suit coverup. Accessorize this beauty with colorful beaded earrings and playful heels.

Price at time of publish: $305

Reformation

View On Reformation

Size Range: 0-12 | Color(s): White, orange | Material(s): Linen | Length: Midi-length

Keep it sleek and simple in this strapless midi from Reformation. Cut from 100 percent linen and designed with a smocked back bodice, this chic number is breathable and comfortable. The body-hugging silhouette highlights your shape for a sexy fit while the side slit, it's ideal for showing off a pair of statement shoes.

Price at time of publish: $248

Golden Edit

View On Goldenedit.com

Size Range: XS-L | Color(s): White | Material(s): Cotton | Length: Maxi-length

The subtle eyelet detail at the bottom of this flouncy white dress adds an element of femininity. AKA, it’s perfect to elope in. Whether you’re jet-setting off to some far-flung tropical locale or staying local, this dress is made for warm-weather elopements.

Price at time of publish: $75

Shopbop

View On Shopbop.com

Size Range: XS-XL | Color(s): Ivory | Material(s): Polyester, spandex | Length: Mini-length

For a look that feels undeniably bridal, opt for this mini dress from Elliatt. The sweetheart neckline is romantic and the ruched seams create a flattering silhouette. But the real pièce de résistance is the dramatic draped sash that resembles a bridal train.

Price at time of publish: $230

Show Me Your Mumu

View On Showmeyourmumu.com

Size Range: XS-3XL | Color(s): White | Material(s): Polyester | Length: Mini-length

Strike a pose in this one-shoulder statement sleeve! Flouncy and effortless, this pretty little number is perfect for showcasing your fun sense of style and your legs. The ruffled edges ooze romance and give the skirt added movement. Team yours with shoulder-dusting earrings to highlight the one-shoulder neckline.

Price at time of publish: $158

Show Me Your Mumu

View On Showmeyourmumu.com

Size Range: XS-XXL | Color(s): White Linen, Everlasting Rose | Material(s): Polyester | Length: Midi-length

What's not to love about this white linen midi?! Between its many ruffle details and statement back, you're sure to feel special in this dreamy number. Wear your hair soft and loose or sweep it up into a casual bun to showcase the pretty back.

Price at time of publish: $138

Oscar de la Renta Guipure Lace Maxi Dress

Moda Operandi

View On Modaoperandi.com

Size Range: XS-XL | Color(s): White | Material(s): Polyester | Length: Maxi-length

Leave it to Oscar de la Renta to create the elopement dress of our dreams. This exquisite frock is cut from Guipure lace and features 3D floral appliqués and a timeless square neckline. It’s an undeniably charming choice for spring or summer elopements.

Price at time of publish: $4,990

What to Look for in an Elopement Dress

The best part about eloping? It's completely and entirely up you. This includes what you wear, too! Without the input or opinions of friends and family, your wedding dress can truly speak to your own personal style, wishes, and desires. Whether you're eloping on a mountain top, in city hall, or on the beach, choose a style that makes you look and feel your very best self. AKA—there are no rules! Some brides opt for a look that is effortless and simple to match their more laid-back nuptials while others still go for a grand bridal look. Regardless of where you elope or the formality of your ensemble, we recommend being especially mindful of how it will photograph. Because it will likely just be you and your S.O., pictures of the big day will particularly be meaningful to not only the two of you, but also loved ones who will likely not be attending your celebration. Plus, you'll have much more time with your new spouse to partake in a more extensive photoshoot. So, have fun with it! Statement sleeves, veils, textured fabric, bold accessories, and florals are just a few of our favorite ways to create even more memorable photos. Equally important, make comfort a priority. While sporting the most comfortable outfit doesn't necessarily have to be number one on your list, being mindful of it will certainly ensure that you are able to stay present. After all, the point of having an elopement is to truly be able to soak in the moment just the two of you.

FAQ

What is eloping?

Traditionally speaking, eloping is a marriage conducted without the knowledge of the couple's family and friends, however, couples can also choose to have planned elopements where family and friends are aware of the wedding but not in attendance. Couples who elope typically choose to forgo a formal wedding and opt for an intimate ceremony instead.
What is an elopement dress?

Typically an elopement outfit is more casual than a formal wedding gown and runs the gamut from white mini dresses to modern jumpsuits.
Can I wear a wedding dress to my elopement?

Of course! While some brides may opt to wear a simple slip dress or wedding suit to their elopement, it's also perfectly acceptable to wear a formal floor-length gown—you do you!

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Nicole Kliest is a freelance writer covering fashion and travel. With over 11 years of experience in the digital publishing industry, her work has appeared on Who What Wear, The Zoe Report, PopSugar, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle in addition to Brides.

The 18 Best Places to Elope Around the World