Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/RealFilm-57-cf5a50b105c9459dad499a5c31992db6.jpg)
PHOTO BY KIR TUBEN
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.
What is Eloping?
Eloping is a marriage conducted without the knowledge of the couple's family and friends. Couples who elope typically choose to forgo a formal wedding and opt for an intimate ceremony instead.
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).
Whether your plans have been altered this year, or you're just not keen on throwing an elaborate traditional wedding, we've rounded up the best elopement dresses for every bridal style and budget.
For the Minimalist Bride: Emilia Wickstead Belted Midi dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/outfit_1338089_1_zoom-265420ac935c47bdbc82f356c2809915.jpg)
Courtesy of Matchesfashion
For the bride with a classic and minimalist aesthetic, this Emilia Wickstead midi dress is a no brainer. Whether you're eloping in a city or in your backyard, this belted style will always be a timeless choice.
Best Mini: Reformation Acacia Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tLZ9_oIa5zKJUH-jzbv9LgKl3eaf6i6AgThHop1_zZ4o9U1m9-YwzJ5bFUffLHb9Oh-LfaFi9ybx067UN7ho5Tv4brkkoj9cI7FGUQHFmvdv9T4_qc7ZgbtSxXxN4UyZr-a8d10dba8b614a5791f806928dedfe1d.jpg)
Courtesy of Reformation
When else are you going to have the opportunity to wear a silky one-shoulder mini dress with a charming shoulder bow? Seize the day!
Most Unique: Cult Gaia Shannon Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Cf1jdjsqDCzBNSg7wFPA_ugaiU2aL6SykTzX8VeVc_UjyPTWYWWfqGKCdSRG1Pn8fE732lsLfyQHrHvsWgxvT8qy2FMw6tqeKY8IL8HGhT3Mcyi93oG7yRMrBtyHv1SY6-25fffe7ef79848bfb3f63dc9b33e9b36.jpg)
Courtesy of Cult Gaia
Eloping doesn’t mean boring — wear feathers! This fun frock would work for a flashy private ceremony followed by evening of excellent food and champagne.
For a Courthouse Elopement: Rime Arodaky Lace Trim Blazer Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/1251840_ou_2000-67eee2862d0d463cb103eb9f5365e4ae.jpg)
Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Coveting an impossibly chic bridal ensemble à la Bianca Jagger or Lily Allen? Then look no further than this Rime Arodaky blazer dress that is at once laidback and sophisticated.
Best Pattern: Brock Floral Slip Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/large_brock-floral-floral-print-cotton-blend-maxi-dress-4c8c2ecbee544984ba46d503243b3b67.jpg)
Courtesy of Moda Operandi
A floral slip dress accented with subtle lace is an exquisite choice for the eloping bride who's looking for an alternative to the little white dress. Wear yours with minimal accessories for a carefree, pared-back look.
Best Floor-Length Gown: Nouvelle Amsale One Shoulder Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/58298126_011_b1-503eb45c84d2472ea8bbc0e841992812.jpg)
Courtesy of BHLDN
Just because you're eloping doesn't mean you can't wear a traditional wedding dress! We love this slinky and timeless style from Nouvelle Amsale that would be right at home at a destination or backyard elopement.
For a Destination Wedding: Ciao Lucia Gabi Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/oBEHG8xw-w4yw8VAeowbIN-Ddwqt57MyTMdhQIUwU3GT62Y-Yio0iMCe2ghvPqd6e84SPdrr1zHk1VNpDjRbnKh2lt2fx79o5OuPb6snlU7I_6uKeNHjF8oq_kpDC0JgR-257a15e0e1054ab0a98128e757d488c7.jpg)
Courtesy of Moda Operandi
This is the kind of little white dress you can throw on and instantly feel amazing in. Accessorize with colorful beaded earrings and playful heels.
Best for the Beach: Staud Elio Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/038-Staud-Fall-Ecom-04115_2048x.progressive-3d8de18812e34108b3054e1f0c739cba.jpg)
Courtesy of Staud
An off-the-shoulder midi dress is the epitome of an easy, romantic elopement dress. Drape a denim jacket over your shoulders if the weather turns cool
For the Romantic Bride: LoveShackFancy Ryan Gown
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/59201608_011_b5-44028a52b27a4fdb8042a039473c9ed2.jpg)
Courtesy of BHLDN
We love this floor-length puff sleeve gown for an elopement. Style your hair with a bow instead of a veil for an utterly chic moment.
Most Effortless: The Sleeper Slip Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fwC6C5nFVyL0KA_8CdYZiACsmzzVqKnkcY1fT3vRqqDrmIzkRZZ8RI8uARmGpmyTsfSqg_nqrJNHPyEszfTeaR60B8WfIuhWYLSRfM27aO7qcrzy2OOiy3AKr5QVNxWwF-1bfc842029c649b184d811e71a832684.jpg)
Courtesy of Sleeper
A slinky slip dress is always a smart pick. Add a plum lip and metallic accessories for the evening.
Most Timeless: Marina Moscone Twist Cape Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/I8FobUJGmyzmHog9tvFIh7qe_ph3A36x9vtOKAMfdF9Kd0CMqwCQPNQgR9xKw2lIr5IzNR4-QsJQUAhT0cv4dVwyGAJd8MolI1Mk_vF_f4mIGP4C7OdkJVaaglrwYuX60-3c129a7772eb4d288378eb0925972ceb.jpg)
Courtesy of Marina Moscone
If you’re all about a fashion moment then don’t sacrifice it just for the elopement. This cape dress is sophisticated and timeless.
For the Romantic Bride: LoveShackFancy Astor Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ASTOR-DRESS-WHITE-1-b0072bd7b11d4aebac47880b4701a231.jpg)
Courtesy of LoveShackFancy
Soft and ethereal, this antique lace inspired dress is the epitome of a romantic and laidback elopement dress. Complete the look with a pair of casual sandals and delicate personal jewelry.
For the Modern Bride: Peony White Magnolia Jumpsuit
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/xWf6BOUrO-fjGoh2i4wON38wEaVZfSLe3navL28NO2gNOVTyGNN2S-cv--vVO4QHkuA0_UpzNA-qoQ8nJAjSzg9FCS2QfMzPpogh48liKmwoVMYdUxKBv_jQUWQeKQ36Y-a6367308cd8c47d59f9faf3f2dd8185f.jpg)
Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Not into the idea of wearing a dress? This jumpsuit ought to do the trick.
Best Subtle Color: Coco Shop Short-Sleeve Maxi Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Z09SLYZMcbzm4ycyEByi85nZMd1hUqSeHlyb5bbWHeyKxPMqzdwOm7cuLepClJVvE4RafbeEK6oiCi8izC_D79hFmX6OzS5_uZ5bkmlBbDapdg1MSWxb0bvp51OmJUmWG-96b06ade42ae48f7a6160f35e56a522f.jpg)
Courtesy of Coco Shop
Who says you have to wear all-white? Wear a dress with a playful print, like this coconut tree frock that’s ideal for a beachside elopement.
Most Pared-Back: & Other Stories Wrap Midi Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LNR2_yfgOru6arSXcorlUVrFRdl90lMt45d-msoqJdtNsgAVTcFjL_k8Mm5mnM2MdK_YbiiP9XP_m6i4RrD2hEJVJqdgjQb6jhXXxkKQpDepGb1jgd0ybS8qvL2TeoagG-564ce7107ead4e13ac6a333ddce70392.jpg)
Courtesy of & Other Stories
Leave a few extra buttons undone on this alluring shirt dress. It feels very Bianca Jagger in the south of France.
Most Lightweight: St. Agni Anzu Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cjBKLVup36gpq76cJY2qj1tQVj_ns1NgOTDCpInnrexXP43e0EZlHHbcAOW6LvfJQVB7VuIiCTfv9PXtEmawTBMMIkiW9yqNczmlPR6sL_djR_SG_hTQszuy38z0ef92V-1121c8fc6a1c47ff9cabdcdecd48f434.jpg)
Courtesy of Moda Operandi
The ‘90s called, they want you to wear this to your elopement. Platform heels encouraged.
For Spring Elopement: Faithfull the Brand Alberte Midi Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/zcXi7sBAfgwyuzmYvSA2kiPlBFlpkTGh_Jb1oljb46z65T5oRhg2HWj3l1Qu87PGi2TINu2o2QlpMnraORagVwdlJhCK_bazni04BuAhDvjIZeRBzHvkDfT7eBkW72sE--2f6e698ee4ba4564a755b29561668930.jpg)
Courtesy of Faithfull the Brand
This white midi dress would look divine with a small bouquet of lavender.
For the Casual Bride: Merlette Clemente Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/CLEMENTE_WHITE_4_1296x-68ba12534d3d4aaf998e2a30f10b637d.jpg)
Courtesy of Merlette
This poplin dress features a drop waist and high-low hemline, making it all the more effortless. Wear with a pair of high-top sneakers are your favorite chunky heels.
For the Classic Bride: Meadows Mandrake Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Mql0KDQG99hgFC37qUmSoccbygFZRzgtj8G-3RUabNytw-TntTHSclGwLXNEgPadFXkVKT1ky7Qr-3miv51Di0wuSSYc9-U-ZCMb32nMIMUddLhrxuR3BeFuUVSgxZhqV-7732f22a73034de299d41d9e21e180ee.jpg)
Courtesy of Meadows
You can’t go wrong with free-flowing ruffles. This breezy mini dress is well-suited for eloping.
For a Warm-Weather Elopement: Before Anyone Else Flo Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Flo_midi_dress_5-c60025bf0b3d49db8a679caf0fc94c11.jpg)
Courtesy of Golden Edit
The subtle eyelet at the bottom of this bouncy white dress adds an element of femininity. AKA, it’s perfect to elope in.
Most Party Ready: Aisling Camps Waterfall Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/10_Shot_068-3368a055176c4f6ba964254da1cbda09.jpg)
Courtesy of Aisling Camps
This statement mini features a mesh base with each and every strand of fringe mapped, placed, and woven by hand. Suffice it to say, it’s a keeper.
Best Budget: ASOS DESIGN One Shoulder Ruffle Mini Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/9308852-1-ivory-ab67f0cd137742fc8eda786745804455-97e838f79095444cb410b2b9162b36b3.jpg)
Courtesy of ASOS
Sleek, modern, and architectural, this crisp one shoulder ruffle gown is perfect for the bride with a minimalist sensibility. This style could easily be worn to a chic courthouse wedding or to an unfussy elopement.
For the Sexy Bride: Medebah Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/W4qhwK9d48N72dwrEEjFbLsA5tfyg4kuGWRgV8EfG-cjLWdpZEigqc3lmVij8RYODR6ieLet9DCDtxvxBKyZL-BhROdWgwN9DBhW1KtNIXPUB5DuIHaMMVRS-KXwhsdl_-34aeac2ff47d49debd343e7729f840a1.jpg)
Courtesy of Medebah
Go the sporty route with this stretch satin midi featuring a halter neckline. Even better, the low back lends a high-drama moment.
Best Allover Lace: Sachin & Babi Cailyn Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/57965287_011_b6-6b5ced412da6485e989e5fa4f40ab4fe.jpg)
Courtesy of BHLDN
Delicate lace and ruffles make this dress the perfect option for brides craving a soft and romantic look for their elopement. Fun and flirty, this mini dress also features a flattering neckline and waist-cinching wrap design.
Shopping FAQs
Planning to elope? We've answered three common questions brides-to-be have about shopping for an elopement dress.
- 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!